Reclamation Announces Water Deliveries to Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - On Monday Aug. 17, water diversions originating from Upper Klamath Lake began arriving in the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge complex. This water comes at a critical time in helping to provide for acute habitat needs for migratory birds on the Klamath Refuge complex.

Reclamation would like to acknowledge the hard work of the entire Klamath Basin community for the strong collaborative and communicative problem-solving space. Each year, approximately 1.8 million birds migrate through the Lower Klamath and Tule Lake refuges, and the complex produces between 30,000 and 60,000 waterfowl annually

"Water solutions in the Klamath Basin are sometimes hard to find," said Acting Regional Director Adam Nickels. "Reclamation remains committed to working with all parties in the Klamath Basin to find solutions and produce better outcomes."

Water users, the federally recognized tribes, state, and federal agencies, along with advocates for the birds have been working to identify long term solutions since April.

Reclamation appreciates its partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, federally recognized tribes, water users, and the State of Oregon in supporting water legally moving under Oregon law to the Klamath Basin Wildlife complex.

For more information, contact the Bureau of Reclamation's Klamath Basin Area Office.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits.