The Family Farm Alliance in early May released two extensive white papers that address issues of critical concern right now: the need for new Western water storage development, and a review of Endangered Species Act (ESA) implementation in the West. The release of both documents comes at a timely juncture, when local, state and federal policy makers are looking for solutions associated with drought in many parts of the West.

"While Mother Nature has certainly contributed to the water challenges facing large swaths of the Western states, a modernized approach to administering the ESA and additional on-line storage to capture more water in wetter periods would improve water management flexibility, bolster the health of imperiled fish species, and better protect rural communities in future droughts," said Alliance Executive Director Dan Keppen.

Copies of both reports can be downloaded from the Alliance website: www.familyfarmalliance.org.

The Family Farm Alliance white paper on the ESA could not have been released at a better time, as the ESA has been the topic of increased recent scrutiny by Obama Administration policy makers and elected officials on Capitol Hill.

Click here to read about this issue and other recent developments in the Western water world:

• ESA/EPA Hot Topics at ABWC Meeting in Scottsdale
• California Drought Bill Passed U.S. Senate
• Forest Service Groundwater, BMP Rules Raise Concerns
• Congress Passes "Earmark-Free" Water Resources Bill
• Secretary Vilsack Rolls Out New RCPP
• Alliance Requests Extension to Clean Water Act Rule Comment Period
• A Salute to Our New and Supporting Members

Please do not hesitate to send me an email at dankeppen@charter.net or call me at 541-892-6244 if you have difficulties downloading the "Monthly Briefing".

The Family Farm Alliance is a grassroots organization of family farmers, ranchers, irrigation districts and allied industries in 17 Western states. The Alliance is focused on one mission: To ensure the availability of reliable, affordable irrigation water supplies to Western farmers and ranchers. Since 2005, the Family Farm Alliance has been invited to testify over 35 times before Congress on water and environmental challenges and legislation. For more information on the Alliance, go to www.familyfarmalliance.org or contact Dan Keppen at (541)-892-6244.