Water Wars

Water Wars

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
At a recent ADA County Farm Bureau gathering, Owyhee County cattlemen Paul Nettleton, who runs the Joyce ranch said the state's decision to side with the federal government on water rights was a double-cross to all water users in Idaho. "I really feel betrayed by the state of Idaho that they did not defend our water rights. Water resources lawyers, what in the hell don't you understand about beneficial use? It's ridiculous. The government don't own a cow." Cowboys Tim Lowery and Paul Nettleton spoke to the ADA County Farm Bureau during their annual County banquet in Boise. Both expressed their disappointment in the state's attorneys and questioned if they really understand Idaho water law. Tim Lowery: "It seems pretty plain if Paul and I could understand the Constitution and understand the general water laws and understand the specific ones dealing with the stock water, one would think that the Department of water resources and the Atty. Gen.'s office could understand that." Nettleton: "It still sticks in my craw and when that decision came down from the state of Idaho that support the federal government on that, I got mad. I got a little fire in my belly. I said I want to see this to the end. I don't know how much it is going to cost me but I want to see it to the end because it's ridiculous." Seeing it to the end was a costly decision. "Long story short, $1.1 million later, they file a lawsuit on us to pay up. We finally got settled for $300,000 apiece which is an incredible debt but at least at moment in time, we are still alive, we are still there." But barely, which is why they shared their story with Farm Bureau members. On both the county and state level, the Farm Bureau has led the way in raising funds to help pay the bill. "they have been faithful in helping support from the state to counties, individuals. Ada County has been more than generous. You all should be very proud of your Ada County Board and we are very grateful to them.
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