01/11/05 Opponents of Nez Perce Water agreement

Later this month the Idaho legislature will be asked to approve the Nez Perce Water Rights agreement. This proposed settlement gives the tribe 50 thousand acre feet of water from the Clearwater River and 80 million dollars in cash and land in exchange for the tribe dropping its water claims in the Snake River and its tributaries. Idaho Farm Bureau members don't think its such a good deal and voted against it. President Frank Priestley says land and water rights are just part of what's at stake. PRIESTLEY "Our delegates at almost at three to one opposed this legislation." Plummer tree farm owner Lela Morris feels the agreement is a compromise to her personal rights. MORRIS "When my property and my livelihood and family heritage is at stake I want a chance to defend it." Nez Perce County Commissioner Doug Zenner says the state could lose millions of dollars in tax revenue because thousands of acres of timber land will be locked up to protect fish habitat. ZENNER "This creates a property tax shift and increases the burden more and more on residential property owners in these counties. Tomorrow more from the opponents. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott