Biological Assessment Available for Klamath Project Operations for 2008-2018

Mid-Pacific Region Sacramento, Calif.

Released On: October 22, 2007

The Bureau of Reclamation has released a Final Biological Assessment (BA) which evaluates the potential effects of the proposed operation of Reclamation's Klamath Project on listed species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The timeframe for the BA is from April 1, 2008, through March 31, 2018. The Klamath Project (Project) is located in south-central Oregon and northeastern California and provides irrigation water to approximately 220,000 acres annually. Reclamation proposes to continue operating the Project for authorized Project purposes and to meet contractual obligations in compliance with Oregon and California State law and Federal law. The proposed action consists of four major elements:
(1) the storage and diversion of Klamath River and Lost River water and the management of return flows;
(2) maintaining lake elevations and river flows that meet or exceed proposed minimum levels;
(3) implementing an Interactive Management Program; and
(4) establishing a Water User Mitigation Plan.

Reclamation considered the best scientific and commercial information available and determined that the action may affect three listed species: coho salmon and Lost River and shortnose suckers. The analysis also indicated that critical habitat for the coho and proposed critical habitat for the suckers may be adversely affected.

Based on these findings, Reclamation has requested a formal ESA Section 7(a)(2) consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service for the coho salmon and with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the Lost River and shortnose suckers.

The Final BA is available online at www.usbr.gov/mp/KBAO. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Jon Hicks, Reclamation, at 541-880-2561 or e-mail at jhicks@mp.usbr.gov.

 # # # Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov.