Westlands: Turn Off the Tap
729 views · Published 5 January 2011 · 9:46 · Indexed 29 October 2026
Channel: btokars · 2011 · News & Politics
We are not naïve. We started Salmon Water Now to help make a difference. We think our video work brings solid, factually accurate information to the media and the public about the reasons why California Wild King salmon are in such dire shape. Sometimes we deliver that information without embellishment. Other times we add a little sarcasm or humor in order to drive home a point. Frankly, we wish there wasn't a need for the work we have been doing. California's salmon runs are still at risk of extinction so we will be continuing to tell their story and the stories of people impacted by salmon's struggle. Ultimately the issue comes down to water, even though 2010 was a good water year and 2011 is shaping up to be even better, California's water resources are never predictable. So we are always concerned about how much there is, who needs it and for what, and how this public trusts resource is managed. More often then not there is bitter debate between legitimate stakeholders pushing hard to secure what they feel is the proper share for their constituents -- while California's most senior water rights holder, salmon, struggle to survive. But it's the start of a new year. Maybe, if we really try hard, we can find common ground. A new way of looking at the problem. A new way of operating. And, there is no better place to look then the most politically powerful players that make up the Westlands Water District. They can make a difference for salmon by thinking about a new and different future. It is that hope and spirit that begins Salmon Water Now's first video of 2011. Westlands: Turn Off the Tap! (9:44) What if the combatants in California's seemingly endless struggle over water actually agreed on something? Think about the possibilities. If the toxic bad lands within the Westlands Water District were taken out of production, it just could be the step that reverses salmon's march to oblivion. But, you say, Westlands would never agree to such a radical move. Well, it turns out that Westlands has already taken 100,000 acres out of production and they know that much more needs to follow. In fact, in 2002 Westlands published a proposal for land retirement, urging landowners in the irrigation district to seriously consider terminating their agriculture usage of their land. This video lays out the problem of Westlands bad dirt and the case for turning off the irrigation tap. Salmon Water Now realizes that it will require Westlands landowners to thoughtfully look deep in their hearts to reach a decision to stop irrigating their poison farmland. But this video is a positive effort to encourage them to be bold and responsible. Westlands landowners know that much of their problem land will eventually not be productive. Turning off the tap sooner, rather then later, could prevent salmon's extinction. Westlands, turn off the tap! Make a difference. Turn your irrigation water into salmon water, now!
