ELLENSBURG -- The men behind Yakima's tea parties want to draw attention to a water dispute in California.

They will rally today in support of San Joaquin Valley farmers who oppose water restrictions enacted to protect a threatened fish called delta smelt.

Today's tea party begins at 12:30 p.m. at Horse Art Park, on Canyon and East Mountain View roads in Ellensburg.

Kirk Groenig, a Yakima Valley Tea Parties organizer, said two San Joaquin Valley farmers will speak at the event about how the federal restrictions affect their irrigation capabilities.

Last year, a federal agency changed the rules governing the management of the small fish. The new plans caused cutbacks of freshwater to farms and cities south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta -- a decision that has been challenged in court.

"It was done to protect the wildlife," Groenig said. "But people are part of the environment, too."

Today's event is part of a national tour supported by various tea party groups across the country.