Deb Haaland U.S. Secretary of the Interior | Official Website
The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced an investment of nearly $46 million for ecosystem restoration activities in the Klamath Basin, located in southern Oregon and northern California. This funding is part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aimed at addressing water-related challenges in the region.
In February, a significant agreement was reached between the Klamath Tribes, Yurok Tribe, Karuk Tribe, and Klamath Water Users Association to collaboratively work on restoring the Klamath Basin ecosystem and enhancing water supply reliability for agricultural purposes. The newly announced funds will support 24 restoration projects developed by these groups and other conservation partners.
"President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is funding restoration projects that will provide lasting ecological solutions, critical habitat restoration needed for threatened and endangered species, and agriculture resilience for the Klamath Basin," stated Secretary Deb Haaland. She emphasized the shared commitment to protecting this ecosystem which benefits watersheds, agriculture, forests, and various species.
Service Director Martha Williams remarked on the efforts to achieve a drought-resilient and restored ecosystem in the region. "I am grateful for the work with Tribes and many partners to collectively choose projects focused on holistic solutions in the basin that will continue for many generations to come."
The Department of the Interior is implementing over $2 billion through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to restore lands and waters across the nation. These investments are guided by the Restoration and Resilience Framework supporting coordination across agency programs. The framework includes commitments like advancing collaborative efforts through initiatives such as the Klamath Keystone Initiative.
Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a total of $162 million will be invested over five years to restore ecosystems in the Klamath region and repair local economies. These efforts aim to secure reliable water supplies for national wildlife refuges, advance salmon restoration post-dam removal, address water quality issues, and support co-developed projects with Tribes, farmers, ranchers, and conservation partners.
As part of today's announcement, $13 million will be allocated for completing wetland restoration at Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge's Agency-Barnes units. This project aims to create vital habitats covering 14,356 acres for various species including federally endangered fish.
Additional projects will focus on developing wetlands around Lake Ewauna, Link River, Tule Lake, Scott River, and upper Williamson River.
A comprehensive list of these projects can be found on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's website. More information about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law impacts in Klamath Basin can be accessed through their podcast or interactive StoryMap online.
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