Last week, the Bureau of Reclamation reaffirmed that it will continue to fully meet irrigation demand for the Klamath Project in 2025, as farmers and ranchers look toward finishing out the irrigation season and critical fall harvest activities. At the same time, Reclamation’s operations will maintain compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
In a memo published on the Klamath Basin Area Office’s website, Reclamation outlined its analysis and adaptive approach for managing evolving hydrologic conditions in the Basin and its impact on inflows to Upper Klamath Lake. While hot and dry spring conditions increased water demands, Reclamation reported that adaptive management strategies have kept operations on track and within the guidelines of the Biological Opinions issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service.
These strategies included statistical analyses to adjust model outputs used to forecast inflows to Upper Klamath Lake, evapotranspiration, and irrigation demand—all while ensuring continued compliance with the ESA.
Required flows in the Klamath River at Keno Dam have consistently been met to support fish and river health, and Upper Klamath Lake elevations have remained above critical thresholds to sustain sucker spawning and habitat needs. Additionally, this adaptive management allows Klamath Project farmers to complete the irrigation season successfully and harvest vital food crops.
Reclamation emphasized that close coordination with agricultural districts, tribes, and federal partners will continue throughout the season, including ongoing collaboration with federal wildlife agencies to ensure Endangered Species Act compliance.
You can read Reclamation’s Full Memo Here
