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To date, the use of oceanographic data in fisheries management has been limited by the scarcity and the difficulty of accessing complete oceanographic datasets. Consequently, fish stocks are managed with ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Integration of oceanographic information off the Washington and Oregon coasts into west coast groundfish ecology and fisheries management
- Author:
- Juan Jorda, Maria Jose
To date, the use of oceanographic data in fisheries management has been limited by the scarcity and the difficulty of accessing complete oceanographic datasets. Consequently, fish stocks are managed with limited knowledge about the habitat where fish live and incomplete understanding of what oceanographic conditions affect their populations. With the long-term goal to improve science for ecosystem-based management of the West Coast groundfish fishery, this study had three objectives. First, the assembling and merging of disperse oceanographic datasets for temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a and current velocity from the 1930s to the year 2004 off the Washington and Oregon coasts. Second, the generation of oceanographic data products relevant for fisheries research, consisting of the computation and the plotting of climatological monthly means, standard deviations and coefficients of variation for a variety of ocean variables at several depths. Third, the development of an exploratory example of how oceanographic information collected in this study can be of use to improve the science and management of groundfish. Thus, a study was developed to investigate if groundfish distribution and abundances are associated with any ocean habitat or individual oceanographic variables, using a combination of univariate, classification and ordination techniques. The fish data were derived from a routine bottom trawl survey conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NOAA-NWFSC). Five ocean habitats with distinct physical and biological characteristics were identified off the Washington and Oregon coast: Offshore Habitat, Upwelling Habitat, Highly Variable Upwelling Habitat, River Plume Habitat, and Highly Variable Habitat. These ocean habitats were characteristic of cold-regime summer upwelling conditions. Overall, the analyses suggested that the species composition differ among the five ocean habitats. Some species were highly indicative of some habitats; however, overall the associations were weak due to the high degree of overlap of ocean habitats in terms of species composition. All the analyses were consistent in associating shallower species with the shallowest habitats (the Highly Variable, River Plume and Upwelling habitats) and the deeper species with the deeper habitats (the Offshore and the Highly Variable Upwelling habitats), suggesting that groundfish are adapted to wide environmental ranges. In addition, the overall abundance and diversity of groundfish was higher in the shallower habitats. In contrast, groundfish species showed strong associations with individual environmental factors, primarily depth, surface chlorophyll-a, and salinity and temperature at the bottom of the seafloor, indicating that groundfish distributions are mainly organized along depth gradients. Latitudinal variations in upwelling intensity, river discharge and productivity along the coast were also important factors influencing shallow species distributions and abundances. For example, three regions with high chlorophyll-a concentrations were associated with large abundances of specific groundfish species. These regions were found over Heceta Bank, over the Juan de Fuca canyon and in the Columbia River Plume. This study began with the assembly of several ocean variables and the development of some preliminary ocean data products relevant to fisheries studies. However, the addition of other ocean variables, such as dissolved oxygen, and the computation of new ocean products, such as mixed-layer depth, and thermocline depth and strength, would be valuable. Future work should involve more interdisplinary studies between fisheries and oceanography, the integration of oceanographic information off the west coast of the U.S., and the collection of concurrent ocean data at each fish trawl location.
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802. [Article] Landscape-Level Approaches to Desert Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) Conservation in a Changing Environment
Landscape characteristics can strongly influence demographic and genetic processes in wildlife populations. Climate change and human land use are causing many landscapes to change rapidly, and the effects ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Landscape-Level Approaches to Desert Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) Conservation in a Changing Environment
- Author:
- Creech, Tyler Graydon
Landscape characteristics can strongly influence demographic and genetic processes in wildlife populations. Climate change and human land use are causing many landscapes to change rapidly, and the effects on wildlife populations must be understood to properly manage these threats and design effective conservation strategies. In this dissertation, I explored the implications of landscape heterogeneity for desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni), an ecologically and culturally important ungulate species in the southwestern United States, and demonstrated new approaches that can be applied to landscape-level conservation of many wildlife species in changing landscapes. This research focused on populations within and surrounding U.S. national parks, comprising a large portion of the desert bighorn sheep's geographic range, and utilized a genetic dataset including > 1,600 individuals that was developed during this and previous projects. Landscape resistance models have been used extensively to predict potential linkages among fragmented wildlife populations, including desert bighorn sheep, but have rarely been used to guide systematic decision-making such as prioritizing conservation actions to maximize regional connectivity. In Chapter 1, I combined network theory and landscape resistance modeling to prioritize management for connectivity, including protection and restoration of dispersal corridors and habitat patches, in a desert bighorn sheep metapopulation in the Mojave Desert. I constructed network models of genetic connectivity (potential for gene flow) and demographicconnectivity (potential for colonization of empty habitat patches). I found that the type of connectivity and the network metric used to quantify had substantial effects on prioritization results; however, I was able to identify high-priority habitat patches and corridors that were highly ranked across all combinations of the above factors. Potential diet quality varies across landscapes and through time for desert bighorn sheep and other ungulates, but is difficult to measure at fine spatial and temporal resolution using traditional field-based methods. The remotely sensed vegetation index NDVI can potentially overcome these limitations, but its relationship to diet quality has never been empirically validated for desert herbivores. In Chapter 2, I examined how strongly NDVI was associated with diet quality of desert bighorn sheep in the Mojave Desert using fecal nitrogen data from multiple years and populations, and considered the effects of temporal resolution, geographic variability, and NDVI spatial summary statistic. I found that NDVI was more reliably associated with diet quality over the entire growing season than with instantaneous diet quality for a population, and was positively associated with population genetic diversity (a proxy for long-term diet quality). Although NDVI was a useful diet quality indicator for Mojave Desert bighorn sheep, my analysis suggested that it may be unreliable if satellite data are too spatially coarse to detect microhabitats providing high-quality forage, or if diet is strongly influenced by forage items that are weakly correlated with landscape greenness. Landscape genetic studies typically rely on neutral genetic markers to explore gene flow and genetic variation, but the potential for species to adapt to changing landscapes depends on how natural selection influences adaptive genetic variation. In Chapter 3, I optimized landscape resistance models for desert bighorn sheep in three regions with different landscape characteristics, and then used genetic simulations incorporating natural selection to determine how the spread of adaptive variation is influenced by differences among landscapes. Optimized landscape resistance models differed between regions but slope, presence of water barriers, and major roads had the greatest impacts on gene flow. Differences among landscapes strongly influenced the spread of adaptive genetic variation, with faster spread in landscapes with more continuously distributed habitat and when a pre-existing allele (i.e., standing genetic variation) rather than a novel allele (i.e., mutation) served as the source of adaptive genetic variation. Climate change presents a substantial threat to desert bighorn sheep and wildlife worldwide, and adaptation may be required to persist in novel environmental conditions. Knowledge of how adaptive capacity - the potential to cope with climate change by persisting in situ or moving to more suitable ranges or microhabitats - varies across populations is needed to establish conservation priorities for minimizing climate change impacts to individual species. In Chapter 4, I explored variation in the evolutionary component of adaptive capacity for 62 desert bighorn sheep populations on and near U.S. national parks. I measured adaptive capacity of populations as a function of two factors that are strongly associated with the potential for evolutionary adaptation, genetic diversity and connectivity (estimated using a landscape resistance model from Chapter 3). Genetic diversity and connectivity were highly variable across regions and populations. I identified populations with high adaptive capacity that could serve as genetic refugia from climate change impacts (e.g., those in Death Valley and Grand Canyon National Parks), but also populations with low adaptive capacity that may require conservation actions to improve their potential for adaptation (e.g., those in eastern Utah and the southern Mojave Desert). Genetic structure analyses suggested that populations in eastern Utah were genetically distinct from the rest of the study area, likely resulting from restricted gene flow following regional population extinctions. This dissertation highlighted the effects of landscape heterogeneity on genetic and demographic processes in desert bighorn sheep populations. Collectively, the information in these chapters should help guide management of desert bighorn sheep in the face of climate change and human land use. The landscape-level approaches demonstrated here may be useful for managing many other wildlife species.
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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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804. [Image] Environmental assessment for snowmobile rulemaking in Crater Lake National Park, January 2001
ill., maps; "00383.O1D-CRATER LAKE"; "NPSD-306 Jan 2001"; Includes bibliographical referencesCitation -
805. [Image] The Endangered Species Act and the National Research Council's interim judgment in Klamath Basin
The controversial 2001 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service water allocation decision in the Klamath Basin has been portrayed as an example of scientific guesswork operating under a flawed Endangered Species ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- The Endangered Species Act and the National Research Council's interim judgment in Klamath Basin
- Author:
- Cooperman, Michael S. ; Markle, Douglas F.
- Year:
- 2002, 2005
The controversial 2001 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service water allocation decision in the Klamath Basin has been portrayed as an example of scientific guesswork operating under a flawed Endangered Species Act. This conclusion has been based on an interim National Research Council report, quickly prepared in late fall, 2001. We have reviewed several iterations of the NRC Interim Report as well as all Biological Opinions and management documents related to Klamath Basin suckers and provide an overview. The 2001 Biological Opinion and the Interim Report illustrate the lack of consensus typical of scientists in the early stages of exploring a complex system. Unfortunately, the decision created hardship for a small group of people and the lack of scientific consensus has politicized the debate. Politicians have assumed that the Interim Report has primacy in the scientific debate when, in fact, its speedy construction contributed to multiple errors that detract from its scientific usefulness. The NRC Interim Report has, instead, primarily served to deflect debate away from the needs of listed fishes to one about shortcomings in the Endangered Species Act. Although the process of science has been served by both the 2001 Biological Opinion and the Interim Report, both have shortcomings, and we see no justification for either side labeling the other's decisions or conclusions as "not sound science."
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FINAL PROGRESS REPORT FOR FISHERIES INVESTIGATIONS ON BLUE CREEK, TRIBUTARY TO K1AMATH RIVER, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FY 1993 (October 1992 - September 1993) ABSTRACT The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Final progress report for fisheries investigations on Blue Creek, tributary to Klamath River, northern California, FY 1993
- Author:
- Longenbaugh, Matthew H.; Chan, Jeffrey R.
- Year:
- 1994, 2008, 2005
FINAL PROGRESS REPORT FOR FISHERIES INVESTIGATIONS ON BLUE CREEK, TRIBUTARY TO K1AMATH RIVER, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FY 1993 (October 1992 - September 1993) ABSTRACT The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Coastal California Fishery Resource Office (CCFRO) in Arcata, CA, was funded to investigate chinook salmon spawning use, juvenile salmonid emigration and characterize habitats in Blue Creek, Klamath Basin, CA. Investigations that began in October, 1988, have continued to date, with this reporting period covering Fiscal Year 1993 (FY 1993, October, 1992, through September, 1993). In addition, some information already presented in previous progress reports, FY 1989 - FY 1992, is summarized. In 1993, adult chinook spawner escapements were addressed by snorkel surveys of redds and carcasses. Spawner numbers were very low, with only 17 redds observed in fall/winter 1992-93. The peak count of adult chinook was 136 fish in early November. Emigrating juvenile s&lmonids were trapped at river kilometer (rkm) 3.35 with a screw trap and panel weir. The screw trapping period extended from April through July for a total of 91 trapping nights. Screw trap catches totaled 14,526 chinook, 912 steelhead and 69 coho. Chinook emigration was spread over the entire trapping period, with increases during mid-May, and from mid-June throughout July. A juvenile weir was operated 60 nights, and caught a total of 6,334 chinook, 992 steelhead, 49 coho salmon, and 0 juvenile cutthroat. The total index of production for emigrating chinook during the 1993 juvenile trapping period was 101,819. Chinook that were marked with coded-wire tags (n-12,299) were released, with other juvenile fish, into Blue Creek at rkm 3.3. Mean temperatures varied from 6.3 to 18.6 ?C and flows ranged from 0.91 cubic m/s (32 cubic feet/s) to 202.6 cubic m/s (7,160 cubic feet/s) during FY 1993. Extreme flows for FY 1993 were the lowest and highest observed by CCFRO since the project began in 1989, and lower than the previous low of the 13 years of record.
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Executive Summary This report provides information describing the biological, hydrological, meteorological, and water quality conditions associated with the die-off of an estimated 34,056 fish in the Klamath ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Klamath River fish die-off, September 2002 : causative factors of mortality
- Author:
- Guillen, George
- Year:
- 2003, 2005, 2004
Executive Summary This report provides information describing the biological, hydrological, meteorological, and water quality conditions associated with the die-off of an estimated 34,056 fish in the Klamath River, California in September 2002. The proximate cause of death was heavy infections of two fish pathogens, Ich and columnaris. However, given that these ubiquitous pathogens are normally found in the Klamath River, additional factors must have played a role for them to have become lethal. It is our conclusion based on multiple lines of evidence that the fish die-off in the lower Klamath River in 2002 was a result of a combination of factors that began with an early peak in the return of a large run of fall Chinook salmon. Low river discharges apparently did not provide suitable attraction flows for migrating adult salmon, resulting in large numbers of fish congregating in the warm waters of the lower River. The high density offish, low discharges, warm water temperatures, and possible extended residence time of salmon created optimal conditions for parasite proliferation and precipitated an epizootic of Ich and columnaris. Based on a review of available literature and historical records, this was the largest known pre-spawning adult salmonid die-off recorded for the Klamath River and possibly the Pacific coast.
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808. [Article] Succession functions of forest pathogens and insects : ecosections M332a and M333d in northern Idaho and western Montana ; summary
We analyzed the effects of pathogens and insects on forest succession in the absence of fire or management, addressing a number of related questions: 1. What is the rate of change in such forests? 2. How ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Succession functions of forest pathogens and insects : ecosections M332a and M333d in northern Idaho and western Montana ; summary
- Author:
- United States. Forest Service. Northern Region. State & Private Forestry, Hagle, Susan K., Byler, James W., United States. Forest Health Protection
We analyzed the effects of pathogens and insects on forest succession in the absence of fire or management, addressing a number of related questions: 1. What is the rate of change in such forests? 2. How significant are the roles of pathogens and insects in the forest change? 3. How do pathogens and insects influence forest succession? Vegetation change was measured using a geographic information system (GIS) analysis method that overlaid 1935-era and 1975-era maps of sample subcompartments on national forest land in two ecoregions in northern Idaho and western Montana. This 40-year period was, coincidentally, the time in which white pine blister rust became epidemic and in which fire suppression policies were implemented. Stand hazard ratings were used to classify stand susceptibility to insects and most pathogens; root disease severity was rated from aerial photographs. We considered an insect or pathogen to be a cause of successional change when the following conditions were met: the insect or disease hazard or severity rating for a cover type/structure stage class was high or moderate; a transition from one class to another was consistent with the expected function of the agent; and the change was not explained by advancing succession in the absence of pathogen or insect influence. We found high rates of change from pathogens and insects in forests that had no evidence of recent active management or fire. More than 90 percent of the sample stands changed to a different cover type, structure stage, or both during the 40-year period. Insects and pathogens were associated with 75 percent or more of that change. Root pathogens, white pine blister rust, and bark beetles were the cause of most of the observed changes. The most significant pathogen and insect influences on cover type were to accelerate succession of western white pine, ponderosa pine, and lodgepole pine to later successional, more shade-tolerant species. The effects on structure were to reduce stand density or prevent canopy closure. Grand fir, Douglasfir, and subalpine fir were the predominant cover types at the end of the period, and were highly susceptible to root diseases, bark beetles, fire, and drought. The trend toward mature, dense, climax forest is projected to decrease substantially during the next 40 years, with greater accumulations occurring in low-density mature and younger pole-sized stands that result from root disease- and bark beetle-caused mortality. Our results underscore the relevance of pathogens and insects to forest planning and forest management. The introduction of white pine blister rust has drastically and perhaps permanently altered succession in this once-significant type. In the absence of fire or management, native pathogens, and insects continue to bring about change in forest composition and structure. This change is different from that produced by fire, as early seral species are usually not regenerated as a result of pathogen or insect activity. The ecological outcomes of pathogen and insect activities are sometimes desirable and sometimes not desirable. We should consider whether or not their effects create desired conditions for the landscape in deciding whether or not to alter their influence through management. This information on long-term effects of pathogens and insects on succession can be used to address forest health in forest plans, to analyze alternative actions, and to more accurately communicate outcomes of those alternatives to various stakeholders. We found that pathogens and insects can have large effects on forest succession. The economic impacts of pathogens and insects have been well documented; with this analysis, we have begun to understand and quantify their successional effects.
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809. [Article] Baseline stream chemistry and soil resources for the Hinkle Creek Research and Demonstration Area Project
This research addressed the opportunity to obtain baseline data for both stream chemistry and soil resources for an intensively managed forest watershed, encompassed by the North and South Forks of Hinkle ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Baseline stream chemistry and soil resources for the Hinkle Creek Research and Demonstration Area Project
- Author:
- George, Robert Lance
This research addressed the opportunity to obtain baseline data for both stream chemistry and soil resources for an intensively managed forest watershed, encompassed by the North and South Forks of Hinkle Creek Watershed Research and Demonstration Area Project near Sutherlin, Oregon. A solid representative database for both stream and soil nutrients in these forest watersheds will provide a model upon which to help gauge the effects of current and expected intensive forest management practices on industrial forest land. Eight original sampling points were described for water chemistry. In addition, samples were collected from three other locations directly below two clearcuts completed in 2001 that had subsequent intensive vegetation control measures in place. The total nutrient output in kg month [superscript -1] and kg ha [superscript -1] month [superscript -1] among the Hinkle Creek streams differed greatly due to discharge and watershed area, but their nutrient concentrations, with few exceptions, were closely related. All stream water N concentrations were low, except for some higher NO3-N concentrations for two partially treated watersheds, Clay and Beeby Creeks. DeMearsman Creek, a control, had an NO3-N + NO2-N concentration of 0.01mg L [superscript -1] in December, 2003. In contrast, a Beeby Creek tributary below a clearcut had a 1.75 mg L [superscript -1] concentration. The NO3-N concentrations increased substantially after urea fertilization of most of the Hinkle Creek basin in late October, 2004. Samples in January, 2005 showed a reversal of NO3-N + NO2-N concentrations between treatment vs. control watersheds (P < 0.02, T = 4.24). Partial clearcuts or completely forested basins both had similar nutrient concentration data, with the exception of N, especially NO3-N + NO2-N. Beeby Creek was significantly higher in NO3-N + NO2-N, with a two-sided inference (P < 0.0001, T = 6.2-6.5), than all of the other headwater streams. Clay Creek sampled above and below a clearcut showed no significant change (P = 0.272, T = 1.15). Hinkle Creek South Fork showed that the downstream effects of clearcutting, especially NO3-N + NO2-N output from smaller upstream tributaries, may transmit their effects to larger confluences downstream (P = 0.0001, T = 4.47). Newly published soil surveys from the National Resource Conservation Service and Douglas County SCS were used to set up a methodology for sampling the representative Hinkle Creek soil resources. Eight main soil types were mapped, 27 representative soil pits were dug in accordance with the location of the mapped soils, and standard soil survey descriptions were created. Soil cores were taken from different depths (0-15, 15-30 and 30-60 cm). These data were used to estimate total soil C, N, P, and S resources, soil cation exchange capacity, and available base cations (Ca, Mg, K, and Na). Soil N was low, with the most prevalent soil series, (Orford Gravelly Loam) having 1010 kg ha [superscript -1] (S.E. 143) in the top 15 cm. Low stream N concentration may be correlated with the low soil N content, which may limit Hinkle Creek tree production.
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810. [Article] Biological soil crusts in forested ecosystems of southern Oregon : presence, abundance and distribution across climate gradients
In arid and semi-arid deserts, soils are commonly covered with biological soil crusts. The study of arid biocrusts and their ecological function has become increasingly common in the literature over the ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Biological soil crusts in forested ecosystems of southern Oregon : presence, abundance and distribution across climate gradients
- Author:
- Olarra, Jennifer A.
In arid and semi-arid deserts, soils are commonly covered with biological soil crusts. The study of arid biocrusts and their ecological function has become increasingly common in the literature over the last several decades. Interestingly, no mention is made of biological soil crusts in forested ecosystems, raising the question as to whether they exist in these areas and if they do, why they have yet to be recognized as such? Through the use a parallel logic, this study finds that biocrusts do indeed exist in forests, a novel relationship in forest ecology and seeks to determine if there exist ecophysical explanations for the abundance and distribution throughout the forest landscape. This study examined the effects of climate variables and substrate types on the abundance, distribution and overall cover of forest soil biocrust at fifty-two sites in southern Oregon, U.S.A. Sites were randomly selected within established buffer zones in the Siuslaw, Rogue-Sisikyou, Umpqua, and Fremont-Winema National Forests. The methods of Belnap et al 2001 were tested and then modified for application in forested ecosystems. Data were collected on the relative abundance and distribution of biocrust morphological groups across available substrates, community biocrust morphology, aspect, elevation and soil texture, pH and organic matter content. Site-specific data on average annual precipitation and minimum/maximum temperatures was collected using the PRISM Climate Model. This study found substrate colonization by specific morphological groups mixed across the study; though dominant communities were observed for each substrate present, substrate availability appears to be confounded by a number of variables (climate, stand age and structure and litter layer) not controlled for in this study. Biocrust community morphologies varied across sites, primarily influenced by the surface texture of the substrate and morphology of the individual. Relatively smooth surfaces (rock, bare soil) often resulted in smooth biocrust morphologies, whereas rough surfaces (dead wood, bare soil) tended to result in a rolling morphology. Litter layer directly influenced the relative proportion of substrates colonized, notably affecting dead wood and mineral soil biocrusts. Total biocrust cover increased as precipitation increased as did biocrust preference for dead wood substrates while mineral soil remained unchanged and rock surfaces were negatively represented. Aspect generally followed the anticipated distribution of total biocrust cover with the highest cover on N and NW aspects and lowest on the W aspect. Increases in elevation were negatively related to overall biocrust cover. Soil texture was not found to be directly related to overall biocrust cover, attributed in part to the highly adaptive nature of the biocrust community. Soil organic matter (SOM) influenced total biocrust cover with positive correlations between total cover and increasing SOM content. Soil pH increased as expected across the precipitation range (17 to 159 in/yr) of the transect. Total biocrust cover was found to trend with soil pH, but is believed to be attributed to the parallel relationship between precipitation and pH, rather than pH alone given the relative moderate pH range (4.39 to 6.54) of the study. The distribution and abundance of forest soil biocrusts is strongly influenced by precipitation. The confounding influence of precipitation to litter layer depth and organic matter content (through gradients of vegetative productivity) and soil pH further are concluded to influence substrate preference by morphological groups. Across the variables examined, similarities between the two communities (arid and forest) in response to climate and soil chemistry show parallel relations, justifying the formal establishment of biological soil crust community in forested regions. The differences between communities related to the presence of trees validate the establishment of forest soil biocrusts as distinct community in both form and ecological function with the forests.
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811. [Article] Hydrophobicity of Cindery Typic Cryorthents
The hydrophobicity of soils of the Deschutes National Forest was studied. The soils are Cindery Typic Cryorthents, formed in cinders and ash from Mt. Mazama. Ponderosa pine is the dominant overstory vegetation. ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Hydrophobicity of Cindery Typic Cryorthents
- Author:
- Evans, Lynn B.
The hydrophobicity of soils of the Deschutes National Forest was studied. The soils are Cindery Typic Cryorthents, formed in cinders and ash from Mt. Mazama. Ponderosa pine is the dominant overstory vegetation. Of particular interest was the effect of prescribed burning on hydrophobicity. Fire has been shown to cause a normally hydrophilic soil to become hydrophobic. This non-wettability reduces water infiltration into the soil. As a result, the potential for erosion increases and less water is available for plant growth. The objectives of the study were to determine (1) whether or not prescribed burning causes the formation of a water repellent layer, (2) which variables affect the hydrophobicity of the soil following burning, (3) the horizontal and vertical extent of the hydrophobic layer, and (4) how long the hydrophobicity persists in the soil. Critical Surface Tension (CST) was measured to characterize hydrophobicity. A site burned 25 June 1982 and a site burned 15 September 1982 were sampled to meet objectives (1), (2), and (3). Objective (4) was met by sampling six additional sites where the time since burning ranged from 9 to 51 months. The presence of pre-burn hydrophobicity, believed to be caused by fungal products, complicated determining the effects of burning on the hydrophobicity of the soil. Pre-burn hydrophobicity was more extensive on the site which was sampled in September than the site sampled in June. Ninety-six % of the sampling points were hydrophobic during September and 42% during June. Two possible reasons were postulated for this difference. First, the amount of hydrophobicity due to the presence of fungal hyphae may vary seasonally; fungal products may accumulate during summer and then leach out of the profile with fall rains and spring snowmelt. Second, avoiding fungal pockets may not have been as successful when September sampling occurred as in June. Soil infected with fungal hyphae was avoided when CST was measured, because the fungal pockets did not form a continuous layer parallel to the surface. Fungal pockets were avoided by observing the light color of the dry fungal soil and the presence of hyphae. The soil had a light color because the water content was low. The soil was drier in September than in June. Distinguishing between fungal and non-fungal soil based on color differences was relatively easy in June, because the non-fungal soil was moist. However, the color difference between fungal and non-fungal soil was not as distinct during September sampling. The difference in color due to water content between fungal and non-fungal soil was small. As a result, the effort to avoid fungal caused water repellent areas was not as successful. More of the sampling points were hydrophobic in September. The June burn caused an increase in the hydrophobicity of the soil. The increase was greatest at the 2-3 cm depth. The hydrophobicity of the soil following burning in the June burn was explained by the degree of litter combustion. Hydrophobicity was produced where complete combustion occurred but not with incomplete combustion of the litter. Pre-burn hydrophobicity of the soil sampled in June occurred more often in the upper 2 cm than at the lower depths. Pre-burn hydrophobicity occurred at 42.5% of the sampling points. Post-burn hydrophobicity occurred randomly at all depths and occurred at 60.5% of the sampling points. On the site burned in September, most sampling points were hydrophobic before burning because of the presence of fungal products. Hydrophobicity decreased in the upper 2 cm of the soil. It was postulated that the hydrophobic fungal products were volatilized by the high temperatures of the prescribed burn and diffused deeper into the soil where they then condensed. The hydrophobicity of the soil following burning in the September burn was correlated with hydrophobicity of the soil be fore burning. Soil was found to be hydrophobic after burning if it was hydrophobic before burning. Measurements of litter depth, water content, and degree of combustion did not explain the variation in post-burn hydrophobicity of the soil at either site. Pre-burn hydrophobicity of the soil sampled in September occurred more near the surface than deeper in the soil. Pre-burn hydrophobicity was found at 96% of the sampling points. Post-burn hydrophobicity was not quite as extensive; 92% of the sampling points were hydrophobic. Post-burn hydrophobicity occurred deeper in the soil than pre-burn hydrophobicity in September, but the difference between depths was not significant. The percentage of hydrophobic sampling points decreased as time since burning increased. The relationship was significant at the 95% confidence level.
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Landslides are a pervasive hazard that can result in substantial damage to properties and loss of life throughout the world. To understand the nature and scope of the hazard, landslide hazard mapping has ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Analysis of spatial data from terrain models for landslide predictive mapping
- Author:
- Santha, Rubini
Landslides are a pervasive hazard that can result in substantial damage to properties and loss of life throughout the world. To understand the nature and scope of the hazard, landslide hazard mapping has been an area of intense research by identifying areas most susceptible to landslides in order to mitigate against these potential losses. Advanced GIS and remote sensing techniques are a fundamental component to both generate landslide inventories of previous landslides and identify landslide prone regions. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is one of the most critical data sources used in this GIS analysis to describe the topography. A DEM can be obtained from several remote sensing techniques, including satellite data and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). While a DEM is commonly used for landslide hazard analysis, insufficient research has been completed on the influence of DEM source and resolution on the quality of landslide hazard mapping, particularly for high resolution DEMs such as those obtained by LiDAR. In addition to topography, multiple conditioning factors are often employed in landslide susceptibility mapping; however, the descriptive accuracy and contribution of the data representing these factors to the overall analysis is not fully understood or quantified. In many cases, the data available for these factors may be of insufficient quality, particularly at regional scales. These factors are often integrated into a wide assortment of analysis techniques, which can result in inconsistent mapping and hazard analysis. To this end, the principal objectives of this study are to 1) evaluate the influence of DEM source and spatial resolution in landslide predictive mapping, 2) asses the predictive accuracy of landslide susceptibility mapping produced from fewer critical conditioning factors derived solely from LiDAR data, 3) compare six widely used and representative landslide susceptibility mapping techniques to evaluate their consistency, 4) create a seismically-induced landslide hazard map for landside-prone Western Oregon, and 5) develop automated tools to generate landslide susceptibility maps in a regional scale. In this study, semi-qualitative, quantitative and hybrid mapping techniques were used to produce a series of landslide susceptibility maps using 10 m, 30 m and 50 m resolution datasets obtained from ASTER (Advance Space borne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer), NED (National Elevation Dataset) and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). The results were validated against detailed landslide inventory maps highlighting scarps and deposits derived by geologic experts from LiDAR DEMs. The output map produced from the LiDAR 10 m DEM was identified as the optimum spatial resolution and showed higher predictive accuracy for landslide susceptibility mapping. Higher resolution DEMs from LIDAR data was also investigated; however, they were not significantly improved over the 10 m DEM. Next, a series of landslide susceptibility maps were compared from six widely used statistical techniques using slope, slope roughness, elevation, terrain roughness, stream power index and compound topographic index derived from LiDAR DEM. The output maps were validated using both confusion matrix and area of curve methods. Statistically, the six output maps produced, showed accepTable prediction rate for landslide susceptibility. However, visual effects and limitations were noted that vary based on each technique. This study also showed that a single LiDAR DEM was capable of producing a satisfactory susceptibility map without additional data sources that may be difficult to obtain for large areas. In western Oregon, landslides are widespread and account for major direct and indirect losses on a frequent basis. A variety of factors lead to these landslides, which makes them difficult to analyze at a regional scale where detailed information is not available. For this study, a seismically-induced landslide hazard map was created using a multivariate, ordinary least squares approach. Various data sources, including combinations of topography (slope, aspect), lithology, vegetation indices (NDVI), mean annual precipitation, seismic sources (e.g., PGA, PGV, distance to nearest fault), and land use were rigorously evaluated to determine the relative contributions on each parameter on landslide potential in western Oregon. Results of the analysis showed that slope, PGA, PGV and precipitation were the strongest indicators of landslide susceptibility and other factors had minimal influence on the resulting map. An automated tool kit was a byproduct of this analysis which can be used to simply the hazard mapping process and selection of parameters to include in the analysis.
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"December 1993."; "NPS D-155."; Other agencies: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; National Biological Survey, Cooperative Park Studies Unit, College of Forestry, Oregon State University; Includes ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Fishes and stream habitat in tributaries of the Klamath River in Crater Lake National Park, with special reference to the Sun Creek Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) population
- Author:
- Dambacher, Jeffrey M; Buktenica, Mark W; Larson, Gary L
- Year:
- 1993, 2007, 2005
"December 1993."; "NPS D-155."; Other agencies: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; National Biological Survey, Cooperative Park Studies Unit, College of Forestry, Oregon State University; Includes bibliographical references (p. 44)
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814. [Image] Geological limnology of Crater Lake, Oregon
ill.; Three folded plates in pocket; Thesis (M.S.)--University of Minnesota, 1961; Bibliography: leaves 168-175Citation -
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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816. [Image] Lakeview proposed resource management plan and final environmental impact statement [volume 3]
4 v.; maps (some col.); "August 2002"; "January 2003" -- coverCitation Citation
- Title:
- Lakeview proposed resource management plan and final environmental impact statement [volume 3]
- Author:
- U.S. Department of the Interior. Bureau of Land Management; Lakeview Resource Area Office. Lakeview District
- Year:
- 2002, 2008, 2006
4 v.; maps (some col.); "August 2002"; "January 2003" -- cover
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817. [Image] Draft upper Williamson River Watershed assessment
"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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We monitored larval Lost River and shortnose suckers from natal beds in the Williamson and Sprague rivers to nursery grounds in Upper Klamath Lake. Downstream movements occurred at night, in the middle ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Natural history and ecology of larval Lost River suckers and larval shortnose suckers in the Williamson River-Upper Klamath Lake System
- Author:
- Cooperman, Michael S.
- Year:
- 2004, 2005
We monitored larval Lost River and shortnose suckers from natal beds in the Williamson and Sprague rivers to nursery grounds in Upper Klamath Lake. Downstream movements occurred at night, in the middle of the channel, and on the falling limb of the hydrograph. Ages, sizes, and developmental stages of larvae from spawning beds and the river mouth were similar, while larvae collected contemporaneously from the lake tended to be larger and better fed. Our results indicate in-river rearing was rare, that a rapid outmigration to the lake was favorable for larval survival, and that modification of the lower Williamson River does not appear to have prohibited rapid entry or preclude access to Upper Klamath Lake. Within the Williamson River and Upper Klamath Lake, emergent macrophytes supported significantly higher abundance, larger mean sizes, and better fed larvae than submerged macrophytes, woody vegetation, or open water areas. Analysis of seven years of larval sucker production and survival corroborated the habitat analysis by identifying a positive relationship with emergent macrophyte availability as well as a positive relationship with air temperature and a negative relationship with high wind. These findings illustrate the importance of fast growth, appropriate habitat and calm hydrological conditions for larvae, and are highly consistent with other larval fish studies.
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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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820. [Article] Effects of a Wind Energy Development on Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Selection and Population Demographics in Southeastern Wyoming
Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. and Wyoming Wildlife Consultants, LLC initiated a greater sage-grouse radio-telemetry study at an existing wind energy development in southeastern Wyoming in 2009. The ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Effects of a Wind Energy Development on Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Selection and Population Demographics in Southeastern Wyoming
- Author:
- LeBeau, Chad W.
Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. and Wyoming Wildlife Consultants, LLC initiated a greater sage-grouse radio-telemetry study at an existing wind energy development in southeastern Wyoming in 2009. The University of Wyoming joined this collaborative effort in January 2010, and the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative joined the effort in March 2011. The overall goal of the research was to establish the population-level effects of wind energy development on female sage-grouse seasonal habitat selection and demography. This study represents the only situation in the US where the responses of greater sage-grouse to the infrastructure associated with a wind energy development has been investigated. Our primary objective was to discern the relationship between sage-grouse nest, brood-rearing, and summer habitat selection patterns and survival parameters and the infrastructure of an existing wind energy facility. The Seven Mile Hill (SMH) study area was located north of Interstate 80 and south of the Shirley Basin in Carbon County, Wyoming, US. A control and treatment area was included in the SMH study area, with boundaries of each of these areas determined from lek locations and radio-marked female sage-grouse distributions. The Seven Mile Hill Wind Energy Facility (SWEF; located in the treatment area) consisted of 79 General Electric 1.5-MW wind turbines and approximately 29 km of access roads. The facility became fully operational in December 2008. In addition to the SWEF, other anthropogenic features present in this portion of the study area included approximately eight km of paved roads and 26 km of overhead transmission lines. The control study area had no wind turbines and was adjacent to the SWEF and south of US Highway 30/287. There were approximately 50 km of paved roads and 17 km of overhead transmission lines in this area. The treatment area had four leks that had an average distance of 1.93 km from the nearest SWEF turbines (range = 0.53 to 4.15 km), while the control group consisted of 6 leks with an average distance of 10.99 km from the nearest SWEF turbine (range = 7.09 to 16.16 km). We captured and radio-equipped 346 (160 treatment; 186 control) female sage-grouse within an area consisting of a wind energy development and a control area absent of wind energy development in southeastern Wyoming from 2009–2014. We relocated each radio-marked female approximately twice a week during the nesting, brood rearing, and summer periods. We developed a suite of anthropogenic, vegetation, and environmental covariates to estimate habitat selection and survival for all sage-grouse during the nesting, brood rearing, and summer periods. We used a discrete choice habitat selection model to estimate the relative probability of sage-grouse nest site, brood-rearing, and summer habitat selection within both the control and treatment areas during the post-development period. We did not detect a negative impact of the wind energy facility on nest site selection during the study period. Sage-grouse rearing broods generally avoided suitable brood-rearing habitat near anthropogenic infrastructure that includes wind energy development, major paved roads and transmission lines. Although avoidance was consistent across the years of our study, avoidance of wind turbines was more pronounced in 2012-2014 compared to 2009-2011, suggesting a lag period in the ultimate population-level response to the development of a wind energy facility. Although distance to turbine was not strongly associated with summer habitat selection, the percentage of disturbance associated with wind energy infrastructure did appear to influence summer habitat selection. In addition, we estimated survival during each seasonal period to estimate the effect of the SWEF on population fitness. The SWEF did not have a negative effect on sage-grouse nest survival within the study area over the six-year period, and nest survival did not differ between nests of females captured at treatment and control area leks over the study period. The SWEF did not have a negative effect on sage-grouse brood survival within the study area over the six-year period. Survival was related to habitat features and anthropogenic features that have existed on the landscape for >10 years. Lastly, the SWEF did not have a negative effect on female sage-grouse summer survival within the study area over the six-year period. After controlling for annual and natural variability, we observed a positive effect of the SWEF on female survival when the percentage of disturbance within 0.81 km of a sage-grouse location increased from 0% to 3%. Our study is the first to estimate the impacts of wind energy development on sage-grouse habitat selection and fitness parameters. Female sage-grouse selection of seasonal habitats was variable relative to the infrastructure associated with wind energy facility, but fitness parameters did not appear to be influenced to a great degree by the infrastructure. This pattern of effect is similar to greater prairie-chicken response to a wind energy facility in Kansas but opposite of sage-grouse response to oil and gas development. Ideally, we would have preconstruction data to identify changes in the population and decipher mechanisms in sage-grouse response to infrastructure; however, we are confident that if such impacts to habitat selection and survival did occur then we would have been able to detect these changes over the 6-year study period. The lack of other studies investigating impacts from wind energy development to sage-grouse habitat selection and survival limits our ability to make inferences about the cumulative impacts of wind energy development on sage-grouse, but we were able to describe some of the impacts that wind energy developments may have on sage-grouse populations. Although we attempted to account for possible confounding factors, there is the chance that we did not detect important interactions between environmental features and habitat selection and survival patterns. Future wind energy developments should consider the potential impacts of wind energy development on sage-grouse habitat selection patterns and survival parameters. We recommend facilities similar in size that occupy similar habitats as our study be placed 1.20 km from any occupied sage-grouse nesting, brood-rearing, or summer habitats. We recommend that future research consider predator-prey mechanisms by estimating both avian and mammalian predator densities to better understand the impacts of wind energy development on sage-grouse fitness parameters and to develop appropriate mitigation measures.
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The purpose of this summary report is to provide an overview of the findings developed for the Lower Snake River Juvenile Salmon Migration Feasibility Study. For more detailed information, the reader should ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Improving salmon passage: draft, the Lower Snake River juvenile salmon migration feasibility report/environmental impact statement
- Year:
- 1999, 2004
The purpose of this summary report is to provide an overview of the findings developed for the Lower Snake River Juvenile Salmon Migration Feasibility Study. For more detailed information, the reader should refer to the Draft Feasibility Report/Environmental Impact Statement and attached appendices. The genesis of this study is the National Marine Fisheries Service's 1995 Biological Opinion for the Reinitiation of Consultation on 1994-1998 Operation of the Federal Columbia River Power System and Juvenile Transportation Program in 1995 and Future Years (95 Biological Opinion). While the focus of this study is the relationship between the four dams on the lower Snake River and their effects on juvenile fish traveling toward the ocean, the implications of the study are broader. The Draft Feasibility Report/Environmental Impact Statement includes the best available information on the biological effectiveness, engineering, economic effects, and other environmental effects associated with the four specific alternatives. It does not, however, include a recommendation or identify a preferred alternative. This will give the public and other agencies an opportunity to review and understand this information and provide input before a preferred alternative is selected. At the same time, this will allow the region to consider the Habitat, Hatcheries, Harvest, and Hydropower Working Paper on salmon recovery by the Federal Caucus. Information from this process will be fully examined to determine how it may influence decisions on actions for the lower Snake River.
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822. [Image] Lost River and shortnose sucker : proposed critical habitat : biological support document : draft
Proposed rule from Federal Register, vol. 59, no. 230, December 1, 1994, pages 61744-61759, inserted after p. 35; Includes biliographical references (p. 31-35)Citation Citation
- Title:
- Lost River and shortnose sucker : proposed critical habitat : biological support document : draft
- Author:
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Portland Field Office
- Year:
- 1994, 2004
Proposed rule from Federal Register, vol. 59, no. 230, December 1, 1994, pages 61744-61759, inserted after p. 35; Includes biliographical references (p. 31-35)
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823. [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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824. [Image] Seeking refuge: making space for migratory waterfowl and wetlands along the Pacific Flyway
Abstract "Seeking Refuge" examines the history of migratory waterfowl management along the Pacific Flyway, the westernmost of four main migration routes in North America. Drawing on approaches from historical ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Seeking refuge: making space for migratory waterfowl and wetlands along the Pacific Flyway
- Author:
- Wilson, Robert Michael
- Year:
- 2003, 2005, 2004
Abstract "Seeking Refuge" examines the history of migratory waterfowl management along the Pacific Flyway, the westernmost of four main migration routes in North America. Drawing on approaches from historical geography and environmental history, this study shows how wildlife officials developed migratory bird refuges in Oregon and California, where over 60 percent of Pacific Flyway waterfowl winter. During the early-twentieth century, reclamation and river diking eliminated most of the wetlands in the birds' wintering range. Bird enthusiasts such as bird watchers and duck hunters successfully lobbied for the creation of wildlife refuges in a few areas along the flyway. These early refuges failed to protect waterfowl habitat and they were severely degraded by reclamation. In the 1930s and 1940s, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and its predecessor, the Bureau of Biological Survey, undertook an ambitious program to resurrect these sanctuaries and to create new ones. Many farmers opposed these refuges out of fear that waterfowl would damage crops. To respond to these concerns and to ensure an adequate food supply for the birds, the FWS raised rice, barley, and other grains. The agency adopted many of the technologies of modern, industrial agriculture including synthetic herbicides and insecticides such as 2, 4-D and DDT. By the 1960s, the refuges had become largely mirrors of the surrounding irrigated farmlands, the main difference being that the FWS raised grain for waterfowl rather than for market. Refuges could not escape the agricultural settings in which they were embedded. As units within the irrigated countryside, Pacific Flyway refuges were often at the mercy of nearby farmers and federal reclamation agencies. Poor water quality and insufficient supplies of water often hampered FWS efforts to manage refuges. In the late-twentieth century, reduced water supply due to diversions to California municipalities and to sustain endangered fish species affected the amount of water reaching refuges. This dissertation has other goals. First, it critiques the anthropocentrism of most historical geography by focusing on how political, cultural, and ecological factors affected wildlife. Second, it contributes to the literature on the state's role in environmental protection by investigating the overlapping, and often contradictory, spaces within which wildlife managers implemented environmental regulations.
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Ecology of shortnose and Lost River suckers in Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, Progress Report, April - November 1999 Lisa A. Hicks, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Klamath Basin National ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Ecology of shortnose and Lost River suckers in Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California : progress report, April - November 1999
- Author:
- Hicks, Lisa A.; Mauser, David M.; Beckstrand, John; Thomson, Dani
- Year:
- 2000, 2005
Ecology of shortnose and Lost River suckers in Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, Progress Report, April - November 1999 Lisa A. Hicks, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Route 1, Box 74, Tulelake, CA 96134 David M. Mauser, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Route 1, Box 74, Tulelake, CA 96134 John Beckstrand, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Route 1, Box 74, Tulelake, CA 96134 Dani Thomson, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Route 1, Box 74, Tulelake, CA 96134 Introduction The Lost River ( Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose ( Chasmistes brevirostris) suckers were federally listed as endangered species on July 18, 1988 ( Federal Register 53: 27130- 27134). Both sucker species are relatively long- lived, have a limited geographic range, and are endemic to the Upper Klamath Basin of Northern California and Southern Oregon. Habitat degradation from water diversions and loss of riparian and wetlands habitats associated with agricultural development within their historic range is believed to be the major reason for the species decline ( U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1993). A more detailed description on the life history, habitat requirements, and causes of decline of the species can be found in the Lost River and Shortnose Sucker Recovery Plan ( U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1993). Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge ( NWR), established in 1928, consists of 2 return flow sumps ( Sump 1( A) and 1( B)) totaling 13,000 acres surrounded by 17,000 acres of intensively farmed lands ( Fig. 1). The refuge and surrounding private agricultural lands occupy the historic lake bed of Tule Lake, a 95,000 acre lake and marsh area that was reclaimed in the early 1900fs as part of the Klamath Reclamation Project. Current management of the refuge is directed by the Kuchel Act of 1964 which mandates the refuge be managed for the major purpose of waterfowl management but with optimal agricultural use that is consistent therewith. Both sumps are shallow ( 0.1 - 2.0 m) and consist of approximately 10,500 acres of open water with a 2,500 acre shallow (< 0.1 m) emergent marsh at the northeast corner of Sump 1( A). Tule Lake has been identified as a potential refugia for both sucker species ( U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1993). Tule T like National Wildlife Sump 3 Lease lands Field . Station Cocbetative Fanning Fields Area J Lease Lands Sump 2 I ease I , ands Figure 1. Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California. During winter, water within the sumps is comprised primarily of local runoff and during summer water is comprised primarily of irrigation return flows, originating from Upper Klamath Lake. Summer water quality in the sumps is similar to other water bodies within the Upper Klamath Basin and is considered hypereutrophic ( Dileanis et al. 1996). Water quality problems include low dissolved oxygen ( DO) and high hydrogen ion concentrations ( pH) and unionized ammonia. Water quality in the Tule Lake sumps is directly affected by hypereutrophic conditions in Upper Klamath Lake ( U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1993). Studies conducted after publication of the Shortnose and Lost River Sucker Recovery Plan indicate that Tule Lake contains an estimated 159 ( 95% CI = 48- 289) shortnose and 105 ( 95% CI = 25- 175) Lost River suckers ( Scoppetone and Buettner 1995). Confidence intervals for these estimates are large because of small sample sizes and low rates of recapture. Recruitment rates for the Tule Lake population via spawning below Anderson- Rose Dam is low with significant larval production occurring only in 1995 ( monitoring occurred 1991- 99) ( M. Buettner, pers. comm). Entrainment from the irrigation system is likely the largest source offish for Tule Lake ( U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 1998). Both species of suckers in Tule lake are in good physical condition relative to fish in Clear Lake and Upper Klamath Lake with Tule Lake fish being generally heavier and exhibiting few if any problems with parasites or lamprey. ( Scoppetone and Buettner 1995). U. S. Bureau of Reclamation ( Reclamation) biologists tracked 10 radio- marked suckers in Tule Lake from 1993- 95. From these studies, specific use areas by time period were identified with over 99% of radio locations occurring in Sump 1( A). Of particular importance from these studies was identification of an over- summer site in the south central region of Sump 1( A) termed the ADonut Hole# ( DH). In early 1999, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service ( Service) proposed a wetland enhancement project on the 3,500 acre Sump 1( B). The project was designed to improve habitat for waterfowl and other associated wetland species as well as improve water quality through the conversion of Sump 1( B) from an open body of shallow water to an emergent year- round flooded wetland. The primary mechanism to create the desired habitat condition is a series of annual spring/ summer drawdowns thereby creating conditions suitable for germination of desired emergent plant species. Of principal concern in developing the project was the potential effects on suckers within the sumps. Because of the proximity of both sucker species in adjacent Sump 1( A), a project monitoring plan was developed to ascertain the potential effects of the Sump 1( B) Project on suckers and water quality. Our monitoring design benefitted from studies of water quality and sucker movements by Reclamation biologists from 1992- 95. This report summarizes findings of the first year= s pre- project monitoring effort ( April- December, 1999) relative to water quality and movements of radio- marked suckers. Objectives 1. Describe seasonal distribution and movement patterns of both sucker species in Tule Lake NWR and determine if fish movements have changed since initial studies by Reclamation biologists in 1993- 95. 2. Characterize water quality, in space and time, of areas used by adult suckers compared to areas which are not used. 3. Document and describe movements of radio- marked suckers to spawning areas below Anderson- Rose dam. 4. Determine whether recruitment of larvae and juvenile was occurring below Anderson- Rose Dam. Methods Monitoring radio- marked adult suckers In April and May, 1999, Reclamation biologists captured 14 suckers and surgically implanted radio- transmitters ( ATS, Isanti, MN) having a projected battery life of 12 months. Each transmitter had an external antennae that exited the body cavity near the lateral line of the fish. Eleven Lost River and 3 shortnose suckers were captured using trammel nets at the northwest corner of Sump 1( A) ( 9 fish) and immediately downstream of Anderson- Rose Dam on the Lost River ( 5 fish) ( Table 1). We located radio- marked fish via air thrust boats using a scanning receiver and 4- element yagi antennae. Fish were located fish 4 times/ month during March and April, 2 times/ month from May through September, and once per month from October through December. Fish not located via boat were located from fixed wing aircraft. We determined fish locations by moving as close as possible to undisturbed fish and recording locations with a Global Positioning System ( GPS). All GPS positions consisted of 180 rover points/ location and were differentially corrected via post processing software ( PFinder ver. 2.11). We recorded depth information at each fish location. To determine timing and duration of the spawning migration, we monitored radio-marked fish from vehicles on the east levee of the Lost River downstream of Anderson- Rose Dam. Table 1. Data from Lost River and shortnose suckers captured on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California and Anderson- Rose Dam, Oregon in 1999. RADIO TAG 165.043 165.063 165.073 165.103 165.084 165.094 164.641 164.863 164.494 164.854 165.054 164.845 164.763 164.914 CAPTURE DATE 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 9/ 99 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 9/ 99 4/ 30/ 99 5/ 5/ 99 5/ 5/ 99 5/ 18/ 99 5/ 18/ 99 CAPTURE LOCATION TULELAKE SUMP1A TULELAKE SUMP 1A TULELAKE SUMP 1A TULELAKE SUMP 1A TULELAKE SUMP1A TULELAKE SUMP 1A TULELAKE SUMP1A TULELAKE SUMP1A TULELAKE SUMP 1A ANDERSON ROSE DAM ANDERSON ROSE DAM ANDERSON ROSE DAM ANDERSON ROSE DAM ANDERSON ROSE DAM SPECIES LOST RIVER LOST RIVER LOST RIVER SHORTNOSE SHORTNOSE LOST RIVER SHORTNOSE LOST RIVER LOST RIVER LOST RIVER LOST RIVER LOST RIVER LOST RIVER LOST RIVER SEX FEMALE FEMALE FEMALE MALE FEMALE FEMALE FEMALE MALE FEMALE FEMALE MALE MALE MALE FEMALE WEIGHT NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 2830 g 1040 g 5260 g NO DATA 2214 g 1542g 2350 g 1811 g FORK LENGTH 777 mm 681 mm 754 mm 473 mm 523 mm 754 mm 544 mm 440 mm 775 mm 753 mm 556 mm 486 mm 594 mm 477 mm PIT TAG NO. 1F3E34432C 1F39064959 1F4C5A6754 1F07315752 1F31462743 1F4C5A6754 1F3726750F 1F36490062 1F37103466 1F390F1801 1F3E2A7702 1F36443235 1F30753309 1F390E6B2F Recruitment Reclamation biologists conducted larval and juvenile sucker surveys during May and June by sampling, visually and with dip nets, the emergent vegetation at the periphery of the Lost River downstream of Anderson- Rose Dam. Egg viability surveys were conducted in the gravel sediments immediately below the dam in May. Water quality We preselected water quality sampling sites ( Fig. 2, Table 2) in Sump 1( A) to correspond to adult sucker use areas as determined by studies of radio- marked adult suckers conducted by Reclamation in 1993- 95 ( Fig. 3). We selected 2 sites in Sump 1( B) which met or exceeded the minimum depth requirement (> 3ft) for both sucker species ( M. Buettner, pers. comm.) after referring to 1986 bathymetric maps. We attempted to obtain data from each site twice/ month. We moved 2 sample sites ( Donut Hole and Donut Hole Northwest) early in the summer and 1 site ( Donut Hole West) ( Fig. 2) during mid- summer to better represent summer use locations of radio- marked fish. From May through November, we measured water quality parameters ( dissolved oxygen ( DO), hydrogen ion concentration ( pH), and temperature (° C)) using DataSonde 3, 4 and 4a= s ( Hydrolab Corp., Austin, Texas) ( hereafter referred to as Hydrolabs) 26 cm ( 12 in) above the sediment. We suspended Hydrolabs, within PVC tubes, from metal fence posts driven into the sediment. Data were collected hourly over a 96 hr period at each monitoring site. We downloaded data from Hydrolabs using the Hyperterminal software package v. 690170 to a personal computer. Unit probes were cleaned and calibrated according to Hydrolab guidelines ( Hydrolab Corporation 1997) and local geographic standards. Using the same deployment schedule as with our Hydrolabs, we sampled turbidity at each site using a Portable Turbidimeter model 21 OOP ( Hach Corp., P. O. Box 389, Loveland, CO 80539). We collected water samples 27 cm ( 12 in) above the sediment at each sample site. We measured turbidity in NTUs, following the guidelines in the product manual and we measured water depth using a hand- crafted wooden pole, marked in measured increments. We summarized water quality data using Microsoft 8 EXCEL software v. 97 SR- 1 and SPSS for Windows release 9.0.0. Because of the apparent difference in summer water quality in the DH versus other sampling sites, data were summarized as DH sites and Non- DH ( NDH) sites. Tule Lake NWR Water Quality Monitoring 1999 MfSVTHOLE \ OKTIIH ' w Background Hvdrolon> Luke m Mudflats Uplands X Water Vionitonny Stations ( Hydrolafa sites) MK ker Radio \ ckmcin L. Hicks. D. .1 Beckitraod, K Miller, USFWS Background HydfOlOf} Sat'I Wetlands Invcnlon LSI Sh S Map Projection UTMZCM IO, WGS-* 4 By: L. Hkks. USFWSUSBR 02/ 00 i Figure 2. Water quality sample sites, Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 8 Table 2. Characteristics of water quality sampling sites, Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Tulelake, California, 1999. SITE NAME NORTHWEST SUMP 1A DONUT HOLE NORTHWEST DONUT HOLE WEST DONUT HOLE SOUTH DONUT HOLE DONUT HOLE EAST ENGLISH CHANNEL WEST SUMP IB EAST SUMP IB PUMP 10 SUMP 1A2 SITE ABBREVIATION NWS1A DHNWSlAor DHNW DHWEST DHSOUTH DHSlAorDH DHEAST ECSlAorEC WS1B ES1B PMP10 UTM N 4642199 4638316 4638881 4638144 4637299 4639024 4634604 4634153 4633948 4636635 UTME 620803 620542 321022 621355 621475 621971 625041 636647 628835 624748 DEPTH of MONITORING SITE ( m) 1 1.2 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.8 1.0 0.8 0.5 1 Depth of water at deployment 2 Pump 10 data will not be discussed in this document. Results Radio- marked suckers We located fish 231 times in locations similar to those determined by Reclamation biologists in 1993- 95 ( Figs 3- 4). Lost River and shortnose suckers did not appear to differentiate use of the sump by species; we located both species intermixed throughout the monitoring period. With the exception DH and DHNW ( Fig. 2), water quality sampling sites were close to seasonal sucker use areas. Of 14 suckers marked, mortality occurred in only 1 fish. A Lost River sucker (# X9) was tagged on 18 May at the Anderson Rose Dam; she was not located again until 23 days later on 9 June. From 9 June to 17 November, # X9 was located by signal within approximately 15 m of the original location based on the location data. It is likely that this fish died in early June within 2- 3 weeks of being radio- marked. It is unknown if this mortality was related to the stress of handling and marking or some other cause. April - May - In April- May, a period of maximum fish movements ( Figs. 5- 18), most suckers congregated in the AEnglish Channel ® between the sumps with a scattering offish located between the northwest corner of Sump 1( A) and the AEnglish Channel ® ( Fig. 4). Only 1 fish radio- marked in Tule Lake moved into the Lost River. This particular fish, a female shortnose sucker (# G9) was radio- marked in the northwest corner of Tule Lake on 9 April, was located in the AEnglish Channel ® on 14 April, and subsequently was located in Lost River below Anderson Rose Dam on 29 April and 6 May. Tule Lake Sucker Radio Telemetry \ pril 1993 - \! a> 1995 Hi tckwtstmd H) drohgy mm Marth/ Wi'lhiml • • River I Sucker Locations o Jan - Mar & Apr - May ° Jim - Sep • O t t - l h i 1 I . . . . . . ydtOl Ig) -: i '•'•, l: i M h - c .1 J I SI WS UtoBiihywwUy KkmrtiiB ••. iraOffia MapPinoiccii.- i rM2oni VM, S- » 4 • HJ I-. IKKV USffW& n SBB Figure 3. Locations of radio- marked suckers from studies conducted by U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1993- 1995. 10 Tule Lake NWR Sucker Radio Telemetry April - December 1999 Oregon California [ Sump 1A Background Hydrology J Lake Uplands SOcker Locations • Apr May o Jun - Sep • Oc! - Dec | Qanuthole area = * 466 acres ( manually est from fish bca Suckei EUdiQ Tdctrcter: L Hi cks, D TtccnsDn, : Nati Wedatd^ Inventory. USTWS i t Hi cfa, usFwsnrsBH o 2/ 00 Figure 4. Locations of radio- marked suckers on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 11 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetr> - 1999 MMti « phrnl Fish: Lost River Sucker " A9" Sex Female Length: 777 mm fag I ocation I ulc I ; ike Sump IA Tai: Dare: 04/ 02 99 Vlort. Date: 3 - O 5 ni 0 5 - 1 ni ( Surface Fixation - 4034.9( 1') Lain' ihpth 1 - 15m Itydrolah tUm » t tm fcdarl .' i rein: l. llni. i. Becb- rmc l^ . I M I ^ I V I M . Kl; nn: nli limm Xvtup,- :, rr, k, I M •'• - \ * e BMb% « ldry KIWWHI I t em ,^ wnOi-... I SB I Background Hy* » : 4.. .. , „ | WCIIWKIJ faivewior^. I'SI A S >• • ••• i •• i MZcne IC ' •..-• .: i;% i n . , i s , u s Figure 5. Movements of radio- marked sucker A9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 12 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry ~- 1999 Hsh ], ost River Sucker"! Sc\ Female Length: UK] mm Tag Location [ We Lake Sump IA IML Dace U4/ O? W Mort Date: • i Khrr( m » depth) • 1 Mwrvl. Will. 1.1,1 I |- l Muil I t * 3 - O 5 m 0 5 - t rn ( Surtax i: Nation - 4O34. W) flyJrttlaff SiKker RacfcTclemdn: I. IliduU. Bccks CompK. i BFW8 I. a.- Mil ,. l klmulklfaun \ « » OI.. . I MM Background llyfrotogv \ « bonB| W ctlands inv « « or., U8FWS Map IVv^ vi ... i M ,. !• ' ••"• . I:-. | || ... i JFWS Figure 6. Movements of radio- marked sucker B9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 13 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fidi Lost River Sucker * C9" Sex Male Length: 619 mm Tag Location I ule Lake Sump IA Fag Date: M/ 02 w VIon. Date: { Surface Fixation - 4II34. W) tiat- ttffawmf th- frohf(\ • • Khii i> nJv|> th) H i \ iM, vh\ wtl,..., i UplniKi Lak mm MU. I n. i 3 - 0 5 ni 0 5 - 1 ru • I n kaAo Tckwdn: LHkfcaJ. Beduimd P HMUWM K V'l « • .|: I- II: I-| I I n i ii Cwnpk. I 8FWS Klmwil.[ ten< •• . : M . . . I M : mind I l > * o t i c \ Ntttaaal Wetlands Inventory* I ^| •.!•••• • • . • I -. I \ | . , K 1 1 . i •• » •• -; !:•• I II . I SFWS r Mil . Figure 7. Movements of radio- marked sucker C9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 14 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Haf kgnm n BB Rh « ' i MM. Fish Shortnose Sucker " l) l>" Sex Male Length: 473 nun ail Location: I ale Lake Sump IA Tag Date 04/ 02/ 99 Mort. Date: I Surface Fixation - 41> 34. lW) /....'.:• Depth Mi, I lbtx 0- OSm ^ ^ 0 5 - 1 rti - I - ' I •' • • ' ' • I HkfcU. lUbrxilHil) I ! . . . ! - . K Mil M KlttiHtfiBttk K « Aig « : . , - , - , L . I M ''. •• Ifydrolah Kit,-* i., i.- . il ... (.. , , , i , , •. . ; „ , . . , M ! - U a d ^ r t w n d ! ! > * • ••'• • t n | XVctinjKlt [ mcTrt « . T\. • SFWS I • • . . • • , , • l:% | n ...... i M A S * £*> Figure 8. Movements of radio- marked sucker D9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 15 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish Shortnose Sucker T39" Sc\ Female Length: 523 mm rag Location I ule I ake Sump IA rag Date M/ 02 w Date: • 1.1 I i) I 1-.. 1 • | i i . . I. llcct. M m i l l ) ] Compl- • ' "* I '• S 5> NJUOIWI Wetlands b i v c m u r y I IS I » S • ••• I " I ••. l/. nc It. i . . . : - . , ' II-. | || ..... Figure 9. Movements of radio- marked sucker E9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 16 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish Lost River Sucker " IV Sc\ female Length: 754 mm Tag Location Tule Lake Sump 1A * rag Date 040; 99 Vkirt Date: ( Surface Fixation - 4( 134.90') Hat ground Hydrology U • : • • Rhtr< iM » < Jvpfh) • iM.., lll » r • i M. tvh\ VHl,, na 0.0,5m Uphml » 0S- 1rt. 1 - 1 5 IT » 1 £ m fackcrRadk> 1 r .. In: UfisfcaJ. Ikvkwjjjui P » •, K V, 1 • l: m: rli M a Jfcflifc* CorapUv I IFWS Uydrolth sit,- s i , i t \ t, il*> m. f n Klmwlh tfewn .\ wn < » flfa . I SBR K o t o ^ : \ ai,,, na| Wctljmd* bivcm^ f • I SFWS Map hV^ vl .. . I MZpftClO Cony aid I;-, i n , . UWTOS Figure 10. Movements of radio- marked sucker F9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 17 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish Shortnose Sucker " Q9" I cm ale Length: 544mm I. IL1 Location Tule Lake Sump IA * rag Date 04/ 09/ 99 Mori ( Surface rloaliun - I II . . I. \'-.-\-- m.' I-K V i ! l • l : n i : r l l ! - i i : ii : . r , : . | , . I s|\ VS KlmuHi Btom Aivs 4 M1K. I SBR \ j i > i m l Wetlands invcnlon i 5FWS M. « ;. ' - . . I - . I M / . „ . • | » . I II , • I SFWS BB Ki^ i imi M \ hrvh\\ ilhiml Upland Lais Otfttk MuiJ Hals Figure 11. Movements of radio- marked sucker G9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 18 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry ~ 1999 • Jit" Fish Sex Length: Tag Location: Tag Date: Sh oi1no so Male 440 mm Tule 1 < ikc 04/ 09/ 99 / Sucker Sump " H9" IA f tif( rtitiini / / i Kh< < 1- 1 . ri. l Mud FliitK 0 - 0 5 m 05 - 1 ni < SurfiKi 1 , - > 18m K V , , • l; , - n : , l , 5 , , , : . • „ • , '• • ' • • : ' k • ' s | ' ' ' s K i i. l I-. . . . tVu. I M i ^ ' ^ \ tbonn\ Wetl « nd « faiv « mor>. I . \ I A • » - i I M „, | i. Ih | || , , I M Figure 12. Movements of radio- marked sucker H9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 19 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 I- isii Lost River Sucker " 1 Sc\ Female Length: 775 mm Tag Location: Tule Lake Sump IA Tag Dale: 04/ 09/ 99 Mort. Date: ( Surface I* k^ atinn Tckmrtn: l.|| uk. I. K J y me l> I..: II> M K •-.•. I - I : . . , : Compkv • BPWS "' ••' Klmwlbl? ti » m A* MOffice I SBR IvckuioRv : \ atxin » l Wetlands biv « Mory. I > I / i < n k j f M U U l f i x • • • ' < • . • • Khri ( IM » tlr|> rh) Mat vh Wit I HI ii I LpbmJ Figure 13. Movements of radio- marked sucker 19 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 20 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish: I- osi River Sucker " P9" Sc\ Female Length: 7^ ' m m lag Location Anderson Rose Dam Tag Dale: 04/ 30/ 99 Mort. Date: ( Surface bk'talkm - 4UJ4. W) % mkm i .' i eraetn: |.| ikk* J. lkvl> « uui I) . . . . i - K '•.'. . - i . . r . . i . BMte Rvtug « , « ., .. . . - . M V . . Compk. i IPWa I « l.- . ll ,. t ,.. , , , | , , •. . „ ,. . | M i • E* K* gr° umi I K v H , ^ htaHml Wctl » nd » knvMori i -- I - s ^ • •• I •• I M i . , - It. > •—•• . i;-. i II . . i MWN Figure 14. Movements of radio- marked sucker P9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 21 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish Lost River Sucker " i;(>" Sex Male Length: 556mm Tag Location Anderson Rose Dam Tag Date 05 05 w Mort. Date: ( Surface H o at ion - - MM4. W) • i • i n. t . i. ikJ^•. m..- I) . M. HV*. K Vi . • hnrnflh ii » m Hvfil^- '" I - I K ••. . I" K i r •• . M ... I MiM \-, ..,.•. \ , ,,.| v. , |,,.|. ( r. v : , f . l MH • . ! ., I M „ |. Figure 15. Movements of radio- marked sucker U9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 22 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish: Lost River Sucker " W Sox: Male Leagth 486 mm \ AII Location; Anderson Rose Dam Tag Date: 05/ 05/ 99 Mort. Date: ( SurfiK- c Floaiiun 4 « . U. W| •• ' • •• ' • ; • ' ' ' ' I I I . . • 1. Bedu HI.- D . K V I " , I . < l: iMi; iTh : - i • : .1 MIK! KI. HH I - • • > • . • • \ 1 i i i v . v l . r i l - i r . v : • ! • . 1 • . . . 1 . • 1 \ | , , c 1. Figure 16. Movements of radio- marked sucker V9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 23 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetrv - 1999 Fish: Lost River Sticker " W(>" Sex: Male Length 594 nun I nil Location: Anderson Rose Dam Tag Date: 05/ 18/ 99 Meet. Date ( Surface H o at inn 4< i. U/) i » ') - ' • ' I ' : ' - ' • I Hid • i. Bcvl. v.' im: P . , i iikr. Klanwlh B* oi R< tu^ : . . r v . k v I M •'•- ' -*•• Mil - >•> • KlMmth IViim .\ wn 0 1 . . . I SBR g \ ^ m u l Wcllmls En^ :• r I ^ | V \ • • • I - i I M/ V. u- It; 1 ••••:•• .-.' II-. W Figure 17. Movements of radio- marked sucker W9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 24 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish: Lost River Sucker " X9" Sex: Female Length 477 mm Tag Location; Anderson Rose Dam Tag Date: 05,1899 Mori. Date, suspected in June 1999 Hn i in Mat* h Will •. 1. fackn RadioTclenvtn; i. tfidbU. lkvk « ramLI>. r* Mmw « t K ','. . hmtdth B* m R^ UB* CompK- • n •'• • B % VJI < Kflb . I M i ,• h> tir> l Wetlands Envcntun. I SFft'S \ I , \ ' I K I I | , ... | s.| , \ s Figure 18. Movements of radio- marked sucker X9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 25 June - September - During this period, nearly all suckers ( particularly during July and August) could be found in the DH at the south central portion of Sump 1( A) ( Fig. 4). By connecting the outermost locations of approximately 90% of radio locations, the calculated area of the DH was 188 ha. Suckers using the DH were found in depths ranging from 1.0- 1.3 m ( 39- 50 in) ( Fig. 19). September - December - During this period suckers moved from the DH to the northwest corner of Sump 1( A). As of the writing of this report, ( February 15, 2000) the 13 remaining fish occupy the same area. Recruitment Surveys by Reclamation biologists for larval and juvenile suckers in the Lost River below Anderson- Rose Dam failed to document the presence young of the year fish. Below is a summary of surveys: Date 5/ 25/ 99 6/ 2/ 99 6/ 10/ 99 Result Searches for eggs in gravel below Anderson- Rose Dam revealed eggs in 4 of 5 sites, some of which were viable. Larval surveys conducted at 3 sites ( visual and dip net) from the dam to the wooden bridge were negative. Larval surveys conducted at 5 sites including the dam, 2 and 1 mile downstream, the wooden bridge, and East- West Road were negative. Larval surveys conducted at 2 sites downstream of dam were negative. Water quality pHBln general, pH values were less variable in the DH then areas outside this region ( Fig. 20). In all areas, median pH values remained below 9.5 until early June at which time values outside the DH were frequently above 10.0. pH values were particularly high (> 10.0) in late June through August in ESIB and NWS1A and periodically in the EC and WS1B. pH values in the DH and areas adjacent, remained below 10.0 through September; however, there was a gradual rise in pH values in DH sites from May through September. In late September and early October, DH pH values exceeded all other sites. rem/ reratareBTemperatures in all regions reached a peak in late July through early August with no discernible difference between DH or NDH sites ( Fig. 21). Dissolved oxvgenBDonut Hole sampling station s differed in dissolved oxygen characteristics relative to other areas of the sumps. During the June through August period DH sites ranged from 4.5 to 11.2 mg/ 1 while areas outside this region ranged from 1.1 mg/ 1 to 18.2 mg/ 1 ( Fig. 21). Toward November DH and NDH sites became similar DO dynamics ( Fig. 21). 26 Turbiditvllln general, turbidity values appeared greater in the DH versus areas outside, although some sites particularly in Sump 1( B) were quite variable particularly in June and July. This may have been due to the large amount of filamentous algae in Sump 1( B), potentially interfering with the measurement. Turbidity rose sharply at sites by late October and November ( Fig. 23- 24). 20 >• 1 5 O UJ a UJ DC 10 0 39 41 43 45 47 More DEPTH Figure 19. Water depth used by radio- marked suckers in the " Donut Hole" ( June- August), Tule Lake NWR. California. 27 BJll I U r S o I! Figure 20. pH data collected from " Donut Hole" and non- Donut Hole water quality sampling sites on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. Box and whisker plots represent the median, 25- 75* and 10- 90* percentiles, and outliers. 28 temp rC) S 2 £ ' I j 1 II i 9 E 9 S Figure 21. Water temperatures collected at " Donut Hole" and non- Donut Hole sites on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. Box and whisker plots represent the median, 25- 75^ and 10- 90^ percentiles, and outliers. 29 do ( mgfl) I do ( mg/ l) OP> !*• WKamm 01900 gGBM s ' S:' TP" » S i I ! if Figure 22. Dissolved oxygen concentrations at " Donut Hole" and non- Donut Hole sites on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. Box and whisker plots represent the median, 25- 75* and 10- 90* percentiles, and outliers. 30 260.0 -. 240.0 220.0 - 200 0 180.0 => 160.0 H 140.0 - z 120.0 100.0 - 80.0 60.0 40.0 20.0 n n - » NT" —•— Depth ( m) fc= _ 6/ 2 107.00 0.8 Donut Hole Northwest - — .^^^ 6/ 7 77.20 0.8 H •—-^^ ' '—^ 6/ 14 25.30 0.8 6/ 21 24.80 0.8 - 1.0 o o O CJl depth ( m) 260.0 -, 240.0 220 0 200.0 180.0 - 2 160.0 z 140.0 - 120.0 100.0 - 80.0 - 60.0 40.0 20 0 0.0 » NTU — a— Depth ( m) , •=— mmm •= « a 6/ 22 44.00 0.9 Donut Hole West — « — — » - 6/ 28 26.60 08 •— 7/ 6 19.90 08 . ^ m — _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 7/ 13 25.70 0.8 • - _ — r- • 7/ 19 51.40 0.8 1.0 0.5 £ a. T3 0.0 260 0 240.0 - 220.0 - 200.0 - 180.0 i « n n _ H 140.0 - z 120 0 ^ 100.0 • 80 0 60.0 40.0 20.0 - u. u » NTU — m— Depth ( m) 6/ 22 93.70 0.8 6/ 28 95.40 0.7 Donut Hole East 7/ 6 72.70 0.7 7/ 13 32.30 0.7 —•'•"-""* 7/ 19 50.20 0.5 -*"— 7/ 28 62.50 0.8 8/ 2 73.30 0.8 \ ^ 8/ 10 18.55 0.8 8/ 19 50.20 0.8 8/ 25 22.20 0.8 8/ 31 58.67 0.7 \ 9/ 8 14.38 0.8 9/ 14 11.03 0.8 9/ 20 7.00 0.7 9/ 29 7.80 0.7 j / A - 10/ 25 51.00 0.7 t - fT u 11/ 23 210.00 0.6 1 0 - 0.5 JZ jepi - 0.0 Figure 23. Turbidity at " Donut Hole" sites on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, May to November 1999. 31 260.0 i 240.0 220.0 200.0 180.0 3 160.0 £ 140.0 - 120.0 100.0 80.0 60.0 40.0 20.0 0.0 » NTU —•— Depth ( m) • ^ 6/ 2 81.10 0.8 Donut Hole - — - ^ 6/ 7 49.20 0.8 — • 6/ 14 21.50 0.8 =— 1 6/ 21 24.80 0.8 r 1 0 o p d en depth ( m) 260 0 240.0 • 220.0 - 200.0 . 180.0 - K 160.0 • z 140.0 - 120.0 100.0 80.0 . 60.0 - 40.0 - 20.0 0.0 . t K » TII — a— Depth ( m) B — • 7/ 21 53.30 0.8 .— m-— 7/ 28 40.50 0.8 Donut Hole South _—• 8/ 2 56.80 0 9 » - ^ 8/ 10 17.13 0.9 *—• 8/ 18 19.70 0 8 8/ 25 21.73 0.9 ^ \ 8/ 31 64.90 0.8 9/ 8 21.27 0.8 9/ 14 20.80 0.8 9/ 20 29.97 0.8 ^ - • - ^ 9/ 29 49.30 0.8 / / 10/ 25 33.70 0.8 / / 11/ 23 170.00 0.7 1 0 o o d en depth ( m) Figure 23 ( cont.). Turbidity at " Donut Hole" sites on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, May- November, 1999. 32 260.0 -, 240.0 - 220.0 200.0 180.0 - 160.0 Z> 140.0 \ z 120.0 - z 100.0 80.0 60.0 40.0 20.0 - 0.0 *_ NTU • depth ( m) y 5/ 26 12.30 0.7 6/ 2 58.70 0.8 A- 6/ 7 20.30 0.9 / / 6/ 21 57.40 0.8 // A A\\ 6/ 28 239.0C 0.8 V\ East Sump 1B J s in 81.70 0.7 : / I 7/ 12 10.40 1.0 | A / \ J I s f 7/ 27 228.00 1.0 \ - V \ 8/ 2 88.00 0.8 8/ 10 40.00 0.9 8/ 18 38.17 0.8 8/ 31 11.30 0.7 9/ 9 7.00 0.7 9/ 14 6.17 0.7 9/ 20 5.83 0.7 • / 10/ 25 44.80 1.0 * 4-— \ ft . 11/ 23 186.00 0.5 1.0 ? e Q. 0.5 • 0.0 260.0 n 240.0 - 220.0 200.0 180.0 160.0 D 140.0 1— 120 0 z 100^ 0 80.0 60.0 An n 20.0 - 0.0 - —+— NTU —•— depth ( m) —•— 5/ 26 13.70 1.0 _, • —- « - 6/ 2 57.30 1.1 --•— ' \ 6/ 7 41.10 1.1 6/ 21 18.70 1.0 —•— / \ 6/ 28 138.0( 1.0 \ \ / ¥ West Sump 1B - . • — • / 7/ 7 ) 29.90 1.0 A \\ 7/ 12 88.90 1.0 k / \ / 7/ 27 19.00 0.9 / \ / \ 8/ 2 73.00 1.0 L \ \ 8/ 10 5.47 1.0 8/ 18 6.40 1.0 8/ 31 9.20 1.0 9/ 9 8.58 1.0 9/ 14 8.37 0.9 9/ 20 11.73 0.9 / / 10/ 25 39.50 0.7 f 11/ 23 85.00 0.8 1 5 sz Q. - 0 . 5 • - 0.0 260 0 240.0 220.0 - 200.0 - 180.0 160.0 3 140.0 t ; 120.0 100.0 80.0 - 60.0 An n . 20.0 0.0 » NT" — m— Depth ( m) 6/ 2 46.50 0.8 -~ « — 6/ 7 16.10 0.9 —•—. 6/ 14 39.00 0.8 / 6/ 22 9.71 0.8 English Channel Sump 1A 6/ 28 6.79 0.8 \ ^ _ 7/ 13 17.90 0.8 7/ 20 17.60 0.8 7/ 28 26.80 0.8 8/ 10 4.80 0.9 8/ 19 7.33 0.8 8/ 25 6.50 0.8 8/ 31 7.10 0.8 9/ 8 13.34 0.8 ==•== 9/ 20 15.50 0.8 J 9/ 29 22.60 0.7 — y / 10/ 25 98.70 0.8 11/ 23 146.00 0.8 1 5 - 1.0 — 0.5 - g 0.0 260 0 240.0 220 0 - 200.0 - 180.0 - 160.0 => 140.0 - £ 120.0 mnn . 60.0 40.0 - 20.0 u. u J •— NTU —•— Depth ( m) I 6/ 2 36.50 1.2 —•— 6 / 7 12.60 1.2 6/ 14 13.10 1.2 y 6/ 28 7.40 1.1 7/ 6 71.60 1.0 Northwest Sump 1A —•— 7/ 13 5.27 1.1 — » — —•— 7/ 19 28.50 1.1 7/ 28 20.50 1.2 8/ 2 32.10 1.2 ^- B—' 8/ 19 4.50 1.1 / 8/ 25 52.87 1.1 A ' \ 8/ 31 115.67 1.2 ="-•— \ —•*=; 9/ 8 4.10 1.1 1 4- 9/ 14 7.89 1.1 —•— J I \ 9/ 20 12.43 1.1 — « ^ 10/ 25 180.00 1.1 11/ 23 164.00 0.9 1 S d jpth ( m) • 0.5 - o - 0.0 Figure 24. Turbidity at non- Donut Hole sites on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 33 Discussion Water Quality The area of the DH was delineated from plotted June through September locations of radio-marked suckers ( approximately 188 ha.). The location of the DH could also be seen as an area of relatively turbid water from aerial photographs from August 1998 ( Fig. 25) as well as aerial photographs taken in 1984. It is possible that the combination of 2 factors may cause the observed turbidity in the DH. First, seeps or springs may be present in the area which result in more favorable water quality during summer which attracts suckers as well as other fish species to the area. The resultant concentration offish ( suckers and chubs) may stir the sediments during feeding activities, thereby creating the observed turbidity. The additional turbidity in the DH may inhibit light penetration and the production of algae, thereby reducing photo synthetically elevated pH and the extreme minimum and maximums in DO typical of may water bodies in the Klamath Basin including Tule Lake ( Dileanis et al. 1996). The rise in turbidity at all sites in fall is likely due to the break down of rooted aquatic vegetation which then allows for wind induced wave action to stir the sediments. Other than the DH, all other sites had dense concentrations of rooted aquatic plants and/ or filamentous green algae during summer. June to September DO and pH dynamics in the DH appeared different than at NDH sites ( Figs. 20 and 22). The difference was greatest in early summer with the difference becoming smaller by late summer and essentially disappearing by fall. Whether this water quality difference was a result of the more turbid waters or inflow from springs is unknown. However, attempts by Service hydrologists to model inflows, evapotranspiration, and outflows from the sumps have resulted in a positive imbalance of approximately 21,000 acre- feet of water from April through September. This positive imbalance is greatest in spring and early summer, gradually lessening by summer and essentially disappearing by fall ( Tim Mayer, pers. comm.). If this inflow is occurring, it may explain differences in summer water quality between DH and NDH sites. June to September water quality in the DH may be critical to the over summer survival of suckers in Tule Lake as pH and DO in NDH sites during summer often exceeded the tolerance limits for the fish. DO and pH levels at DH sites were less variable and did not reach the extremes that were reached in NDH sites. The lowest DO measured during June through September at DH sites were 4.83 mg/ 1 ( DHWEST) and 4.96 mg/ 1 ( DHEAST). DO and pH during summer from this study were similar to values collected by Reclamation in 1992 ( Table 3). Buettner and Scoppettone ( 1990) found juvenile suckers only where DO was above 4.5 mg/ 1. It is currently believed that adult suckers become stressed at DO levels below 4.0 mg/ 1 with mortality occurring at or below 2.0 mg/ 1 ( M. Buettner, pers. comm.). The relatively high over- summer survival of radio- marked suckers, compared to suckers radio- marked in Upper Klamath Lake ( M. Buettner, pers. comm), is further evidence of suitable summer water quality conditions in the DH on Tule Lake. 34 Figure 25. " Donut Hole" in Sump 1( A) of Tule Lake NWR. Note visible turbidity of area. 35 Table 3. Mean dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, and temperature on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, July and August 1992. Data are from 2 sites; 1 site each in Sump 1( A) ( within the ADonut Hole@) and 1( B). All data were from 96 hour continuous readings from Hydrolabs. Data were collected at intervals of 1- 2 hours. ( Data summarized from U. S. Bureau of Reclamation). Site Sump 1( A) Sump ( IB) Depth ( M) < 0.5 0.51- 1.5 > 1.5 < 0.5 0.51- 1.5 > 1.5 pH (± SD) ( 1200- 1700 hrs) 9.32 ± 0.83 n= 81 9.22 ± 0.93 n= 26 8.30 ± 0.71 n= 10 9.65 + 0.44 n= 21 9.79 ± 0.45 n= 7 No data Temp ° C (± SD) ( 1200- 1700 hrs) 21.85 ± 2.84 n= 81 21.53 ± 2.46 n= 26 19.90 ± 1.59 n= 10 22.96+ 1.10 n= 21 22.11 ± 0.51 n= 7 No data Conductivity 500 ± 266 n= 81 598 ± 277 n= 26 859 ± 694 628 ± 148 n= 21 571 ± 74 n= 7 No data DO1 Oof 31 days - - 8 of 21 days - - 1 Proportion of monitored days having a minimum dissolved oxygen level below 5 mg/ 1. ( Data from U. S. Bureau of Reclamation) pH levels in the DH generally remained below 10.0 whereas non DH sites frequently exceeded 10.0 ( Fig. 19). Falter and Cech ( 1991) determined a maximum pH tolerance in shortnose suckers of 9.55+ 0.43 under laboratory conditions, levels generally exceeded in June - September at non DH sites and some DH sites in late summer. Buettner and Scoppettone ( 1990) found juvenile fish in Upper Klamath Lake largely at sites with pH < 9.0, as did Simon et al. ( 1996) in 1994. However, in 1995, Simon et al. ( 1996) found that most juvenile fish ( 54%) were captured in areas of higher pH (> 10.0). Laboratory studies indicate significant mortality of larval and juvenile fish at high pH values (> 9.55) ( Falter and Cech 1991) and 9.92- 10.46 ( Bellerud and Saiki 1995). Previous water quality and fish health studies on the refuge determined that water quality conditions were stressful to aquatic life and was resulting in a high ( up to 37%) proportion offish with deformities ( Dileanis et al. 1996), however, studies of sucker ecology in Tule Lake have indicated that individual fish in the lake have a high condition factor and are free of external parasites ( Scoppettone and Buettner 1995). Bennet ( 1994) recognized this apparent inconsistency, stating, A... the observation that Tule Lake suckers are in better physical condition than Upper Klamath Lake suckers indicates that certain areas of the aquatic system may be of particular importance for the recovery of those species. ® In the case of Tule Lake this Acertain area@ is likely the DH.. Suckers in Tule Lake may be in good condition because of their limited population size, the abundant food resources in this lake, and adequate water quality ( in the DH) to survive the summer period. 36 Sucker movements Although, suckers were relatively sedentary during most periods of the year, they exhibited the ability to make long distance moves in relatively short periods of time, particularly during the April spawning period. The northwest corner of Sump 1( A) receives about 90% of the inflow from the Lost River and spring winds on Tule Lake tend to move large quantities of water through the AEnglish Channels back and forth between Sump 1( A) and 1( B). This movement of water at both locations may explain the movement of fish observed in April and May. Suckers may be attracted to both locations when seeking spawning habitat in spring. Recruitment During the April marking period, most captured suckers appeared to be physiologically ready to spawn; however, only one fish moved into the river. Of 10 radio- marked fish monitored by Reclamation in 1993- 95 no fish attempted to run the Lost River. This low proportion offish that attempt to spawn may have one or several causes or a combination, including: 1. Stress of handling and implanting radio- transmitters so close to the spawning season may prevent fish from becoming reproductively active. 2. Under normal conditions, only a small proportion of Tule Lake suckers may attempt to spawn in any particular year. 3. Flow conditions in or at the mouth of the Lost River may be inadequate to draw the fish into the river. 4. A shallow bar (< 0.3 m) of deposited silt exists between the lake and the mouth of the river which may form a physical barrier to the fish. At the present time, a mandated flow of 30 cfs is released below Anderson- Rose Dam to provide spawning habitat at the Dam. Although this flow is intended to provide suitable spawning conditions at the Dam, these flows may be inadequate to entice fish into the river. It is likely that the historic spring flows in the Lost River were many times higher than current regulated flows. However, given that the fish are largely unsuccessful in spawning and risk additional mortality traversing the river, adult survival may be enhanced by remaining in the lake. Scoppettone and Buettner ( 1995) also observed no radio- marked fish from Clear Lake to move into Willow Creek during the spring spawning period. In this case the authors attributed this result to either capture stress or low stream flows during spring. 37 Habitat use Although the DH is relatively shallow relative to other areas of Tule Lake, use of the DH may be mandatory to ensure over- summer survival. Although deeper waters are available to the fish, especially in the northwest corner of Sump 1( A), DO levels, in particular, likely preclude their use. Suckers did not move out of the DH until October when DO levels began to rise with cooler water temperatures. Although, Sump 1( B) contained suitable water depths and water quality conditions in fall, no suckers were located in this area. It is possible that suckers may prefer not to pass through the pipes connecting the Sumps or the proximity and flow from the Lost River in the northwest corner of Sump 1( A) may make this area more attractive as an over- winter habitat area. The relative lack of water depth in the DH as well as other areas of the sumps is becoming of increasing concern because of the loss of water depth through sedimentation. If suckers require a minimum of 3 ft of water, as is current believed ( M. Buettner, pers. comm.), current rates of sedimentation in the sumps threaten the future suitability of Tule Lake for suckers. Based on a comparison of bathymetric surveys conducted by Reclamation in 1958 and again in 1986, sedimentation has been steadily reducing the water holding capacity of both sumps. Between the 1958 and 1986 surveys ( 28 years), Sump 1( A) has lost 22.4% of its water capacity and Sump 1( B) has lost 30.8% of its capacity due to sedimentation. This would indicate a total mean sedimentation of 11.8 inches over this time period ( U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, unpubl. rep). Over the last several years, an attempt has been made to store additional water in Tule Lake during summer by raising water levels above 4034.60 ft. This increase in water elevations ( between 4034.60 and 4034.90 ft) has somewhat mitigated the loss of depth through sedimentation. However, without reinforcing and raising the levees around the sumps, there is a limit as to how high water elevations can rise. At elevation 4035.50 ft., operating regulations require breaching the sumps into overflow areas ( Sump 2 or 3). Although increased summer operating levels may assist the fish, they may also increase the risk of a flood event requiring the breaching of the sumps with potentially negative impacts to the fish. Acknowledgements The authors are indebted to fisheries biologist from the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Klamath Project, especially M. Buettner, B. Peck, and M. Green whom provided and surgically implanted radio transmitters, captured adult suckers, located fish from fixed wing aircraft, and assisted with study design. K. Miller from Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge collected telemetry, water quality, and GPS data and ensured all data were collected and coordinated consistent with study design. T. Mayer provide training in the calibration, deployment, and downloading of data from the hydrolabs and assisted with interpretation of water quality data. 38 Personnel Communications Buettner, M., Fisheries Biologist, U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Klamath Project Office, 6600 Washburn Way, Klamath Falls, Oregon. Mayer, T., Hydrologist, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland Regional Office, Lloyd Center, Portland, Oregon. Literature Cited Bellerud, B., and M. K. Saiki. 1995. Tolerance of larval and juvenile Lost River and shortnose suckers to high ph, ammonia concentration, and temperature, and to low dissolved oxygen concentration, National Biological Service, California Pacific Science Center, Dixon 103pp. Bennett, J. K. 1994. Bioassessment of irrigation drain water effects on aquatic resources in the Klamath Basin of California and Oregon. Ph. D Dissertation. University of Washington, Seattle. 197pp. Buettner, M. E., and G. Scoppettone. 1990. Life history and status of catostomids in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon. National Fisheries Research Center, Reno Field Station, Reno, Nevada, 108pp. Coots, M. 1965. Occurrences of the Lost River sucker, Deltistes luxatus ( Cope), and shortnose sucker, Chasmistes brevirostris ( Cope), in Northern California. Calif. Fish and Game 51: 68- 73. Dileanis, P. D., S. K. Schwarzbach, and J. K. Bennett. 1996. Detailed study of water quality, bottom sediment, and biota associated with irrigation drainage in the Klamath Basin, California and Oregon, 1990- 92. U. S. Geological Survey, Water- Resources Investigations Report 95- 4232, 68pp. Falter, M. A., and J. J. Cech. 1991. Maximum pH tolerance of three Klamath Basin fishes. Copia 4: 1109- 1 111. Simon, D. C, G. R. Hoff, D. J. Logan, and D. F. Markle. 1996. Larval and juvenile ecology of Upper Klamath Lake suckers. Annual Report: 1995, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State Univ., Corvallis. 60pp. 39 Scoppettone, G. G., and M. E. Buettner. 1995. Information on population dynamics and life history of shortnose suckers ( Chasmistes brevirostris) and Lost River suckers ( Deltistes luxatus) in Tule and Clear Lakes. U. S. Geological Survey, Reno Field Station, Reno, Nevada. 79pp. U. S. Bureau of Reclamation. 1998. Lost River and shortnose sucker spawning in Lower Lost River, Oregon, U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Klamath Falls, Oregon. 1 lpp. . 1993. Lost River { Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose { Chasmistes brevirostris) Sucker Recovery Plan. Portland, Oregon 108pp. Hydrolab Corporation. 1997. DataSondeR 4 and MiniSondeR water quality multiprobes, users manual. Hydrolab Corp., Austin, Texas.
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826. [Image] A framework for ecosystem management in the interior Columbia Basin and portions of the Klamath and Great Basins
Haynes, Richard W.; Graham, Russell T.; Quigley, Thomas M., tech. eds. 1996. A framework for ecosystem management in the Interior Columbia Basin including portions of the Klamath and Great Basins. Gen. ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- A framework for ecosystem management in the interior Columbia Basin and portions of the Klamath and Great Basins
- Year:
- 1996, 2005
Haynes, Richard W.; Graham, Russell T.; Quigley, Thomas M., tech. eds. 1996. A framework for ecosystem management in the Interior Columbia Basin including portions of the Klamath and Great Basins. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-374. Portland, OR; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 66 p. A framework for ecosystem management is proposed. This framework assumes the purpose of ecosystem management is to maintain the integrity of ecosystems over time and space. It is based on four ecosystem principles: ecosystems are dynamic, can be viewed as hierarchies with temporal and spatial dimensions, have limits, and are relatively unpredictable. This approach recognizes that people are part of ecosystems and that stewardship must be able to resolve tough challenges including how to meet multiple demands with finite resources. The framework describes a general planning model for ecosystem management that has four iterative steps: monitoring, assessment, decision-making, and implementation. Since ecosystems cross jurisdictional lines, the implementation of the framework depends on partnerships among land managers, the scientific community, and stakeholders. It proposes that decision-making be based on information provided by the best available science and the most appropriate technologies for land management. Keywords: Ecosystem assessment, ecosystem principles, ecosystem management, planning models, management goals, risk analysis.
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"Partially incorporating January 22, 2001 Biological assessment submitted to the National Marine Fisheries Service and February 13, 2001 Biological Assessment submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service" ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Final biological assessment: the effects of proposed actions related to Klamath Project operation (April 1, 2002-March 31, 2012) on federally-listed threatened and endangered species
- Author:
- United States. Bureau of Reclamation. Klamath Basin Area Office
- Year:
- 2002, 2004
"Partially incorporating January 22, 2001 Biological assessment submitted to the National Marine Fisheries Service and February 13, 2001 Biological Assessment submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service" ; Includes bibliographical references ; "February 25, 2002"
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INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL General 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 County, Oregon, and ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Annual project history: Klamath Project, Oregon-California, 1957
- Author:
- United States. Bureau of Reclamation
- Year:
- 1957, 2008, 2006
INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL General 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 County, 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 35>700, 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 wannest month is 630 F. The coldest month has mean 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 ^-,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. The project serves 211,000 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. Upper Klamath Lake on the Klamath River is the principal storage reservoir, having an active capacity of 52U,800 acre-feet. It is controlled by Link River Dam constructed, maintained, and operated INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL (Continued) General Description of the Project (Cont.) 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 Creek 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*^300 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 dam and main canals for the Langell Valley Division; and drainage outlets for the Lower Klamath and Tule Lake Divisions.
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"July 2003."; "GAO-03-514."
Citation -
U. S. Die artment sf the Interior Bu. rea. u oP L and Management K I W ~ Falls R~& G urnw . 2795 & tdeaonAvepue, BuMng #% Klamath F~ HSO, r egon 97803 . . January 2004 Klamath Falls Resource Area Planning ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Klamath Falls Resource Area Planning Update, Winter 2003
- Author:
- United States. Bureau of Land Management. Klamath Falls Resource Area Office
- Year:
- 2003, 2004
U. S. Die artment sf the Interior Bu. rea. u oP L and Management K I W ~ Falls R~& G urnw . 2795 & tdeaonAvepue, BuMng #% Klamath F~ HSO, r egon 97803 . . January 2004 Klamath Falls Resource Area Planning Update Winter 2003 United States Department of the Interior BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT Klamath Falls Resource Area 2795 Anderson Avenue, Building 25 Klarnath Falls, Oregon 97603- 7891 Phone: ( 541) 883- 6916 1 Fax: ( 541) 884- 2097 E- Mail Address: Username@ or. blm. gov Website: http: llwww. or. blrngov/ L. akeview/ kfra/ index. htrn KLAMATH FALLS RESOURCE AREA PLANNING UPDATE Winter 2003 The primary purpose of this Planning Update is to inform you about the activities on the Klarnath Falls Resource Area. It is my desire to keep you informed about issues, activities, and opportunities I think are important to the public. More importantly, I am seeking ideas and comments from those who may be affected by multiple- use management programs here on the resource area. This planning update is organized to make it easy for you to find projects of most interest. Projects have been arranged into categories ( i. e., Recent Decisions, New Projects, On- going Projects, and Environmental Education Activities). In addition, each of these categories is sorted by resource topics ( e. g., Lands Program, Timber Sales, etc.). The table will give you a brief description of activities occurring within the Klamath Falls Resource Area and for most projects a location. Refer to one of three maps following the table, for locations of projects. Additional information can be obtained fi- om the contact listed in the project descriptions. If you have any concerns about the proposed actions, please call the Klarnath Falls Resource Area and ask for the " Contact" person listed or the Resource Area Planner as soon as possible. The earlier you get involved, the more capability we have to adjust or change planned actions. Also be alert for news releases and public notices published in the Herald and News as projects reach stages for public involvement. If you want to provide comments to a specific environmental assessment, please send or deliver your written comments addressed to the Field Manager, Klamath Falls Resource Area, by the close of, or postmarked by the last day of the comment period. Your comments and concerns are welcomed, and could influence the final decision on these projects. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions you may have regarding this p l h i n g update or how it could be improved to make it more useful to you. Thank you for your continued interest in BLM's management of public lands. If you have any questions on this planning update, stop by the office or call ( 541) 883- 6916. Jon Raby, Field Manager Klamath Falls Resource Area BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT ' KLAMATH FALLS RESOURCE AREA 2795 ANDERSON AVENUE, BLDG. # t5 KLAMATH FALLS, OR 97603 PHONE NUMBER: ( 541) 883- 6916 MAP PROJECT TITLE & DESCRIPTION LOCATION SPECIAL AREAS STATUS OF COMPLETION CONTACT REF. # AFFECTED ANALYSIS DATE CX = Categorical Exclusion, DNA = Determination of NEPA Adequacy, EA = Environmental Assessment, EIS = Environmental Impact Statement Klarnath Falls Resource Area, Winter 2003 Planning Update - Page 2 New Projects - Watershed Map # 4 T39S. R14E, Secs. 10, 11,14, 15 Norcross Vegetation Treatments - Thin ponderosa pine, remove invasive juniper, restore native vegetative communities ( grass, shrub, pine), and monitor the effects of treatment on vegetative and hydrologic resources. New Projects - Roads and Facilities None Map 1 EA in progress. Road crossing Spencer Creek Spencer Creek Culvert Replacement Spencer Watershed Riparian Fence Reconstruction New Projects - Recreation I Topsy Recreation Site Improvements - Campground water 1 T40S, R7E, Sm. 1 Map # I0 1 system and boat ramp improvements None I DNAS~ nnrrr2004 I Fall 2005 New Projects - Range Management Fall 2007 Fish passage Riparian Protection Mike Turaski in progress CX in progress Map #' DNA Spring 2004 Pitch Log Creek, Long Branch Creek, and Antelope Creek within the Gerber Block Gerber Watershed Riparian Fencing - Emposed project to construct livestock exclosure fencing along about 1.1 miles of Pitch Log Creek, 1.5 miles of Long Branch Creek, and 1.7 miles of Antelope Creek. Maintain fences as riparian exclosures or riparian pastures. Monitor effects of reduced livestock use on vegetation and streambank conditions. New Projects - Timber Management Contract - Fall 2004 Construction - 2005. Summer 2004 Riparian protection Fall 2004 Andy Hamilton Andy Hamilton Dana Eckard Jenny Creek Watershed South Gerber Block Jenny Creek Watershed South Gerber Block I I I None 1 None Jenny Creek EA - Purpose of this EA is to address a variety of forest health and restoration treatments in the Jenny Creek Watershed. Proposed treatments may include; commercial timber sales, non- commercial silvicultural treatments, riparian restoration treatments, aspen stand restoration and road restoration projects. South Gerber EA - Purpose of this EA is to address a variety of forest health and restoration treatments in the South Gerber Block area. Proposed treatments may include; commercial timber sales, non- commercial silvicultural treatments, riparian restoration treatments, juniper woodland treatments, aspen stand restoration and road restoration projects. LOCATION Recent Decisions - Lands Program 1 I I I I I Upper Spencer Creek Road Treatments - Road Upper Spencer Creek I' Implementation in July obliteration, decommissioning, realignment, improvement, T38S, R6E Sections Riparian Resenres DDRBs I 2M Mike Turaski and stream crossing removal. 15 and 23 12123103 Recent Decisions - Wildlife M Map 1 # 43 ecisions - Waters Map 1 # 21 Willow Valley Habitat Enhancement Willow Valley Warm water fishexies Implementation pending Reservoir ODFW involvement. Section 1 Exploration Quarry Expansion Drilling - Authorization for ODOT to conduct exploratory drilling in and around an existingpit to identify a source for additional mineral material. Scott Snedaker I I I I I I Recent Decisions - Fuels Treatment T40S, R6E, Sec. 1. N112NW114 Map 1 # 3 None Boundary Springs Yarding and Removal of Cut Juniper - Purpose of this project is to remove juniper boles in previously treated areas to reduce fuel accumulation and promote commercial use of juniper. None Ben Hall 1 & 2, Cerber Potholes, Sehnipps, and FIZ 95- 71 Juniper Yarding - to remove juniper boles in previously treated areas to reduce fuel accumulation and promote commercial use of juniper. Fint 360 acres yarded and material sold to Area FTZ- 1 04 utilization local mill ( REACH) that utilizes juniper. Exploration initiated as weather permits. Rebecca La& Linda Younger Mike Bechdolt Various Mike Bechdolt Klamath Falls Resource Area, Winter 2003 Planning Update - Page 3 Fuel treatment, juniper utilization DNA completed. Project on hold. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT KLAMATH FALLS RESOURCE AREA AVEl PHONE NUMBER: 2795 ANDERSON AVENUE, BLDG. # 25 ' E ( 541) 8836916 SPECIAL AREAS STATUS OF AEFECrED ANALYSIS PROJECT TITLE & DESCRIPTlON LOCATION AEFErnD COMPLETION DATE CONTACT r~ ann~ ng~ na~ ysis~ lrnp~ ernen- r Gareinoenr al RMP Evaluation~ Revision- In the final settlement agreement to the American Forest Resource Council vs. Bureau of Land Management ( BLM) litigation, the BLM is directed to revise Resource Management Plans ( RMPs) in western Oregon by December, 2008. The BLM began the revision process in 2003, evaluating current plans and developing a project preplan. Project status information will be posted on the District website. Formal scoping is expected in the second half of calendar year 2004. RMP Revision - FY 2008 None Resource Area Wide All Resources Evaluation in progress Don Homeins GerberlWillow Valley Coordinated Resource Management Plan ( CRMP) Watershed Analysis. - A local planning team of private landowners, StatelFederal land managers, and concerned citizens recommends future project implementation on private land in CRMP area. CRMP meetings/ discussions are continuing Map 1 # 5 GerberNillow Valley Watershed Completion date open-Rivate Lands ended Don Homeins Lany Frazier Wild and Scenic River designation, Area of Critical Concern, T& E spp. Map l # 28 Upper Klamath River Management Plan DEE - Develop a management plan in response to Wild and Scenic Riven Act requirements for river segment approx. 20 miles long encompassing 6,400 acres. Klarnath River - J. C. Boyle Reservoir, Oregon, to Copco One Reservoir, California Draft EIS released 511 612003. Comment period closed 8/ 13/ 2003. FEIS December 2004 Upper Klamath Basin and Wood River Wetland Resource Management Plan Amendment for the Fourmile Creek portion of this area. The purpose of this project is to amend the Upper Klamath Basin and Wood River Wetland RMP EIS to designate the Fourmile Creek area as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. Riparian Wetland Area of Critical Environmental Concern ( ACEC) Draft EIS to be prepared. Specific schedule and completion date unknown. ACEC Evaluation submitted to District Manager, October 2000. Map 1 # 29 Fourmile Creek Wetland Lou Whiteaker Lany Frazier Draft MOU presented to the Tribal Council on 2/ 22/ 2000. Waiting for Tribal feedback. - -- Unknown Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU) between the Klamath Tribes and BLM for Coordination on Management Issues. - The proposed MOU identifies a process to coordinate tribal involvement with BLM management actions on public lands. Late- Successional Reserve ( LSR) Assessment. A single LSR Assessment was prepared to assess all 19 Unmapped LSRs designated within the resource area and develop management recommendations for these areas to restore or maintain late successional habitat. Former Tribal None Lakeview District Lands - None Draft submitted to and pending approval from the Regional Ecosystem Office ( REO). BLM lands west of Highway 97 covered by the Northwest Forest Plan Unmapped Late Successional - Reserves. Analysis is complete. - ou Whiteaker Klamath Falls Resource Area, Winter 2003 Planning Update - Page 4 2795 ANDERSON AVENUE, BLDG. # 25 KLAMATH FALLS, OR 97603 541) 8834916 STATUS OF COMPLETION DATE CONTACT AFFECTED I ANALYSIS I - Map 2 # 46 - None Map 1 -# 7 Map 1 # 22 - None Map 2 # 44 Map 2 # 30 Oak Thinning - Thin 100 acres of oak woodland to restore plant communities and reduce potential for stand replacing wildfires and overall fire management costs. Noxious Weed Treatments - contain1 reduce noxious weed populations using integrated pest management ( manual, mechanical, chemical, and biological control methods). Activities tier to KFRA Integrated Weed Control Plan ( IWCP) and EA- OR- 014- 93- 09 approved July 21, 1993. T40S, R6E, Sec. 35 T41S, R6E, Sec. 3 and 10 T41S, WE, Sec. 1 Weed- infested sites throughout the Klamath Falls Resource Area Bitterbrush Planting - - Various locations Ongoing Planning/ Analysisflmplementation - Vegetation Treatments I I I -- -- - Horton Rim I Windy Ridge Juniper Removal - Juniper treatment for fuel reduction and wildlife habitat inmovement GerberlWillow Valley Riparian Conifer Treatments - removing invasive juniper from riparian areas in the Gerber Block G& I Willow Valley Watersheds Spencer Creek Riparian Thinning- thin 80 acres of iuniverlmixed conifer T38S, R6E, Secs. 21 and 28 Clover Creek DDRB - 108 acres mechanical treatment. T. 38S, R6E, Sec. 27.34 Off Spencer Hookup Road I Document is tiered to the Northwest Area Noxious 1 Noxious Weed I Klamath River canyon/ ACEC None I Wyd Control Program Treatments occur May - EIS avvroved December I October on a vearlv I Lou mitaker Analysis in Progress. 1985: supplemented in March 1987. Analysis completion expected Spring 2004. - . basis. Mule deer winter range. Rob Roninger None I EA completed Riparian Reserves EA completed. I Ongoing - Possible in Key Watershed completion in 2004 I Mike Turaski cx completed. h j e c t in progress. Riparian, critical sucker habitat 2- 3 year implementation began Spring 2003. Ongoing Planning/ Analysis/ Implementation- Lands Treatments occur on a yearly basis. Hapa DNA completed. Bald Eagles, Survey and Manage species Map l # 8 Greg Reddell Map 1 # 17 Implementation initiated 2003 - Ongoing DNA completed in Spring 2001. Mike Turaski Map I -# 20 Map 1 -# 9 On hold for RE0 approval of LSRA - ~- - Dehlinger Trust - Residential Road ROW and easement. Bmner Land Exchange Steve Haper Bly Dump Sale ( EA No. OR- 014- 97- 01) - Purpose of # l8 this project is to sell Bly Transfer Station to Klamath Co. I of Bly'OrrgOn. Map I I None Known I Analysis in progress I Winter2004 Linda Younger T40S, RIOE, Sec. 9 South Bryant Mountain Al B ~ n eLra nd Sale Nancy Charley Trust Reciprocal Easement and ROW Klamath Falls Resource Area, Winter 2003 Planning Update - Page 5 None Unknown T41S, R13E. Sec. 14 T38S, RSE, Sec 12- 13 Reciprocal Easement Pending On hold Unknown Borders Riparian Reserve Winter 2004 Spring 2005 EA completedl Decision record pending CX completed, easement pending Linda Younger Linda Younger Spring 2004 Fall 2004 Linda Younger Linda Younger MAP PROJECT TITLE & DESCRIPTION REF. SPECIAL AREAS IC OMPLI AFFECTED Ongoing Planning/ Analysis/ Imp LOCATION ETION DATE I COMA dementation - rimber Sales I - - - Non - Non Roaming Salvage EA - The purpose is to provide NEPA coverage for timely salvage of timber mortality over the entire Resource Area. Entire Resource Area Unknown Preparing scoping letters. Spring 2004 I MI* cBechdo1t FY 04 - Baldy Salvage Timber Sale - Sale is designed to harvest windthrown trees as a result of 2003- 4 windstorms and scattered insect and disease related mortality. Anticipated volume is I . O- 1 SMMBF on 300- 500 acres. FY 04 - Matchbox Title I1 Service Contradl'imber Sale - The project consists of a Forest Health Density ManagementIUnderstory Thinning of overstocked mixed conifer stands. The sale is being designed under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- Determination Act of 200 - Public Law 106- 393. A service contract will be used to thin, yard, and deck trees from an overstocked mixed conifer stand. A timber sale contract will be used sell the decked material. Approximately 300 acres are scheduled for treatment resulting in about 600 MBF. Primarily in the Surveyor Mtn and Burton Butte Areas. May also include some eastside areas. Timber Sale is scheduled to be sold in Mike Bechdolt May or June of 2004 Presently marking some of the scatted salvage Matrix Contract is scheduled to be awarded in June or Mike Bechdolt July of 2004 Chase Mountain Area T. 40S., R. 7E., Sec. 9 Presently Preparing the Matrix Timber Sale Contract Proposed sale date: Summer 2005 Mike Bechdolt Riparian Reserves T38S., ME., Sec. l3,15,23, 25 and 26 Reserves! Matrix Buck Again Timber Sale - An estimated 700 acres is designed for treatment in the Spencer Creek watershed near Buck Lake. Approx. 4 MMBF to be harvested. Sale preparation. Chew Timber Sale- Approximately 1,000 acres density management understory reduction adjacent to and south of T40S. R6E, Secs. 1, 1 1,14 T40S, R7E. Secs. 3 and 5 Proposed sale date Mike Bechdolt Hwy 66 west of la math Falls. ~ aleanal~ zuendd er the Sale preparation. Spring 2004 or 2005. Topsy/ Pokegama/ Hamaker EA (# OR- 0 14- 98- 01 ). Estimated volume of 2.5 m b f . None Oneoine Plannine/ Analvsis/ Implementation - Roads and Facilities Map 1 # 77 Map # 73 Klamath Falls Resource Area, Winter 2003 Planning Update - Page 6 Sediment Traps - 30 sediment traps on BLM, USFS, and private land Map I # 6 Gcrber Road Sediment Reduction - road resurfacing and drainage improvement to reduce sediment delivery to streams in the Gerber Watershed Spencer Creek Watershed and Gerber Block Gerber Washrack- Installation of facility at Gerber Guard Station for washing equipment to control the suread of noxious weeds and overhead filling of tankers. 5 stream crossings None Gerber Guard Station Critical sucker habitat DNA completed. Sediment traps installed. Noxious weed prevention EA completed. Implementation initiated I Fall 2004 Monitoring in progress. Mike Turaski CX completed. Mike Turaski Pending funding. Bob Crumrine/ Brian McCarty - I - 1 - Map 1 # 6 Ongoing Planning/ Analysis/ Implementation - Roads and Facilities ( continued) Gerber Area Recreation Improvements - ( RMP ROD EIS 6- 2- 95, pp. 49- 50) - Project falls under corrective maintenance, improvement or replacement in the Klamath Falls RMP. Existing maintenance, improvement or replacement include: rocking and chip- sealinglpaving road system and campsites, picnic tables, barrier posts, camp host RV holding tank, hydrants, Barnes Valley Boat Ramp access road. Scott Smter Gerber Reservoir Recreation Site Gerber Area Primitive Camp and Day Use Sites Recreation Improvements. The objectives of these improvements are to update or improve existing facilities to continue to provide an enhanced recreational experience and satisfy visitor needs. T& ESpecies ( suckers and bald eagles) Scott Senter Stan H Spring, Potholes, Miller Creek, Frog Camp, Pitchlog Creek, Wildhorse, Basin, Rock Creek and Willow Valley Reservoir Map l # 6 Projects in compliance GththeKFIURMP. Determination of NEPA Adequacy completed and approved on 10128199. Wood River Wetlands Project - Remaining projects: Finish installation of fish screen on 7- mile Canal diversion structure and floating boardwalk, interpretive signs, and trail system. Surface rock dike roads from bridge to 7- mile Canal and add group interpretive site. Juniper Chip Road - Using juniper debris for biomass or by- product in Oshea ( mZ 95/ 71), and Norcross Springs. FY 2004 - Miller Creek- Potholes trail to be constructed T& E Species ( suckers) wood River Property I I Upper Klamath Basin and Wood River Wetland I A Determination of NEPA Adequacy ( DNA) completed 9/ 25/ 2000. ( Project contingent on funding) Map 1 # 25 - Map 2 # 70 FY 2004- sidewalks and pinic tables to be installed at Willow Valley Res. Wedge Watkins Joe Foran 25 miles north of Klamath Falls, Oregon T 39 8 40s. R13,14,14XE I None Known I I Stewardship contract EAcompIeted being developed. Ongoing Projects - Prescribed Burning and Fuels Treatment Wetlands Map 2 # 2 Resource Management Plan EIS; decision signed June 16,1995. Joe Foran Pending funding Short Lake Broadcast Bum - Prescribe bum approx. 280 acres outside FTZ to reduce fuel loading and risk of wildfire. T38S. R1 I E, Sec 20 & 29 - - - - - - -- - - - - - Miller Creek Mechanical Treatment - Proposal to use mechanical piling instead of prescribed buming of a~ oroximatelv I00 acres. Map 2 # 37 - T39S. R13E. Sec. 14 & 23 Analysis Completed ACEC 1 FONSl and Decision Record on 3- 24- 99. Joe Foran None Known Project delayed. EA completed Fuels Maintenance Treatments # t ( KCER - 00- 03) Treat approximately 1,200 acres to remove fire- prone brush, excessive levels of hazardous fuels ( less than 6" in diameter), and small conifers that are ladder fuels and threats to over stow trees bv crown fire.. Map 2 # I 1 Spring 2004 Klamath Falls Resource Area, east of Hwy 97. See Prescribed Fire Map for locations. None Known Dale Brush Map 2 # 62 Analysis completed. Multiple year implementation - ongoing. Mechanical Slash Treatment Project - Mechanical treatments ( shearing, chipping, or grinding) to reduce fuels and control vegetation on approx. 12,000 acres. Joe Foran Multiple Locations Resource Area Wide None / Second DNA completed. Klamath Falls Resource Area, Winter 2003 Planning Update - Page 7 Projects tasked out over a three year period - ongoing. PROJECT K. 1 TITLE & DESCRIPTIO SPECIAL AREAS STATUS OF 4 CONTACT AFFECTED ANALYSIS - Map 2 -# 39 Map 2 # 40 - Map 2 -# 42 Map 2 # 38 Map 2 # 63 Map 2 # 64 - Map 2 # 65 & # I9 Map 2 # 45 - Map 2 # 49 - Stukel98- 1 Mechanical Treatment - Mechanical piling T40S, RIOE, Sec. 10,11,14, instead of pmcribed burning of approximately 500 acres. 23,24 Stukel98- 2 Prescribed Burn - Prescribe bum approx. 3,000 acres to: Reintroduce fire to restore plant communities, while reducing the potential for stand-replacement wildfires and overall fire management costs. T40S, RIOE, Sec. 12,13,24 T40S, RllE, Sec. 7& 18 HamakerIChase Fuels Treatment - Reduce Fuels on T40S, R8E 4000 acres south of Hwy 66 I Stiles Spring Prescribed Burn - Project purpose to bum approximately 1,000 acres to: Reinduce fire to restore sustainable function and structure to plant communities, while reducing the potential for stand- replacement wildfires, and reducing overall fire management costs. Stukel98- 7 & 9 Prescribed Burns - Prescribe bum approximately 525 acres to: reintroduce fire to restore plant communities, reduce overall fire management costs and the potential for stand- replacing wildfires. Statelinel Holbmk Prescribed Bums - Presmie bum approximately 4.000 acres to reduce fuel loading and risk of catastrophic wildfire. T37S, RIOE, Sec. 3- 5,9- 11, 14- 15 T40S, RllE, Sec5 & 6 T. 40S, R15 E., T. 41S, RISE. -- Big Adobe Prescribed Burn - Prescribe bum approximately 6,700 acres to reduce fuel loading and risk of catastrophic wildfire ( includes Wild Midway Rx Bum) Range- Juniper Treatment - Hazardous fuel reduction, T40S. R12E. Sec. 1 1 using mechanical and prescribed fire methods. T41 S, RISE Upper Swan Prescribed Burn - Project purpose: bum approximately 98 acres to restore sustainable function and structure to plant communities, reduce potential for stand-replacement wildfires and overall fire management costs. g and Fuels Treatment ( continued) None Known Project0 t1ie 4r- s9 4to- 0E9A. # OR- Project ongoing Joe Fmn T37S, RIOE, Sec. 24 & 25 T37S, RI 1.5E, Sec. 31 Bald Eagle ( Analysis Completed- I 200 acres treated in FY I None Analysis Completed Project tiers to EA # OR- 014- 94- 09. EA completed Wildlife Habitat Riparian Initiated Winter 2001 Fall 2004 Joe Foran Project delayed until the Spring 2004 Bald None Bald Eagle I Planned projects tier to the Promammatic Fire I Joe Foran Joe Foran Project initiated, 2- 3 year implementation FONSI - 12- 1 9- 99. 2000; Remainder Decision Record on 01 - 25- 2000 ,, Foran Joe Foran Analysis Completed Project tiers to EA # OR- 014- 94- 09) approved on 4- 29- 94. Initiated Winter 2001 Klamath Falls Resource Area, Winter 2003 Planning Update - Page 8 Wildlife forage/ habitat improvement 130 acres completed Remainder Spring 2004 Accomplished 1500 acres. Remainder Fall 2004. Steve Pehick- Underwood Joe Foran DNA completed ongoing 2- 3 year implementation Joe Foran .. " "" . 7 < .,.. - . . 7 - " b - . " < * - - ' 7 , 4 . , v ,-' w., ,. ' q"* -*?, . x*-.. s,... >,% VW? P ,*.- 7i*,- .*. x., < 8 SCHEDULE OF PROPOSED PROJECTS BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT KLAMATH FALLS RESOURCE AREA * 2795 ANDERSON AVENUE, BLDG. # 25 KLAMATH FALLS, OR 97603 PHONE NUMBER: ( 541) 883- 69 MAP PROJECT TITLE & DESCRIPTION LOCATION I SPECIAL AREAS STATUS OF ANALYSIS COMPLETION CONTACT REF. # AFFECTED DATE Rangeland Health Standards Assessments - in progress I These assessments compare the monitoring information collected against the five Standards for Rangeland Health and propose management changes if current grazing use is not meeting the Standards, or not making significant improvement towards meeting them. Changes are implemented through the grazing decision or agreement process. z3I Re16 Allotment ( M893) I South Langell Valley I None Known I Assessment in progress I Summer 2004 I Dana Eckard M$\ 3 I KIamatL Forest Estates Allotment ( M862) 1 North of Bonanza -~ Yainax Allotment ( M861) I None Known I Assessment in progress I ~ ~ - 2 0 0 4 I Bill Lindsey North of Bonanza Map # 55 None Known ? G3 Haskins Allotment (# 0826) y&' Assessment in progress Masten Allotment ( M842) Map # 68 North of Bonanza Kellian Allotment (# 0834) Hungry Hollow Allotment (# 0830) Klamath Falls Resource Area, Winter 2003 Planning Update - Page 9 SUM 2004 North of Bonanza Adams Allotment (# 0800) Rangeland Health Standards Assessments - completed* Bill Lindsey None Known North of Bonanza North of Bonanza None Known East of Bonanza Bill Lindsey Assessment in progress None Known None Known * A total of 37 Rangeland Health Standards Assessments have been completed to date, 1 has been completed so far in FY 2004. Assessment in progress None Known None Known Assessment completed Summer 2004 Assessment in progress Assessment in progress Map North of Bonanza December 2003 # 48 Dana Eckard Summer 2004 Assessment in progress McCartie Allotment (# 0860) Dana Eckard Summer 2004 Summer 2004 Dana Eckard Summer 2004 Dana Eckard Dana Eckard Presentations/ Environmental Education Programs/ Tours ( Fiscal Year to Date) Fun With Fungi I 1 1/ 2/ 03 I Seven Mile Area Adults 25 I What Was Presented Overview of past and current outreach events; permit sales Wood River Wetland Field Trip Operation Indian Rocks ARPA Investigation 1 1 1/ 3/ 03 ( Central Washington University 1 Faculty and Students I 51 I Date 1 Group / Age # of People 1 01 1 5/ 03 10/ 28/ 03 Where Cultural Resource Management and the NEPA Process Archaeological Investigations in the Great Basin I Wildlife Management 1 12/ 16/ 03 1 OIT - " Expanding Horizons" I 8* Grade Students I 120 1 Ross Ragland Theater Wood River Wetland Coloring Books 1 1/ 3/ 03 1 1/ 4/ 03 Klarnath Falls Resource Area, Winter 2003 Planning Update - Page 10 Answer People/ Adults Oregon Institute of Technology Students I 1 1 11 9/ 03 Shasta Elementary School -- - S - 290 Fire Behavior 25 - 30 Central Washington University Central Washington University Elementary Students 30 12/ 20/ 03 Graduate Student Seminar Graduate Student Seminar 24 35 Klamth Community College Adults 8 EventIActivlty Date Location Contact( s) F 01 rarnclpanrs ( EmployeeslPublic*) IBald Eagle Conference I Februaryl3- IS I Oregon Institute of Technology I Steve Haynerl Kelly Hollums I l~ arthD ay I April I Jefferson Square Mall I Greg Reddell I Klamath Watershed conference February 24 - 26 Wilderness & Horse Packing Clinic** International Migratory Bird Day IMBD Pre- event Classes -- - IMBD Educator Workshop Oregon Institute of Technology May ( IMBD) April 24 IMBD Event National Free Fishing Day RAP Camp Klamath County Fair Klamath Falls Resource Area, Winter 2003 Planning Update - Page 11 Wedge WatkinslKelly Hollums April 16 - pp - - Sixth Grade Forestry Tour National Public Lands Day Oregon Archeology Celebration Klarnath County Fairgrounds Klamath Community College May 8 June June August Tonya PinckneyIScott Senter Steve Hayner, et al OSU- Klamath Co. Extension * Numbers of public participants for large events are estimated. ** BOLD WRITING indicates that project is funded with District Outreach dollars. September September September Veteran's Park To Be Announced Camp Esther Applegate Klamath County Fairgrounds Steve Hayner, et al Steve Hayner Scott Snedaker To Be Announced PinckneylSenter Clover Creek Educational Area To Be Announced To Be Announced ~ p Bill Johnson To Be Announced Michelle Durant Glama th Falls Resource Area Miscellaneo~ wP roject Loca ticms R6E RBE R7E RBE RBE RlOE RIIE R12E R13E R14E R14.6E R16E Klamath Falls Resource Area, Winter 2003 Planning Update - Page 12 N LEGEND R5E R6E R7E R8E RQE RIOE R l l E R12E R13E R14E R14.5E R15E Klarnath Falls Resource Area, Fall 2003 Planning Update - Page 13 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF LAND MANAGE~ ENT Klarnath Falls Resource Area Office 2395 Parderson Avenue, Building a 5 Kfamth MIS. Oregan 97603 OF. FIGIAL, BUSI~ ESS PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE, $ 300 Marita Kunkel Library Director Oregon Institute of Techolagy 3201 Cempus Dr Klamath Falls, OR 97601
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831. [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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832. [Image] Progress report for investigations on Blue Creek, fiscal year 1992, Blue Creek, California
PROGRESS REPORT FOR INVESTIGATIONS ON BLUE CREEK FT 1992 ABSTRACT The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Coastal California Fishery Resource Office in Arcata, California, was funded to investigate chinook ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Progress report for investigations on Blue Creek, fiscal year 1992, Blue Creek, California
- Author:
- Chan, Jeffrey R. ; Longenbaugh, Matthew H.
- Year:
- 1994, 2005
PROGRESS REPORT FOR INVESTIGATIONS ON BLUE CREEK FT 1992 ABSTRACT The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Coastal California Fishery Resource Office in Arcata, California, was funded to investigate chinook salmon roncorhvnchus tshawvtschav spavming use, juvenile salmonid emigration, and characterize stream habitats in Blue Creek, a tributary to' the Klamath River; California. Investigations began in October 1988, with this reporting period covering October 1991 through September 1992. Adult chinook spawner escapement was addressed by surveys of redds, live fish and carcasses, and by radioteleiretry. Spawner numbers were v?ry low, with only 22 redds observed in fall 1991/winter 1992. The peak count of adult Chinook was 97 fish in early November. Radiotelemetry of migrating spawners (n?8) was used to locate remote spawning areas. Emigrating juvenile Chinook salmon, steelhead trout 10. mvkissV/ coho salmon (fi. kisutchl. and coastal cutthroat trout (g. clarltiV were trapped at river kilometer (rkm) 3.35 with a rotary screw trap (screw trap). The trapping period extended from April to July for a total of 75 trapping nights. Screw trap catches totaled 10,688 chinook, 1,388 steelhead, 99 coho and 10 cutthroat. Peak Chinook emigration occurred during the week of May 17, which is consistent with the past 3 years of monitoring. A juvenile weir was operated 58 nights, and caught a total of 9,166 chinook, 1,196 steelhead, 127 coho and 1 cutthroat. The index of abundance for emigrating chinook during the 1992 juvenile trapping period was 49,590. Sixty-five percent of the juvenile chinook caught during the trapping season were marked with coded wire tags (n-12,687) and released back into Blue Creek at rkm 3.3. Mean water temperatures varied from 6.3 to 18.6 XI and stream flows ranged from 43 to 2178 eft (1.3 to 61.7 m3/?) during the Fiscal Year (FY) 1992 study season.
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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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834. [Image] Raising Upper Klamath Lake, appraisal study : draft.
Executive Summary This report documents an appraisal-level evaluation of raising Upper Klamath Lake in south-central Oregon. The lake is the State's largest freshwater lake and is a principal storage feature ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Raising Upper Klamath Lake, appraisal study : draft.
- Author:
- U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation
- Year:
- 2000, 2008, 2005
Executive Summary This report documents an appraisal-level evaluation of raising Upper Klamath Lake in south-central Oregon. The lake is the State's largest freshwater lake and is a principal storage feature of the Klamath Project. The Klamath Project provides water for irrigating approximately 240,000 acres in the Klamath Basin in south-central Oregon and northern California. The Klamath Project was authorized for construction in 1905, and work began shortly thereafter. In 1921, Link River Dam was constructed at the south end of the lake, near the city of Klamath Falls, to provide regulation of the lake. Background The listing of fish species as threatened or endangered, and the Federal responsibility to protect Tribal trust assets, have placed increasing demands on the limited water supply of the Klamath Project and reduced its flexibility to meet demands. There is an immediate need to increase water supplies and improve the timing of their availability to improve fish and wildlife habitat and water quality. The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) began the Klamath Basin Water Supply Initiative (Initiative) in 1996 to identify options for increasing water supplies in the Klamath River Basin. The Initiative is a joint effort partnership of Reclamation, the Klamath River Compact Commission, the California Department of Water Resources, and the Oregon Water Resources Department. The Initiative identified 96 options for increasing water supplies and recommended 44 for further study, including raising Upper Klamath Lake. Options Evaluated The evaluation documented in this report considers increasing the maximum operating level of Upper Klamath Lake by 2 feet by raising Link River Dam. Two options are described: (1) raising existing levees around the lake to contain the lake within its current surface area and (2) allowing the lake to spread and flood adjacent lands. Option 1 constrains the higher water surface elevation to the current shoreline. Modifications would be provided to protect all existing land, roads, and structures surrounding the lake. A 2-foot-high parapet will be constructed on top of the dam to accommodate the higher water level. Major construction activities include: Raising Upper Klamath Lake ? Eight sections of new seawall, totaling 6.6 linear miles ? Modifying 14 sections of existing dikes with roads, totaling 44.3 linear miles ? Modifying 10 sections of existing dikes without roads, totaling 25.2 linear miles ? Two sections of new dikes with roads, totaling 1.9 linear miles ? Three sections of new dikes without roads, totaling 2.7 linear miles ? Armoring two sections of existing dikes, totaling 3.5 linear miles ? Raising one bridge and county and local roads at seven locations, totaling 1.3 miles of roads ? Raising 2.5 miles of a State highway ? Rehabilitating 126 private residences (relocating septic tanks, providing foundation drainage, and landscaping) ? Rehabilitating headworks and intake structures at 10 locations ? Relocating an existing boat dock The estimated cost of Option 1 is $125 million. Option 2 does not protect structures and property, but, instead, allows the lake to spread beyond the current shoreline and flood adjacent lands. Existing dikes will be breached, and existing roads that would otherwise be inundated will be raised. Either existing headworks and water intakes at various locations will be retrofitted for the higher water surface elevation, or the associated facility will be purchased. Link River Dam will be modified as in Option 1. Major construction activities include: ? Breaching (every % mile) 14 sections of existing dikes with roads, totaling 44.3 linear miles of dikes ? Breaching 10 sections of existing dikes without roads, totaling 25.3 linear miles of dikes ? Armoring 3.0 linear miles of an existing dike ? Raising one bridge and county and local roads at three locations, totaling 0.6 mile of roads Executive Summary ? Raising 2.5 miles of an existing State highway ? Rehabilitating headworks and intake structures at nine locations ? Relocating an existing boat dock The estimated cost of Option 2 is $129 million, including $113 million for the acquisition of private land and structures. Raising Upper Klamath Lake 2 feet will increase storage by approximately 170,000 acre-feet, or about 25 percent. Winter floodflows, which are presently spilled to the Klamath River and not available for project use, will be stored and made available to help meet water needs for endangered species, Tribal trust resources, agricultural contractors, and national wildlife refuges. Future operation of the enlarged lake will be contingent upon acquisition of appropriate rights to divert and store additional water in the lake and may require filing an application for the appropriation of additional water with the Oregon Water Resource Department. Costs associated with implementing either Option 1 or Option 2 are significant. In addition, implementing either option will have both positive and negative impacts on the natural and human environment. Recommendations Several engineering studies are recommended. These include: ? Estimating quantities, properties, and availability of embankment and riprap materials, and identifying their locations (quaries) ? Constructing a modified dike test section to assess construction methodology and performance of rockfill protection ? Using detailed aerial topography (maximum 1-foot contours) of the Upper Klamath Lake shoreline to better define existing features and required improvements ? Conducting a comprehensive survey of all shoreline structures to provide a better estimate of the work required and associated costs ? Inspecting existing dam gates and concrete bulk heads to determine if additional modifications are required for the higher reservoir water surface ? S-3 Raising Upper Klamath Lake ? Developing site-specific, cost-effective alternatives to the proposed shore protection features ? Identifying and securing suitable rights-of-way Recreation facilities need to be analyzed in more detail to determine impacts and associated protection, relocation, and modification costs. A user survey and appropriate mapping of all recreational facilities has been initiated to determine existing recreation use levels and assist in the analysis of potential impacts. A detailed hydrology study demonstrating that unappropriated water is available to fill the additional storage in Upper Klamath Lake is recommended. Better descriptions of area-elevation-capacity relationships and evaporation and transpiration losses will also be needed. The following environmental studies are recommended: ? Develop detailed topographic information for the entire lake and surrounding area to predict the extent of flooding and potential vegetation changes ? Develop topographic mapping in 1-foot increments to predict effects on wetland vegetation ? Determine potential streamflow changes below Link River Dam and potential benefits to threatened and endangered fishes ? Determine impacts to upland areas that would be inundated by the higher reservoir water surface elevations. The following economic studies are recommended: ? Determine all costs (e.g., planning, design, construction, mitigation, and operation, maintenance, and replacement) ? Determine benefit/cost Early development and implementation of a public involvement plan will be essential to a feasibility study. Various studies to identify and analyze social impacts and impacts to environmental justice, Tribal trust, and cultural resources are recommended. Opportunities to avoid or lessen adverse impacts will also need to be identified. S-4
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iii; 99p.; "Printed for the use of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources"; Distributed to some depository libraries in microfiche
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Water Symposium: Symposium before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, One Hundred Ninth Congress, First Session, on Water Issues, April 5, 2005
- Author:
- Water Symposium (2005: Washington, D.C.)
- Year:
- 2005, 2006
iii; 99p.; "Printed for the use of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources"; Distributed to some depository libraries in microfiche
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The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) proposes to designate critical habitat for the Lost River sucker {Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose sucker [Chasmistes brevirostris), two species federally listed ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Federal Register - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Determination of Critical Habitat for Lost River Sucker and Shortnose Sucker
- Year:
- 1994, 2008, 2005
The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) proposes to designate critical habitat for the Lost River sucker {Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose sucker [Chasmistes brevirostris), two species federally listed as endangered pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973. as amended (Act). Both species are large, long-lived fish endemic to the Upper Klamath River Basin of Oregon and California. The proposed designation includes a total of approximately 182,400 hectares (456,000 acres) of stream, river, lake, and shoreline areas as critical habitat for the shortnose sucker and approximately 170,000 hectares (424,000 acres) of stream, river, lake, and shoreline areas as critical habitat for the Lost River sucker. This proposed critical habitat designation would result in additional review requirements under section 7 of the Act with regard to Federal agency actions. Section 4 of the Act requires the Service to consider economic costs and benefits prior to making a final decision on the size and scope of critical habitat
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KLAMATH RIVER RECOVERY UNIT CHAPTER OF THE BULL TROUT RECOVERY PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CURRENT SPECIES STATUS Klamath River bull trout were listed as a distinct population segment ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Bull Trout, Salvelinus Confluentus... Draft Recovery Plan, Chapter 2, Klamath River Recovery Unit...U.S. Department Of The Interior
- Year:
- 2008, 2005
KLAMATH RIVER RECOVERY UNIT CHAPTER OF THE BULL TROUT RECOVERY PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CURRENT SPECIES STATUS Klamath River bull trout were listed as a distinct population segment in 1998 (63 FR 31647) because they are physically isolated from other bull trout by the Pacific Ocean and several small mountain ranges in central Oregon. Recovery of bull trout in the Klamath River Recovery Unit, which includes three core areas and nine currently identified local populations, will require cooperation from Federal, State, and local agencies, and Tribal and private entities. Within the Klamath River Recovery Unit, abundance has been severely reduced and remaining populations are fragmented. HABITAT REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITING FACTORS Watershed disruption has played a major role in the decline of bull trout in the Klamath River basin. The effects of historical land use on fish habitat in the larger tributaries and mainstem rivers of the Klamath River basin have been profound. Channelization, water withdrawals, removal of streamside vegetation, and other disturbances have altered the aquatic environment by elevating water temperatures, reducing water quantity and quality, and increasing sedimentation. Changes in or disruptions to watershed processes that influence characteristics of stream channels have also influenced the dynamics and persistence of bull trout populations. Klamath River basin bull trout are threatened by habitat degradation, past and present land use management practices, agricultural water diversions, and competition or hybridization from normative brown and brook trout. As a result of past land and resource management practices, bull trout populations in the Klamath River Recovery Unit are small, disjunct, and face a high risk of extirpation. IV RECOVERY GOAL AND OBJECTIVES The goal of the bull trout recovery plan is to ensure the long-term persistence of self-sustaining, complex interacting groups of bull trout distributed across the species range, so that the species can be delisted. In order to recover bull trout in the Klamath River, the following objectives need to be met: ? Maintain current distribution of bull trout and restore distribution in previously occupied areas within the Klamath River Recovery Unit, as noted in Appendix A. ? Maintain stable or increasing trends in abundance of bull trout within the Klamath River. This objective includes the expression of all life history strategies including resident, fluvial, and adfluvial forms in the Upper Klamath Lake core area and resident and fluvial forms in the Sycan River and Upper Sprague River core areas. ? Restore and maintain suitable habitat conditions for all bull trout life history stages and strategies. In core areas and migration corridors, stable or upward trends in habitat quality are achieved through landscape-level adjustments in land management strategies designed to maintain and/or enhance structural and functional attributes of upslope, riparian, and fluvial systems. ? Conserve genetic diversity and provide opportunity for interchange of genetic material among appropriate core populations. RECOVERY CRITERIA Recovery criteria for the Klamath River Recovery Unit reflect the stated objectives and consideration of population and habitat characteristics within the recovery unit. Using four population and habitat elements, the Klamath River Recovery Unit Team categorized bull trout into three groups of relative risk: diminished, intermediate, and increased. Team members evaluated bull trout under current and potential recovered conditions based on the number of local populations, adult abundance, population trends and variability, and connectivity of the system. These elements were derived from the best scientific information available concerning bull trout population and habitat requirements. Evaluation of these elements under a recovered condition assumed that actions identified within this chapter had been implemented. 1. Distribution criteria will be met when current distribution of bull trout in the 12 local populations is maintained and distribution is expanded by establishing bull trout in areas identified as suitable for potential local populations. The number of existing local populations by core area are as follows: Upper Klamath Lake, 3; Sycan River, 2; and Upper Sprague River, 7. Achieving criterion 1 entails maintaining existing local populations and establishing additional potential local populations in all core areas in the recovery unit to maintain current and recovered distribution. To achieve criterion 1 and to ensure a core area population of no fewer than 100 adult bull trout, establishing at least 5 to 7 local populations in the Klamath Lake core area among 15 potential local populations (2 to 5 new local populations), at least 5 to 7 local populations in the Sycan River core area from among 15 potential local populations (3 to 5 new local populations), and at least 10 to 12 local populations in the Upper Sprague River core area from among 25 potential local populations (3 to 5 new local populations) is necessary. 2. Abundance criteria will be met when the estimated number of adult bull trout is at least 8,250 individuals distributed among the Upper Klamath Lake, Sycan River, and Upper Sprague River core areas, based on 10 years of monitoring data. 3. Trend criteria will be met when adult bull trout exhibit stable or increasing trends in abundance in the Upper Klamath Lake, Sycan River, and Upper Sprague River core areas, based on 2 generations (10 years) of monitoring data. VI 4. Connectivity criteria will be met when specific barriers to bull trout migration in the Klamath River Recovery Unit have been addressed. In the Klamath River Recovery Unit, this objective means addressing passage: 1) existing culverts that impede passage should be replaced, including those on Threemile Creek at U.S. Forest Service Road 110 crossing, Brownsworth Creek at U.S. Forest Service Road 34 crossing, and Brownsworth Creek both 0.75 mile and 1.25 miles above U.S. Forest Service Road 34; the culvert 0.25 mile below U.S. Forest Service Road 34 (to prevent repeated washout); the large-diameter culvert at the Boulder Creek road crossing; culverts in the upper Sycan River watershed that are identified in the Fremont National Forest inventory; and several in the North Fork Sprague River drainage, namely, on North Fork Sprague River (2), Boulder Creek (1), Dead Cow Creek (1), and Sheepy Creek (1); 2) fish passage structures should be installed at water diversions on bull trout streams, and barriers should be removed, including on Cherry, Sevenmile, Sun, and Threemile Creeks; 3) fish screens should be installed to prevent fish from entering diversion canals or pipes, including on Long, Deming, Threemile, Sun, Sevenmile, and Cherry Creeks; 4) manmade barriers and entrainment should be evaluated and remedied to promote migratory bull trout; priority watersheds include Threemile, Long, Deming, Sevenmile, Cherry, Sun, and Long Creeks. The Klamath River Recovery Unit team expects that the recovery process will be dynamic and will be refined as more information becomes available. Future adaptive management will play a major role in recovery implementation and refinement of recovery criteria. The recovery unit criteria listed above will be used to determine when the Klamath River Recovery Unit is fully contributing to recovery of the Klamath River population segment. vn ACTIONS NEEDED Recovery for bull trout will entail reducing threats to the long-term persistence of populations and their habitats, ensuring the security of multiple interacting groups of bull trout, and providing habitat and access to conditions that allow for the expression of various life history forms. The seven categories are listed in Chapter 1; tasks specific to this recovery unit are provided in this chapter. ESTIMATED COST OF RECOVERY Total cost of bull trout recovery in the Klamath River Recovery Unit is estimated at about $26 million spread over a 25-year recovery period. Successful recovery of bull trout in the recovery unit is contingent on removing threats from nonnative species, eliminating barriers to fish movement, and improving habitat conditions within the Klamath River basin. Total cost includes estimates of expenditures by local, Tribal, State, and Federal governments and by private business and individuals. Cost estimates are not provided for tasks which are normal agency responsibilities under existing authorities. The estimated costs are attributed to bull trout conservation, but other aquatic species will also benefit. ESTIMATED DATE OF RECOVERY Time required to achieve recovery depends on bull trout status, factors affecting bull trout, implementation and effectiveness of recovery tasks, and responses to recovery tasks. A tremendous amount of work will be required to restore impaired habitat, reconnect habitat, and eliminate threats from nonnative species. Three to five bull trout generations (15 to 25 years), or possibly longer, may be necessary before identified threats to the species can be significantly reduced and bull trout can be considered eligible for delisting. vin
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ABSTRACT These reports document recreation use and estimate carrying capacities for the Klamath River in northern California. The river section studied runs from Interstate 5 near Yreka to the town of ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Recreational use and carrying capacity for the Klamath River
- Author:
- Shelby, Bo
- Year:
- 1984, 2005
ABSTRACT These reports document recreation use and estimate carrying capacities for the Klamath River in northern California. The river section studied runs from Interstate 5 near Yreka to the town of Orleans, and includes the lower sections of the Scott and Salmon River tributaries. A major highway runs along the river throughout the study area, with numerous; access points. The study covers the summer river running season and the fall salmon/ steel head fishing season. Because of the differences in time periods and activities, the study was done in two separate parts, each with a separate report. This document combines the two. The summer season report is presented first, followed by the fall season report. Each of these is preceeded by its own table of contents, list of tables, and summary of findings, and each is followed by its own appendices. The reports are separated by a colored page for easy reference. Data were collected by sampling, observation, and counting as well as a user questionnaire. Th? study presents a detailed description of river sections and documents recreational use by location and activity type. Carrying capacities are estimated for both river running and fishing activities. Estimates include discussions of ecological, facility, physical, and social carrying capacities, distinguishing descriptive and evaluative components. Limiting factors vary, depending on the activity and location. The more developed setting and the variety of activities and capacities distinguishes this project from earlier river capacity studies.
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"September 8, 1999."
Citation -
Only portions of issues of The Water Report are available in the Klamath Waters Digital Library. See the full report at http://www.thewaterreport.com/
Citation Citation
- Title:
- The Water Report - Watershed assessments: the Upper Klamath Basin process
- Author:
- Envirotech Publications
- Year:
- 2004, 2008, 2006
Only portions of issues of The Water Report are available in the Klamath Waters Digital Library. See the full report at http://www.thewaterreport.com/
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841. [Image] Soil survey of Klamath County, Oregon, southern part
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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842. [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 -
843. [Image] Implementation of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Report to the House Committee on Resources)
I. Executive Summary There is increasing recognition from most quarters that the Endangered Species Act (ESA) needs to be improved. Exactly what those improvements should be is less uniform. ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Implementation of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Report to the House Committee on Resources)
- Author:
- United States. Congress. House. Committee on Resources
- Year:
- 2005, 2007
I. Executive Summary There is increasing recognition from most quarters that the Endangered Species Act (ESA) needs to be improved. Exactly what those improvements should be is less uniform. This report examines the implementation of selected aspects of the endangered species program relying predominately on information provided by the primary implementing agencies, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and offers some recommendations for possible improvements to the program. Debate over the ESA has traditionally been highly polarized. For example, compensating landowners for takings or reductions in property value has been opposed by some who argue updating the law to address this is not necessary. While consensus on other issues such as the need for increasing conservation incentives and the role states play in endangered species conservation has begun to emerge, one of the most debated aspects of ESA implementation continues to be whether the ESA is effectively conserving endangered and threatened species. While there have been significant strides in conserving individual species such as the whooping crane, red-cockaded woodpecker and gray wolf, few species have been delisted (removed from the endangered list) or downlisted (changed in status from endangered to threatened) because of successful ESA conservation efforts. Some argue that the number of recovered species is an unfair measure, asserting that the three decades the ESA has been in existence is an insufficient amount of time for the lengthy process of species recovery and point to listed species that have not gone extinct as evidence the ESA 'saves' species. From the opposing perspective, while recovery to the point of delisting may require a substantial amount of time for many species, after three decades more progress should be demonstrable through species that have recovered and been delisted. Even if a species has increased in numbers or distribution or the threats facing the species have been reduced, if it has not been delisted on the basis of recovery, the ESA's prohibitions and regulations remain applicable and the ESA should not be a 'one way street.' Of 40 total species removed from the list, 10 domestic species were delisted because of "recovery". Of 33 reclassified species, 10 domestic downlistings (a change from endangered to threatened status) reflected a reduced threat assessment which also allowed more flexibility in management. The FWS's most recent report to Congress (Fiscal years 2001-2002) shows that 77 percent of listed species fall in the 0 to 25 percent recovery achieved bracket and 2 percent fall in the 76 to 100 percent recovery achieved bracket. 39 percent of the FWS managed species are of uncertain status. Of those with an assessed trend, at one end of the spectrum are 3 percent possibly extinct, 1 percent occurring only in captivity and 21 percent declining and at the other end are 30 percent stable and 6 percent improving. These assessments however are subjective. Additionally, the assessment that a species is improving or stable may reflect, for example, a reduction in perceived threats or corrections to inaccurate threat assessments that stemmed from erroneous data rather than actual changes in species' trends that are demonstrated by improved numbers, distribution or other such measurements. Consequently, a meaningful assessment of conservation trends under the ESA using these data is not possible. The data used to list a number of species has been subsequently determined to be erroneous and species that likely do not merit classification as endangered or threatened remain listed. This can consume resources that could be directed to species that do merit listing. The assignment of recovery priorities appears highly skewed and the recovery priority for some species seems questionable. A meaningful distinction between endangered status and threatened status has been blurred as has been the framework for the mechanism of critical habitat. Expenditure reporting has improved but presents an incomplete picture of financial resources dedicated to endangered species. Workloads for litigation regarding activities such as consultation and listing under the ESA's complex structure compete for resources that could otherwise be directed at recovery efforts. The demands associated with ESA Section 4 determinations in combination with the pace of species listings and delistings, the number of possible future additions to the list and the economic impact of listings likely indicate that the current program is not sustainable.
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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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Lease, Hilary M., Histopathological Changes in Gills of Lost River Suckers (Deltistes luxatus) Exposed to Elevated Ammonia and Elevated pH, M.S., Department of Zoology and Physiology, December, 2000. ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Histopathological changes in gills of Lost River suckers (Deltistes luxatus) exposed to elevated ammonia and elevated pH
- Author:
- Lease, Hilary Marian
- Year:
- 2000, 2008, 2005
Lease, Hilary M., Histopathological Changes in Gills of Lost River Suckers (Deltistes luxatus) Exposed to Elevated Ammonia and Elevated pH, M.S., Department of Zoology and Physiology, December, 2000. The Lost River sucker {Deltistes luxatus) is a federally listed, endangered fish species endemic to Upper Klamath Lake?a large, shallow hypereutrophic lake in southern Oregon. Sucker population declines in the lake over the past few decades are thought to be partly attributable to extreme water quality conditions, including elevated ammonia concentrations and elevated pH, that occur during summer cyanobacterial blooms. I analyzed structural changes in gills of larval Lost River suckers after they were exposed to elevated pH and elevated ammonia concentrations in chronic toxicity tests conducted in the laboratory. Histopathological changes in sucker lamellae were observed at ammonia concentrations that did not significantly decrease survival, growth, whole-body ion content, or swimming performance. Structural changes that I evaluated included O2 diffusion distance, lamellar thickness, hyperplasic and hypertrophic mucous cells, and infiltration of white blood cells into the lymphatic space. The increases in diffusion distance and lamellar thickness were statistically significant (P < 0.05). These gill changes are indicative of potentially compromised respiratory and ionoregulatory capacity. Because in this species gill structural changes appear to be a more sensitive indicator of stress in eutrophic water quality conditions than are the more traditional sublethal indices, gill histopathology might be useful for monitoring the health of Lost River suckers in Upper Klamath Lake.
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847. [Image] Biological opinion Klamath Project operations
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848. [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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Abstract The Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior propose limited changes to language about how to demonstrate that projects follow the Aquatic Conservation Strategy, part of the Northwest Forest ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Final supplemental environmental impact statement: for clarification of language in the 1994 record of decision for the Northwest Forest Plan; national forests and Bureau of Land Management districts within the range of the northern spotted owl: proposal to amend wording about the aquatic conservation strategy
- Author:
- United States. Department of Agriculture. Forest Service; United States. Department of the Interior. Bureau of Land Managemen
- Year:
- 2003, 2006, 2005
Abstract The Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior propose limited changes to language about how to demonstrate that projects follow the Aquatic Conservation Strategy, part of the Northwest Forest Plan. Projects needed to achieve Northwest Forest Plan goals have been delayed or stopped due to misapplication of certain passages in the Aquatic Conservation Strategy. The agencies are responding to the underlying need for increased agency success planning and implementing projects, to the extent that the current wording has hindered the agencies ability to follow Northwest Forest Plan principles and achieve its goals. The goals of the Northwest Forest Plan cannot be achieved without project implementation. Three alternatives are considered in the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, No Action, the Proposed Action, and Alternative A. No Action would not change existing language within the Aquatic Conservation Strategy. The Proposed Action and Alternative A would make l
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"GAO-05-211"; "April 2005"
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Endangered species : Fish and Wildlife Service generally focuses recovery funding on high priority species, but needs to periodically assess its funding decisions : report to the Chairman, Committee on Resources, House of Representatives
- Author:
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Year:
- 2005
"GAO-05-211"; "April 2005"