KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - The Bureau of Reclamation has evaluated current September hydrologic conditions, and due to summer precipitation and participation in the Water User Mitigation Program, has identified a limited supply of additional water available for delivery to lands in the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.
Reclamation currently estimates 9,000 acre-feet of additional water is available for delivery, consistent with the 2013 biological opinions for Klamath Project operations.
“Reclamation has worked closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Water Resources, tribes, and water users to support the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge migrating birds habitat along the Pacific Flyway. We understand the importance of the refuge and feel we have provided available resources to contribute to the creation of essential habitat and assist in fall/winter waterfowl migration while maintaining operational stability," said Reclamation’s Klamath Basin Area Office Area Manager, Therese O’Rourke Bradford.
Reclamation is currently coordinating with U.S. Fish and Wildlife refuge staff on the specific amount of water and delivery schedule but anticipates water deliveries to Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge to begin in mid-September to early October.
For additional information, please contact Tara Jane Campbell Miranda, Acting Public Affairs Specialist, at 541-880-2540 (TTY 800-877-8339) or tcampbellmiranda@usbr.gov.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
