StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

The Western State of Oregon - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
This paper 'The Western State of Oregon' tells us that the western state of Oregon, to go along with four Southwestern states of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, etc. has similar climatic and geographic conditions.  All these states are arid to semi-arid in climatic conditions, which makes the distribution of water among its inhabitants…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER94.6% of users find it useful
The Western State of Oregon
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "The Western State of Oregon"

Geography: Question of the Week 3: The western of Oregon, to go along with four Southwestern s of Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico has similar climatic and geographic conditions. All these states are arid to semi-arid in climatic conditions, which makes the distribution of water among its inhabitants all the more significant. The Umatilla River is the lifeblood of Oregon, but its water is claimed by various groups and communities of people. Apart from people, there is also the natural marine ecosystem to be concerned about, for what is a feasible water sharing arrangement in the short term might prove unsustainable in the long run. In the video titled Oregon: A Fight for Water (which is part of Regions and Economies section of the series), all facts pertaining to the initial problem are presented. Eastern Oregon is separated from the lush and fertile Pacific coast by a mountain range. Often called simply as the Coast Range, this geographical feature is the key to many of the climatic, hydrographic and vegetation patterns of the region. The Coast Range acts as a barrier between the two sides and blocks water-bearing clouds from reaching the eastern side, which is why the Pacific coast side is lush in vegetation and abundant in water, whereas the rest of the state is semi-arid and heavily dependent on the water provided by the Umatilla River. Hence there is competition between different communities to get access to the scarce water resource that the Umatilla provides. It is as a way of finding solution to this scarcity that dams were built along its course. The water stored by the dam was diverted through irrigation canals to the various circular agricultural fields that dot the landscape of the riverbank. While agriculture (especially high-grade potato farming) has benefitted from this arrangement, the indigenous tribes who live further downstream are adversely affected. For Native American tribes, water holds a meaning far beyond its everyday utility. And hence, negotiating with them on practical terms is not fair on part of the State. Moreover, the Salmon that travels upstream to spawn in the upper reaches of the Umatilla is also severely affected by the raising of the dam. A similar conflict exists in the California-Nevada border, with each group making claims on the limited water resource provided by the Truckee River Basin. To supply water to the growing population in the Reno-Sparks area, dams have to be constructed. But this has disturbed the natural habitat of cui-ui fish, which is considered sacred by a local indigenous tribe. Similarly, competing claims are made by farmers with fields upstream and communities living downstream. But communities dependent on water from the Truckee River Basin can take heart from the reconciliation of various interests in the Umatilla River. In the latter case, instead of harvesting water from the Umatilla upstream, an alternative source was identified and substituted with. This meant that there is now sufficient water supply for farmers without the need to store water upstream for irrigation. This move has revived the fortunes of the Salmon as is backed by statistical evidence. Moreover, this has restored the local geography and hydrography to its original healthy state – something that is of paramount importance for the local tribes. Both the problem cases have several similarities and both can derive inspiration from the success of the James Bay Project. But even in the case of the James Bay project, it was not smooth-sailing for government authorities in Canada, as they too had to negotiate and cajole the local Inuit and Cree tribal population about the project. By carefully comparing and studying these three cases, we understand that by way of comprehending the practical and sentimental relationships between water supplies and rural/tribal livelihoods, solutions can be found for addressing some of the major questions facing the administrators and policy makers. These issues assume more complexity when seen from different and sometimes conflicting viewpoints. For example, while certain policy initiatives might be economically sound, they fail to take into account the cultural necessities of the indigenous tribes. Given that the rural poor are not just an economic minority but also a racial and linguistic minority (they are predominantly Hispanics and Native Americans), water resources’ significance as venerable symbols of indigenous culture gets overlooked. In all the three cases being discussed, while the economic necessity of water to agricultural communities is addressed, the non-economic and non-tangible relationship between water and rural communities is paid heed to at the outset. The fact that the legislators and other public representatives are usually better educated, more affluent and modern makes mutual dialogue that much more difficult. It is only through grassroots activism and persistent political pressure that amicable solutions were brought about. (Neori, et. al., 2007) Cognizant of the changing political administration of the country, which is oriented toward “water management”, as opposed to “nature conservation”, we can see potential opportunities for a positive change in the lives of farmers and native tribes. By comparing the case studies pertaining to the Umatilla, Truckee River Basin and the James Bay Project, we learn that the legal victories for minority communities in question augurs well for a future political atmosphere that is more considerate and empathetic of their grievances. While the comparative analysis is related to two selected states in the country and one in Canada, the overall inference and conclusions drawn is applicable across the country. And finally, in order for such conflicts between communities to not occur, governing authorities need to adopt a systematic, scientific and feasible policy framework to manage water resources and ensure sustainability. Many experts within the fishing and farming industries are working towards healthy, sustainable marine ecosystems and surrounding geographies, so that the future for its inhabitants is made secure. What is called for is a legitimate, proactive plan of action, with long term objectives in order that ecosystems and communities that inhabit them will be healthy and ecologically-balanced. (Neori, et. al., 2007) References: Neori, Amir; Troell, Max; Chopin, Thierry; Yarish, Charles; Critchley, Alan; Buschmann, Alejandro H., (Apr2007), The Need for a Balanced Ecosystem Approach to Blue Revolution Aquaculture., Environment, , Vol. 49 Issue 3, p36-43, 8p; James Bay Project and the Cree, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Archives, retrieved from on 26th June, 2010. Salmon success in the Umatilla River, retrieved from < www.umatilla.nsn.us/umariver.html> on 26th June, 2010. Oregon: A Fight for Water - Native Americans and farmers compete for a scarce resource, Regions and Economies, retrieved from < http://learner.org/resources/series180.html> on 26th June, 2010. Water Is for Fighting Over, retrieved from http://www.learner.org/resources/series85.html on 26th June, 2010. Map 1: Oregon Relief Map (retrieved from www.oregon-map.org/relief-map.htm) Map 2: Nevada State wide Hydrological Unit Map (retrieved from http://ndep.nv.gov/admin/map.htm) Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Geography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1”, n.d.)
Retrieved de https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1568004-geography
(Geography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 Words - 1)
https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1568004-geography.
“Geography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 Words - 1”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1568004-geography.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF The Western State of Oregon

Environmental Studies Of The States Climate

California Most of the areas in the state of California have a Mediterranean climate, while some have a subarctic climate that is colder winters and hotter summers.... The paper "Environmental Studies Of The state's Climate" gives information about the climatic data that was derived after a detailed research was done from the National Climatic Data center over the duration 1970 to 2010.... Alaska The state Alaska is known for its high snow falls but is also hot in the summer....
24 Pages (6000 words) Essay

Geology of the Great Basin area

It comprises of the state of Nevada, almost half of Utah, and parts of California, Oregon, Idaho, and Wyoming (Fiero, 7).... It comprises of the state of Nevada, almost half of Utah, and parts of California, Oregon, Idaho, and Wyoming (Fiero, 7).... On the western side, there are the great mountains of Sierra Nevada and on western side, Wasatch mountains and the high plateaus of southern Utah (Fiero, 7).... On the western side, there are the great mountains of Sierra Nevada and on western side, Wasatch mountains and the high plateaus of southern Utah (Fiero, 7)....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay

US History Western Trail

I can also see large numbers of Europeans, who were drawn by the promise of freedom, cheap lands, and jobs in factories during the emerging industrial age The Migration of People in the western Trail of America in 1800s I am enthralled by people from various directions who step on this western part of America through the Oregon Trail, the only practical corridor to the entire western United States.... As a bison busy with finding my own Pasteur, I can only observe these rapid migrations of people in the western trail, seeking for newfound promise of prosperity....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay

My point of view on assisted suicide

From a purely legal standpoint, all forms of euthanasia remain illegal in all 48 of the 50 states of the United States (both Oregon and Washington presently allow a limited form of doctor-assisted suicide) and most of the western world.... The decision end one's life is thus a personal decision and the state has no place telling a terminally ill person that he or she cannot make a conscious decision and choose to put an end to his or her life.... The freedom of choice and freedom to choose one's own path in life and in death is what is important and should not be obstructed by the state or criminal authorities....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay

Native Americans in Oregon 1800 - 1900

This was a positive contribution to the Native Americans tribes of oregon.... Collections: the Oregon Historical society, treasures of oregon, Oregon Historical quarterly, 1998, Vol.... Origins of the population of oregon in 1850, The pacific Northwest Quarterly, 1950, Vol.... This state of affairs also culminated into strikes like the ‘Trail of tears'.... However, changes began in the late 19th c which witnessed bloody rebellions and battles: The Native Americans were compelled to protect their lands following legislations enacted by the government of the day in the Native Americans in oregon (1800-1900) The Native Americans in oregon are an integral part in the understanding of the history and social culture of the United States....
2 Pages (500 words) Research Paper

The Politics of Pacific Northwest

British Columbia has legal law that allows for gay marriage which was passed in 2003 while for Washington was legalized in 2001, the oregon allows for same sex marriage this is because the urban size and voting impact has a lead and this make it easier for the passing of laws without any problem (Dublin 36)....
7 Pages (1750 words) Research Paper

Oregon History between 1750 and 1900

Industrial Revolution was another event that affected the course of oregon's history.... In the paper 'oregon History between 1750 and 1900' the author analyzes how and why national and world events transform oregon history between 1750 and 1900.... The civil war and the ascendancy of the Republican party to power had influenced and shaped oregon's political future.... The Revolution had had its contribution to oregon's history towards the last decades of the 19th century as Railroads were its product....
6 Pages (1500 words) Assignment

Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide - Morally and Professionally Repugnant Activities

In the United States, only oregon currently permits PAS.... This paper under the headline 'Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide - Morally and Professionally Repugnant Activities" focuses on the fact that suicide is a nettlesome ethical problem.... Moral objections almost invariably have their origins in religious belief....
12 Pages (3000 words) Assignment
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us