KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - The Bureau of Reclamation released final environmental documents for a proposed water acquisition for National Wildlife Refuges within the Klamath Basin Refuge Complex.
The Klamath Basin had a prolonged dry winter with very low snowpack. The resulting drought conditions reduced the amount of water available for the National Wildlife Refuges in the basin this year. The constraints on water will reduce habitat and food sources for migratory birds and other wildlife in the refuges.
Under the proposed water acquisition, Reclamation could get up to 29,155 acre-feet of surface water supply from Klamath Project contractors for use in the National Wildlife Refuges. The purpose of the proposal is to protect and maintain refuge habitats for migratory birds and wetland-dependent wildlife during the current drought year.
The Environmental Assessment and associated Finding of No Significant Impact were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and are available at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=33721.
Physical copies of the documents will be available for review at Reclamation’s Klamath Basin Area Office at 6600 Washburn Way, Klamath Falls, OR 97603. For additional information or to request a copy of the documents, please contact Kirk Young at byoung@usbr.gov.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
