The Western State of Oregon - Essay Example

Geography: Question of the Week 3: The western of Oregon, to go along with four Southwestern s of Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico has similar climatic and geographic conditions. All these states are arid to semi-arid in climatic conditions, which makes the distribution of water among its inhabitants all the more significant. The Umatilla River is the lifeblood of Oregon, but its water is claimed by various groups and communities of people. Apart from people, there is also the natural marine ecosystem to be concerned about, for what is a feasible water sharing arrangement in the short term might prove unsustainable in the long run. In the video titled Oregon: A Fight for Water (which is part of Regions and Economies section of the series), all facts pertaining to the initial problem are presented. Eastern Oregon is separated from the lush and fertile Pacific coast by a mountain range. Often called simply as the Coast Range, this geographical feature is the key to many of the climatic, hydrographic and vegetation patterns of the region. The Coast Range acts as a barrier between the two sides and blocks water-bearing clouds from reaching the eastern side, which is why the Pacific coast side is lush in vegetation and abundant in water, whereas the rest of the state is semi-arid and heavily dependent on the water provided by the Umatilla River. Hence there is competition between different communities to get access to the scarce water resource that the Umatilla provides. It is as a way of finding solution to this scarcity that dams were built along its course. The water stored by the dam was diverted through irrigation canals to the various circular agricultural fields that dot the landscape of the riverbank. While agriculture (especially high-grade potato farming) has benefitted from this arrangement, the indigenous tribes who live further downstream are adversely affected. For Native American tribes, water holds a meaning far beyond its everyday utility. And hence, negotiating with them on practical terms is not fair on part of the State. Moreover, the Salmon that travels upstream to spawn in the upper reaches of the Umatilla is also severely affected by the raising of the dam. A similar conflict exists in the California-Nevada border, with each group making claims on the limited water resource provided by the Truckee River Basin. To supply water to the growing population in the Reno-Sparks area, dams have to be constructed. But this has disturbed the natural habitat of cui-ui fish, which is considered sacred by a local indigenous tribe. Similarly, competing claims are made by farmers with fields upstream and communities living downstream. But communities dependent on water from the Truckee River Basin can take heart from the reconciliation of various interests in the Umatilla River. In the latter case, instead of harvesting water from the Umatilla upstream, an alternative source was identified and substituted with. This meant that there is now sufficient water supply for farmers without the need to store water upstream for irrigation. This move has revived the fortunes of the Salmon as is backed by statistical evidence. Moreover, this has restored the local geography and hydrography to its original healthy state – something that is of paramount importance for the local tribes. Both the problem cases have several similarities and both can derive inspiration from the success of the James Bay Project. But even in the case of the James Bay project, it was not smooth-sailing for government authorities in Canada, as they too had to negotiate and cajole the local Inuit and Cree tribal population about the project. By carefully comparing and studying these three cases, we understand that by way of comprehending the practical and sentimental relationships between water supplies and rural/tribal livelihoods, solutions can be found for addressing some of the major questions facing the administrators and policy makers. These issues assume more complexity when seen from different and sometimes conflicting viewpoints. For example, while certain policy initiatives might be economically sound, they fail to take into account the cultural necessities of the indigenous tribes. Given that the rural poor are not just an economic minority but also a racial and linguistic minority (they are predominantly Hispanics and Native Americans), water resources’ significance as venerable symbols of indigenous culture gets overlooked. In all the three cases being discussed, while the economic necessity of water to agricultural communities is addressed, the non-economic and non-tangible relationship between water and rural communities is paid heed to at the outset. The fact that the legislators and other public representatives are usually better educated, more affluent and modern makes mutual dialogue that much more difficult. It is only through grassroots activism and persistent political pressure that amicable solutions were brought about. (Neori, et. al., 2007) Cognizant of the changing political administration of the country, which is oriented toward “water management”, as opposed to “nature conservation”, we can see potential opportunities for a positive change in the lives of farmers and native tribes. By comparing the case studies pertaining to the Umatilla, Truckee River Basin and the James Bay Project, we learn that the legal victories for minority communities in question augurs well for a future political atmosphere that is more considerate and empathetic of their grievances. While the comparative analysis is related to two selected states in the country and one in Canada, the overall inference and conclusions drawn is applicable across the country. And finally, in order for such conflicts between communities to not occur, governing authorities need to adopt a systematic, scientific and feasible policy framework to manage water resources and ensure sustainability. Many experts within the fishing and farming industries are working towards healthy, sustainable marine ecosystems and surrounding geographies, so that the future for its inhabitants is made secure. What is called for is a legitimate, proactive plan of action, with long term objectives in order that ecosystems and communities that inhabit them will be healthy and ecologically-balanced. (Neori, et. al., 2007) References: Neori, Amir; Troell, Max; Chopin, Thierry; Yarish, Charles; Critchley, Alan; Buschmann, Alejandro H., (Apr2007), The Need for a Balanced Ecosystem Approach to Blue Revolution Aquaculture., Environment, , Vol. 49 Issue 3, p36-43, 8p; James Bay Project and the Cree, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Archives, retrieved from on 26th June, 2010. Salmon success in the Umatilla River, retrieved from < www.umatilla.nsn.us/umariver.html> on 26th June, 2010. Oregon: A Fight for Water - Native Americans and farmers compete for a scarce resource, Regions and Economies, retrieved from < http://learner.org/resources/series180.html> on 26th June, 2010. Water Is for Fighting Over, retrieved from http://www.learner.org/resources/series85.html on 26th June, 2010. Map 1: Oregon Relief Map (retrieved from www.oregon-map.org/relief-map.htm) Map 2: Nevada State wide Hydrological Unit Map (retrieved from http://ndep.nv.gov/admin/map.htm) Read More