Home

CONSENSUS ASSOCIATES Beyond Conflict To Consensus

Cody Hoffman 6/28/05

Prepared By:

CONSENSUS ASSOCIATES

PO Box 235

Terrebonne, OR 97760

(541) 548-7112

(541) 548-4701 FAX

wick5836@aol.com

REPORT CONTENTS

On June 28-30, 2005, 70+ community members of the Klamath River Basin, representing the Greater Klamath River Basin Tribes, Ranchers, Environmentalist, agencies, elected officials and other members of the public, met in a three day workshop with three key purposes:

1. Explore and update the present situation and how it got to be that way, integrating the views of the new participants.
2. Develop a short and long term vision for the Klamath River Basin, and short and long term strategies that would foster those outcomes.
3. Listen to, and understand, the concerns and needs of the Upper, Upper Basin Farmers and Ranchers, Tribal members and others.
4. Establish a movement to reverse the decision making process so it’s from the ground up.
5. Experience and learn an approach for confronting and resolving relationship and resource issues in the Klamath River Basin, and reach consensus.

This meeting was the result of advice provided to the sponsors at the last meeting (Tulelake, CA report, march 14-17, page 53). "Hold another meeting in Chiloquin focused on implementing our 20 year vision."

On June 27, 2005, a 6 hour listening sessions was held in the Chiloquin community center

with farmers, ranchers, community members and Klamath Tribal Members. They all participated as speakers and listeners.. Each person expressed the views they have of the situation and how they felt about it. The listeners told them what they heard, an assurance that they listened. This preceded the workshop and is considered part of the discussion.

This document contains the key information developed into collective statements during this conference. It includes a short term purpose statement, along with strategies and actions for the next year that would help the people most affected by the situation in the Greater Klamath River Basin to create their short term and long term futures. It includes a long term, 20 year Mission or Vision for the Basin.

This is an interim report which presents and summarizes key information the participants developed and want to focus their efforts on. This report is an extension of the Somes Bar, Scott Valley, Klamath, CA and Tulelake CA Interim reports for the previous conferences in May, November, February and March. A more comprehensive report will be developed as more members of the Basin, representing all stakeholders, participate.

These collective statements are developed from individual statements made during the workshop, and represent the perceptions of all the participants. As such, they represent the collective views of the participants, and not necessarily a consensus.

Note that the first sentence in each paragraph is in bold as a focus and summary statement for the paragraph. These sentences can be used to create summary statements for the collective statement. Words in italics are added during the collective statement process to clarify and complete the perceived intent of the statement. These are kept to a minimum.

The process and activities that developed this report are described briefly at the beginning of each section of the report. It must be emphasized that these are collective statements and not consensus statements. They include all the words and statements that were expressed. They represent the views of all the participants, but not all participants would agree with all the assertions in the statements. These can be developed into consensus statements. The process for developing collective statements is described in the APPENDIX.

THE WORST POSSIBLE OUTCOMES OF THE WORKSHOP

A SUMMARY

THE WORST POSSIBLE OUTCOMES OF THE WORKSHOP

A SUMMARY (cont.)

THE WORST POSSIBLE OUTCOMES OF THE WORKSHOP

This is a waste of time. Nothing comes of it. That no progress would be made. It is a waste of time.

There is no forward progress on solutions to the water crisis in the basin. There is no path to action. No progress to address the challenges. No tangible next steps. No resolution and /or ideas to solve problems. No movement to action. Nothing will be settled for the water and land crisis.

We are coming away not having learned anything. Won’t learn anything about what the challenges, conflicts we have. Didn’t learn anything new. I didn’t learn anything new. I won’t read the reports on my desk to better understand the issues to help the basin manage resources responsibly. I didn’t have anything to contribute.

There are missed networking opportunities. I will not be able to make the connections necessary to make the project happen.

This is repetitive with no viable results. People literally get tired of going the same thing over and over and stop "mentally" participating. They mentally check out. I am bored.

That we as a group are unable to come to a common consensus on solving this water crisis. There is no concrete direction for how we take the next steps toward actions and equitable, sustainable, solutions that respect all of the watershed resources (water, land, wildlife and people). There are no concrete actions that come out of this meeting. No direction for the CIP.

Decisions will be made affecting all without enough input from some interests. People outside the process broker a win/lose deal. That the BOR and United States takes this information and process and turns it into the CIP. Letting YOU make your decision and feelings whether right or wrong. I don’t stay true to my belief.

THE WORST POSSIBLE OUTCOMES OF THE WORKSHOP (cont.)

The group will move ahead at a rapid pace to "get consensus" and form "decisions" and "solutions" without bringing their respective communities and stakeholders on board. People expect that we will have the solution wrapped up with a neat bow and can go home and not have to do any more work and then everything just falls to pieces, collapses and a big California law firm establishes an office in Fort Klamath. Everyone insists on a group up process but there is no on the ground person with the resources, time, energy, communication equipment, money, courage etc. to make it happen so it does not and the Government sits by as told.

We don’t like each other and "to heck with their perspective." Thinking I didn’t like someone and finding out I really didn’t like someone. Too many people decide they don’t want to talk or be with each other any more. Not developing an understanding of the other groups of people. The environmental community is marginalized, demonized and is still labeled as the bad people.

We slip back into distrust and anger. We don’t listen to each other. People won’t trust each other. Trust is lost, not enhanced. We break the trust we have built by wanting too much. Someone will get hurt, not feel respected or heard.

Trust, honesty and integrity will be victims of greed and insensitivity of others, to the detriment of the resources. Greed prevails. The people who can or could sabotage the process of people coming together to solve resource problems are not coming or will not come to foster their own agendas.

There is misrepresentation of what went on here via the media and press. Biased media coverage and lies. I am misquoted if interviewed. I misrepresent my agency. Betrayal by group members in the political arena. What I say is used in a court of law ~ against my people.

There is no change in notions and views of participants. Typical views are reinforced. People leave unchanged. Understanding of the people in the basin is lost. Not listening or communicating. No change in behavior for the better of participants upon returning home.

Various individuals and groups become more adversarial. Personal agendas overcome what is best for the community. Peoples original values become re-solidified and the whole object of the exercise is fruitless. We will be prejudiced because of previous history! Personal connections are not made, people don’t follow up on using those connections to better conditions in the watershed.

THE WORST POSSIBLE OUTCOMES OF THE WORKSHOP (cont.)

We are further divided. Polarization on the issues. We will be polarized and alienated from the rest of the region. We become further divided. This process escalates fear that leads to greater separation in the basin and all being are worse off than before.

The workshop will result in more divisions. There is more conflict than before. The decision on whether to act may provoke a breakdown of the process of mutual understanding and reconciliation. Honest communications may show that stakeholders in the basin feel that their differences are irreconcilable. This will reduce chances for recovery of fish and wildlife; lead to more pain for people of the basin.

We decide this process won’t work and stop meeting. The collaborative process fails. Participants can’t agree on enough common goals to continue the effort. Lack of consensus about how to proceed/action plan. These circles WON’T continue. No relationship building.

We go away and never come back. Someone will give up and withdraw. We refuse to participate.

We leave the meeting as enemies. That animosity is somehow revived or accentuated. Someone will leave angry because they misinterpreted what someone has said but they don’t ask to find out what was meant. We get into a big fist fight.

We will come out of it drained and discouraged. That no one can recognize any movement... discouragement and loss of hope. We all leave frustrated. Become more discouraged about the process. Leave hopeless.

I will miss important deadlines at work. Delayed work and missed deadlines. Not meeting several critical deadlines at work. Stuff piles up on the desk at home. I will miss a job offer. Fall behind in Klamath operations coordination calls. Missed meetings. Work piles up - deadlines go unmet and no progress is made for the watershed. Email and phone messages pile up.

Work gets put on hold. I will not get what I need to get finished. I miss out on property acquisition opportunities. I help direct staff issues with equipment and nothing happens. I fall further behind with the rest of my life.

A lot of everything doesn’t get done at home. Nothing gets done here or home plus the group becomes more fractured. Packing for the holiday won’t happen. The guy building my fence won’t be able to keep it going. Shopping for supplies 50 miles away won’t happen. Yard work won’t be finished.

THE WORST POSSIBLE OUTCOMES OF THE WORKSHOP (cont.)

I have ill health from stress impacts. My worst outcome would be to develop back pains from sitting three days without gaining any measurable progress. Another migraine. Food poisoning. My arms and lets will be numb from sitting. Important family time sacrificed. I will die in a meeting. I die from boredom.

Some disaster happens at home. A family accident that I could not respond to. My 92 year old mother has agreed to give an easement in my absence to the real estate agent. My cat gets out and is eaten by a mountain lion. The squirrels will have eaten my garden because I am not there. My dogs will go hungry. Dog gets left alone and destroys the house. Ant infestation. Meteor strike on Chiloquin during the workshop.

Crops wither. I won’t get my thistles down and they will go to seed and it will be worse next year.

Conflict between basin communities over resources and allocation will continue. We don’t recognize the larger trends that affect our ability to restore the basin. When a crisis happens, people will not trust the relationships built here and will resort to the same old, same ole responses that exacerbate the conflicts.

Communities and resources will suffer and decline. Power rates skyrocket and businesses are forced to close.

We learn more through honest, respectful dialogue. We will learn and remember. Being honest with yourself and your group. I can personally share and educate. We learn more about other interests. I will learn skills and processes around communication.

We listen and hear with our hearts. The upper, upper and lower, lower basin and all the reaches in between feel like they’ve been heard. I have an opportunity to speak my truths. I grow as a caring, generous person. Everyone learns with open mind and understand what each other feels and why and respect that.

That one more step is taken toward building trust and enhancing community relationships. Trust and respect are established. Building trust. We each learn to trust each other as persons with honor and authenticity.

That trust and respect among all are deepened and widened to a point where folks are ready to risk an action/commitment. People gain enough confidence that they can be heard so that they trust someone else to represent their interest so the Basin can work together with a reasonable number of people. Build trust and respect, thus we can work on a united outcome for the Klamath Basin without the court systems or DC folks telling what needs to happen to this basin.

Fear of others will diminish. That two people who feared each other will connect in a positive and constructive way.

I will learn and hear what the issues are for the Klamath Basin. I meet people in the basin. I learn as much as possible from each of them. We are learning more points of view. I expect to learn about the crisis in the Klamath Basin from the multiple perspectives of informal and committed people. To learn other people’s perspectives on the problems that face the Basin. I gain a greater understanding of resource issues. I learn more about water issues.

There is a greater sense of the whole Klamath Basin and my role in strengthening this group effort. I have a clearer sense of how my organization can make a positive contribution.

I understand how I can contribute to progress toward solutions.

We build new relationships and strengthen others. We get to know the Stakeholders in the community better. Getting to know more stakeholders. Good communication and personal relationships develop among opposing parties. We create new relationships and reinforce young relationships that will help me do my part to bring this community together, enough to accomplish what is needed.

People develop relationships that foster understanding of alternative viewpoints. We will form informal, personal interactions with true stakeholders, walking in each other’s shoes a few days - learning and seeing and sharing. Good solid relations/bonding of people working together for the benefit of all human and non-human communities. We find a way to get radical environmental interests to the table. We are getting to like "strangers."

We leave the meeting with more positive attitudes toward one another. We gain friends, knowledge, understanding and uncover our collective empowerment. We don’t look at each other (here) and judge people by their job/position in the community. Make new friends. Make friends. Friends forever.

Opening this network of communication will lead to lasting basin friendships and initiatives that are successful and widely supported. I am making person-to-person contact with agency and tribal people for later networking. I have a good time meeting people of other walks of life. That people will develop networks so that when a crisis happens, rather than involve the same ole’, they will pick up the phone and call the network.

I find people to work with on future projects. I can apply this session to my current and future work. I develop useful contacts. Personal connections made lead to improvements in the catchment/basin and my position is no longer needed here. Build partnerships/contacts to ensure future USFS projects align with Basin priority work.

I know how the people of the Chiloquin area really feel and think about the issues of the Klamath Basin. I feel the energy of my community to restore the Basin, bring the fish back, create the wholeness in the community by respecting the economic needs of ranchers and farmers, tribes and others.

Communities will provide more support to each other. Diverse people will become like family (concerned for one another’s needs) and begin to learn enough about how the river works to craft solutions that support families/communities and the river.

Common ground is recognized. We are finding common ground. The people find common ground and build respectful, peaceful working relationships to deal with their differences. In this process we honor and respect the gifts of the land, water, plants and animals where we live. To have people resolve or recognize their differences.

We work together and find a solution. We develop plans for solutions that I can be an active part of. We will have a clear enough understanding of peoples’ point of view to help identify common ground, to work on problems together and to come up with enough solutions to fix the natural and cultural resources while keeping our rural culture intact. We have an engaged discussion of a conceptual proposal to resolve issues.

1. Water distribution plan for upper basin/valleys below.
2. Volitional passage agree to.
3. Power raises phased in.
4. Trinity water is returned to the Klamath.
5. Private land water conservation.
6. Water/land options.

   A plan evolves with consensus support. We leave with common goals and agenda.

   Rejection of compromise - to go for it all. Seeds are planted leading to a Klamath Project Accord which resolves problems on a mutually beneficial package the entire world can take heart on. It may not be the comprehensive plan, but it is a beginning. Direction for the CIP. Others buy into the plan.

   A clear path toward a restored basin is established. An action plan. A plan to achieve everyone’s desires that is practical and achievable. The best outcome would be to develop a strong action plan and individuals’ commitments to 1) link State/Federal managers and this stakeholder group and 2) formulate a workable vehicle - like the CIP - to deliver funding resources to the Basin.

   We develop a framework to solve tribal, agricultural and environmental conflict.

7. The community will come together and the water conflict will be resolved.
8. The health of the whole Upper Basin will become more effective.
9. We find a solution/process without further compromising the viability of the agricultural community.
10. We solve the problematic issues without a gross amount of wasteful time or money.
11. Clear and concise path to settling the remaining contests in Klamath adjudication.
12. Homelands to tribes will be restored. Gain public support for Klamath Tribes homeland restoration efforts.

Together, we discover specific, concrete ways through which we can collaborate to create a thriving ecosystem for the Greater Klamath River watershed. We leave with an idea of what to do. That we can come up with some steps that will be concrete, to move towards solutions and resolution. We will agree on a process that is inclusive of a wide range of views and that is effective in moving toward fish recovery and economic stability. Tangible, clear next steps.

Participants will agree to work on basin-wide solutions that create sustainable communities and restrict and enhance resources. We solve the resource issues in the Basin. Someone actually "does something" to move forward this time. That everyone was willing to get an answer to each other’s problem. That progress is made.

We solidify the assurance of a place to rationally discuss the basin-wide future. I hope to see evidence that this conflict resolution process can lend to real change over the long-term. That, to me, means the establishment of a public space that is basin-wide that can address the multiple issues.

We understand clearly that a common voice/solution must be presented to Congress, the States and Agencies. We identify individuals who are willing to lead and we empower them to do so, because we TRUST them to be fair, honest and compassionate as they make decisions that effect all of us!

I grow more hopeful about the process. Hearing the GOOD side and agreeing! Looking for success NO matter whose idea or who’s RIGHT.

There is success in carrying this group’s message to my agency and my Mid-Klamath community. The group would return home to the necessary factions and truly talk to them about the resolution of this water problem. Agreeing to leave here and go out to communities and stop litigation and start dialogue.

I can help a group come to an understanding of one another. To invite some members of this group to my corner of the Klamath Basin - to see what to do.

We have a healthy community and watershed. That twenty years from now as the Basin is converging to a healthy/productive system, these days will be viewed as a critical step. Agricultural and ranching communities will have certainty and predictability. The river is restored. Salmon returning. Return of salmon. We will have no ESA listed species. Wall charts add suckers.

We find property to build our home. My husband will feel part of the community by attending next two days. We eat well. We have more fun. Days getting away. No further migraines. Yogi passes the chicken successfully.

BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOMES FOR THE BASIN IN 20 YEARS

A LONG TERM VISION

The entire Klamath River watershed is thriving, once endangered species are abundant, family farmers prosper, tribes and people thrive in their own preferred ways either on their native lands or living in towns and cities. In 20 years, the Klamath Basin will be a productive center of community activities that tie together the tribes, the farm families and other residents with a common interest in self sufficiency and a healthy, vibrant environment. There is mutual sharing of resources that is needed to produce foods without getting back to the dilemma we were or are in now. We gather annually for our festival.

We have a healthy productive watershed: food (fish, vegetables, etc.), energy, power, clean water, forest products, wildlife, well educated healthy people. The tribes are strong, agriculture is strong, fisheries are strong, the basins economy is strong. Sport fishing is ample and a we have a good tourist industry. Fishing families enjoy abundant harvests and federal and state agencies are accepted for their appropriate roles in facilitating healthy and supportive systems.

The whole watershed is one safe, prosperous, harmonious community with a vibrant ecosystem. All people are living together in harmony. We have a strong stable ranching and farming community. We have a revitalized ecosystem with no dominant society. We have intelligent, well planned cities that respect the basin vision. Public lands are managed in support of the basin vision. We now have healthy agriculture, waters, forests, animals, people and communities. Chiloquin will be in the top 25% of prosperous communities in Oregon. All are happy. They are proud to be a part of this beautiful, prosperous community.

The environment, fish and wildlife are healthy. The ecosystem is restored. Fisheries will again be productive and resilient to environmental changes, and other wildlife and plants will flourish. Riparian restoration, forest management and restored wetlands have improved the quality, quantity of the water resource and provided habitat for the abundant wildlife. USFS and BLM have established fire management zones where wild fire is allowed to burn. All consider themselves environmentalists and work together to ensure a vibrant watershed.

All endangered species are returned to stability with healthy populations. Salmon and all other indigenous species are flourishing in the whole watershed. There are salmon throughout the system. Fish have restored rivers that are commercially harvested. Salmon range the watershed in abundant numbers. In 20 years there will be salmon, steelhead and bull trout season on the Sprague River. Sucker runs will again be numbered in the 100,000.

A LONG TERM VISION (cont.)

In 20 years sustainability will be deeply ingrained in most basin residents who will live their lives and make their choices based on it’s concept. All people in the basin will come to a realization of what is sustainable for the health of the watershed, and they will work together to achieve that sustainability for even further future generations. All will live in a peaceful, sustainable, just, economically and ecologically vibrant bio-region grounded in a living, changing process of sharing knowledge and information that continually creates the best solutions for all. .

The river province is sustainable and resilient with social and economic diversity. They are unified in a rigorously maintained community. Relationships will be close and honest in the realization that what each does affects all. This paradigm shift creates a very different landscape, where a land ethic is the norm and the whole land community of people, plants, animals water and soil are lovingly cared for and protected by all. Land use regulations mutually agreed to control the systems carrying capacity for agriculture, fisheries, environmentalists and industrial components.

There is a vibrant natural resource economy throughout the Klamath Watershed. Klamath Basin beef and crops are branded and sought after. By a more diversified economy our people will live in harmony. They make a good living, raise their children and be proud of who they are and where they live. Aim high and stick to our past. Yellow Dogs.

All will live in a peaceful, sustainable, just economically and ecologically vibrant bio-region grounded in a living, changing process of sharing knowledge and information that continually creates the best solutions for all. Grassroots change was given new meaning with people from all walks of life and of all political ideologies coming together to figure out how to thrive with resources sustaining them all.

There is a basin wide sense of community such that visions, purposes and strategies always embrace the entire community and the entire watershed. People are more and more conscious about the environment and our resources and are working together to continue to improve and deal with continuing challenges that arise. The main thing is to keep the vision thing...the people thing.

People cooperatively solve each challenge without allowing any one group to suffer. Across all groups and across all generations, people will have embraced the notion that, forever, they will have to talk and walk together to continuously make and keep this basin the way they want, and the understanding that, forever, they will need to hand deliver their vision and their needs to the seats of government (states and federal) to ensure that what is enacted is what they said they wanted. However, different from now, they don’t create deep divisions.

A LONG TERM VISION (cont.)

That residents of the basin are a true community. We respect, honor and love each other as family. The Hispanic community is included. Neighborhoods that open up to the basin. We have homelands that function without boundaries. We have respectful lifestyles and ideals.

There is instant communication and support in time of need across the basin. Everyone will work with each other and stop fighting over the water. We all feed each other and support each other, not accepting "big business" pushing us out or shutting us down.

We all have to do our share to make everything work. Everyone would have to change their ways about everything and everyone. We will understand each other. We will know how to get together and listen rather than litigate to get each others attention. You all by yourself can’t do it, so we all need each other. With too much hate still going on... all I can say is put it in the lord’s hands.

All basin interests have created a working solution to resolve conflicts in a way that honors and respects all our interests and brings communities into balance and harmony with the natural environment. First responses to new issues/challenges becomes a desire to convene all interested parties to discuss and explore solutions rather than to blame, shout and threaten. Agricultural, tribal, environmental and fishing communities are flourishing and working together to keep one another whole.

We establish now the relationships necessary to navigate the changes ahead without compromising or losing our preferred ways of life throughout the whole basin. The process of civil discourse started here leads to fundamental changes in how all stakeholders approach any potentially conflictive issue within the basin. Trust is so prevalent that new ideas and approaches are allowed or embraced readily by others rather than met with skepticism, distrust, and anger. We think creatively around problems rather than with a foxhole mentality. All understand how they fit within the whole.

We finally get the message across to all people of the Klamath Basin and the world for the need for working together, the importance and value of water, land and your honesty and work. The understanding and importance of all of natures parts, water, land and how to take care of it and keep your promise to yourself and others. Trust, Respect, Honesty and Love of the whole land and people!! Importance of fish and all animals and people!! Love of all! Show your kids and grand kids what is important and expected of them when they grow up!

A LONG TERM VISION (cont.)

All people will have pride in their land and business and can point to their individuals and collective contribution to improving and sustaining the health of the Klamath Basin ecosystem economy. People will see beautiful landscaped communities and farms. The decaying structure are restored and piles of junk will be memories no longer dwelled on but used as reference to how far the communities have come, together, including all fish species. People have their health. People have wealth, but not too much wealth. Steak and Salmon with a side of spuds! Cold pitcher of local stout. Lots of fish. Control over their markets. Pride and respect. New boats.

We gather quarterly for the Klamath River Basin Congress. Congresses are held. We create the Klamath River Restoration Act (peer reviewed by our science team) which restores wetlands, saves fish, improves water quality, increases water supply, protects intertwined landowners. We have self generated at least 50% of our restoration funding. Keno reach is included.

Family farms will thrive. With agriculture, small farms are still prevalent with market access. There are new generations of young farmers and ranchers. Family farms.....family farms..... Family farms and ranchers are enduring and well. Family farms and ranches flourish. Their "stewardship brand" of organic cattle and ecologically wise produce will attract buyers in the cities and visitors to fairs and festivals in the Basin. These events will help urban residents to appreciate the values and lifestyles of rural people.

Agriculture is thriving in the basin. I can farm, visit neighbors, live without constant efforts by others to eradicate my community. TMDL’s and endangered species regulations won’t be the tools used to decimate my community, my family farm, my aquifer and the wildlife where I live. Press releases and flat-out lies will no longer flood the media to gain support to buy out my farm. There will be trust. If there is a meeting, the room will know that Klamath Basin was not a desert and we don’t divert water from Klamath River.

We have a restored watershed and we have learned to manage water so well that we have excess water every or most years. Contributing to watershed restoration in concert with the tribes, our farmers and ranchers will have much to be proud of. The water has ample flow and is stabilized. We don’t waste the water.

Klamath farmers enact innovative wildlife friendly methods and designs by which they flourish. The BOR and Klamath project Irrigators have come to a management strategy that is in tune with natural precipitation. A Basin Plan redesign for Tulelake and Basin Plan, and a redesign for Lower klamath Lake where fish and wildlife, water quality and supply and agriculture are all improved.

A LONG TERM VISION (cont.)

The rivers will be whole and thriving and clean and filled with fish. We create sustainable agriculture that works with the land and is a model salmon return which is a sign that we have healed the watershed. The whole watershed length, breadth and depth.

The tribes will receive viable homelands and a revival of their cultures. The tribes have restoration and self control. Tribes will have their land on an agreed basis. They see good economic health. We will have resolved, justly, the tribal land issues and rights. They are integrated into society in every aspect. Tribal resources are just.

Tribal homelands (Klamath & Kuruk) are phased into tribal/county collaboration in management. Klamath Tribes have a homeland that is providing sustenance. The Klamath Tribes will be recognized for their outstanding stewardship of their reservation.

That other basin residents understand through real action the tribal need for fish and healthy rivers. The Hoopa, Yurok and Kurok tribes will celebrate along with commercial fisherman at the annual salmon festival.

My children were born and raised here in the Klamath Basin. They are all moved away now attending college. I need to clarify I have no grandchildren yet...but.... when I do..

Many children and grandchildren of the current generations of farmers and ranchers will remain in the Klamath Basin to work the land. My grandchildren will be grateful to have ownership in the Klamath Basin, and that their ancestors were able to make the changes and decisions that kept the landscape, that gave back to the tribes a homeland and the resources to sustain their culture and a good life.

Our children will work together to promote our basin vision. Our kids come back. Our children will respect each other, help each other, and support each other. My grandchildren can farm without having to go to meetings to defend their farm several times a week.

A LONG TERM VISION (cont.)

One component of our revitalized watershed will be "cultural exchange camps" and/or internships for children and adults of all ages. "Camps" will be based on successful working models, similar to the current Klamath cultural camp. In addition to experiential learning camps will teach responsible stewardship, conservation, conflict resolution, respectful listening and how to envision and implement "Best Possible Outcomes" so that their future will shine as brightly as we are speaking of now. And...as someone said in Tulelake...we are one community...with really long streets!

The people of the world who are in conflict look to the Klamath Basin for a model of how to move from conflict to harmony. We have formed a model community and solution process that the rest of the country and the world follows to transform their communities. The basin will be a national and global example of successful change made from within rather than imposed from without. We go forth into the world to teach and help other communities about how to restore the balance of life in their basin.

People from all over the world will come to the beautiful, diverse Klamath Basin to learn how to get along and solve the problems of scarce resources and economies. I see a new tourism. The Klamath Basin is known as a destination for birding, fishing and cultural heritage. A colorful, interesting, diverse community where flavors of the tribes, cowboys, farmers and ranchers and the ecologists have created a unique community based on this approach.

All are living and working in peaceful prosperity in their communities and honoring the stewardship of their home lands, acquired, returned, shared and always valued. Bob and Alice in 20 years will be with us to see one basin united in the spirit of cooperation and neighborhood, working together.

OUR STAKEHOLDER LONG TERM VISION

COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN - A LONG TERM 20 YEAR VISION

We create a Klamath Basin system that supports salmon to the peak of its capacity. There are flows from the basin that support healthy ocean conditions (timing, quality 7 quantity.) An ocean fishery that must deal with the whims of nature rather than the whims of humanity.

The fishing fleet is prosperous because the Klamath Basin people have restored their watersheds. Salmon fishing families will have access to abundant stocks of viable, naturally spawning salmon close to every port.

For the commercial fisherman, let them have the fisheries that would supply all the needs to sustain a predictable living. Having enough fish to not only make a living but to also provide for future generations and to be able to provide for investment to grow.

Families are happy being able to fish together and they look forward to a generational livelihood into the future. Families knowing that the generations that will follow will be able to also enjoy work. Children will inherit and learn fishing from their families and have an opportunity to fish if they want to.

Fish are harvested sustainably because people know that is the right thing. CA/OR salmon will be a famous and desired product in the world market.

The commercial fisherman will form a working culture with the tribes for fish in the Klamath Basin. We will cherish our neighbors (agricultural, tribal and conservation) for the work we have done together. We have creative, adaptive problem solving skills.

THE TRIBES - A LONG TERM 20 YEAR VISION

Lands are restored to the tribes. Homelands are restored. The Klamath Tribes will have a restored homeland. Their homeland is restored and meeting the subsistence needs of the tribes on a sustainable basis.

Tribes are healed from the devastations of termination. Tribes regain their cultures, traditions and spirituality. Tribal social systems are healed from the problems of prior treatment. Health and education of all tribal members is restored and improved.

Suckers and salmon populations are restored and all peoples understand the significance of these species to tribal cultures. Salmon and sucker fisheries flourish again. Salmon will return to their historic range. Fish have returned and delisted.

In 20 years the tribal homeland is a model of indigenous management which honors the whole land community. Klamath Tribes, as stewards of forest, river and lands of their own, restore their homelands. Native lands and ways are preserved and restored. The tribal lands are moving toward their historical ranges of viability and ecosystem. Vibrant ecology and economic restored habitat and opportunity.

The community will recognize the value of the tribes as a true asset. There is higher community awareness of tribal rights, and progress toward return of salmon to Sprague and Williamson rivers. Tribal members trust and respect all others in the basin and vice verse. Tribes are respected and honored by all other groups, with economic restoration, and no unemployed members.

Tribal self sufficiency has evolved into a vibrant mutual exchange within the River province. There is open communication and trade with other groups. The Karuk tribes share their fish with the community centers as their established rights exceed the tribal needs and open space is preserved throughout abundant irrigated agriculture. They will enhance the great recreational experiences here in the Basin. Gov. Brown and Gov. Fletcher are close friends and allies promoting basin products in both states and reprint of Mike Conneley’s article are rolling off the press to other areas who want a beautiful Klamath Basin.

The tribes exercises its sovereignty in a cohesive manner that benefits all its members and works in concert and harmony with the surrounding community and the larger society. Decisions are made that recognize and show respect for non tribal love of land and community and a whole community sense of place is developed.

There are fewer things to have to litigate. No one sues anyone and most BOR employees are Yurok, Hoopa and klamath tribal members.

THE TRIBES - A LONG TERM VISION (cont.)

There are self sustaining communities and tribes with community centers that teach tourists about the culture of each tribe that fosters respect of tribal peoples and cultures. Tribal museums and interpretive centers draw many tourists that are contributing to healing the non Indian people’s misunderstanding and bigotry.

Tribal youth are realizing their academic social and economic potential as are all other resident youth. My first grandchild will be born and grow up ranching with their parents and grandparents.

COMMUNITIES - A LONG TERM 20 YEAR VISION

By 2025 the communities of the Klamath River Watershed will be in the midst of economic social and culture recovery, and experiencing steady solid growth. All communities from the headwaters to the sea are thriving due to the abundant resources, prosperous agricultural, timber and fishing industries. Communities are economically stable. Opportunities will abound in places like Ft. Klamath, Happy Camp and Klamath Falls.

A rich sense of community and collaboration will exist due to partnerships that span the entire watershed. Local decisions are made with the interests of all basin communities in mind. A restored, healthy watershed will be the foundation for sustaining each persons chosen way of life.

Communities will remain small, rural country towns that are close knit and interconnected and supportive of each other. Our communities communicate and thrive. We feel welcome when traveling to each others communities. Helping thy neighbor extends beyond the "neighborhood." Communities are entities within a larger basin "community."

Other communities will not target each other but support each other. There will be respect for people of differing views. People will judge others based on what they are rather than myths.

The agricultural base will be maintained and strengthened and flourishing. People will give the ranchers and farmers the respect and appreciation they so richly deserve for their care and nurturing and love they give and display for the land and resources that are theirs to care for. Water catchments are very effective, producing plenty of water for fish, wildlife, residential and irrigation.

People are used to taking care of the resources, getting together to solve the problems that arise sharing responsibility for the generations to come. People will become valid and esteemed as part of the ecosystem. People will trust and know the truth and leave agenda’s home. Tools will not be used to shut down communities.

ENVIRONMENTALIST - A LONG TERM 20 YEAR VISION

The people living on the land are believed to be great environmentalists. We are all environmentalists. Conservation groups are partners with environmentalists. The definition within the basin has changed to include ranchers, farmers, Tribes, agency people and business people.

By working together as a part of the community, and not just as entities with agendas, the environmentalists will achieve their goals of creating a sustainable watershed. The environmentalists will be more of a partnership with the people of the basin, helping with funding and on ground projects, outreach to other people and areas and use proactive solutions instead of litigation.

They will use their experience here as a template for successful outreach and sensitivity and learn valuable skills that will ultimately make them successful. The condition of the Klamath ecosystem is so great that environmental organization no longer need to be "activists;" they now only organize volunteer work parties to continue restoration and community service projects.

The best possible outcome would be that the environmentalists have nothing left to do. The extremists are non-existent. Environmentalist is not a four letter word.

They have learned to come to the table and participate in useful discussion and practical solutions. In place of litigation they have developed an understanding that the law of uninitiated consequences applies to them as well. They realize that they have sued to many people too many places and too many times. Litigation is never needed to respond to our challenges.

We all have common sense and reality of practical lifestyles. The environmentalists have accepted the basin, it’s practices and it’s virtues. Environmentalists are now farmers, fisherman and own a business in our communities. They work side by side in the community. We are teaching and learning from each other.

AGENCIES - A LONG TERM 20 YEAR VISION

They will be the arbiters of scientific and technical issues affecting resources within the basin. Agencies will be melded into one Federal Service organization where employees in the different disciplines will share their knowledge and experience so they may apply it to delivering the technical support, resources, communication and facilitation requested by the people.

Because we manage ecosystems and not singular resources or species, the agencies can work in unison with a common purpose. They facilitate local discussions and decision making and are understood as a resource for new challenging ideas as well as a mechanism for building networks.

Staffing of agency offices will be greatly diminished owing to restoration efforts led and implemented by local communities and monitored by them. Agency technical support will be relatively minor as the Klamath communities develop their own technical expertise in coordination with the agencies and academic institutions.

There is no need for regulatory oversight. The BOR and Fish and Wildlife office will operate on a skeleton crew because the CIP became a basin wide, cities-run, not for profit organization. Agency folks move from current role of regulatory (doing to people) to a role of working with folks providing information and community services. It functions more in an advisory capacity.

Citizens view agencies as a helpful component of the liaisons. All government employees will be seen and accepted as one of the people.

THE BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOMES FOR IN

AGRICULTURE - A LONG TERM 20 YEAR VISION

Agriculture in the basin will become diversified, profitable, and sustainable. Agriculture will become more flexible and dynamic, able to adapt rapidly to improvements in technology, crops and markets. Producers will have more control over their products and marketing.

STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS TO FOSTER OUR LONG TERM VISION

Make sure the purpose is clear. Agree on a vision. Have a clear purpose.

PROPOSED STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS TO CONSIDER (cont.)

Create an Upper Klamath River Basin orchestrated effort to reach a sustainable and resilient community. Make sure the farmers are protected.

PROPOSED STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS TO CONSIDER (cont.)

Promote the cease fire and be constructive. Promote the cease fire.

PROPOSED STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS TO CONSIDER (cont.)

Have a cooperative cease fire between all parties regarding lawsuits. A cease fire from litigation.

PROPOSED STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS TO CONSIDER (cont.)

Agencies work with public/stakeholders on programs. Using each other (i.e. Agencies and individuals ) as references for help. Using the agencies as our base, to make this happen, financially and expertise wise going half way or more to these folks.

We need forum to bring people together (perhaps CIP, perhaps some basin wide congress) to share ideas and issues and work on solutions. Get some sort of congress or council.

PROPOSED STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS TO CONSIDER (cont.)

PROPOSED STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS TO CONSIDER (cont.)

Finding new and additional ways of maintaining communication and sharing information basin wide. The Goal: to continue building and strengthen the feeling of basin wide community.

PROPOSED STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS TO CONSIDER (cont.)

Continue to build trust. Trust by all stakeholders toward one another is key. Trust is vital.

PROPOSED STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS TO CONSIDER (cont.)

Support traditionally adversarial groups working to explore issues together. A sharing of ideas between interests would help build trust, eliminate fears and lead to better ideas.

PROPOSED STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS TO CONSIDER (cont.)

"Restoration" should not just be about the land and water. We need to "restore" our trust in one another, restore our spirits. If we can do this, we can withstand the tsunami of the future.

Make a commitment and stay with it; no wishy-washy. Keep in mind that what we’re starting is going to be going on for a long time.

The next meeting sets the roadmap. Set up the roadmap at the next meeting.

Have another very focused meeting. Have a Chadwick meeting that is focused on a specific issue, whether it is a basin-wide plan, or demand-allocation, or _? Get into the issues.

The next meeting is like a Congress/Constitutional Convention, the product of which is a formal structure.

Envision structures in which the CIP becomes an organizing part of the community.

Focus on demand reduction/water allocation for the whole watershed.

Start dealing with demand/allocation from points of views of all stakeholders.

Steve’s idea; Identify all the different areas of reduction and supply demand, identify the water loss areas. Steve’s idea— look at demand reduction from both sides (BO’s for sucker & salmon), decide which irrigated lands can be idled.

Sam & Bob Hunter work together on "facts" – agree, disagree & why – to present to group. Revisit the real obstacles.

Coordinate with the Ore-Cal Coordinating Group.

Maintain momentum, spread the movement through all communities of the Klamath.

Incorporate Tribal Trust issues. Tribal Trust issues.

Hold a Tribal Trust workshop.

Look at the uplands. Work on the uplands.

Land trusts. Develop Agricultural Trust for farm and ranch lands and landowners throughout the Klamath Watershed.

APPENDIX

* COLLECTIVE STATEMENTS

Collective statements are based on the belief that each of us sees the world from a different viewpoint. Our individual views are like pieces of a puzzle -- when we fit them all together we get the full picture.

In most meetings our views tend to be seen as competitive. When someone speaks, another person responds with a counter-statement, and the meeting progresses with each trying to convince the other of his or her rightness. This behavior is based on a belief in the "one right answer" to all questions. Only one of us can be right, so our intelligence is used to establish that rightness firmly. It becomes a competition in which each person's ego and intelligence are at stake.

This is either/or thinking -- either you are right or I am! Often, two or three people will capture all the time in a meeting with this either/or conflict, while others listen, get bored, and drop out. It is a time-consuming, ineffective process. The meeting ends with some vaguely worded compromise that relieves the participants. They leave with little commitment to it.

Collective thinking assumes we can all learn something from each other. We have different views of a situation, and all views are right.

This is done with many of the workshop tasks. The collective statements are the result of adding individual statements together, keeping each person's words to the best extent possible, creating a statement of the total group.

* DEVELOPING A COLLECTIVE STATEMENT

A collective statement process is based on the notion that we all have different views of a situation, and all views are right. Each of us perceives the world through our experiences, our values and beliefs and our desires.

In some tasks, statements made by each individual participant are recorded as accurately as possible. These statements are first segregated into common groups. The individual statements are then added together, keeping each person's words to the best extent possible, creating a statement of the total group.

At times it is necessary to add words to the brief recorded statements to clarify the intent. Or, a word might be added to bridge two or more statements together. This is kept to a minimum in order to retain the original recorded thought.

While some grammatical improvements may be made, the original statement and the original words are kept as close as possible.

As an example, these were the original recorded statements of the "Senior Citizens Worst Outcomes of the Situation":

DEVELOPING A COLLECTIVE STATEMENT (CONT.)

The statements are segregated to become like groups of statements:

2. Will regress, if no progress

8. If not forward, then backwards.

3. Things fine, no higher taxes

9. Become retirement community, kids leave, no industry

5. My needs as senior will not be considered and taxes rise--skyrocket

4. Our senior programs will be cut--lack of funds

1. Unsafe community to live in.

6. More leave town, higher crime, higher taxes, less facilities

7. Leads to collapse of government

10. Uncertain, unhappy future

These statements are now linked together to form the final collective statement. Words that are added in the process are shown in parentheses:

THE SENIOR CITIZENS WORST OUTCOMES:

(The community) will regress, if (there is) no progress. If (we do) not (move) forward, then (we slide) backwards.

(We all think that) things (are) fine, (as long as there are) no higher taxes. (We) become (a) retirement community, (the) kids leave, (there is) no industry.

My needs as (a) senior will not be considered and taxes will rise, skyrocketing. Our senior programs will be cut (because) of (a) lack of funds.

(This will be an) unsafe community to live in. (More business and people) leave town, (because of) higher crime, higher taxes, less facilities. (This) leads to a collapse of government. (We face) an uncertain, unhappy future.

DEVELOPING A COLLECTIVE STATEMENT (CONT.)

This is another example of the process. Begin with the original recorded statements:

Segregate them into the like statements:

PARENTS WORST OUTCOMES OF THE SITUATION:

Then put the statements together, adding words where absolutely necessary, keeping the original intent as much as possible.

(The children will have a) lack of the best education and (the) know-how to deal with life on their own. (They) won't be happy and won't be prepared for the next step after high school. (Our) children won't have educational background to get into college. (Our) kids will waste their talents and be average like everybody else.

(We will have) extremely large classrooms (40/50 room). (The students are) dropping out (of school)! The children will never leave home!

(The) parents lack of concern will hinder ability of the child. If parenting skills (are) not improved, what will it do to the child's education?

Drugs and gangs will come into community. If we can't solve the drug problem, what is (the) future of our children?

THE COMMUNITY IS TELLING A STORY

For years I sought for a way to help people understand at an integrative, or organic level, the value of the collective statements, and all of the activities that lead up to it. It was the story telling approach of an Indian elder that helped me to see how to do this.

Everyone Is Telling a Story: I ask 6 to 8 people who are seated together in the circle to stand and move one step into the circle. I walk out into the center of the circle and act as the director of this story.

I state for Rob the first sentence for the story: "A porcupine walked into the meadow."

With the ending of this story the large group will normally laugh and applaud. The members of the story group are often nervous and self conscious about speaking and really think, trying to come up with the "right" sentence that makes sense.

I repeat the learning I have had about communities of interest.

Everyone thinks they have the whole story: I have Rob and Crista step out in front of the story tellers, turning to face each other. I encourage them to repeat their sentence to each other, to let the other know what the "true" story is.

Rob: "The porcupine walked into the meadow."

They both look at me, and I encourage them...... "The other person has not got it yet." Keep repeating it until he gets it.

Rob repeats to Crista: "The porcupine walked into the meadow."

Crista repeats: "There he met a female porcupine who became his mate for life." with a tone of voice that is impatient.

Rob repeats with more vigor: "The porcupine walked into the meadow."

Crista, her hands on her hips leans forward and repeats firmly: "There he met a female porcupine who became his mate for life!"

Rob: "NO!!! The porcupine walked into the meadow!!" He speaks with steely confidence.... this is the truth!

Crista, before he is done, loudly with emphasis and pointing her finger into his chest: "There he met a female porcupine who became his mate for life."

Rob, leaning forward now, with more emphasis and a loud voice: "The porcupine walked into the meadow.... and that is all there is to it!!"

Crista, now leaning nose to nose with him, and just as loudly: "There he met a female porcupine who became his mate for life."

The group laughs, often applauds, they recognize themselves, they have seen this in many meetings. I ask them, rhetorically, "Have you ever experienced this kind of argument before? They all nod their heads.

Everyone wants the group to repeat their story line: I have Rob and Crista return to the story teller group. I turn to the others:

I ask Rob to repeat his sentence, and for the others to repeat it exactly as he said it.

Again, the community laughs. They understand the implications of this activity. Now, they know, Crista wants everyone to repeat her sentence, because she has the truth.

The story is all mixed up: In addition to everyone wanting to be right with their "story line," when the group meets, they are seated out of order. I move the standing participants around, mixing their order. Then I ask them to repeat their sentence:

Now, this discussion doesn’t seem to make any sense, especially if you are the manager who needs to make the decision. These people all appear to be in conflict with what they are saying. There is no similarity. Who should you believe? What can you base your decision on?

In the consensus process, we encourage each person to express their view, and, we record as it is being expressed. These are the different perceptions of the entire community. Then we take that information from this group, and any other group, and write a collective statement. When we do that it sounds like this:

(I move the story tellers to their original position and have them repeat their sentences)

This collective statements tells the "whole story" and is inclusive of everyone views. Now that you know the whole story as a manager, you can begin to take action to do something about what is happening. "It sounds to me like we have an angry bear up in the meadow. We better tell other humans about this to keep them away. Or, better yet, have the bear removed to a safer place, so the porcupines can climb down the tree and return to their home."

If We Exclude Others, We Don’t Get the Whole Story: I then remove 4 members of the group. Rob is removed because he looks like a hippie, and we certainly don’t want to give him any recognition. Jon is always looking for the negative in things, so leave him out. Then, Deb is a member of the public, what does she know about these things? Finally, don’t include Dawn, she is part of that rabid environmentalist group. So, we are left with this story:

Now,... is that the same story? It is certainly a warm and positive story, but it is incomplete, and leaves out important information. If you made a decision to send a group of people up to this meadow, would they have all the information they need?

Coalitions Form and a Battle Begins: The four people who were excluded find they have a common purpose. They were not included, acknowledged, or their information listened to. They form a coalition to get the attention of those who make the decision. They form a line facing the "included group" and begin shouting their sentences at the same time to the others, wanting attention and acknowledgment of their views.

This causes the "included group to come together as a block, expressing their point of view just as loudly, and at the same time. No one listens, if they did it would just sound garbled.

Again,the message is visually and intellectually clear to the larger group. If you exclude people, do not hear or acknowledge their information, they will form coalitions and oppose you. In doing so, while all the needed information is expressed, little of it is actually heard.

Including everyone, hearing the whole story, results in community. I bring back the excluded members and they are integrated into the whole story. I remind them that the collective statement includes all words expressed by the individuals in the group. The purpose of the collective statement writer is to write the story.

When this is done, Kathy sees her statement is in the story. It is between Rob and Laura’s statements (I have Kathy hold Robs hand and Laura’s hand). She is part of the story connected with them. In like manner, Laura is connected by the story to Jon, and Jon to Debbie, etc. Soon, all the storytellers are connected with their hands.

I ask those standing to take a bow, still holding their hands, and then ask the members of the group to honor these people for helping them learn. They all stand and applaud.