Mark Baird explained that the
State Dept. of Fish & Game is trying to
implement re-written Permits that will
affect the use of the agriculturists’ Water
Rights. Two separate Permits will demand a
reduction in the legal water allotment that
Water Right owners use to irrigate their
pastures and fields.
Farmers and ranchers believe this is a “water
grab” by the State of California and if allowed to be successful
will create a major problem for the rest of the state, including
municipalities that divert water for use by residents.
Those involved with Scott Valley Protect Our Water
ad-hoc group are standing on their U.S. and California
Constitutional rights, which protect Property Rights. Court
decisions have declared Water Rights are a Property Right.
If Water Rights are affected and the state can tell a
landowner how much water he or she can use — this is a “taking” of a
Property Right.
