U.S Department of the Interior Releases Draft 10 Year Biological
Assessment For Klamath Basin Irrigation Program

01/30/2002

Positive First Steps to Resolving the Klamath Basin Irrigation Crisis, Protecting Water
Rights, and Preserving the Environment

This week the Department of the Interior released a draft biological assessment as part of a proposed 10year plan to resolve the Klamath Basis irrigation water crisis. Enclosed is the DOI press release announcing the release of the assessment. Additional information can be found on the DOI website

Questions, comments, suggestions or observations from Grange members affected by or concerned about this crisis as to the direction of this proposal would be appreciated. Comments can be e-mailed to Leroy Watson

U.S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Reclamation

BUREAU OF RECLAMATION ANNOUNCES FIRST STEP TOWARDS COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN FOR KLAMATH BASIN KLAMATH FALLS, ORE.

The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation today released its draft Biological Assessment (BA) of the potential impacts to species listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) that may result from the operation of the Klamath Project over the next 10 years.

The draft Assessment analyzes the effects of proposed Klamath Project operations on four listed species: the Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast coho salmon, the Lost River sucker, the shortnose sucker and the bald eagle. The scientific review takes into consideration new information that has become available since the 2001 BA. Unlike last year, Reclamation will present a single BA to both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service, which will allow them to prepare coordinated Biological Opinions that may resolve what otherwise might be conflicting needs of the listed species.

Reclamation Commissioner John Keys said, "This draft Biological Assessment and suggested options for conservation measures provide a solid foundation for the development of a long-term comprehensive plan for the Klamath Basin. It works towards meeting the needs of Klamath Basin Tribes, the farming community, the refuges, and the environment. This draft Assessment recognizes that protecting endangered species must be accomplished while working cooperatively with local people to honor our long-standing commitments."

The draft BA includes a description of the environmental baseline that is consistent with the ESA implementing regulations and with the Section 7 Consultation Handbook issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The draft contains extensive discussion on describing the impacts of non-Klamath Project actions and past effects, and how they have contributed to the current status of the species.

The 2002 draft sets out the current condition of the listed species and uses a hydrologic baseline of impaired inflows that shows current hydrologic conditions with no Project diversion, delivery or storage, but with all Project facilities in place. The document also separates out the effects based on diversions, deliveries, and storage.

This year's draft BA also includes additional analyses that distinguish incremental effects on the listed species from the effects of non-Federal and non-Project actions.

The ESA requires Reclamation to consult with other Federal agencies on the possible impacts of operating the Klamath Project. The first step in the process is now being completed with the release of the draft BA in which Reclamation describes its proposed actions. For example, in an effort to address the complex issues in the Klamath Basin, Reclamation is proposing several options, including an innovative concept to create a Klamath Project water bank that could provide water to listed species in the Klamath Basin. The water bank would, through water purchases, enable Reclamation to meet its legal obligations to deliver water to farmers in the Klamath Project as well as provide a source of water for endangered species and national wildlife refuges. On a voluntary basis, farmers would be paid to waive their contract entitlement for 1 year, thus making more water available for environmental purposes.

"This innovative water bank proposal and the current higher rate of precipitation in the Basin can help us honor our commitment to do everything we can do within the law to provide Klamath farmers with water this season," Keys said.

Reclamation and other federal officials will be discussing the draft Assessment with the public, Klamath Basin Tribes, local and state elected officials, the States of Oregon and California, farmers in the Klamath Basin, and fishing and wildlife interests.

Reclamation is seeking public comments by Friday, February 8, 2002. Following the February 8 deadline for the receipt of public comments, Reclamation will finalize the BA and submit it to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Commerce's National Marine Fisheries Service, thus initiating formal consultation. Those agencies will then begin preparing Biological Opinions, which will provide the basis for the Klamath Basin water allocation for 2002.

Copies of the draft BA may be obtained at Reclamation's Klamath Falls office, located at 6600 Washburn Way, Klamath Falls, OR 97603, or by calling 541-883-6935. The draft may also be accessed on the Internet beginning January 29. Click here. Comments on the draft Assessment should be directed to Bob Davis at the same address.

A contemporary water management agency, Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 western states. Today, these facilities include 348 reservoirs with the capacity to store 245 million acre-feet of water. Reclamation projects supply one out of five western farmers with irrigation water for approximately 10 million farmland acres. Reclamation facilities also provide water to about 31 million people for municipal and industrial uses. In addition, Reclamation is the nation's second largest producer of hydroelectric power, generating more than 42 billion kilowatt hours of energy each year from 58 hydroelectric power plants. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits.

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