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Ill., maps (some color), photographs; Includes financial documents, organization chart, photographs, maps, water quality reports, and agricultural economics; Includes index; Title covers: calendar years ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Project history: Klamath Project, Oregon-California, 1964
- Author:
- United States. Bureau of Reclamation
- Year:
- 1964, 2008, 2006
Ill., maps (some color), photographs; Includes financial documents, organization chart, photographs, maps, water quality reports, and agricultural economics; Includes index; Title covers: calendar years for 1963-; Some issues are missing.; Description is based on: Project history: Klamath Project, Oregon-California 1963; Dates of the beginning year(s) of publication are derived from the May 1, 1903 to December 31, 1912, History of the Klamath Project and from the volume information on later volumes (v. 35) Klamath District and Klamath Project annual history for 1945, dated December 1, 1946
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Title from Web page (viewed on October 12, 2004).; "July 2004." ; Includes bibliographical references.
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"March 2005." ; "GAO-05-283."
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"Reprinted May 2003."; Includes bibliographical references; Also available at http://eesc.oregonstate.edu/agcomwebfile/edmat/html/sr/sr1037/sr1037.html
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Water allocation in the Klamath Reclamation Project, 2001 : an assessment of natural resource, economic, social, and institutional issues with a focus on the Upper Klamath Basin
- Author:
- Braunworth, William S.
- Year:
- 2003, 2004
"Reprinted May 2003."; Includes bibliographical references; Also available at http://eesc.oregonstate.edu/agcomwebfile/edmat/html/sr/sr1037/sr1037.html
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SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS Klamath Project is a $13 million Federal investment in water resource development, About 200,000 acres are irrigated and gross crop production (has exceeded $17 million each year ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Reclamation accomplishments, 1905-1953, Klamath Project, Oregon-California
- Author:
- Strantz, Maurice K.
- Year:
- 1953, 2005
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS Klamath Project is a $13 million Federal investment in water resource development, About 200,000 acres are irrigated and gross crop production (has exceeded $17 million each year over the past 7 years. The Project encompasses the largest single block of irrigated land in the area and includes nearly half the three-county total irrigated area and one quarter of the cropland. Agriculture and manufacturing directly contribute half the three-county personal income and provide half the jobs. Klamath Project accounts for five-sixths of the gross income from crops, and half the total agricultural production in the three-county area. Personal income from project crops is estimated at $10.6 mil1ion in 1948. Recent crop production on the project supports directly or indirectly about $25 million in local personal income. Federal contribution for irrigation to repay costs without interest to date amounts to about $10.8 million. Annual personal income generated by project in the postwar years equals this assistance Project gross crop production of nearly $300 million over 46 years. Project farm income supports substantial portion of area retail trade and contributes to transportation and other services. Project agriculture in past 10 years increased its support to the economy and has helped offset the declines in the lumber industry. Without the project only about 50,000 irrigated acres would have been developed and the agricultural economy would have produced crops worth only about l/7th as large as at present. Reclamation development tends to maintain a stable prosperous economy in the three-county area.
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Pamphlet, compiled by the Klamath County Agricultural Agent, describing the history and status of the Klamath Project
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Foreword The Soil Survey of Klamath County, Oregon, Southern Part, is the product of many soil scientists, plant specialists, soil engineers, extension specialists, land owners, and others who worked ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Soil survey of Klamath County, Oregon, southern part
- Author:
- Cahoon, Joe
- Year:
- 1985, 2006, 2005
Foreword The Soil Survey of Klamath County, Oregon, Southern Part, is the product of many soil scientists, plant specialists, soil engineers, extension specialists, land owners, and others who worked and cooperated as a team to complete this project. In this report are many kinds of basic information about the soils in the area. This information can be helpful in making decisions about the management of irrigated soils for optimum crop production, in planning land uses for urban and suburban areas, and in determining the needs for many other uses, for example, forestry, range, wildlife, and recreation. This soil survey has been prepared for many different users. Farmers can use it to help select the most suitable crop for the kind of soil; ranchers can use it to determine amount of forage production and the kinds of plants most suited to range or woodland; foresters can use the survey to find information about kinds of trees, potential for tree growth, and special soil features.
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Thesis (B.A.) -- Whitman College, 2002; Includes bibliographical references (leaves 79-83)
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Summary The Upper Klamath Basin (UKB) is a high desert region straddling the California-Oregon border east of the Cascade Range. Irrigation and other agricultural practices in the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation's ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Farming practices and water quality in the Upper Klamath Basin : final report to the California State Water Resources Control Board : 205j program
- Author:
- Danosky, Earl; Kaffka, Stephen
- Year:
- 2002, 2007, 2006
Summary The Upper Klamath Basin (UKB) is a high desert region straddling the California-Oregon border east of the Cascade Range. Irrigation and other agricultural practices in the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation's Klamath Project may result in impaired surface water quality, reducing its use for wildlife and fish in important national wildlife refuges that receive drainage water from farms, and in the Klamath River. By 2004, a system of total maximum daily loads (TMDL) for nutrients must be established for the Klamath River. To investigate the relationships among agricultural practices and surface water quality in the Upper Klamath Basin, a two year reconnaissance survey of surface water and agricultural tile drain locations, focusing on nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and mass transfers was conducted. Data was collected at 18 surface locations and 10 tile drain locations. Triplicate samples were taken every ten days during the growing season (April through October) and one or two times a month during the remainder of the months, depending on opportunity. No samples were taken from tile drains during the winter months because there was no irrigation and drainage during that period. Water samples were analyzed for phosphorus (total P, soluble reactive P, total filterable P, and particulate P) and nitrogen (total N, soluble N, Soluble organic N, total filterable N, particulate N, and ammonia N), temperature, pH and electrical conductivity, a measure of salinity or total dissolved solids. Analyses of data, including data quality, estimates of the transfer of nutrients in surface waters in the region, and hypotheses about the relationship between agriculture and water quality are reported. 1. The salt and nutrient content of surface waters increases nearly threefold as water moves through the watershed from the Lost River and J canal diversion to the Klamath Straits Drain. Mean ECW levels in input waters at the J canal diversion were approximately 250 \iS cm1, while water sampled at the D pump increased to 600 ^S cm"1 on average over the sample period. By the time water reenters the Klamath River, salt concentrations have increased to approximately 700 jaS cm1. 2. The ECW values observed in subsurface tile drains were higher on average than in input waters and surface waters elsewhere in the region, especially in the Lease Lands area of the Tulelake Irrigation District (TID). ECW values averaged approximately 2,500 ^S cm"1 . Recycling irrigation water through soils in the TID increases the salinity of the water, especially by the time it reaches and is reused in the Lease Lands area of the Tulelake National Wildlife Refuge (TLNWR). Soils in this part of the Klamath Project area are naturally high in salt. 3. Water temperatures in agricultural subsurface tile drains were significantly lower than surface water temperatures during the growing season when tile drains were active. pH values in tile drains were lower than surface water values. The temperature and pH of tile drains does not influence surface water values. 1. 4. For total phosphorus (TP) input waters at the J canal irrigation diversion for the TED averaged approximately 0.27 mg L1 for the two years reported. Water leaving the Tulelake Sumps at the D pump increases to 0.33 mg L1. Water leaving the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge (LKNWR) sampled at the start of the Klamath Straits Drain, averaged 0.33 mg L1, similar to those at the D pump. TP increased further to 0.40 mg L"1 a the end of the Klamath Straits Drain. The overall increase in P concentration in surface waters was much less than for salt, suggesting that processes other than simple enrichment are occurring, particularly those associated with the exchange of sedimentary P and aquatic plant species. TN increases from 2.3 mg L"1 to 4.0 mg L1 over the same pathway. Atomic ratios (TN:TP) of surface water samples remain constant at approximately 10:1 throughout the system, suggesting that the amount of sediment and other small particulate matter in surface waters affects the values observed. The amount of sediment is influenced in part by the agitation of surface water as it passes through pumps and over weirs. 5. The average seasonal TP value in tile drains beneath farm fields is approximately 0.34 mg L"1 . While average total P values in subsurface tile drains were not different from those found at the D pump and the LKNWR outlet, the range in values was great (0.1 to 0.8 mg L1). Similarly, high NO3 -N values were observed at times in tile drains. Very high values in tile drains lead to the inference that some fertilizer N and P is lost in drainage water, combined with nutrients derived from decaying soil organic matter. The amount estimated as lost is much less than the amount of surplus fertilizer P applied and the amount of P surmised to be mineralized from decaying soil organic matter. P from fertilizer and decaying organic matter appears to be accumulating in soils and lake sediments in the region. 6. Ammonia N concentrations are at or below the limit of detection in subsurface agricultural tile lines and one to two orders of magnitude below the values observed in surface soils. Un ionized ammonia increases with temperature. Values above 0.25 mg L1 were observed in late summer at several locations. 7. Some leaching of soluble salts and nutrients is unavoidable when crops are irrigated. P fertilizer is applied at rates higher than crop removal, while fertilizer n is applied at rates less than crop removal. Reduced fertilizer use can help bring P inputs and outputs into balance and may reduce further any avoidable losses of P. This objective should be the subject of an agronomic research program in the region. 8. Surface waters entering the TDD, the TLNWR, and the LKNWR are already enriched with N and P. It seems unlikely that reducing N and P losses from farming in the TID, if possible, would influence surface water quality sufficiently to make them significantly less eutrophic. For P, the hypothesized threshold concentration limiting algae growth in fresh waters is 5 to 25 times smaller than the values observed in waters entering the TID for irrigation use. The addition of 1. nutrients from agriculture probably does not influence significantly surface water quality in the region. Wetland sediments, large amounts of organic matter in soils, and water introduced for irrigation contain essentially unlimited amounts of nutrients for aquatic plant growth. It is not clear how this circumstance could be changed under any reasonable time frame, if ever. 9. Using a TMDL approach may not result in reduced amounts of nutrients returned to the Klamath River because wetlands and farming practices in the southern portion of the Klamath Project result in the net removal of nutrients from the waters diverted for irrigation on a yearly basis, compared to allowing the same amount of water simply to flow down the river unused. Because of large errors of estimation for the amounts of water transferred, combined with smaller errors associated with estimating nutrient concentrations in water samples, and with year to year climate variation, TMDLs may not be an effective or efficient means of reducing nutrients in return flows to the Klamath River. Rational confidence limits for TMDLs may have to be too broad to be effective. Recycling of some drainage water for irrigation would reduce the amount of nutrients returned to the river more effectively than implementing a TMDL program.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This document describes the rationale for and implementation of an Integrated Land Management (ILM) Plan for the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). The proposal is the recommendation ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Integrated land management on Tule Lake Wildlife Refuge: an alternative management strategy developed by the Integrated Land Management Working Group: promoting productive wetland habitats and sustainable agriculture on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge
- Author:
- Integrated Land Management Working Group (Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Calif.)
- Year:
- 2000, 2006, 2005
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This document describes the rationale for and implementation of an Integrated Land Management (ILM) Plan for the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). The proposal is the recommendation of 5 representative stakeholders in the Tule Lake area. During the 1950fs, 1960fs, and early 1970's, Tule Lake NWR was considered the single most important waterfowl refuge in North America when peak populations exceeded 2.5 million ducks and 1.0 million geese. The Kuchel Act of 1964 was enacted to preserve these waterfowl values as well as the local agricultural economy dependent on Refuge lands. However, restrictive management of wetlands and water levels under the Kuchel Act has eliminated the ecological processes critical to the Refuge's sustained wetland diversity and productivity. Currently, Tule Lake NWR supports a fraction of its past waterfowl use, species diversity has declined, and its value to endangered species has diminished. Agricultural sustainability is also thre
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12. [Image] Empire building
Article on the history and future of the agricultural settlement of the desert regions of the western United States. Includes a black and white photograph of Thousand Springs, Idaho.Citation -
SUMMARY To provide a basis for negotiations of a repayment contract with an irrigation district representing the water users of the Tule Lake Division of the Klamath Project, this report has been prepared. ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Report on payment capacity for Tule Lake irrigation district, Klamath Project
- Author:
- Best, R.R.
- Year:
- 1948, 2004
SUMMARY To provide a basis for negotiations of a repayment contract with an irrigation district representing the water users of the Tule Lake Division of the Klamath Project, this report has been prepared. It covers past, present, and anticipated future agricultural and economic conditions and substantiates the proposed district's capacity to repay construction costs for irrigation water as well as to meet operation and maintenance charges It has been prepared according to procedures and policies established pursuant to the Federal Reclamation laws (Act of June 17, 1902, 32 Stat. 388, and acts amendatory thereof and supplementary thereto.) In general, a representative farm budget method of analysis was employed to determine the payment capacity* Gross income of the land was based upon average per acre yields in the area and 1939-44 prices received. Prices of certain crops were adjusted further in accordance with long term outlook for these crops. From the gross income, all farm operating and retention expenses, including cultural and harvesting costs, taxes, insurance, depreciation and replacement, interest on investment, and a reasonable allowance for family living predicated upon the same base period (1939-44) have been subtracted to arrive at payment capacity. Individual consideration has been given to the block of land entered prior to 1948 (the major portion of the area), the lands of the Coppock Bay Area which are principally Class 2, and the undeveloped lands of the area just south of Malin, Oregon, Area C, Plate 1. The annual payment capacity of the irrigable lands entered prior to 1914-8, is determined to be approximately $50 per acre. The Class 2 lands of the Coppock Bay Area are shown to have a payment capacity of $21 per acre, as a result of slightly higher operating costs and probable lower yield or quality of certain crops. For the undeveloped area just south of Malin, Area C of Plate 1, the payment capacity is determined at $18 per acre after development to the extent expected under settlement and development plans currently being formulated The weighted average payment capacity for these areas is calculated to be $26.25 per acre. There is no need for a development period for the lands of the Tule Lake Division, except for the latter area as indicated above. Furthermore, after liberal allowance for farming costs and a reasonable family living, the resulting payment capacities appear to be well in excess of any annual installments likely to be considered necessary for repayment of the District's construction obligation and operation and maintenance charges.
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14. [Image] Evaluation of instream fish habitat restoration structures in Klamath River tributaries, 1988/1989
Annual Report For Interagency Agreement 14-16-0001-89508 EVALUATION OF INSTREAM FISH HABITAT RESTORATION STRUCTURES IN KLAMATH RIVER TRIBUTARIES 1988/1989 by A.D.Olson and J.R. West USDA-Forest Service, ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Evaluation of instream fish habitat restoration structures in Klamath River tributaries, 1988/1989
- Author:
- Olson, A. D.
- Year:
- 1989, 2008, 2006
Annual Report For Interagency Agreement 14-16-0001-89508 EVALUATION OF INSTREAM FISH HABITAT RESTORATION STRUCTURES IN KLAMATH RIVER TRIBUTARIES 1988/1989 by A.D.Olson and J.R. West USDA-Forest Service, Klamath National Forest 1312 Fairlane Road, Yreka, CA 96097 ABSTRACT Ten instream fish habitat techniques were evaluated to determine which most effectively restored salmonid spawning and/or rearing conditions. Structure stability was estimated based on how intact each structure remained (by percent) and its age, we then projected useful life for each structure type. Cost in 1989 dollars was used to determine cost per unit habitat area provided. Observed use by spawners was used to estimate total number of redds per structure (over its life). Cost of providing spawning habitat (cost per redd) was calculated by dividing estimated total redds by structure cost. Habitats resulting from instream structures were classified using the modified Bisson method and we determined the influence zone of each structure using physical variables to define habitat area. Structures were biologically sampled using direct underwater observation techniques described by Hankin and Reeves1 (1989). Two person dive teams used a "two-pass" method to enumerate and classify salmonids by species and age-class (0+, 1+ or older juveniles, and adults), noting the presence of other species. Fish use of structure affected habitat (post-modification) was compared to use of habitats like those present prior to structure placement (pre-modification). Comparison of "pre-modification" and "post-modification" fish standing crops resulted in a "net fish difference" which was divided by structure cost, yielding "cost per fish reared11. Boulder weirs, the most expensive structures investigated, did not affect enough surface area to make cost per unit of affected habitat reasonable. Cabled cover logs and digger logs (lowest cost structures) were very cost effective at altering physical habitat condition. We believe cost of physically modifying habitat area is only one factor that is important enough to effect success or failure of a large scale habitat restoration program. Assuming all other factors are of equal weight, lowest cost structures can provide the "best value". Modification prescribed to restore stable spawning habitat needs close scrutiny. We believe it is essential to know how the existing habitat is used by spawners by conducting spawning area use surveys which identify redd location and quantify habitat available during each spawning period. Boulder deflectors were best utilized by Chinook salmon spawners, however chinook spawner use of "traditional" structures (weirs backfilled with gravel) was disappointing. Backfilling of instream structures with suitable gravel is a practice that should be discontinued. Steelhead spawner use of structures which result in "pocket water" type spawning areas were heavily used. This habitat configuration proved most desirable when woody object cover was readily available to the spawners. The highest steelhead spawner use was associated with boulder groups with wood and boulder/rootwad groups. We found rearing structures which provided high habitat and cover diversity received the best response from juvenile fish. We observed fish use over one summer and saw dramatic unpredictable use changes even through this short time period. Fish rearing needs during other seasons may differ substantially from summer needs, therefore, suitability of modified habitat probably also changes. Digger logs, one of the least costly and simplest structures, provided the best increase in fish standing crop (fish/m2) for the lowest cost. We believe digger logs were well used by rearing fish because they are one of the most natural restoration structures investigated. Other structures which were well used (small weirs, deflectors, and boulder groups with attached wood) also seem to closely duplicate naturally productive habitats. Higher velocity habitat types associated with boulder groups with wood, boulder rootwad groups, and boulder deflectors were selected by juvenile steelhead and chinook salmon. Providing overhead cover, especially if it extends into the water where it may also be used as object cover, seemed most valuable for juvenile steelhead and salmon if it was placed in a habitat type which would normally receive high fish use. Placement of object cover in slow velocity areas (pool and glide edges) had questionable value for summer rearing habitat restoration, however we do not know what value these structures may have during colder water high flow periods when fish seek slow velocity, densely-covered habitats. We defined the most cost effective method as one meeting restoration objectives, providing the greatest increase in fish use (per surface area or volume), over the longest time period, for the lowest cost. We rank structures evaluated in this study (from most cost-effective to least cost effective) as follows: Digger Logs, Boulder deflectors, Small Boulder Weirs, Boulder Groups with Woody Cover, Free Boulder Weirs, Large Boulder Weirs, Boulder Groups, Boulder/Rootwad Groups, Boulder/Rootwad Deflectors, Small Boulder Weirs, and Cabled Cover Logs.
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15. [Image] Upper Klamath Basin : opportunities for conserving and sustaining natural resources on private lands
1 i California Oregon Cover Photo: Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge at sunset Tupper Ansel Blake/ USFWS Map Detail Area: Upper Klamath River Basin ii T he Klamath River Basin presents numerous ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Upper Klamath Basin : opportunities for conserving and sustaining natural resources on private lands
- Author:
- United States. Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Year:
- 2004, 2005
1 i California Oregon Cover Photo: Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge at sunset Tupper Ansel Blake/ USFWS Map Detail Area: Upper Klamath River Basin ii T he Klamath River Basin presents numerous challenges as well as opportunities for its many water users. For years, farmers and ranchers in the basin have recognized the vital role they play in the health of their watershed. Working with conservation districts, the Natural Resources Conservation Service ( NRCS) and others, land managers continue to proactively find ways to enhance natural resources in the basin, benefiting wildlife and the environment. However, as it has across the western United States, drought hit home in the Klamath for those who depend on every drop of water to sustain their livelihood, culture and community. In the spring of 2001, the combination of drought and the impact of the Endangered Species Act triggered a shutdown of irrigation water during the growing season, drying up water resources to more than 2,000 farms and ranches. NRCS, in cooperation with local conservation districts, provided a quick infusion of technical assistance and $ 2 million in cost- share funding for cover crops through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program. As cover crops took hold, the seeds of a long- term solution took root in the NRCS/ conservation district partnership. The ability of the local office to receive funding, engage community members and other partners, plan resource improvements, implement actions, and monitor success proved to be an invaluable asset for the community. Helping private landowners develop and apply practical, common- sense solutions to complex resource issues will be the challenge of the conservation partnership well into the future. USDA, in concert with the locally led conservation districts, will continue to play a critical role by delivering technical and financial assistance to Klamath Basin farmers and ranchers. The Rapid Subbasin Assessments that follow are the first step in that process. The assessments are designed to help local decision- makers determine where investments in conservation will best benefit wildlife habitat, agriculture and other land uses in a compatible manner. It is our goal to provide a comprehensive overview of resource challenges and opportunities in the basin, and help decision- makers to prioritize their investments in areas that will best sustain multiple use of natural resources in the basin now and in the future. Sincerely, Robert J. Graham Charles W. Bell, State Conservationist State Conservationist Oregon NRCS California NRCS iii iv Table of Contents Map of the Upper Klamath Basin ................................ i Letter from OR and CA State Conservationists .......... ii Overview of the Upper Klamath Basin ........................ 1 Background ................................................................................... 1 Upper Klamath Basin Description ............................................ 2 The Role of Agriculture in the Basin ........................................ 3 Rapid Subbasin Assessments ...................................................... 4 Private Lands Conservation Accomplishments ...................... 6 Summary of Conservation Opportunities ............................... 7 Water Conservation ...................................................................... 8 Improving Water Quality ........................................................... 10 Increasing Water Storage/ Yield ............................................... 11 Enhancing Fish and Wildlife Habitat ...................................... 12 Overview of Conservation Effectiveness .............................. 13 Comparative Benefit: Water Demand ..................................... 15 Comparative Benefit: Water Quality ....................................... 15 Comparative Benefit: Water Storage/ Yield ............................ 16 Comparative Benefit: Habitat/ Fish Survival .......................... 16 Sprague River Subbasin .............................................. 18 Resource Concerns & Conservation Accomplishments ...... 19 Conservation Opportunities ..................................................... 20 Williamson River Subbasin ......................................... 22 Resource Concerns & Conservation Accomplishments ...... 23 Priority Conservation Opportunities ....................................... 24 Upper Klamath Lake Subbasin .................................. 26 Resource Concerns & Conservation Accomplishments ...... 27 Priority Conservation Opportunities ....................................... 28 Upper Lost River Subbasin ......................................... 30 Resource Concerns & Conservation Accomplishments ...... 31 Priority Conservation Opportunities ....................................... 32 Middle Lost River Subbasin ....................................... 34 Resource Concerns & Conservation Accomplishments ...... 35 Priority Conservation Opportunities ....................................... 36 Tulelake Subbasin ...................................................... 38 Resource Concerns & Conservation Accomplishments ...... 39 Priority Conservation Opportunities ....................................... 40 Butte Valley Subbasin ................................................. 42 Resource Concerns & Conservation Accomplishments ...... 43 Priority Conservation Opportunities ....................................... 44 Upper Klamath River East Subbasin .......................... 46 Resource Concerns & Conservation Accomplishments ...... 47 Priority Conservation Opportunities ....................................... 48 1 Overview of the Upper Klamath Basin Upper Klamath Basin Quick Facts • The Upper Klamath Basin includes the Klamath, Williamson, Sprague, Lost, and Wood rivers, among others • Several state and federal wildlife refuges are a part of the Upper Klamath Basin • Migratory birds like the American White Pelican and the Red- necked Grebe use croplands in the Klamath Basin as a stop on the Pacific Flyway • Deer and elk graze on wheat and barley fields and pheasants use both crop and rangelands for their nesting and feeding grounds Background In a landscape formed by seemingly endless cycles of drought and flood, it’s no wonder that for hundreds of years, competition for water has dominated the landscape of the West. Stretching across southern Oregon and northern California, the Klamath Basin has become synonymous with the water challenges that western water users face. As one example, agricultural commodities that need irrigation water to thrive – providing Americans with the cheapest domestic food supply in the world, face competition from the critical water needs of sucker fish, salmon and other threatened and endangered species. While that competition is understandable, more and more, conservation leaders in all industries have come to recognize that these water needs aren’t necessarily at odds with one another, and can in fact be compatible. While an example of the challenges today’s agricultural producers and conservationists face, the Klamath Basin has emerged as an example of how diverse interests can work together successfully. 2 Overview of the Upper Klamath Basin Upper Klamath Basin Description The Upper Klamath Basin is an area of high desert, wetlands, and the Klamath River. The river extends 250 miles from its headwaters at Upper Klamath Lake in south central Oregon to the west coast of northern California. The Upper Klamath Basin includes the US Bureau of Reclamation’s ( USBR) Klamath Project Area and the drainage area above Irongate Dam on the Klamath River. The basin’s lakes, marshes, and wetlands host an abundance of plant and animal species and include national wildlife refuges, parks, and forests. Agricultural production began around the turn of the 20th century, and with the creation of the Klamath Irrigation District in 1905, water diversions for irrigation began in earnest. A portion of these irrigated lands are in the USBR’s irrigation project. The ‘ project area,’ as it is commonly called, includes 188,000 of the 502,000 acres of private irrigated land in the basin. This includes lands leased from the various wildlife refuges that are supplied with water by the USBR. Privately irrigated acreages can vary from year to year, depending on USBR contracts and annual cropping cycles. In comparison, the majority of the private irrigated land - about 314,000 acres - in the basin is located outside the project area. Upper Klamath Basin Quick Facts: • Over 2.2 million acres are privately owned in the Upper Klamath Basin • 188,000 of the irrigated acres are in the US Bureau of Reclamation’s Irrigation Project • Approximately 502,000 acres of privately owned lands are irrigated • 314,000 acres of irrigated lands are outside the Project area 3 Overview of the Upper Klamath Basin The Role of Agriculture in the Basin Agricultural lands play a key role in a healthy ecosystem. Located on the Pacific Flyway, migratory birds like the American White Pelican and the Red- Necked Grebe use croplands in the Klamath Basin as an important feeding and resting stop. Deer graze on wheat and barley fields, and pheasants use both crop and rangelands for their nesting and feeding grounds. Progressive conservation leaders recognize that farming and fish and wildlife habitat are not mutually exclusive. Well- maintained farmland creates fish and wildlife habitat, contributing to a healthy watershed. They also recognize that opportunities will always exist to improve the condition of natural resources in the basin. To address those opportunities, conservation leaders in Oregon’s Klamath Falls Soil and Water Conservation District and California’s Lava Beds/ Butte Valley Resource Conservation District have proactively identified four key priorities tied to natural resource conservation. The districts asked experts at the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to help them develop a plan to determine what could be done on- farm to conserve water, increase water storage, improve water quality, and enhance fish and wildlife habitat. While so much of the attention to date in the Klamath Basin has been focused on water demand, these conservation leaders recognize demand is only one piece of the puzzle. Comprehensive solutions must also address water quality, storage and wildlife habitat. Conservation District Priorities 1) Conserve Water 2) Increase Water Storage 3) Improve Water Quality 4) Enhance Fish & Wildlife Habitat 4 Rapid Subbasin Assessments Conserving natural resources is the ultimate goal throughout the basin, and its success hinges on long- term solutions. At the request of local conservation districts, NRCS undertook an 18- month study of resource concerns, challenges and opportunities throughout the Upper Klamath Basin. The study was not intended to provide a detailed, quantitative analysis of the impacts of conservation work, but rather, to provide an initial estimate of where conservation investments would best address the districts’ four priority resource concerns. Beginning in the spring of 2002, NRCS planners collected information to enable the conservation districts, agencies, organizations, farmers, ranchers and others to make informed decisions in a timely manner about conservation and resource management in the basin. These Rapid Subbasin Assessments are intended to help leaders set priorities and determine the best actions to achieve their goals. As a part of the rapid subbasin assessment process, eight subbasins were delineated ( see map at left). A watershed planning team traveled through each subbasin, inventorying agricultural areas, identifying conservation opportunities and current levels of resource management, and estimating the impacts of these opportunities on the Conservation in the Upper Klamath Basin 5 Conservation in the Upper Klamath Basin conservation districts’ priority resource concerns. They focused their recommendations on areas that would provide the best benefit to the wide array of stakeholders in the Upper Klamath Basin. They also identified a number of socio- economic factors that must be taken into consideration when helping producers adapt to new management styles and conservation activities. Through NRCS, conservation districts and other federal, state and local entities, private land managers are working to identify ways they can more efficiently use – and share – the water they need. In the face of increasingly complex and politically polarized circumstances, a clear purpose and direction has arisen. The commitment of the local conservation partnership to identify the impacts of water shortages and to find solutions that will improve natural resource conservation will be key to the long- term viability of both endangered species and industries in the Upper Klamath Basin. The information that follows provides a summary of the conservation challenges and opportunities that NRCS staff found in their assessment. Recommendations for where financial and other resources can best be invested to improve natural resources, while sustaining the economy of the Upper Klamath Basin, are also identified. 6 Conservation in the Upper Klamath Basin Private Lands Conservation Accomplishments One component necessary to understanding future conservation opportunities in the basin is to recognize the current conservation work of private land managers. An indicator of these efforts is the work that has been undertaken in partnership with NRCS and the local conservation districts. In federal fiscal years 2002 and 2003, Upper Klamath Basin farmers and ranchers improved resource conditions on 18,877 acres of privately owned agricultural lands, with assistance from NRCS and the conservation districts. During this time, private land managers have worked with the conservation districts in the basin to: • improve the condition of 11,800 acres of grazing lands • conserve water and improve water quality on 13,656 acres • restore and establish 4,138 acres of wetlands and riparian areas • improve 281 acres of forest stands • establish resource management systems on 1,351 acres of cropland These conservation efforts were accomplished with a combination of private, state and federal funding. 7 Conservation in the Upper Klamath Basin Summary of Conservation Opportunities In addition to recognizing current conservation activities, the assessments define what can be accomplished with a strong conservation partnership in the Upper Klamath Basin. All too often, the debate about multi- use of water in the basin has focused on ways to reduce water demand. However, the basin’s many water users - including fish and wildlife - benefit just as much from improvements to water quality, water storage and wildlife habitat. Taken together, the recommendations that follow seek to utilize a comprehensive approach to all four resource priorities - with the goal of contributing to a sustainable, multi- use water system. While quantification of the results of conservation work in these four areas is difficult, there is no question that a comprehensive approach to natural resource improvement in the Upper Klamath Basin will result in accumulative long- term benefits for endangered fish species, wildlife habitat, agriculture, urban and other water uses. Agriculture cannot undertake these efforts alone. Private landowners and the general public both benefit from natural resources conservation in the Upper Klamath Basin. Because of this, public and private sources of funding from in and outside the region are necessary. Solutions of this magnitude also come with other social, political, and cultural costs. Upper Klamath Basin Quick Facts: • 1,400 farm families live in the Upper Klamath Basin • The Upper Klamath Basin is home to sucker fish, bull trout and redband trout 8 Conservation in the Upper Klamath Basin For example, all stakeholders in the Upper Klamath Basin need to identify and address social, economic, and cultural resource- based values they have historically enjoyed. Politically, there must be resolution and agreement on water rights, endangered species, and water quality. Water Conservation Because few water use measurements have been taken in the past, it is difficult to quantify where specific water efficiencies can be gained. Throughout the Upper Klamath Basin, water that leaves one irrigated field generally re- enters streams or enters the groundwater, providing the opportunity for it to be utilized again later. Because of this, water delivery systems both in and outside the USBR project area are generally efficient. As a result, the most significant benefit of reducing water demand on individual farms is an improvement in water quality and reduction in water temperatures, rather than an increase in available water. 9 Conservation in the Upper Klamath Basin Conservation measures that reduce water demand on private agricultural lands can be accomplished in a variety of ways. New technologies for managing when and where water is applied on crop and pasture lands will help to ensure that water is only applied when it is of the best benefit to the plant. Water conservation opportunities include improving irrigation water-use efficiency, retaining and conserving drainage water, and making use of new technologies that more accurately forecast the impacts of drought and floods. The subbasin assessments indicate an opportunity to conserve water and improve water quality on 130,000 acres of irrigated lands within the USBR project. Outside the project area there is an opportunity for water conservation on approximately 220,000 irrigated acres. If all potential conservation practices are implemented on all irrigated lands, on- farm water use efficiency could increase by up to 25 percent in the Upper Klamath Basin. A potential two to five percent increase in water yield could be achieved by increasing management in upland range and forestland areas. In all cases, these are preliminary estimates and require validation. This estimate does not account for evaporation, transpiration, seepage or other loses that may occur at the sites receiving conserved water nor does it evaluate irrigation delivery or conveyance efficiencies. Tupper Ansel Blake/ USFWS 10 Conservation in the Upper Klamath Basin This level of water conservation cannot be reached without a concerted federal/ state/ private partnership that works together to apply water conservation practices in targeted areas throughout the Upper Klamath Basin. Improving Water Quality Water quality has a direct impact on many fish and wildlife species. Within the Upper Klamath Basin, most rivers and lakes do not meet federally mandated Clean Water Act standards for temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, or other pollutants. Water quality is affected by water temperature, low in- stream flows and the condition of adjacent land riparian areas, among other items. Private landowners are just one of many groups who have an opportunity to improve water quality throughout the basin. Water quality improvement opportunities on private agricultural lands in the basin range from improving the management of livestock near streams and rivers to utilizing new technologies that track pest and weed cycles to ensure that pesticides are only applied when they will be most effective. Water conservation practices that reduce tailwater runoff from irrigated fields can provide extensive improvements in water quality. 11 Conservation in the Upper Klamath Basin Increasing Water Storage/ Yield In recent years, drought has been a large contributing factor to reduced water levels in the Upper Klamath Basin. One solution to address low water flows would be to store water for times of water shortage. There are at least two challenges to this solution: finding a place to store water and finding water to store. To evaluate this option, potential storage values were calculated for 41 years of record from 1961 to 2002. This analysis reinforced the observation that, as has been seen in recent years, drought years normally occur in a multi- year cycle. Because of this, in the years where extra water is most needed, it is often not available from previous years to store. One promising, small- scale, water storage solution may lie in subsurface irrigation water storage in suitable locations, such as the Tulelake Subbasin. In this scenario, there exists a potential to store water in the soil profile and reduce irrigation water demand during the irrigation season. Another option for subsurface storage of water includes the restoration of streams and their surrounding wetlands and riparian areas. This can increase the “ sponge” effect allowing for the slow release of water through the long, dry summer months. Tupper Ansel Blake/ USFWS 12 Conservation in the Upper Klamath Basin Enhancing Fish and Wildlife Habitat The Upper Klamath Basin is home to a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial species of wildlife and fish. Much of the water used in the Klamath wildlife refuges and associated marshes, ponds, streams and wetlands originates in the Upper Klamath Lake Subbasin. The Klamath Basin wildlife refuges provide a stopover for 85 percent of the ducks, geese, and other birds that migrate through the Pacific Flyway from Alaska to South America. Streams in the Upper Klamath Basin provide spawning and rearing habitat to threatened and endangered suckers and bull trout, as well as redband trout, which is listed as a species of concern by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Several streams are highly valued “ catch and release” sport fisheries. There is high landowner and public interest in restoring and maintaining riparian habitat along these streams. Many of the conservation opportunities outlined under water conservation and water quality provide direct benefits to fish and wildlife as well. In addition, creating and restoring wetland areas, planting trees and developing wildlife habitat along the edges of crop fields all contribute to enhancing wildlife habitat in the basin. Tupper Ansel Blake/ USFWS 13 Conservation in the Upper Klamath Basin Overview of Conservation Effectiveness In order for the Upper Klamath Basin to successfully move forward with solutions, agriculturists, environmentalists, Tribes, government agencies, organizations, and others need to develop unified leadership to arrive at a common vision for the future. In addition, stakeholders and others must commit to a long- term investment of public and private funding as well as other resources. Based on the Upper Klamath Basin Rapid Subbasin Assessments, the Oregon and California NRCS planning staff rated the potential benefit of recommended conservation practices and resource management systems based on the conservation districts’ four resource priorities. Many state and federal agencies have invested in conservation work throughout the basin. While the recommendations in this document focus on private land and agriculture, the assessments can also be applied to help prioritize conservation practices on other land uses basin- wide. Overall, based on the planning team’s analysis, conservation activities in the Sprague River Subbasin would produce the greatest benefit, and conservation practices in the Upper Klamath River East Subbasin would yield the least Tupper Ansel Blake/ USFWS overall benefit based on the conservation district’s priorities. 14 Conservation in the Upper Klamath Basin While recognizing that any science- based conservation focus in the Upper Klamath Basin would be beneficial, the charts on pages 18- 19 specifically focus on work that can be accomplished on private lands. They provide a breakdown of recommended conservation practices on each of the conservation districts’ priorities by subbasin. For example, the water demand chart shows that investing in conservation practices in the Sprague River Subbasin has the greatest potential for reducing agriculture’s water demand by implementing improved irrigation practices. The Sprague also provides the best opportunity to address water quality and wildlife habitat. Investment in conservation activities in the Tulelake and the Upper Klamath Lake subbasins offers the greatest potential to address water storage/ yield. Investing in Conservation: Enabling farmers, ranchers and other private land managers to successfully address the four resource priorities will require: • The adoption of conservation on 350,000 acres of private farmland, range, and forests, • Financial resources estimated at $ 200 million for installation and another $ 27 million annually to operate, and • Twenty or more years to complete with the current financial and technical resources available. Tupper Ansel Blake/ USFWS 15 Water Demand Comparative Benefit of Applied Conservation Practices by Subbasin Upper Klamath River East Riparian/ Wetland Agronomic Forest & Range Grazing Irrigation Conservation Practices Williamson Upper Klamath Lake Upper Lost River Butte Valley Middle Lost River Tulelake Sprague Sprague Upper Klamath Lake Williamson Butte Valley Tulelake Middle Lost River Upper Lost River Upper Klamath River East Water Quality Comparative Benefit of Applied Conservation Practices by Subbasin Riparian/ Wetland Agronomic Forest & Range Grazing Irrigation Conservation Practices Comparative Benefit: Water Demand The chart at left provides an overview of the comparative benefit by subbasin of various conservation practices that reduce water demand. Based on research completed by NRCS planning staff, the greatest potential to reduce water demand exists by implementing irrigation and riparian/ wetland conservation practices in the Sprague Subbasin. This is followed by implementing agronomic and irrigation conservation practices in Tulelake. There is no measurable water demand benefit achieved by implementing conservation practices in the Upper Klamath River East Subbasin. Comparative Benefit: Water Quality The chart at left provides an overview of the comparative benefit by subbasin of various conservation practices that improve water quality. Based on research completed by NRCS planning staff, the greatest potential to improve water quality occurs when riparian/ wetland, grazing and irrigation conservation practices are implemented in the Sprague Subbasin. In comparison, no measurable water quality benefits are achieved by implementing conservation practices in Butte Valley or the Upper Klamath River East subbasins. Conservation in the Upper Klamath Basin 16 Wildlife Habitat Comparative Benefit of Applied Conservation Practices by Subbasin Riparian/ Wetland Agronomic Forest & Range Grazing Irrigation Conservation Practices Williamson Sprague Butte Valley Tulelake Middle Lost River Upper Lost River Upper Klamath Lake Upper Klamath River East Upper Klamath River East Williamson Sprague Upper Klamath Lake Tulelake Middle Lost River Upper Lost River Butte Valley Water Storage Comparative Benefit of Applied Conservation Practices by Subbasin Riparian/ Wetland Agronomic Forest & Range Grazing Irrigation Conservation Practices Comparative Benefit: Water Storage/ Yield The chart at right provides an overview of the comparative benefit by subbasin of various conservation practices that enhance water storage and yield. Based on research completed by NRCS planning staff, the greatest potential to enhance water storage and yield occurs by implementing riparian/ wetland, forest and range conservation practices in the Upper Klamath Lake Subbasin. In comparison, the Tulelake Subbasin gains water yield through agronomic practices like subsurface drains to allow for winter irrigation. Overall, implementing forest and range practices in most subbasins will result in greater water yield within the soil profile and water table. Comparative Benefit: Habitat/ Fish Survival The chart at right provides an overview of the comparative benefit by subbasin of various conservation practices that improve wildlife habitat and fish survival. Based on research completed by NRCS planning staff, the greatest potential to improve habitat is in the Sprague Subbasin, using wetland/ riparian, forest, range and irrigation practices. In comparison, no measurable habitat benefits are achieved by implementing additional conservation practices in the Middle Lost River, Tulelake, Butte Valley or Upper Klamath River subbasins. Conservation in the Upper Klamath Basin 17 Tim McCabe/ NRCS 18 The Sprague River Subbasin is located 25 miles northeast of Klamath Falls and covers approximately 1.02 million acres. Forested mountain ridges enclose the Sprague River Valley, which includes large marshes, meadows and irrigated pasture. Juniper and sagebrush steppes dominate rangeland. Irrigated Pasture is the predominant land use in the Sprague River Valley. Approximately 65 percent of the water used for irrigation is diverted from streams, and 35 percent is pumped from wells. Flooding is the most common form of irrigation. Most diversions do not have fish screens and lack devices to measure water deliveries. Overall irrigation application efficiencies are low. Private forest and rangelands in the Sprague River subbasin are generally used for livestock grazing. Most forest stands are significantly overstocked with trees, and rangeland has been heavily encroached by Western Juniper. Pasture condition is generally poor to fair. The riparian areas within pastures have little to no riparian vegetation and high, eroding banks. Wildlife habitat in most of the upper reaches of the Sprague River and its major tributaries appears to be fairly stable, indicating good watershed condition. However, there are considerable habitat improvements that can be made in the lower portion of the basin. Sprague River Subbasin Water & Wetlands: 2,949 Range: 137,869 Irrigated Pasture/ Grass Hay: 81,650 Forest/ Mixed: 240,050 Sprague River Subbasin Agricultural Land Use/ Cover 19 Resource Concerns Water quality is the major resource concern in the Sprague River Subbasin, directly impacting fish and wildlife habitat throughout the Upper Klamath Basin. Lost River and shortnose suckers, interior redband and bull trout are key fish species present in the subbasin. All species are listed as Endangered Species Act threatened, candidate, or species of concern. The Sprague River has been identified as an important stream for both spawning and rearing habitat for suckers. Loss of riparian habitat, fish entrapment and fish migration impediments have also been identified as resource concerns in the Sprague River Subbasin. Conservation Accomplishments In the Sprague River Subbasin during the last two years, significant conservation progress has been made. With assistance from NRCS and local conservation districts, land managers have improved the condition of 2,153 acres of grazing land, improved irrigation water management on 903 acres of irrigated land, and have restored 1,644 acres of riparian and wetlands areas. Fencing and riparian area restoration has been initiated or installed by private land managers with assistance from NRCS, US Fish & Wildlife Service and others on approximately 50 miles of stream and several thousand additional riparian and wetland acres. Sprague River Subbasin Land Ownership Private Lands 448,200 Public Lands 573,100 Total Land Area: 1,021,300 Irrigated Acres USBR Project: 0 Non- USBR: 61,600 Total: 61,600 20 Conservation Opportunities Water Quality & Wildlife Habitat: Riparian restoration can be accomplished by converting pastures to permanent riparian wildlife lands or establishing riparian vegetation. Riparian pasture units should be managed as a part of an overall grazing plan with cross- fencing and off- stream water for livestock. Forest stands should be managed to ensure optimum health of both the trees and grazed understory. Thinning overstocked trees and controlling juniper on rangelands are both effective management opportunities. Water Demand: Irrigation water management, including measuring water use and scheduling irrigation will help managers to maintain base river flows through late summer and early fall. Efficiencies can also be gained by leveling land, lining or piping irrigation ditches and incorporating tailwater recovery systems. Conversion from flood to sprinkler irrigation is also beneficial. Sprague River Subbasin Sprague River Subbasin Comparative Benefit of Applied Conservation Practices Water Demand Wildlife Habitat Water Storage Water Quality Riparian/ Wetland Agronomic Forest & Range Grazing Irrigation Conservation Practices Conservation Investment Projected Conservation Acres to be Treated* Irrigated Land ............ 34,500 Range & Forestland 164,400 Wildlife Habitat ........... 2,400 Estimated Installation Cost Irrigated Land .......................$ 10,948,000 Range & Forestland .......................$ 31,305,000 Wildlife Habitat .........................$ 4,779,000 Estimated Annual Operation, Maintenance & Management Cost Irrigated Land .........................$ 1,768,000 Range & Forestland .........................$ 1,665,000 Wildlife Habitat ............................$ 133,000 * Based on conservation need and projected participation rates. 21 Tim McCabe/ NRCS 22 Covering about 928,000 acres, the Williamson River Subbasin is the principal tributary for Upper Klamath Lake. Combined, the Williamson and Sprague River subbasins make up 79 percent of the lake’s total drainage area. The Winema National Forest and Klamath Falls National Wildlife Refuge account for most of the public land in the subbasin. Irrigated pasture is the dominant private agricultural land use. Pasture is almost entirely flood irrigated. Ninety percent is diverted from streams, while groundwater supplies ten percent. Most diversions do not have fish screens and lack devices to measure water deliveries. Although overall irrigation application efficiency is low, additional water in the water table helps to subirrigate pastures. In addition, the proximity of these pastures to rivers and streams allows most excess diverted water to return to the system for reuse. Private forest and rangelands make up most of the private land in the basin. Approximately 80 percent of forestlands are used for grazing. Private forestland is in poor to fair condition; over half of the stands are significantly overstocked with trees. Wildlife habitat has faced considerable degradation in the past. Of the 48 miles of stream that are degraded in the subbasin, restoration efforts have been initiated on approximately 23 miles. Williamson River Subbasin Water & Wetlands: 19,700 Range: 2,600 Irrigated Pasture/ Grass Hay: 81,650 Forest/ Mixed: 225,300 Williamson River Subbasin Agricultural Land Use/ Cover Irrigated Alfalfa: 1,100 23 Water quality relating to elevated stream temperatures is a major resource concern in the Williamson River Subbasin, directly impacting fish and wildlife habitat throughout the Upper Klamath Basin. In 1988, when the Lost River and Shortnose suckers were listed as endangered, the Williamson and Sprague River runs were estimated to have declined by as much as 95 percent during the previous twenty- year period. Important sucker habitat has diminished by nearly 50 percent in the lower reaches and near the mouth of the Williamson River. This has reduced the amount of larval sucker spawning and rearing habitat. Conservation Accomplishments Significant conservation progress has been made in this subbasin. Land managers have improved 500 acres of grazing lands, 1,000 acres of irrigated lands, 235 acres of forestlands and have restored 112 acres of riparian and wetland areas. Heightened landowner awareness of resource concerns and increasing agency, organization, and individual efforts will help this trend to continue. Of the 48 miles of stream that are degraded in the subbasin, private land managers are working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and others to restore 23 miles. The Nature Conservancy is restoring approximately 3,200 acres of wetlands, and plans to restore another 3,411 acres at the mouth of the Williamson River. Williamson River Subbasin Resource Concerns Land Ownership Private Lands 309,400 Public Lands 618,800 Total Land Area: 928,200 Irrigated Acres USBR Project: 0 Non- USBR: 65,100 Total: 65,100 24 Williamson River Subbasin Williamson River Comparative Benefit of Applied Conservation Practices Water Demand Wildlife Habitat Water Storage Water Quality Riparian/ Wetland Agronomic Forest & Range Grazing Irrigation Conservation Practices Wildlife Habitat & Water Quality: Riparian area and wetland habitat restoration and management provide the best opportunity to improve water quality in the Williamson River Subbasin. This can be accomplished by converting lands from irrigated agriculture to wildlife habitat or creating riparian pasture systems. Wetland and riparian areas still utilize water. However, this work may reduce total water demand depending on how lands are managed. Water Demand: Thinning forest stands and managing grazing areas by adding cross fences and off- stream water for livestock can yield more water to meet downstream needs. This will also result in enhanced wildlife habitat and improved water quality in area streams. In addition, forest stand improvements reduce the potential for catastrophic fire. Priority Conservation Opportunities Conservation Investment Projected Conservation Acres to be Treated* Irrigated Land ............ 52,300 Range & Forestland ... 71,200 Wildlife Habitat .............. 200 Estimated Installation Cost Irrigated Land .......................$ 12,863,000 Range & Forestland .......................$ 17,290,000 Wildlife Habitat ............................$ 338,000 Estimated Annual Operation, Maintenance & Management Cost Irrigated Land .........................$ 2,663,000 Range & Forestland ............................$ 669,000 Wildlife Habitat ..............................$ 11,000 * Based on conservation need and projected participation rates. 25 Tupper Ansel Blake/ USFWS 26 The Upper Klamath Lake Subbasin covers 465,300 acres from Crater Lake to the outlet of Upper Klamath Lake into the Link River. Historically, some 43,000 acres of wetlands surrounded Agency and Upper Klamath Lake. Today, 17,000 acres have been preserved as part of the Upper Klamath Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Another 11,000 acres have been acquired for restoration. Irrigated agriculture is primarily pasture. Livestock are generally stocker cattle, who graze between April and November. Pasture condition is generally fair. Most livestock obtain water from streams and ditches. Irrigation water is diverted from streams or pumped from the lake. Most diversions do not have fish screens or devices to measure water. Although overall irrigation application efficiency is low, the additional water raises the water table and subirrigated pastures. Some acreages of hay and cereal crops are grown, and irrigation efficiencies are higher than for pasture. However, most require maintenance and re- leveling. Forestlands are primarily pine and mixed fir and hemlock. Most private lands in the subbasin are forest or rangelands, with approximately 80 percent used for grazing. More than half of the forest stands are significantly overstocked with trees. Wildlife habitat varies in condition. Of 70 total miles, 21 miles of streamside riparian areas are in good condition and another 12 miles are being restored. Upper Klamath Lake Subbasin Water & Wetlands: 76,568 Range: 2,404 Irrigated Pasture/ Grass Hay: 48,856 Forest/ Mixed: 100,311 Upper Klamath Lake Subbasin Agricultural Land Use/ Cover Irrigated Crop/ Alfalfa: 3,396 27 Resource Concerns Water quality in the Upper Klamath Lake is a major resource concern, affecting subbasin fish survival, with phosphorus loading as the greatest factor. The loss of wetland vegetation around the lake has also been linked to lower survival rates for endangered suckers. The lower reaches of the Wood River and Sevenmile Creek provide some rearing habitat for larval and juvenile suckers. The Wood River, Sevenmile Creek and their tributaries support populations of bull and interior redband trout. A highly valued “ catch and release” sport fishery occurs on the Wood River and several of its tributaries. There is significant interest in enhancing riparian habitat along these streams to protect and promote these fisheries. Conservation Accomplishments In the Upper Klamath Lake Subbasin during the last two years, some conservation progress has been made. With assistance from NRCS and local conservation districts, land managers have improved 12 acres of grazing lands and improved water quality and quantity on 12 acres of irrigated land. Several thousand more acres of wetland restoration are in the process of being planned or implemented around Upper Klamath Lake. Upper Klamath Lake Subbasin Land Ownership Private Lands 235,100 Public Lands 230,200 Total Land Area: 465,300 Irrigated Acres USBR Project: 0 Non- USBR: 52,300 Total: 52,300 28 Priority Conservation Opportunities Water Quality: The most effective conservation includes practices that restore riparian areas, improve grazing management and increase irrigation efficiency. This can be accomplished by either converting pastures to permanent wildlife habitat or by creating riparian pastures. While most pastures are being inefficiently irrigated, conditions do not warrant extensive changes from current flood irrigation systems since water is reused or enters the soil profile Water Storage: In the Upper Klamath Lake Subbasin, the potential for non- traditional water storage presents a unique conservation opportunity. Restoring drained wetlands, still farmed around Upper Klamath Lake, could produce positive benefits for all four resource concerns. By actively managing areas for both seasonal wetlands and farming, water can be both filtered to improve water quality and stored in wetland areas for future use. Upper Klamath Lake Subbasin Upper Klamath Lake Comparative Benefit of Applied Conservation Practices Water Demand Wildlife Habitat Water Storage Water Quality Riparian/ Wetland Agronomic Forest & Range Grazing Irrigation Conservation Practices Conservation Investment Projected Conservation Acres to be Treated* Irrigated Land ............ 42,500 Range & Forestland ... 36,300 Wildlife Habitat ........... 2,900 Estimated Installation Cost Irrigated Land .......................$ 10,462,000 Range & Forestland .........................$ 7,254,000 Wildlife Habitat .........................$ 4,113,000 Estimated Annual Operation, Maintenance & Management Cost Irrigated Land .........................$ 2,017,000 Range & Forestland ............................$ 308,000 Wildlife Habitat ............................$ 130,000 * Based on conservation need and projected participation rates. 29 Table of Contents Tupper Ansel Blake/ USFWS 30 Irrigated Crop 4,209 The Lost River Subbasin originates above Clear Lake and passes through several agricultural valleys, ending in Tulelake. The valley once supported a vast network of wet meadows and marshes. This subbasin covers approximately 1.2 million acres and is split from the Middle Lost River Subbasin near Olene. Irrigated agriculture generally occurs in the warmer valleys. Flood is the most common pasture irrigation method, with about 50 percent of the water coming from the USBR project. Pasture condition is fair, and most pastures have not been renovated or re- leveled for some time. Maintenance would increase the efficiencies of 60 to 80 percent of the systems. Alfalfa is customarily sprinkler- irrigated and well- managed. Although irrigation efficiencies are higher than for pasture, many sprinkler systems still need upgrading. Several irrigated crops are grown in the subbasin including cereal grains, potatoes, and strawberry plants. Forestland, range and pasture are grazed by livestock. Rangelands are comprised of juniper and sagebrush steppes. Forestlands are generally mixed conifer. Livestock operations include cow/ calf, stockers and dairies. Confined livestock operations are located throughout the subbasin. The location and duration of confinement may pose a potential risk to water quality. Seven dairies located within the subbasin have existing liquid and dry livestock waste storage facilities. Upper Lost River Subbasin Water & Wetlands 13,250 Range 72,630 Irrigated Pasture/ Grass Hay 41,352 Forest/ Mixed 204,420 Upper Lost River Subbasin Agricultural Land Use/ Cover Irrigated Alfalfa 38,943 31 Resource Concerns Wildlife habitat and water quality are two of the major resource concerns in the subbasin. High water temperatures are usually linked to lack of shade, irrigation return flow or other warm water inputs. As measured by total phosphorus, water quality appears to be gradually improving over the last 10 to 20 years. While agriculture is the dominant land use in this subbasin, other sources of phosphorus and other pollutants exist. Sewage treatment outfalls, on- site sewage disposal systems, wildlife, and natural inputs also contribute nutrients and other pollutants to the system. While historically the river had significant fish runs, it currently supports only a small population of Shortnose and Lost River suckers. Conservation Accomplishments In the Upper Lost River Subbasin during the last two years, significant conservation progress has been made. With assistance from NRCS and local conservation districts, land managers have improved resource conditions on 234 acres of croplands and 5,282 acres of grazing lands, and have improved their management of irrigation water on 5,596 acres of irrigated lands. In addition, 846 acres of riparian and wetland areas have been restored. Upper Lost River Subbasin Land Ownership Private Lands 407,500 Public Lands 771,300 Total Land Area: 1,178,800 Irrigated Acres USBR Project: 40,400 Non- USBR: 44,100 Total: 84,500 32 Priority Conservation Opportunities Water Quality: Rotating livestock through smaller pastures will increase forage production, reduce soil compaction and improve water quality. On cropland, integrated pest management, irrigation scheduling, increasing crop residue or installing filter strips will minimize risks associated with some pesticides used on cereal grains, potatoes, onions and other crops. Implementing practices like diverting clean water before it flows through livestock confinement areas near water sources, will reduce the risk of polluted runoff. Water Demand: On both surface-irrigated pastures and cropland areas, there are opportunities for land leveling or smoothing, lining or piping irrigation delivery ditches, upgrading irrigation systems and developing tailwater recovery systems to improve water use efficiency. Upper Lost River Subbasin Upper Lost River Comparative Benefit of Applied Conservation Practices Water Demand Wildlife Habitat Water Storage Water Quality Riparian/ Wetland Agronomic Forest & Range Grazing Irrigation Conservation Practices Conservation Investment Projected Conservation Acres to be Treated* Irrigated Land ............ 58,100 Range & Forestland 147,400 Wildlife Habitat ........... 1,200 Estimated Installation Cost Irrigated Land .......................$ 10,993,000 Range & Forestland .......................$ 20,397,000 Wildlife Habitat .........................$ 1,945,000 Estimated Annual Operation, Maintenance & Management Cost Irrigated Land .........................$ 3,667,000 Range & Forestland .........................$ 1,384,000 Wildlife Habitat ..............................$ 66,000 * Based on conservation need and projected participation rates. 33 Gary Kramer/ NRCS 34 The Middle Lost River Subbasin covers 454,500 acres and is the center of the USBR Klamath Project. Farms near Klamath Falls tend to be smaller, indicating part- time or hobby operations. The area includes 12 irrigation districts and leased lands on the Lower Klamath Wildlife Refuge that receive water supplied by the USBR Klamath Project. Public lands include the refuge, and parts of Modoc and Klamath national forests. Irrigated agriculture includes pasture, alfalfa, cereal grain, potatoes, onions and mint. Roughly 70 percent is irrigated with USBR- supplied water; the rest is obtained from groundwater, individual surface water rights or special USBR contracts. Many fields are either flood or sprinkler irrigated depending on the year and crop. Most farm irrigation diversions lack a means to measure water delivery. Livestock operations include several dairies and cattle feeding operations. Substantial range acreage is used for livestock grazing. Pasture condition is fair and most pastures have not been renovated or re- leveled for some time. Pastures associated with smaller livestock operations in and around Klamath Falls appear to be in the most need of improved pastures and irrigation systems. Wildlife habitat: Ten river miles are in relatively good riparian condition given the river is used for conveying irrigation water. Some 13 miles of stream lack adequate riparian vegetation and streambank protection. Middle Lost River Subbasin Water & Wetlands 10,766 Range 121,713 Irrigated Pasture/ Grass Hay 40,230 Middle Lost River Subbasin Agricultural Land Use/ Cover Irrigated Alfalfa 34,866 Irrigated Crop 41,837 35 Resource Concerns The primary concern is maintaining a reliable water supply that meets the needs of all users. Drought conditions and increased competition for available water have increased economic, social, political and environmental concerns and uncertainty over the future. Habitat and water quality are two additional major resource concerns in the subbasin. High water temperatures are usually linked to lack of shade, irrigation return flow or other warm water inputs. As measured by total phosphorus, water quality appears to be gradually improving. Agriculture is the dominant land use in this subbasin, but other pollutant sources exist. While the river had significant historic fish runs, it currently supports only a small sucker population. Conservation Accomplishments In the last two years, the Middle Lost River Subbasin has seen significant conservation progress. With assistance from NRCS and local conservation districts, land managers have improved the condition of natural resources on 489 acres of cropland and 3,521 grazing land acres. In addition, 564 acres of riparian and wetland areas have been restored, and water use efficiency has been increased on 3,731 acres of irrigated lands. Middle Lost River Subbasin Land Ownership Private Lands 272,900 Public Lands 181,600 Total Land Area: 454,500 Irrigated Acres USBR Project: 84,700 Non- USBR: 32,300 Total: 117,000 36 Priority Conservation Opportunities Water Demand: Providing irrigators with water measurement tools and training on irrigation scheduling would improve their ability to apply irrigation water more efficiently. Highly effective conservation measures on hay and cropland should focus on updating existing irrigation systems and improving irrigation water management. Water Quality: The use of grazing systems that rotate livestock through smaller pastures will increase forage production, reduce soil compaction and improve water quality. While fishery benefits from restoring riparian areas are minimal, streamside buffers will improve water quality and provide habitat for other wildlife. On cropland, integrated pest management, irrigation scheduling, increasing crop residue or installing filter strips will minimize risks associated with some pesticides used on cereal grains, potatoes, onions and other crops. Middle Lost River Subbasin Middle Lost River Subbasin Comparative Benefit of Applied Conservation Practices Water Demand Wildlife Habitat Water Storage Water Quality Riparian/ Wetland Agronomic Forest & Range Grazing Irrigation Conservation Practices Conservation Investment Projected Conservation Acres to be Treated* Irrigated Land ............ 80,400 Range & Forestland ... 85,200 Wildlife Habitat .............. 400 Estimated Installation Cost Irrigated Land .......................$ 18,859,000 Range & Forestland .........................$ 6,797,000 Wildlife Habitat ............................$ 195,000 Estimated Annual Operation, Maintenance & Management Cost Irrigated Land .........................$ 5,585,000 Range & Forestland ............................$ 902,000 Wildlife Habitat ................................$ 8,000 * Based on conservation need and projected participation rates. 37 38 The Tulelake Subbasin covers 296,600 acres, bordered by the J Canal and the Lava Beds National Monument. The Tulelake Irrigation District and the Tulelake National Wildlife Refuge receive water from the USBR Klamath Project. Tulelake is a remnant of historic Lake Modoc that once connected the subbasin with both Lower and Upper Klamath Lake. The Lost River watershed was once a closed basin. Runoff flowed into Tulelake and evaporated. Pumping plants and drains constructed as a part of the project have provided an outlet from Tulelake, which now functions as an open basin. Irrigated agriculture is generally supplied by the USBR. Alfalfa, grain, potatoes, onions, mint and pasture are the principal crops. Fields are flood or sprinkler irrigated depending on the year and crop. Often diversions lack devices to measure water delivery. Pasture condition is fair, and most have not been renovated for some time. Groundwater provides 40- 50 percent of water for irrigated pastures, and most excess water is reused. Rangeland is the other significant land use. Most ranches are cow/ calf operations that have winter holdings in the subbasin. Rangelands are generally encroached with juniper. Wildlife habitat along the Lost River has reeds and bullrush, providing some habitat for waterfowl and songbirds. Suckers have been located in the river and Tulelake; however, it is not known whether they are successfully reproducing. There are few opportunities to improve habitat along this heavily manipulated reach of the river. Tulelake Subbasin Water & Wetlands 13,285 Range 36,229 Irrigated Pasture/ Grass Hay 4,050 Tulelake Subbasin Agricultural Land Use/ Cover Irrigated Alfalfa 12,334 Irrigated Crop 48,481 Forest/ Mixed 4,492 39 Resource Concerns The Tulelake Subbasin is at the tail- end of the USBR Klamath Project. Irrigators depend on water- use decisions made by fellow irrigators and resource managers for their irrigation needs. Drought and increased competition for water leads to the primary resource concern in the basin - a reliable supply of water to meet agriculture, wildlife and other resource needs. Water quality deteriorates as it moves through the USBR project. As measured by total phosphorus, water quality appears to be gradually improving. Agriculture is the dominant land use in this subbasin, but other sources of phosphorus and other pollutants exist. The presence of ESA- listed suckers creates concerns for improving habitat and water quality. The two national wildlife refuges support large waterfowl populations. Farmland on the refuges is leased to farmers to supply grain for waterfowl and shorebirds. These populations depend on refuges, leased lands and adjacent farms during the fall and spring migratory periods. Both refuges depend upon tailwater from the USBR project to maintain their marshes and ponds. Conservation Accomplishments In the Tulelake Subbasin during the last two years, significant conservation progress has been made. With assistance from NRCS and local conservation districts, local land managers have improved the condition of natural resources on 72 cropland acres and 1,854 irrigated land acres, and have restored 21 acres of riparian and wetland areas. Tulelake Subbasin Land Ownership Private Lands 131,600 Public Lands 165,000 Total Land Area: 296,600 Irrigated Acres USBR Project: 62,600 Non- USBR: 2,200 Total: 64,800 40 Priority Conservation Opportunities Water Demand: On hay and croplands, upgrading existing irrigation systems and improving irrigation water management will decrease water demand. Subsurface drainage could be added before re- establishing alfalfa stands, permitting better control of water table and soil moisture levels. During years that alfalfa fields are rotated to grain, winter flooding or pre- season irrigation could be used to reduce water demand. Water Storage/ Yield: Adding subsurface drainage may be the most significant practice to implement on cropland acres. Subsurface drains would allow farmers to winter flood or pre-irrigate fields, thereby reducing their demand for water during the irrigation season. If pre- irrigated, farmers could grow a cereal crop even if water deliveries are cut off during drought years. In addition, juniper control on rangelands will yield additional water to meet downstream needs. Tulelake Subbasin Tulelake Comparative Benefit of Applied Conservation Practices Water Demand Wildlife Habitat Water Storage Water Quality Riparian/ Wetland Agronomic Forest & Range Grazing Irrigation Conservation Practices Conservation Investment Projected Conservation Acres to be Treated* Irrigated Land ............ 45,400 Range & Forestland ... 28,500 Wildlife Habitat ........... 1,700 Estimated Installation Cost Irrigated Land .......................$ 18,263,000 Range & Forestland .........................$ 1,741,000 Wildlife Habitat ............................$ 298,000 Estimated Annual Operation, Maintenance & Management Cost Irrigated Land .........................$ 2,590,000 Range & Forestland ............................$ 257,000 Wildlife Habitat ..............................$ 25,000 * Based on conservation need and projected participation rates. 41 Tupper Ansel Blake/ USFWS 42 The Butte Valley Subbasin lies southwest of Lower Klamath Lake. While part of the Upper Klamath Basin, it is an internal drainage basin with only an artificial outlet. Groundwater flows from west to east out of the subbasin under the Mahogany Mountains toward the lake. A channel and pump plant were built to remove floodwaters. This channel is used infrequently and for only short durations. The Klamath National Forest, Butte Valley National Grassland, and the Butte Valley Wildlife Area make up the majority of the public lands. Irrigated agriculture includes alfalfa hay as the predominate crop. Cereal grains, potatoes and strawberry plants are also grown. Crops are usually sprinkler irrigated, and sprinklers are well maintained. Few irrigators measure water applied or schedule irrigation. Cattle operations graze irrigated pastures and meadows scattered throughout the subbasin along with range and forestlands. Pastures are generally flood irrigated and are supplied by streams. Most farm irrigation diversions lack water measuring devices. Mixed conifer forests are found at higher elevations and are generally operated as industrial forests. Range sites are dominated by Western Juniper and are generally in poor condition. Wildlife habitat is generally wetlands in the state wildlife refuge or on national grasslands. Approximately 26 miles of streams on private lands have inadequate riparian vegetation. Butte Valley Subbasin Water & Wetlands 9,488 Range 73,891 Irrigated Pasture/ Grass Hay 10,355 Butte Valley Subbasin Agricultural Land Use/ Cover Irrigated Alfalfa 30,361 Irrigated Crop 11,490 Forest/ Mixed 52,031 43 Butte Valley Subbasin Resource Concerns The expense of deepening wells and pumping from deeper elevations for irrigation water is a major resource concern. Generally, streams in the upper portions of the subbasin support good populations of Brown and Rainbow trout. The Tulelake National Wildlife Refuge and Lower Klamath Lake National Wildlife Refuge support large populations of migratory and permanent waterfowl. Farmland on the refuges is leased to area farmers to supply grain for the waterfowl and shorebirds. The large bird populations depend on the refuges, leased lands and adjacent farms throughout the fall and spring migratory periods for habitat. Both refuges depend upon tailwater from the USBR project to maintain their marshes and ponds. Conservation Accomplishments In the Butte Valley Subbasin during the last two years, some conservation progress has been made. With assistance from NRCS and local conservation districts, local land managers have restored 27 acres of riparian and wetland areas in the last two years. Land Ownership Private Lands 188,400 Public Lands 199,700 Total Land Area: 388,100 Irrigated Acres USBR Project: 0 Non- USBR: 52,300 Total: 52,300 44 Butte Valley Subbasin Butte Valley Comparative Benefit of Applied Conservation Practices Water Demand Wildlife Habitat Water Storage Water Quality Riparian/ Wetland Agronomic Forest & Range Grazing Irrigation Conservation Practices Priority Conservation Opportunities Water Demand: Butte Valley is an internal drainage basin. Other than limited contributions to groundwater in the Upper Klamath Basin, reductions in water demand only benefit the subbasin. Sprinkler- irrigated hay, cereal crops and row crops dominate land use on the better soils. Highly effective conservation on hay and cropland should focus on improving the overall irrigation efficiency of existing systems. This can be accomplished by upgrading systems and scheduling irrigation. An estimated 40 percent of the existing systems would benefit from maintenance. On controlled flood irrigated pastures, there are opportunities for land leveling or smoothing, lining or piping delivery ditches, and recovering tailwater. Additional water savings and water quality benefits could be gained by converting existing surface irrigation to sprinklers if power is available and affordable. On rangelands, juniper control and improved grazing management are the primary conservation opportunities. Conservation Investment Projected Conservation Acres to be Treated* Irrigated Land ............ 35,000 Range & Forestland ... 49,400 Wildlife Habitat ................ 55 Estimated Installation Cost Irrigated Land .........................$ 6,652,000 Range & Forestland .........................$ 5,243,000 Wildlife Habitat ............................$ 109,000 Estimated Annual Operation, Maintenance & Management Cost Irrigated Land .........................$ 1,569,000 Range & Forestland ............................$ 625,000 Wildlife Habitat ................................$ 3,000 * Based on conservation need and projected participation rates. 45 46 The Upper Klamath River East Subbasin covers the Klamath River drainage between Iron Gate and Keno dams. Nearly half of the area is in public ownership. Iron Gate and Copco reservoirs are used extensively for recreational fishing, boating and camping. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular below the KC Boyle Dam. The KC Boyle, Copco and Iron Gate dams are used and regulated for power generation. Irrigated agriculture occurs on only 4,000 acres of pasture. Only a few isolated ranches are located in this subbasin. Cattle operations rotate grazing of irrigated pastures with significant acreage of grazed range and forest. Pastures are surface irrigated with a mix of controlled and flood irrigation. All irrigation water is diverted from the river or tributary streams. Most farm irrigation diversions lack devices to measure water. Even though overall irrigation application efficiency is low, the proximity of irrigated pastures to the river allows most excess water diverted to be reused downstream. Private forest and rangelands make up most of the private land, nearly all of which is used for livestock grazing. Much of the rangeland is in poor condition, with heavy juniper encroachment. More than half of the forest stands are overstocked with trees. Wildlife habitat along riparian areas is generally in good condition. Of the 12 miles of riparian areas surveyed, five would benefit from some restoration. Upper Klamath River East Subbasin Water & Wetlands 4,552 Forestlands 195,516 Irrigated Pasture/ Grass Hay 4,044 Upper Klamath River East Subbasin Agricultural Land Use/ Cover Range 52,366 47 Upper Klamath River East Subbasin Resource Concerns The need to increase water availability to downstream users is the main resource concern along this stretch of the river. Water withdrawals are insignificant along this stretch of the river. Salmon and steelhead are blocked at Iron Gate Dam from upstream passage. Several resident trout species exist, supporting a recreational fishery. Conservation Accomplishments In the Klamath River East Subbasin during the last two years, some conservation progress has been made. With assistance from NRCS and local conservation districts, land managers have improved the condition of natural resources on 56 acres of cropland, 332 acres of grazing land, and 560 acres of irrigated lands. They have also improved forestland health on 46 acres and have restored 924 acres of riparian and wetland areas. Land Ownership Private Lands 256,500 Public Lands 162,900 Total Land Area: 419,400 Irrigated Acres USBR Project: 0 Non- USBR: 4,000 Total: 4,000 48 Upper Klamath River East Subbasin Upper Klamath River East Comparative Benefit of Applied Conservation Practices Water Demand Wildlife Habitat Water Quality Riparian/ Wetland Agronomic Forest & Range Grazing Irrigation Conservation Practices Priority Conservation Opportunities Water Demand/ Yield: Juniper control, thinning forest stands, managing grazing lands by cross- fencing and providing off- stream water for livestock will improve hydrologic conditions, yielding more water to meet downstream needs. This will also improve forage production, habitat condition and water quality in area streams, as well as reduce the opportunity for a catastrophic fire. There are opportunities for land smoothing and tailwater recovery systems to improve overall irrigation efficiency and effectiveness. Additional water savings and water quality benefits would be gained by converting from surface irrigation to sprinklers if power is available and affordable. Conservation Investment Projected Conservation Acres to be Treated* Irrigated Land .............. 1,700 Range & Forestland ... 44,800 Wildlife Habitat .................. 5 Estimated Installation Cost Irrigated Land ............................$ 454,000 Range & Forestland .........................$ 4,769,000 Wildlife Habitat ..............................$ 13,000 Estimated Annual Operation, Maintenance & Management Cost Irrigated Land ..............................$ 86,000 Range & Forestland ............................$ 406,000 Wildlife Habitat .......................................$ 0 * Based on conservation need and projected participation rates. 49 USDA Nondiscrimination Statement “ The U. S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. ( Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information ( Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at ( 202) 720- 2600 ( voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326- W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250- 9410, or call ( 202) 720- 5964 ( voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.” 50 Upper Klamath Basin 51 Developed by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service September, 2004
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17. [Image] The doctrine of prior appropriation : effects upon water rights in the Upper Klamath Basin
Undergraduate student project, Geomatics 466, Boundary Law IICitation -
18. [Image] Settler's guide
This brochure was probably published by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. It was compiled to provide information on the requirements and recommendations regarding homesteading on Tule Lake.Citation Citation
- Title:
- Settler's guide
- Author:
- United States. Bureau of Reclamation
- Year:
- 1948, 2004, 2005
This brochure was probably published by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. It was compiled to provide information on the requirements and recommendations regarding homesteading on Tule Lake.
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CONTENTS Page S. 1988 1 Committee Print of S. 1988 2 Departmental reports: Agriculture 9 Budget 10 Interior 4 STATEMENT Brown, Edmund G., Governor, State of California 26 Butcher, ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Tule Lake, Lower Klamath, and Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuges : hearing before the Subcommittee on Irrigation and Reclamation of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, United States Senate, Eighty-seventh Congress, second session, on S. 1988 ... February 23, 1962
- Author:
- United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs
- Year:
- 1962, 2005
CONTENTS Page S. 1988 1 Committee Print of S. 1988 2 Departmental reports: Agriculture 9 Budget 10 Interior 4 STATEMENT Brown, Edmund G., Governor, State of California 26 Butcher, Deveraux, editor, National Wildlands News 158 Cushman, Lester M., vice president; Alvin Landis, counsel; Howard Stoddard, consulting engineer; Edwin Lance, engineer and manager; and Ivan Rose, director, Tulelake Irrigation District 116, 132 Douglas, Philip A., executive secretary, Sport Fishing Institute 144 Dugan, Harold P., regional director, Bureau of Reclamation, Sacramento, Calif., Department of the Interior 60 Elser, William P., president, California Fish and Game Association 137 Gordon, Seth, California Duck Hunters Association 138 Gutermuth, C. R., vice president, Wildlife Management Institute, Wash ington, D.C 148 Henzel, Richard, president, board of supervisors, Klamath Drainage Dis trict 84 Horn, Everett E., California Duck Hunters Association 142 Janzen, Daniel H., Director, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Fish and Wildlife Service; accompanied by Richard Dittman, engineer; Richard Griffith, chief, Regional Wildlife Division, Portland, Oreg.; Robert Russell, refuge manager, Klamath and Tule Lake Wildlife Refuges; and Jean Branson, staff assistant, regional office, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior 40 Johnson, Hon. Harold T., a Representative in Congress from the State of California 114 Kimball, Thomas L., executive director, National Wildlife Federation 146 Kuchel, Hon. Thomas, a U.S. Senator from the State of California 27 Landis, Alvin, counsel, Tulelake Irrigation District 116 Langslet, Chester L., representing the Klamath Basin Water Users' Protective Association, Klamath Sportsmen's Association, and Oregon Wildlife Federation 64, 83 Metcalf, Hon. Lee, a U.S. Senator from the State of Montana 25 Penfold, Joe, Izaak Walton League of America 152 Proctor, George H., counsel, Klamath Drainage District 90 Smith, Dr. Spencer M., Jr., secretary, Citizens Committee on Natural Resources 158 Stearns, James G., supervisor, Modoc County, Calif 110 Stoddard, Howard, consulting engineer, Tulelake Irrigation District 129 Udall, Hon. Stewart L., Secretary of the Interior, accompanied by Robert M. Paul, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife 18
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A monthly natural flow history was determined for the 1949 to 2000 period at the Keno gage of the Upper Klamath River basin in south-central Oregon. Included within the evaluation is an assessment of natural ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Undepleted natural flow of the upper Klamath River : natural inflow to, natural losses from, and natural outfall of Upper Klamath Lake to the Link River and of Lower Klamath Lake to the Klamath River at Keno
- Author:
- United States. Bureau of Reclamation. Denver Office. Technical Service Center
- Year:
- 2005, 2004
A monthly natural flow history was determined for the 1949 to 2000 period at the Keno gage of the Upper Klamath River basin in south-central Oregon. Included within the evaluation is an assessment of natural flows for the same period at the outfall of Upper Klamath Lake, which forms the head of the Link River at Klamath Falls, Oregon. Flow past the Link River gage is tributary to the Klamath River above Lower Klamath Lake. These natural flows were determined using standard and accepted methods. Records used in developing this analysis were derived from stream-gaging records and from climatic records for stations within and adjacent to the study area. Information was also obtained from published maps and reports, and file documents of the Klamath Area Office. Currently, received comments are being addressed and evaluation of elements related to these comments is in progress. The objective of this report is to provide a representative estimate of the monthly natural flow of the Upper Klamath River. Such an estimate is of the natural flow that would typically have occurred without the water-resources developments in the Upper Klamath Basin. A water-budget assessment was used in the determination of the natural flows. The assessment includes results from an evaluation of present-day irrigation depletions, and losses from reclaimed marshland, that have changed the natural inflow to, and resulting natural outfall from, Upper Klamath Lake. Also evaluated were losses to the natural inflow that would have been incurred due to pre-development marshland and evaporation associated with Upper Klamath Lake. The natural outfall from the lake comprised the natural flow of the Link River at Klamath Falls and also the consequent natural inflow to Lower Klamath Lake. Therefore, a similar evaluation was also completed for Lower Klamath Lake to estimate the natural flow of the Klamath River at Keno. The water-budget assessment was designed to simulate each lake as a natural water body within a stream-connected two-lake system. Much of the assessment was completed using Excel.
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21. [Image] EPA 314 clean lakes program: phase I diagnostic/feasibility project: Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon
SUMMARY PROBLEM DEFINITION Upper Klamath Lake, a 90,000 acre body of water located in south-central Oregon, is eutrophic and has reached a stage where summer algal and macrophyte productivity causes ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- EPA 314 clean lakes program: phase I diagnostic/feasibility project: Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon
- Author:
- Klamath Consulting Service, Inc
- Year:
- 1983, 2006, 2005
SUMMARY PROBLEM DEFINITION Upper Klamath Lake, a 90,000 acre body of water located in south-central Oregon, is eutrophic and has reached a stage where summer algal and macrophyte productivity causes severe aesthetic problems and often renders the lake unusable as a recreational site. The problem is a natural one; it has not been caused by man's carelessness and cannot be turned around by regulation. Upper Klamath Lake is quite shallow, warming rapidly in the summer, and the waters carry a naturally occurring high nutrient load. Algal growth is extensive, predominently APHANEZOMENON FLOS-AQUAE, a blue-green algae prevalent in eutrophic waters. These organisms form dense mats that become very odorous as they decay. Numerous macrophytes (aquatic weeds) are indigenous to the lake, but the major problem is with P0TAM06ET0N CRISPUS, which forms long floating fonds that tangle boat motors and prevent passage. The Pelican Bay channel has an extensive growth of this weed.
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Ill., maps (some color), photographs; Includes fiscal year financials, maps, photographs, agricultural economics and crop yield, some grazing financial information with cost of water usage, tables for ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Annual project history: Klamath Project, Oregon-California, 1962
- Author:
- United States. Bureau of Reclamation
- Year:
- 1962, 2008, 2006
Ill., maps (some color), photographs; Includes fiscal year financials, maps, photographs, agricultural economics and crop yield, some grazing financial information with cost of water usage, tables for irrigation and drainage and water storage and distributions, list of steam gaging stations, weather conditions, list of evaporation stations, quality of irrigation water at pumping plants, etc.; Title covers: calendar years for 1954-1962; Description is based on: Annual project history: Klamath Project, Oregon-California 1954; Dates of the beginning year(s) of publication are derived from May 1, 1903 to December 31, 1912, History of the Klamath Project and from the volume information on later volumes (v. 35) Klamath District and Klamath Project annual history for 1945, dated December 1, 1946
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- 7' -, > \ UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR B U R E A U O F R E C L A M A T I O N U N I T E D S T A T E S G O V E R N M E N T P R I N T I N G O F F I C E W A S H I N G T O N : 1936 FEDERAL RECLAMATION ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Klamath Federal Reclamation Project : Oregon-California
- Author:
- United States. Bureau of Reclamation
- Year:
- 1936, 2005
- 7' -, > \ UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR B U R E A U O F R E C L A M A T I O N U N I T E D S T A T E S G O V E R N M E N T P R I N T I N G O F F I C E W A S H I N G T O N : 1936 FEDERAL RECLAMATION PROJECT OREGON - CALIFORNIA n )> >> GENERAL STATEMENT THEKla m- ath reclamation project comprises practically all of the agricultural land in the Klamath Basin, except a small area adjacent to Upper Klamath Lake, and is situated in southern Oregon and northern California. The extent of the area irrigated, or that may be irrigated by reason of Bureau of Reclamation activities, is approxi-mately 140,000 acres. This includes about 20,000 acres suitable only for pasture and approximately 12,000 acres of good land in the Tule Lake division not yet opened for settlement. Within the older developed sections of the project the soil is mostly of a sandy loam . type that is particularly suitable for growing potatoes and summer vegetables as well as all of the ordinary crops that thrive in a cool, tem-perate climate. The price of this type of land ranges from $ 100 to $ 200 per acre. The water- right cost, which origi- Klamath Falls, Oregon, the prolect office headquarters nally was about $ 55 per acre, is approximately half paid up. The balance has an average of about 25 years to run without interest. Operation and maintenance costs usually run about $ 1.25 an acre per annum. I R R I G A B L E L A N D S The Tule Lake division of the project, which will eventually comprise about 32,000 acres of agricultural land and about 5,000 acres of thin soil land good only for pasture, carries a construction charge of $ 88.35, with 40 years in A! Klamath : desert. Looking~ southwest up Lan Valley from a point 4 miles west of Lorella, Ore which to pay without interest. No payments have been required to date, but the Secretary of the Interior will soon issue public notice announcing the commencement of pay-ments, which will be approximately $ 2.20 per acre each year. In addition to the construction charge, there is an operation and maintenance charge which will probably run between $ 1.50 and $ 2 un acre a year. These lands are of lacustrian origin and are very fertile. They are particularly adapted to the growth of small grains, alfalfa, and pasture grasses. Patented land in this division sells for $ 50 to $ 100 per acre. Patented lands in private ownership, where of goc; d quality, well improved and conveniently situated, can be purchased for from $ 150 to $ 200 per acre. Good lands not so well improved nor so desirably located sell at around $ 100 per acre. There is very little undeveloped, privately owned good land on the project. Small tracts of 5, 10, or 20 acres, located along paved highways and within 6 to 8 miles of Klamath Falls, are obtainable at from $ 200 to $ 400 per acre. W A T E R S U P P L Y The Klamath project is ! ortunate in having an abundant water supply for all lands susceptible of irrigation. The map on the inside of the back cover page shows the location of the three reservoirs and their immediate proximity to the lands they serve. The irrigable project lands lie between elevations of 4,035 and 4,070 feet above sea level and occupy the Klamath Basin and the Valley of Lost River, situated in south central Oregon and north central California, about 150 miles east of the Pacific coast. The average annual pre-cipitation is 12.51 inches. SCHOOLS Klamath County schools are run on the county unit basis Public School in Klamath Falls and are fully up to standard. Busses run at county expense transport rural children to and from school, and there is no lost time on account of bad weather. Within the county there are 9,242 children of school age, 4,107 of these within the city of Klamath Falls. The high school enrollment for Klamath Falls is 1,156, and for the remainder of the county is 459. There are 9 high schools in the county that employ 62 teachers. The grade schools employ 185 teachers, of whom' 76 are in the city of Klamath Falls. : let of concrete flume, Canal C, of the main project structures R E C R E A T I O N No part of the United States affords more interesting and attractive recreational areas than are found near at hand and in all directions from the Klamath project. From 1 to 2 hours in any kind of an automobile is sufficient to land one on the banks of a cold mountain stream inhabited by many wary trout or alongside the shores of any one of a half dozen crystal lakes, where boating and bathing may be enjoyed to the full. Some of the lakes that are conven-iently located with reference to the project, and where many summer camps as well as extensive hotel and camp accommodations already exist, are Upper Klamath Lake, Lake of the Woods, Crater Lake, Diamond Lake, Crescent I., ake, Ode11 Lake, and Paulina Lake. The most distant of the lot, Paulina Lake, can be reached in 3 hours' driving from Klamath Falls. Some of the important recreational areas lying in convenient distances from the project are shown in the ilh~ strationsa ccompanying this chapter. The principal water supply is in Upper Klamath Lake, where regulation provides a possible storage of about 524,800 acre- feet, and this with the natural inflow insures the lands served from this source an adequate water supply at all times. Under the terms of the contract dated February 24, 1917, between the United States and the California- Oregon Power Co., the power company was given the right to regulate the outflow of Upper Klamath Lake, subject to existing rights and the prior rights of the Klamath project for water for irrigation. To regulate the outflow, the company, in 1921, constructed the Link River Dam at a cost of about $ 310,000. Storage for the lands on the west side of Langell Valley and a portion of the lands in the Horsefly irrigation district is provided by Clear Lake Reservoir. This reservoir, lying just across the line in California, is the source of Lost River and has a total capacity of 454,000 acre- feet, most of which was made available during 1931 by the construction of a channel from the outlet works to the deeper portion of the reservoir, a distance of about 6 miles. The reservoir is also used for flood storage for the protection of lands in the Tule Lake division. Gerber Reservoir, on Miller Creek, a tributary of Lost River, has a storage capacity of 94,000 acre- feet and fur-nishes a water supply for the lands on the east side of Lost River in the Langell Valley division. This reservoir also provides for the storage of flood water for the protection of lands in the Tule Lake division. Water from Upper Klamath Lake is diverted to the main or " A" canal from the east side of Link River, the outlet of the lake, several hundred feet below the lake and a few I I / Klamath River near Klamath Falls k River diversion dam Alfalfa field near Malin, Oreg. Two cuttings are grown, which yield 2- 4 tons per acre on the older project lands, and 3- 6 in Tule Lake section hundred feet above Link River Dam. Water for all lands in the main and pumping divisions and for a portion of the lands in the Tule Lake division are diverted through the " A" canal. Additional water for the lands in the Tule Lake division is diverted from the Klamath River, through the Lost River diversion channel ( reversing the direction of flow), and spilled into Lost River, frcm which it is diverted to the " J" canal at a point about 3 miles southeasterly from Merrill, Oreg. At this point the river level is raised about 12 feet by means of the lower Lost River diversion dam, a concrete structure of the Ambursen type, with a crest length of 204 feet. The Lost River diversion channel leads off from Lost River at a point about 10 miles southeast of Klamath Falls, Oreg., immediately above a hollow U- shaped concrete dam which raises the river level about 23 feet. Prior to the Irrigating a 65- acre field of potatoes; showing application of m irrigation season the flow of Lost River is diverted to the Klamath River and wasted; however, after the spring flood flow of Lost River has passed and water for irrigation in the Tule Lake division is required, the flow of Lost River is ~ assed through the dam and down to the " J" canal. This flow is augmented, when demand is heavy, from Klamath River as indicated ahve. Lands on the east side of Langell Valley division are served by the north canal, which diverts water from Miller Creek at the Miller Creek Dam, located about 6 miles below Gerber Dam. At this point the water surface in Miller Creek is raised by placing flashboards against wooden trestles, the grade of the canal and that of the stream being substan-tially the same elevation. The lands on the west side of Lost River in the Langell Valley division are served by the West Canal, which diverts water from Lost River at the Malone Dam, located about 42 miles southeasterly from Klamath Falls, Oreg. At this point the level of Lost River is raised about 18 feet by means of an earth diversion dam. Clear Lake Reservoir provides storage for the West Canal. TOWNS Klamath Falls, Merrill, Malin, and Bonanza are project towns, the first named being the principal city in southern, Oregon east of the Cascades. It has a population of approximately 16,000 and is the distributing center for a large territory. Klamath County has a population of 32,400, one- half residing in the city of Klamath Falls and perhaps 4,000 more in suburban districts only a few miles away. Merrill and Malin are small towns within the irrigated area with populations of six or seven hundred each. In Klamath Basin are some 1,800 farms and approximately as many farm families. LUMBERING Approximately 30 mills and box factories are in operation, this district being the largest manufacturing center of box shook in the United States. The Klamath district contains the heaviest stand of yellow pine left in the United States. Throughout the spring, summer, and fall all lumber com-panies maintain large pay rolls both in the plants and in the lumber camps. Lumber contributes greatly to the heavy traffic originating at K! amath Falls, making this city the second largest shipping point in Oregon. The majority of the mills and box factories are located in or near Klamath Falls. T R A N S P O R T A T I O N Two main- line railways, the Southern Pacific and Great Northern, enter Klamath Falls and traverse the project throughout its longest dimension. Hard- surfaced highways radiate from Klamath Falls in all directions, connecting with Portland, Sun Francisco, and Salt Lake. These high-ways supplemented by county market roads penetrate all sections of the project, with the result that few farms are more than a mile from a hard- surfaced outlet. CLIMATE The Klamath Basin has a remarkably pleasant and healthful climate. Winters are not cold, and summers are not hot. Precipitation, which amounts to about 12): inches a year on the average, falls mainly from November to April. Late and early frosts are to be expected, and occasionally light frosts occur even in the summer months. me on the Main division of the project A G R I C U L T U R E The principal crops grown are potatoes, alfalfa, small grains, and vegetables. The yield of small grains in the Tule Lake area is unusually high. Oats frequently make 100 bushels per acre; barley runs from 60 to 80; and any good wheat field will thresh out more than 40 bushels per acre. Potatoes, when conditions are right, are par excelience the big money crop. A good yield of tubers is considered to be around 150 sacks of U. S. No. 1' s per acre, and every year a few fields are reported with yields of double that amount. The price for potatoes is unstable, depending on the market demand, and ranges from about 50 cents to $ 1.50 a sack. The quality of Klamath potatoes on the Sun Francisco market is recognized as the best, and the price usually ranges from 10 to 20 cents a sack higher than is paid for Washington and Idaho production. Flock of 6,000 turkeys being fattened for market L I V E S T O C K Cattle. On account of its geographical location, sur-rounded as it is with immense areas of sagebrush plateaus and forest ranges, the Klamath project is, and probably always will be, essentially a stock country. Its cheap forage, abundant water and mild winters offer ideal con-ditions for the wintering of range stock and the fattening of mature animals for market. Favorable feeding- in- transit rates for both grass and feed lot cattle have resulted in the fattening, locally, of thousands of range and outside cattle. The beef industry alone returns approximately $ 900,000 annually. There are several killing and manu-facturing plants located in Klamath Falls. Sheep. Approxinately 150,000 ewes are maintained in the Klamafh Basin with an average annual output of about three- quarters of a million dollars. From 75,000 to 100,000~ lambs~ afraet tened for market each year on the project. Sun Francisco js the principal market. licken ranch. The production of eggs chickens is an important industry A project Holstein dairy her Dairying. The dairying industry is increasing steadily on the project. There are now about 8,000 milk cows in the district. Klamath Falls, with its large industrial popu-lation, furnishes a good market for milk, butter, and cheese. Two local cooperative cheese manufacturing plants and four privately owned creameries operate in the district. The value of the dairy industry is approximately $ 600,000 annually. Local dairy prices for butterfat are maintained at l> e to 2 cents above the State average cwing to the favored position of the project-- half- way between Portland and Sun Francisco. This district offers many opportunities for increased dairying production, as costs are compara-tively low and climatic conditions are favorable. Ewes and lambs on Tule Lake leased lands OREGON - CALIFORNIA MAP NO. 27606 Scale of Miles 1 -- 0 1 2- 3 4 6 1
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An article written by the first representative of the Reclamation Service after the Reclamation Act of 1902 was passed. This article includes a photo of the author, a map of the Yuma Project and two photos ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Operations of the Reclamation Service in California
- Author:
- Lippincott, J.B.
- Year:
- 1906, 2005, 2004
An article written by the first representative of the Reclamation Service after the Reclamation Act of 1902 was passed. This article includes a photo of the author, a map of the Yuma Project and two photos of the Yuma Project "Boating into camp at Laguna Dam" and "Construction work, Yuma Project"
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25. [Image] Natural flow of the upper Klamath River
Executive Summary Executive Summary This report presents details of the investigation and results in estimating the natural flow of the upper Klamath River at Keno, Oregon. The area investigated includes ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Natural flow of the upper Klamath River
- Author:
- United States. Bureau of Reclamation. Klamath Basin Area Office
- Year:
- 2005, 2008
Executive Summary Executive Summary This report presents details of the investigation and results in estimating the natural flow of the upper Klamath River at Keno, Oregon. The area investigated includes the Klamath River Basin above Keno, Oregon, primarily in Klamath County, with some areas of Siskiyou and Modoc Counties in California. The study area includes the Sprague, Williamson, and Wood River basins, as well as Upper Klamath and Lower Klamath Lakes. Objectives The current purpose of this study is to provide an estimate of the monthly natural flows in the upper Klamath River at Keno. This estimate of the natural flow represents typical flow without agricultural development in the Upper Klamath River Basin, including its tributaries. Study Approach This study used a water budget approach to assess the agricultural depletions and alterations to the natural flow. The approach was to evaluate the changes of agriculture from predevelopment conditions, estimate the effects of these changes, and restore the water budget to natural conditions by reversing the effects of agricultural development. Records used in this empirical assessment were derived from both stream gaging flow histories and from climatological records for stations within and adjacent to the study area. Water Budget Description The water budget assessment of the watershed as a natural system includes an evaluation of hydrological changes related to agricultural development above the Keno gage. The water budget assessment includes: ? Natural inflow from the Sprague, Williamson, and Wood Rivers to Upper Klamath Lake ? Predevelopment evapotranspiration losses from marshes surrounding Upper Klamath Lake ? Predevelopment evaporation losses of the Upper Klamath Lake ? Natural flow at the outlet of Upper Klamath Lake into the Link River at Klamath Falls ? Resulting natural flow at Keno The processes developed in the water budget to evaluate the natural outflow of Upper Klamath Lake accounts for factors related to water resources developments XI Natural Flow of the Upper Klamath River in the watershed that have affected inflow to the lake, and for losses due to natural condition of the lake. The water budget assessment of the watershed as a natural system includes an evaluation of hydrological changes related to agricultural development above the Keno gage. The results of the water budget assessment are given as average annual flows for two important stream gages, one located on the Link River at Klamath Falls and the other on the Klamath River at Keno. Evaluation of Predevelopment Conditions An evaluation of predevelopment conditions included an evaluation of changes to Upper Klamath Lake, agricultural developments in the Wood River, Sprague River, and Williamson River watersheds. Several basic elements were considered in this study: ? How had development changed the system ? Was information available about conditions before the changes occurred ? Were data available to assist in estimating changes to the natural system Evaluation of Current Conditions Period of Record The period of record considered in this investigation is the 52 years from 1949 to 2000. This period of record was chosen because hydrologic and climatological data were limited for the pre-1949 period and data beyond 2000 were not available when the study began. The water year convention (October through September) is used in this report. Crop and Marshland Evapotranspiration Analysis The modified Blaney-Criddle method was used to determine potential net evapotranspiration (ET) from crops, marshlands, and riparian zones. The method is empirical and the calculated values were adjusted based on other recent study findings and water limiting considerations. To estimate net ET water consumption by this method requires the following data: ? Location of irrigated lands, marshlands, and riparian zones ? Types of crops and number of acres for each crop ? Types and acreages of marshland and riparian vegetation, both existing and predevelopment ? Monthly precipitation and monthly average temperature for the period of record for each area Methods to Estimate Natural Flows Natural streamflow development included adjustment of gaged streamflow to natural flow, restoration of missing streamflow and climate data, making natural streamflow estimates in ungaged watersheds, assessing groundwater XII Executive Summary contributions, and estimating transit losses. Not all of these procedures were appropriate or possible in all subbasins of the study area. Records of historic flow may be adjusted to natural flow using crop net consumptive use and marshland evapotranspiration: natural flow = gaged flow + crop net consumptive use - reclaimed natural marshland net evapotranspiration Correlation analysis was used to restore missing values from monthly-value data records used in this study. The method is different from linear least-squares regression estimation. Data records used in this study include precipitation and average temperature histories, in addition to hydrologic records of streamflow and lake stage. Also, natural streamflow histories are required in ungaged watersheds to assess the natural inflow to Upper Klamath Lake. Sparse monthly flow records for streams heading on the east flank of the Cascades and flowing into the Wood River Valley or Pelican Bay area of Upper Klamath Lake required estimation techniques that used gaged histories from nearby river basins. These data were evaluated in statistical applications to yield natural flow estimates for these ungaged portions of the Klamath Basin. In a similar vein, groundwater contributions required temporal adjustments attributable to the climate signature evident in longer term records for similar groundwater discharges in neighboring watersheds. Transit losses for both surface water and groundwater contributions were also estimated in this study. Natural Lake Simulations Implementation of a water budget for Upper Klamath Lake required developing information about (1) the storage and inundation surface area characteristics of the lake, and (2) the discharge characteristics at the outflow point of the lake. These characteristics were evaluated in relation to the elevation, or stage, of the water surface of the lake. Additionally, discharge from the lake was also related to the stage. Estimating the outflow of a natural lake is accomplished using a water budget approach. A monthly summation of all elements in the water budget may be stated by the general form of the hydrologic equation: i = o + As where i = inflow to the lake o = outflow from the lake and As = change in storage of the lake XIII Natural Flow of the Upper Klamath River For Upper Klamath Lake, the month-to-month water budget accounts for natural inflow, storage of water within each lake, resulting estimated lake stage, and discharge from each lake. In addition, open water surface evaporation and groundwater discharge to the lake from the regional aquifer were estimated. The water budget assessment was designed to simulate the lake as a natural water body. Materials and Data Researched and Used Data Sources Records used in this analysis were derived from both stream gaging flow histories and from climatological records for stations within and adjacent to the study area. Information was also developed from published reports, file documents, and maps. Supporting information included documents from: ? Archives of the Bureau of Reclamation Klamath Basin Area Office ? Numerous U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Water Supply Papers regarding stream gaging records ? Compact disk databases containing digital records of gaged flow, lake stage records, and meteorological data Anecdotal items from newspaper articles or clipped from magazines were also reviewed. These sources consisted of narratives of past events or conditions, transcripts of interviews, newspaper accounts, books, diaries, and historical journals. These provided an impression of predevelopment conditions that can be compared to the empirical and scientific information gleaned from other sources. Other reviewed materials included unpublished and out-of-print scientific reports, historical maps, letters, books, journals, and photographs. Modeling Tools Results of the water budget assessment were accomplished using Excel?, a sophisticated spreadsheet available in the Microsoft Office for Windows software package. This model was chosen over other models because this study is unique. The computational modules built as the study developed represent a custom application of Excel? to the solution of estimating the natural flow conditions in the Upper Klamath River Basin. Klamath River at Keno Gaging Station For the simulation period, 1949 to 2000, the water balance for the Upper Klamath River Basin at Keno is described below. The natural outflow (discharge) from Upper Klamath Lake at Link River was computed in the water balance. Discharge at Keno was then calculated using a correlation relationship developed between historic measured Link River and Keno flows. Table S-l presents the estimated water balance and outflow developed for the Link River and Keno gages. XIV Executive Summary Table S-1. Estimated inflow and outflow developed for Link River and Keno gages Upper Klamath Lake Acre-feet Average annual natural inflow Average annual natural net loss 1,605,000 210,000 Resulting average annual natural outflow 1,395,000 Link River to Keno Average annual natural inflow 1,485,000 Resulting average annual natural outflow at Keno gage 1,306,000 Other Factors Considered The focus of this study is agricultural development in the Upper Klamath River Basin and its effects on natural flow conditions. Other watershed factors have changed since predevelopment. Some of these factors were considered, but are unaccounted-for in the assessment, such as changes in forest conditions or an extension of the flow histories before 1949. Model Review and Sensitivity Analysis Although this study uses best available hydrologic methods and data to either measure or estimate all inflows and outflows to the system, additional concerns have arisen in completing the work. Relationships regarding the significance of uncertainty are likely to be spatially and temporally variable. The key factor is the relative importance of each module in the transit losses suffered by inflows to the natural system. The significance of these influences to model sensitivity is related to time of year or length of time over which flows are evaluated. Model sensitivity is related to uncertainty in data regarding the most significant transit losses; namely, marsh evapotranspiration and open water evaporation. The natural flows developed at Keno are realized, in part, through a statistical rule based model rather than a physically based model. This construct within the model is for the segment from the Link River gage below Upper Klamath Lake, to the Keno gage below Lower Klamath Lake. Thus, sensitivity in testing the spatial and temporal variables within the Link River to Keno reach that affect the flow at Keno is problematic. xv Natural Flow of the Upper Klamath River Summary Development of the natural flows at the Keno gage was accomplished using a spreadsheet modeling approach to resolve the water budget for the Upper Klamath River Basin under undeveloped watershed conditions. The resulting flow duration for simulated natural average monthly flows for Keno gage are described in Table S-2. The percentiles represent the flow exceedence ranges in monthly natural flow estimates at Keno solely due to record length. These percentiles are estimates for modeled baseline conditions and do not reflect data uncertainties for possible changes in evaporation, evapotranspiration, or other factors. Table S-2. Summary of simulated monthly flows at Keno in cfs % Time <= Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Annual % Time >= 10 648 1088 1216 1408 1647 1577 1670 1408 1168 631 520 560 1188 90 20 769 1159 1352 1472 1767 1689 2017 1721 1358 822 578 616 1429 80 30 857 1255 1453 1667 1925 1907 2125 2051 1664 964 706 720 1528 70 40 974 1342 1625 1845 2016 2040 2477 2280 1890 1228 767 746 1607 60 50 1033 1455 1698 1964 2343 2133 2595 2649 2039 1349 873 854 1773 50 60 1131 1523 1803 2072 2410 2360 3009 2827 2388 1478 998 955 1903 40 70 1224 1576 1984 2196 2615 2703 3146 3131 2657 1706 1154 1049 2169 30 80 1304 1739 2049 2399 2829 3115 3615 3385 3104 2210 1351 1210 2347 20 90 1488 1815 2319 2659 3294 3367 3877 3707 3460 2923 1684 1412 2511 10 A simplified flowchart depicting the overall sources of included inflow and outflow variables has been completed as figure S-l, with average annual values shown from each source. XVI
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26. [Image] Nitrogen and phosphorus loading from drained wetlands adjacent to Upper Klamath and Agency Lakes, Oregon
Two maps digitized separately; Includes bibliographical references (p. 44-49)Citation -
27. [Image] Nutrient loading of surface waters in the Upper Klamath Basin : agricultural and natural sources
Abstract Implementation of the Federal Clean Water Act and Oregon Senate Bill 1010 is proceeding under two simultaneous processes in Oregon. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is responsible ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Nutrient loading of surface waters in the Upper Klamath Basin : agricultural and natural sources
- Author:
- Rykbost, K. A.
- Year:
- 2001, 2004
Abstract Implementation of the Federal Clean Water Act and Oregon Senate Bill 1010 is proceeding under two simultaneous processes in Oregon. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is responsible for developing Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) allocations for water-quality limited water bodies. The Oregon Department of Agriculture is striving to develop Management Area Plans to provide guidance for management of private agricultural lands to meet Clean Water Act objectives. Both processes seek input from local advisory committees comprised of landowners and other stakeholders, and technical review committees. Klamath Lake and Klamath River have been designated water quality impaired for several parameters including nutrients. Researchers have attempted to determine the extent of agriculture's contributions to nutrient enrichment of surface waters in the Upper Klamath Basin. Two United States Geological Survey (USGS) studies focused attention on drainage of agricultural lands adjacent to Klamath Lake as a significant source of nutrient loading in the lake. A preliminary draft report by the Klamath River TMDL committee identified the outlet for drainage waters from the Klamath Irrigation Project to the Klamath River at the Straits Drain as a point source for nutrient loading. Preparation of a final TMDL for this sub-watershed was tabled pending development of a TMDL for Klamath Lake and its tributaries. Insufficient data are available to determine the relative contributions of agricultural activities, natural background sources, and other potential sources of nutrient enrichment to establish numerical limits for nutrient loading from agricultural lands. From 1998 through 2000, the Klamath Experiment Station has investigated nutrient loading from drainage of agricultural lands adjacent to Klamath Lake, natural background sources including major springs and several artesian wells, and loading to the Klamath Irrigation Project from diversions out of Klamath Lake and Klamath River. Findings indicate contributions from agricultural lands adjacent to Klamath Lake have been overestimated, and the Klamath Irrigation Project is probably a net sink for nutrients diverted out of Klamath Lake and Klamath River. Data to support these assertions are presented. Introduction Most of the surface waters in the Klamath Basin are included in the Oregon department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) 303D list as water-quality limited. While the only criterion for listing of many streams is temperature, based on a preliminary standard of 64°F, Klamath Lake and Klamath River are listed for chlorophyll a, dissolved oxygen, un-ionized ammonia, and pH. The DEQ is working toward development of TMDL allocations for Klamath River and
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28. [Image] Resolving the Klamath
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Abstract Everest, Fred H.; Stouder, Deanna J.; Kakoyannis, Christina; Houston, Laurie; Stankey, George; Kline, Jeffery; Alig, Ralph. 2004. A review of scientific information ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- A review of scientific information on issues related to the use and management of water resources in the Pacific Northwest
- Year:
- 2004
Abstract Everest, Fred H.; Stouder, Deanna J.; Kakoyannis, Christina; Houston, Laurie; Stankey, George; Kline, Jeffery; Alig, Ralph. 2004. A review of scientific information on issues related to the use and management of water resources in the Pacific Northwest. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-595. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 128 p. Fresh water is a valuable and essential commodity in the Pacific Northwest States, specifically Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, and one provided abundantly by forested watersheds in the region. The maintenance and growth of industrial, municipal, agricultural, and recreational activities in the region are dependent on adequate and sustainable supplies of fresh water from surface and ground-water sources. Future development, especially in the semiarid intermountain area, depends on the conservation and expansion of the region's water resource. This synthesis reviews the state of our knowledge and condition of water resources in the Pacific Northwest. Keywords: Water distribution, flow regimes, water demand, conflicts, tools, water use.
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ABSTRACT A water quality study was performed in the mainstem Klamath River from Keno, Oregon to Seiad Valley, California during 1996 through 1998. Four sites within the study area were continuously ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Water quality and nutrient loading in the Klamath River between Keno, Oregon and Seiad Valley, California from 1996-1998
- Author:
- Campbell, S. G
- Year:
- 2001, 2007, 2005
ABSTRACT A water quality study was performed in the mainstem Klamath River from Keno, Oregon to Seiad Valley, California during 1996 through 1998. Four sites within the study area were continuously monitored using multiparameter recorders. Water quality sampling was also performed at these four locations in 1996 and 1997. Additional water quality sampling sites were added in 1998 for a total of 8 locations between Keno and Seiad. Temperature ranged from near zero ?C to >25 ?C with cooler temperatures in early spring and fall, and maximum temperatures occurring in July and August of each year. Dissolved oxygen concentration ranged from near zero mg/L to >13 mg/L with highest DO occurring in early spring and fall and lowest DO occurring in mid-summer. Air temperature was generally highly correlated with water temperature with r values ranging from 0.8 to 0.9 during the study period from 1996-1998. Water temperature in the study area exceeded chronic (>16?C) and acute (>22?C) criteria for salmonids during the summer months. Although chronic DO (<7 mg/L) criteria were exceeded throughout most of the study area during the summer, in the free-flowing river below Iron Gate Dam the acute DO (<5.5 mg/L) criteria were not exceeded. Nonpoint source pollution in the form of agricultural return flows, industrial, or sewage effluent entering the stream may have resulted in higher ammonia and total organic nitrogen concentrations at the upstream locations in the Klamath River study area (Keno and J.C. Boyle Powerplant). Nitrification of ammonia and organic nitrogen seemed to result in higher concentrations of nitrate in the downstream Klamath River (Iron Gate Dam). Total phosphorus concentration stayed relatively stable through the reservoirs in the study area, but decreased in the downstream direction between Iron Gate Dam and Seiad. Ortho-phosphorus concentrations increased longitudinally through the reservoirs, then decreased in the downstream direction between Iron Gate Dam and Seiad. An increase in ortho-phosphorus concentration can indicate internal cycling occurring in the reservoirs as well as photosynthesis. On an annual basis total phosphorus loading increased longitudinally from up- to downstream between Keno and Seiad. The increase was statistically significant (p = .03) indicating that the reservoirs in series in the Klamath River study area do not function as a nutrient sink. However, during the summer there was no statistically significant difference in total P loading when Keno, Iron Gate and Seiad locations were compared, therefore, the reservoirs may act as a nutrient sink seasonally. The Klamath River study locations were generally nitrogen limited, although at Keno, a regular change from N limitation to P limitation occurred during the fall of all three years of the study. When the Klamath River annual nutrient loading values are compared to other rivers in the vicinity, the Carson, Truckee, and Long Tom Rivers also appear to be nutrient enriched. The Carson and South Yamhill Rivers seem to be N limited systems and the Wood, Long Tom, Snake and Truckee Rivers seem to be P limited systems. Implementing management strategies for reservoir operations to improve water quality and reduce nutrient concentration or loading in the Klamath River study area to benefit anadromous fisheries may be difficult and expensive. However, improving the thermal regime in spring to benefit YOY salmonids may be possible as is short-term relief in fate summer for over-summering species. Decreases in nutrient concentration or loading accomplished through best management practices in the water shed may allow general protection of water resources in the Klamath Basin for future needs.
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INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL Genex*al Description of the Project Location. The Klamath Project is in the Upper Klamath River Basin, east of the Cascade Range. It is located in Klamath Comity, Oregon, ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Annual project history: Klamath Project, Oregon-California, 1958
- Author:
- United States. Bureau of Reclamation
- Year:
- 1958, 2008, 2006
INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL Genex*al Description of the Project Location. The Klamath Project is in the Upper Klamath River Basin, east of the Cascade Range. It is located in Klamath Comity, Oregon, and in Modoc and Siskiyou Counties of California. Project headquarters is located at the principal city of Klamath Falls, Oregon, which has a population of about 3&>^00, including suburbs. Smaller towns on the project in Oregon are Merrill, Malin, and Bonanza. The town of Tulelake, California, was established in 1931 near the center of the Tule Lake Division. Climate ? The mean temperature for the warmest month is 630 F. The coldest month has raez.n temperature of 29? F. Summer nights are cool. The annual rainfall is about 13 inches, of which about 3^ inches fall during the growing season of 90 to 130 days. Topography, soils, and crops. The project area is about U,100 feet elevation above sea level. The surface topography is generally smooth and flat for the large areas of lake bottom, and gently sloping on the higher lands? Peat and muck soils are common in the recent lake bottoms. Soils vary from sandy loam to clay on other parts of the project. The principal crops grown are alfalfa, malting and feed barley, potatoes, clover seed, and irrigated pasture and other forage. Stock raising is an important enterprise. Industry and transportation. Farming and lumbering each provide the major portion of the economy of the Basin. Three major railroad lines, one major highway and many secondary highways, and two airlines serve the project area. Plan and purpose. In 1958 the project provided irrigation service to 21^,500 acres. The water supply is provided by two main water courses, Klamath River and Lost River and their tributaries. Besides storing, diverting, and distributing water for irrigation, project facilities have reclaimed by drainage large areas formerly inundated by Lower Klamath and Tule Lakes. Flood waters of Lost River, which terminates In Tule Lake, are diverted to the Klamath River through the Lost River Diversion Channel. This channel is also used to carry irrigation water in the opposite direction in the summertime. Another principal function of the project is water-level control for the Tule Lake and Lower Klamath Lake National Wildlife Refuges. DTERODUCTIOH AND GBNKRAL (Continued) General Description of the Project (Cont.) Upper Klamath Lake on the Klamath River is the principal storage reservoir, having an active capacity of 52^,800 acre-feet. It is controlled by Link River Dam constructed, maintained, and operated by The California Oregon Power Company under an agreement with the project whereby irrigation requirements and rights are protected. The Main, Lower Klamath, and Tule Lake Divisions are served from this source. Gerber Reservoir on Miller Creel; and Clear Lake Reservoir on Lost River provide flood control for the Tule Lake Division and an irrigation supply for the Langell Valley Division. Their active storage capacities are 9*b3OO acre-feet and 513*300 acre-feet, respectively. Federally-financed project works also include the diversion, distribution, and drainage systems for the Main and Tule Lake Divisions; the diversion darn and main canals for the Langell Valley Division; and drainage outlets for the Lower Klamath and Tule Lake Divisions?
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"The goal of the project is to quantitatively describe the nature and extent of the ground-water flow systems in the basin."
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Upper Klamath Lake Basin nutrient-loading study: assessment of historic flows in the Williamson and Sprague Rivers
- Author:
- Risley, John C.
- Year:
- 1999, 2005, 2004
"The goal of the project is to quantitatively describe the nature and extent of the ground-water flow systems in the basin."
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Imprint from transmittal sheet; Distributed to depository libraries in microfiche; Shipping list no.: 97-0071-M; One ill. on 1 folded leaf in pocket; Includes bibliographical references
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Report of 1994 Workshop on the Correlation of Marine and Terrestrial Records of Climate Changes in the Western United States
- Author:
- Workshop on the Correlation of Marine and Terrestrial Records of Climate Changes in the Western U.S. (3rd : 1994 : Watsonville, Calif.)
- Year:
- 1996, 2007, 2005
Imprint from transmittal sheet; Distributed to depository libraries in microfiche; Shipping list no.: 97-0071-M; One ill. on 1 folded leaf in pocket; Includes bibliographical references
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37. [Image] Geology and ground-water resources of the Swan Lake-Yonna Valleys area, Klamath County, Oregon
Abstract The Swan Lake-Yonna Valleys area consists of two intermountain valleys with their subordinate side valleys adjoining slopes, and mountainous boundary ridges, In all the area covered is about 256 ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Geology and ground-water resources of the Swan Lake-Yonna Valleys area, Klamath County, Oregon
- Author:
- Meyers, Joseph D.
- Year:
- 1952, 2007, 2005
Abstract The Swan Lake-Yonna Valleys area consists of two intermountain valleys with their subordinate side valleys adjoining slopes, and mountainous boundary ridges, In all the area covered is about 256 square miles but the essential agricultural sections are restricted to the floors of Swan Lake and Yonna valleys with their respective subsidiary extensions of Pine Flats and Alkali Lake flats, a valley-floor area totaling about 90 square miles The floors of Swan Lake Valley and Yonna Valley lie at an altitude of about U52OO feet but the mountainous boundary ridges rise generally to 6000 feeto Yonna Valley is largely drained to Lost River by Buck Creek but also in part to Alkali Lakeo Swan Lake Valley and Pine Flats have only internal drainage. The Swan Lake Valley floor is the top of a deep alluvial fill, while Yonna Valley floor is mainly an erosional surface sloping to lines of through drainage Precipitation is about lit inches annually on the valley floors 9 but must be much more, possibly 18 to 24 inches, on the higher parts of the drainage basins. The growing season is short and killing frosts do occur in late spring and early fall. The rock units forming the bedrock structure of the area are consolidated or semiconsolidated rocks of Tertiary age and are largely of volcanic-flow and volcanic-sedimentary originc They consist of three main elements, a lower lava-rock unit, a sedimentary and volcanic-sedimentary unit, and an upper lava-rock unito The unconsolidated deposits are the older alluvium of Quaternary (and in part of late-Tertiary) age and the younger alluvium of Quaternary age0 The bedrock is faulted and deformed particularly so along a northwest-southeast set of fault lines that have given a remarkable linearity to the topography. Unpublished records subject to revision Ground water occurs below a regional water table that slopes south-ward to the level of the Lost Rivero The upper lava rocks and the lower lava rocks contain the principal permeable zones that occur beneath the areao Breccia and other porous zones in those rocks in places yield water to wells at a rate as large as 35OOO gallons per minute with but 1 or 2 feet of drawdowno The economical construction of irrigation wells requires the determination of the best possible location at which those rocks may be tapped at shallow depth below the level of the water tableo The ground water in general relatively low in dissolved mineral matter and is but slightly to moderately hard and would be considered chemically satisfactory for most uaeso Irrigation is the principal use of the ground water in the area north of the Horsefly Irrigation Districto There 3? wells supplied about 6,000 acre-feet of water to about 3800 acres of land in 1950. Water-level records obtained since 19U8 and approximations of the probable annual recharge from precipitation indicate that the present withdrawals are considerably less than the annual increment of the ground-water recharge, Rough estimates indicate that an increase in withdrawals of as much as 100 percent or more can take place before ground-water levels, by a persistent lowering, will begin to indicate that the annual replenishment is being exceeded.
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38. [Image] Klamath River Basin issues and activities
Klamath River Basin Issues and Activities: An Overview Summary The Klamath River Basin, an area on the California-Oregon border, has become a focal point for local and national discussions on water ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Klamath River Basin issues and activities
- Author:
- Kyna Powers
- Year:
- 2005, 2008, 2006
Klamath River Basin Issues and Activities: An Overview Summary The Klamath River Basin, an area on the California-Oregon border, has become a focal point for local and national discussions on water management and water scarcity. Water and species management issues were brought to the forefront when severe drought in 2001 exacerbated competition for scarce water resources and generated conflict among several interests - farmers, Indian tribes, commercial and sport fishermen, other recreationists, federal wildlife refuge managers, environmental groups, and state, local, and tribal governments. The conflicts over water distribution and allocation are physically and legally complex, reflecting the varied and sometimes competing uses of limited water supplies in the Basin. For management purposes, the Basin is divided at Iron Gate Dam into the Upper and Lower Basins. As is true in many regions in the West, the federal government plays a prominent role in the Klamath Basin's water management. This role stems from three primary activities: (1) the operation and management of the Bureau of Reclamation's Klamath Water Project and Central Valley Project (e.g., Trinity River dams); (2) management of federal lands in the Basin, including five national wildlife refuges, several national forests, and public lands; and (3) implementation of federal laws, such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Conflict was sparked in April of 2001 when the Bureau of Reclamation, which has supplied water to farms in the Upper Basin for nearly 100 years, announced that "no water [would] be available" for farms normally receiving water from the Upper Klamath Lake to avoid jeopardizing the existence of three fish species listed as endangered or threatened under the ESA. While some water was subsequently made available to some farmers from other sources (e.g., wells and other Bureau sources), many farmers faced serious hardships. During Reclamation's operations in September of 2002, warm water temperatures and atypically low flows in the lower Klamath contributed to the death of at least 33,000 adult salmonids. This die-off damaged fish stocks and the tribes, commercial fishermen, and recreational anglers that catch Klamath fish. There have been many studies, Biological Opinions, and operating plans over recent years, all of which have been controversial. The events of 2001 and 2002 prompted renewed efforts to resolve water conflicts in the Klamath Basin. Congress has responded to the controversy in a number of ways, including holding oversight hearings and appropriating funds for activities in the area. This report provides an overview of recent conflict in the Klamath Basin, with an emphasis on activities in the Upper Basin, and summarizes some of the activities taking place to improve water supply reliability and fish survival. This report will be updated as events warrant.
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"BLM/OR/WA/PL-02/038+1792"--P. [2] of cover; Cover title; Includes bibliographical references (v. 2, p. 219-228) and index
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Draft upper Klamath River management plan environmental impact statement and resource management plan amendments. Volume 2 - Appendices
- Author:
- United States. Bureau of Land Management. Klamath Falls Resource Area Office
- Year:
- 2003, 2004
"BLM/OR/WA/PL-02/038+1792"--P. [2] of cover; Cover title; Includes bibliographical references (v. 2, p. 219-228) and index
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The Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds Biennial Report 2005-2007. This is the sixth report on the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The report provides an update on the accomplishments and continuing ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds biennial report, 2005-2007
- Author:
- Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
- Year:
- 2006, 2007
The Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds Biennial Report 2005-2007. This is the sixth report on the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The report provides an update on the accomplishments and continuing efforts of people throughout Oregon to improve and protect clean water and recover and maintain healthy populations offish and wildlife in our watersheds. The Oregon Plan is unique because it engages communities in the restoration and long-term stewardship of their watersheds. This extraordinary effort encourages local partnerships and voluntary actions to improve the conditions of our watersheds. Over the years, these actions have made Oregon a national leader in local cooperative conservation. This report collects project and condition data, voluntary private lands restoration information, and agency program accomplishments under the Oregon Plan. Consistent with the past two reports, this document continues to provide specific data on each of the state's fifteen reporting basins. A new element to this report is the inclusion of stories about the people, partnerships, and on-the-ground projects that are benefiting watersheds and communities across the state. Thanks to the many Oregon Plan partners who contributed to this report. Thomas M. Byler Executive Director Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
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SUMMARY The U.S. Geological Survey's program for geologic and hydrologic evaluation of physiographic provinces to identify areas potentially suitable for locating repository sites for disposal of high-level ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Geologic and hydrologic characterization and evaluation of the Basin and Range Province relative to the disposal of high-level radioactive waste [part 1 introduction and guidelines]
- Author:
- Bedinger, M. S.; Sargent, Kenneth A.; Reed, J. E.
- Year:
- 2008, 2005
SUMMARY The U.S. Geological Survey's program for geologic and hydrologic evaluation of physiographic provinces to identify areas potentially suitable for locating repository sites for disposal of high-level nuclear wastes was announced to the Governors of the eight States in the Basin and Range Province on May 5, 1981. Representatives of Arizona, California, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, and Utah, were invited to cooperate with the Federal Government in the evaluation process. Each Governor was requested to nominate an Earth scientist to represent the State in a province working group composed of State and U.S. Geological Survey representatives. This report, Part I of a three-part report, provides the background, introduction and scope of the study. This part also includes a discussion of geologic and hydrologic guidelines that will be used in the evaluation process and illustrates geohydro-logic environments and the effect of individual factors in providing multiple natural barriers to radionuclide migration. Part II is a reconnaissance characterization of the geologic and hydrologic factors to be used in the initial screening of the Basin and Range Province. Part III will be the initial evaluation of the Province and will identify regions that appear suitable for further study. The plan for study of the Province includes a stepwise screening process by which successively smaller land units are considered in increasing detail. Each step involves characterization of the geology and hydrology and selection of subunits for more intensive characterization. Selection of subunits for further study is by evaluation of geologic and hydrologic conditions following a set of guidelines. By representation on the Province Working Group, the States participate in a consultation and review role in: (1) Establishing geologic and hydrologic guidelines, and (2) characterizing and evaluating the Province. The States also participate in compilation of geologic and hydrologic data used in characterizing the Province. The current (1983) needs for a high-level radioactive waste repository include: (1) Disposal in a mined repository; (2) re- trievability of the waste for as much as 50 years; and (3) confidence of isolation of the waste from the accessible environment. Isolation of the waste needs to be assured using geologic and hydrologic conditions that: (1) Minimize risk of inadvertent future intrusions by man; (2) minimize the possibility of disturbance by processes that would expose the waste or increase its mobility; and (3) provide a system of natural barriers to the migration of waste by ground water. The guidelines adopted by the Province Working Group are designed to provide a standard with which these conditions can be compared. The guidelines can be grouped into four principal categories: (1) Potential host media, (2) ground-water conditions, (3) tectonic conditions, and (4) occurrence of natural resources. Ideally the host medium constitutes the first natural barrier to migration of radionculides. The host medium ideally should be a rock type that prevents or retards dissolution and transport of radionuclides. Rocks in both the saturated and unsaturated zones may have desirable characteristics for host media. Rocks?other than the host?in the ground-water flow path from the repository ideally should be major barriers to radionuclide migration. Confining beds of low permeability might be present to retard the rate of flow between more permeable beds. Additionally, sorption of radionuclides by materials such as clays and zeolites in the flow path can further retard the flow of radionuclides by several orders of magnitude. Tectonic conditions in an area should not present a probable cause for exhumation or increased mobility of radioactive waste. Natural resources are a factor for consideration because of the problem of future human intrusion and exposure to radioactivity in the quest for minerals, oil, gas, water, and geothermal resources. The ultimate evaluation of the suitability of a geohydrologic environment for developing a mined repository needs to assess all geologic and hydrologic characteristics and their interaction in providing confidence that a geohydrologic environment will effectively isolate radionuclides from human access. Several hypothetical settings with typical geohydrologic conditions in the Basin and Range Province are used to illustrate the effect of multiple barriers in the isolation of radionuclides.
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43. [Image] Annual Report on the Project to Design and Experimentally Test an Improved Geothermal Drill Bit
Progress is reported in a research and development program to design, build, and test an improved geothermal drill bit. The major tasks of the Phase I effort are entitled: failure mechanisms of existing ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Annual Report on the Project to Design and Experimentally Test an Improved Geothermal Drill Bit
- Author:
- Barker, L.M.
- Year:
- 1976
Progress is reported in a research and development program to design, build, and test an improved geothermal drill bit. The major tasks of the Phase I effort are entitled: failure mechanisms of existing bits; new steels and new bearing design; and new seals and lubricants. It appears that a significant gain in drill-bit life can be attained by the use of higher-temperature steels which retain more hardness at temperatures above 260/sup 0/C (500/sup 0/F). Such steels are available, and two research bits of high-temperature steels were made and will shortly be tested in a laboratory-simulated full-scale geothermal drilling environment. Two control bits of the same design, but made with conventional drill bit steels, were also obtained for identical laboratory test runs, so that the performance of the research bits can be meaningfully assessed. Base-line properties of the steels, such as hardness and fracture toughness as functions of temperature, are being measured to further assess the value of the high-temperature steels selected for the research bits. A geothermal test vessel was designed and fabricated in which the full-scale drill bits will be tested. The vessel is capable of temperature to 427/sup 0/C (800/sup 0/F) and pressures to 35 MPa (5,000 psi). Seal and lubrication designs were studied, and the state of the art in high-temperature seals and lubricants was assessed. Some candidate seals and lubricants have been obtained for testing, and others are being procured. In addition, a seal test vessel has been designed and will soon be completed which can simulate the geothermal drilling environment in full-scale testing of seal and lubricant designs and materials. (JGB)
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44. [Image] The Klamath Project
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"Prepared for Klamath Basin Ecosystem Foundation, and the Upper Williamson River Catchment Group, in cooperation with the Upper Klamath Basin Working Group, and the Klamath Watershed Council."
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Draft upper Williamson River Watershed assessment
- Author:
- David Evans and Associates, Inc.
- Year:
- 2004, 2005
"Prepared for Klamath Basin Ecosystem Foundation, and the Upper Williamson River Catchment Group, in cooperation with the Upper Klamath Basin Working Group, and the Klamath Watershed Council."
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AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF STEPHEN DOUGLAS REILING for the MASTER OF SCIENCE (Name) (Degree) in AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS presented on (Major) (Date) Title: THE ESTIMATION OF REGIONAL ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- The estimation of regional secondary benefits resulting from an improvement in water quality of Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon: an interindustry approach
- Author:
- Reiling, Stephen Douglas
- Year:
- 1971, 2006, 2005
AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF STEPHEN DOUGLAS REILING for the MASTER OF SCIENCE (Name) (Degree) in AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS presented on (Major) (Date) Title: THE ESTIMATION OF REGIONAL SECONDARY BENEFITS RESULTING FROM AN IMPROVEMENT IN WATER QUALITY OF UPPER KLAMATH LAKE, OREGON; AN INTERINDUSTRY APPROACH Abstract approved^ Herbert H. Stoevener The primary objective of this study was to estimate the impact that an increase in recreational expenditures, resulting from water quality improvements of Klamath Lake, would have upon the Klamath County economy. As the sales of the economy expand to serve the needs of the recreationists, real benefits will be forthcoming to the businesses and households of the county in the forms of more business and higher incomes., To estimate the total impact of the increased volume of recreational expenditures that may be made in the economy, the economic relationships of the local economy h
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BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF KLAMATH PROJECT'S CONTINUING OPERATIONS ON THE ENDANGERED LOST RIVER SUCKER AND SHORTNOSE SUCKER U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific Region Klamath Basin Area Office Klamath ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Biological assessment of Klamath Project's continuing operations on the endangered Lost River sucker and shortnose sucker
- Author:
- United States. Bureau of Reclamation
- Year:
- 2001, 2005
BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF KLAMATH PROJECT'S CONTINUING OPERATIONS ON THE ENDANGERED LOST RIVER SUCKER AND SHORTNOSE SUCKER U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific Region Klamath Basin Area Office Klamath Falls, Oregon February 13,2001 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 2 2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION 3 3.0 DESCRIPTION OF HISTORIC OPERATIONS 6 4.0 ENDANGERED SPECIES POTENTIALLY AFFECTED BY THE KLAMATH PROJECT 16 5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE 60 6.0 EFFECTS OF KLAMATH PROJECT ON BALD EAGLES 60 7.0 EFFECTS OF KLAMATH PROJECT ENDANGERED SUCKERS 63 8.0 PROPOSED CRITICAL HABITAT FOR ENDANGERED SUCKERS 82 9.0 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS 84 10.0 DETERMINATION OF EFFECTS 89 11.0 LITERATURE CITED 90 12.0 PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS 100 13.0 APPENDIX 1 - ESA CONSULTATION REVIEW 101
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Recent Paleolimnology of Upper Klamath Lake Eilers et al. 2001 ABSTRACT Sediment cores were collected from Upper Klamath Lake in October, 1998 and analyzed for 210Pb, 14C, 15N, N, P, C, Ti, Al, diatoms, ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Recent paleolimnology of Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon
- Author:
- United States. Bureau of Reclamation
- Year:
- 2001, 2005
Recent Paleolimnology of Upper Klamath Lake Eilers et al. 2001 ABSTRACT Sediment cores were collected from Upper Klamath Lake in October, 1998 and analyzed for 210Pb, 14C, 15N, N, P, C, Ti, Al, diatoms, Pediastrum, and cyanobacterial akinetes. These results were used to reconstruct changes in water quality in Upper Klamath Lake over the last 150 years. The results showed that there was substantial mixing of the upper 10 cm of sediment, representing the previous 20 to 30 years. However, below that, 210Pb activity declined monotonically, allowing reasonable dating for the period from about 1850 to 1970. The sediment accumulation rates (SAR) showed a substantial increase in the 20th century. The increase in SAR corresponded with increases in erosional input from the watershed as represented by the increases in sediment concentrations of Ti and Al. The upper 20 cm of sediment (representing the last 150 years) also showed increases in C, N, P, and 15N. The increases in nutrient concentrations may be affected to various degrees by diagenetic reactions within the sediments, although the changes in concentrations also were marked by changes in the N:P ratio and in a qualitative change in the source of N as reflected in increasing S15N. The diatoms showed modest changes, particularly in the upper sediments, with increases in Asterionellaformosa, Stephanodiscus hantzschii, and S. parvus. Pediastrum, a green alga, was well-preserved in the sediments and exhibited a sharp decline in relative abundance in the upper sediments. Total cyanobacteria, as represented by preserved akinetes, exhibited only minor changes in the last 1000 years. However, a taxon which was formerly not present in the lake 150 years ago, Aphanizomenon, has shown major increases in recent decades. Although the mixing in the upper sediments prevents high-resolution temporal analysis of the recent history (e.g. last 30 years) of Upper Klamath Lake, the results demonstrate that major changes in water quality likely have occurred leading to a major modification of the phytoplankton assemblage. The changes in sediment composition are consistent with land use activities during this period that include substantial deforestation, drainage of wetlands, and agricultural activities associated with livestock and irrigated cropland.
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49. [Image] Geopressured Energy Resource Evaluation
The geopressured aquifers that extend along the northern Gulf of Mexico are a large, perhaps the largest, potential source of geothermal energy and natural gas in the US. Because of the high cost of completing ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Geopressured Energy Resource Evaluation
- Author:
- Samuels, G.
- Year:
- 1979
The geopressured aquifers that extend along the northern Gulf of Mexico are a large, perhaps the largest, potential source of geothermal energy and natural gas in the US. Because of the high cost of completing wells into these formations and their relatively low temperatures (200 to 400 F), the utilization of the geothermal energy will be highly depend on, and of secondary importance to, the value of the methane. The economics of extracting either the geothermal energy or natural gas from these aquifers does not look promising. The combined requirements of high well flow rates (40,000 bbl/day), long life (20 years), and the necessity for close well spacing to minimize the cost of the collection system may be incompatible with the actual characteristics of the reservoirs. These factors place such stringent requirements on the reservoir size, permeability, and compressibility, or specific storage coefficient, that the number of promising production areas may be severely limited
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The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is the responsible Federal agency for operation of the Klamath Project (Project). Operation of the Project has been the subject of numerous previous consultations ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Biological assessment of the Klamath Project's continuing operations on southern Oregon/Northern California esu coho salmon and critical habitat for southern Oregon/northern California esu coho salmon
- Year:
- 2001, 2004
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is the responsible Federal agency for operation of the Klamath Project (Project). Operation of the Project has been the subject of numerous previous consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and one with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Severe drought conditions in 1992 and 1994 and resultant associated shortages in project water supplies coupled with the 1997 listing of the southern Oregon/northern California (SONCC) coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch, as threatened in the Klamath River downstream from the Project led to a review of Reclamation 19s operations. This biological assessment (BA) describes the effects on federally-listed species (i.e., coho salmon) and its designated critical habitat from on-going operation of the project based on historic operations, as described in this BA. The biological opinion (BO) addressing this BA and any subsequent BA amendments will be among the information that will inform the development of alternatives of the long-term operations plan and environmental impact statement (EIS). Reclamation is developing a long-term operations plan and EIS for the Project. The preferred alternative for implementation from the long-term operations plan would be the subject of a separate future ESA consultation. This BA describes the needs of anadromous fish with emphasis on SONCC coho salmon. It was developed using the best available scientific and commercial information on anadromous fish in the Klamath River. Coho salmon were listed as threatened on June 6, 1997 (NMFS 1997). The NMFS published a final rule designating critical habitat for SONCC coho salmon in May, 1999 (NMFS 1999a). Designated critical habitat for SONCC coho salmon encompasses accessible reaches of all rivers (including estuarine areas and tributaries) between the Mattole River in California and the Elk River in Oregon. Critical habitat includes all waterways, substrate, and adjacent riparian zones below longstanding, naturally impassable barriers. The areas upstream from Iron Gate Dam (IGD) (river mile 190) were not proposed critical habitat because areas downstream were considered sufficient for the conservation of the species. Reclamation has not evaluated whether the action that is the subject of this BA is consistent with its trust responsibility to Klamath Basin Indian Tribes. There are several important scientific reports and analyses (e.g., Phase II flow study) currently not available to Reclamation concerning threatened coho salmon, their habitat, and water quality as it relates to appropriate river flows that may be necessary to operate the Project consistent with the trust responsibility to Klamath Basin Indian Tribes. When this additional information becomes available, Reclamation intends to consider it during the development of the Project operations plans and include it in subsequent consultations with NMFS, as appropriate.