Western Washington farmers say the Inslee Administration continues to drag its feet when it comes to a water solution in Whatcom County. Dillon Honcoop with Save Family Farming said rather than solve the water management issues and address salmon populations, the Governor and state Department of Ecology continue to push a legal process that he says will delay any meaningful action. He added the dry and record hot summer has underscored what the future could look like for everyone connected to the Nooksack River.

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“The heat damaged some crops, the lack of water has been a hindrance for some folks, but I think the worst is yet to come in years down the road.  So, I think that it’s been showing we need to work on things immediately rather than waiting around for a court process to playout.”

Honcoop added it does not matter how many water rights are shut down by the state, streams are currently dry, so the solution is new water in the Nooksack. Honcoop said local farmers are not interested in additional water at the expense of area fish.

“We embrace the need for more fish.  We have already expressed our desire to help restore fish runs through whatever way we can practically work together and get something to happen and we also at the same time believe that fish need farms.  Fish need those rural areas those open spaces to filter water to protect streams that allow for habitat restoration.”

Hooncoop added a court battle would stall innovative projects that could air fish and food production for multiple decades.




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