The Klamath Water Users Association has named the deputy county administrator for Siskiyou County, Calif., as its new executive director.

Elizabeth Nielsen, an expert on Klamath watershed issues, starts her new job April 7.

She joins the organization at a critical time.

The KWUA Board of Directors’ new president feels optimistic about working with President Donald Trump’s administration on water issues.

“There’s definitely a lot of work ahead, but we have a pretty unique opportunity,” said Scott Seus, who was named KWUA president March 12.

He said the organization could build something sustainable for local farmers and ranchers with receptive federal leadership.

“We finally have people we can talk to and we’re going to stay humble in that, so in four years, we’re not dealing with a different administration that walks back what we do,” he added, in a March 17 interview.

Can’t wait to work

Nielsen’s new role was announced March 20.

“Farming and ranching are a cornerstone of culture and tradition in the watershed,” Nielsen said, in a news release.

“I look forward to joining this highly respected organization and representing those who keep this tradition alive, who dedicate themselves to ensuring that the same opportunities exist for future generations, and who work day in and day out to put food on our tables. I can’t wait to get to work,” she added.

Nielsen, a graduate of California State University – Chico, lives on a fifth generation family cattle ranch with her husband and two boys.

Lengthy search

Nielsen’s hiring followed a lengthy recruitment process by a committee of members from the KWUA board.

“We had a strong pool of applicants for the position, but Elizabeth was the clear choice,” said Seus, in the news release.

He added that irrigators should be excited.

“We have all benefited from Elizabeth’s leadership and involvement in various prior capacities. She will bring leadership and perspective to the table,” Seus said.

Years of experience

Nielsen has worked on Klamath watershed issues for the past 14 years, including with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in Klamath Falls.

In her current job, her responsibilities include overseeing Siskiyou County’s natural resources department.

According to the news release, Nielsen has been instrumental in the work of the “Tri-Counties,” a coalition among Klamath County, Ore., and Siskiyou and Modoc counties in California. The group has worked together on water issues regionally and nationally.

Paul Simmons, the KWUA’s executive director, is retiring but will serve as an adviser during a transition period.

Seus, a local farmer, takes the reins of the KWUA board from Tracey Liskey. Liskey will remain on the board on behalf of the Klamath Drainage District.

Annual meeting

The KWUA’s annual meeting is scheduled for April 1 at the Klamath County Event Center in Klamath Falls, Ore.

The meeting provides information on key water issues facing the Klamath Basin.

The featured speaker is David Palumbo, acting commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

For more information, go to the events page at https://www.kwua.org/.