A Successful year for the Klamath Project
By: Elizabeth Nielsen, Executive Director
In September, Bureau of Reclamation again confirmed it will fully meet irrigation demand for the Klamath Project in 2025, allowing farmers and ranchers to complete the irrigation season and fall harvest. At the same time, Reclamation will ensure operations remain in compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
In a memo published on the Klamath Basin Area Office’s website, Reclamation outlined its adaptive approach for managing changing water conditions in the Basin and their impact on inflows to Upper Klamath Lake. While hot and dry spring conditions increased water demands, Reclamation’s 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.
To manage these challenges, Reclamation closely monitored water conditions throughout the season and adjusted operations as needed to ensure enough water for both farmers and the environment. This careful, adaptive approach helped meet irrigation needs while staying in full 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, through the actions of the irrigation districts working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, water was delivered to national wildlife refuges this year—benefiting migratory birds and wetland habitat across the Basin.
Reclamation emphasized the importance of continued coordination with agricultural districts, tribes, and federal partners to guide the Klamath Basin through a successful water year.
We thank the Administration, the Department of the Interior, and the Bureau of Reclamation for their commitment and leadership in getting the Klamath Project through the 2025 water year. We look forward to continuing this momentum and working together on what is to come.
This year’s success represents a welcome example of effective management and collaboration within the Klamath Project—delivering positive outcomes for the entire Klamath Basin.
You can read Reclamation’s Full Memo Here
KWUA Engages on Klamath Water Issues in Washington, D.C.
By: Elizabeth Nielsen, Executive Director
In September, KWUA President Scott Seus and I traveled to Washington, D.C., as part of the Family Farm Alliance’s (Alliance) Farmers Lobbyist Trip. The visit brought together more than 30 representatives from nine western states, all focused on agriculture and water issues. Over just two and a half days, The Ferguson Group and the Alliance organized more than 50 meetings. It was an impressive and impactful schedule of meetings. One of the best parts of the trip was getting to know and spend time with other western water leaders who joined the Farmers Fly-In.
While it was impossible to attend every meeting, Scott and I participated in both meetings geared towards the broader Alliance group and targeted meetings specific to the Klamath Basin.
In addition to the Alliance line up, Scott and I were able to have a sit-down with Karen Budd-Falen, Department of the Interior (DOI) Associate Deputy Secretary, and Dustin Sherer, Senior Advisor in the Office of the DOI.
We discussed KWUA’s top priorities for the Klamath Project and provided an update on the 2025 water year (highlighted in the Newsletter’s article: Adaptive Management in the Klamath Ensures Success for 2025 Water Year).
Key Engagements
Our other meetings included conversations with:
- Senator Ron Wyden
- Senator Jeff Merkley
- Congressman Cliff Bentz
- ·Tim Petty, former Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, now on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and recently nominated to oversee NOAA at Commerce
- Katherine Scarlett, who, just hours after meeting with us, was confirmed as the new Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality.
- Bill Ball, Senior Policy Advisor for Speaker Mike Johnson
A full list of meetings attended by Scott and me over the two and a half days is provided at the end of this article.
It was clear throughout the trip that western water challenges are on the radar of top decision-makers.
Key Priorities
Each meeting began with an overview of the Alliance’s priorities for the expansive range of farmers and ranchers they represent across the West, including KWUA. These priorities included:
- Investing in modern, resilient water infrastructure.
- Ensuring federal programs (including NRCS and Reclamation ones) remain strong tools for water managers.
- Addressing regulatory inflexibility under the Endangered Species Act and other environmental laws.
- Reducing delays in federal project permitting and implementation.
- Securing a strong Farm Bill with strong water project funding.
These priorities resonate across the West — and directly affect our work here in the Klamath Basin.
For KWUA, the trip was also a chance to advance our specific asks for the Klamath Project under the Trump 47 Administration. Our top priorities included:
- Fully implement Secretary Burgum’s February 10, 2025, directive to reclaim and update the Trump 45 ESA Reassessment for the Project and defend that product.
- On May 14, 2025, the Office of the Solicitor updated its analysis of fundamental issues related to the implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) at the Project. The updated legal guidance affirmed that the ESA reassessment, completed during the first Trump Administration but withdrawn by Secretary Haaland during the Biden Administration, was legally sound and in fact has been reinforced by recent case law. The May 14, 2025, legal memorandum also clarified that, under new legislation, Reclamation has nondiscretionary obligations to operate Link River Dam for irrigation and flood control.
- As the next step to translate the updated legal guidance into action, Reclamation is actively performing an updated ESA reassessment. It is anticipated that this work will be completed in the coming weeks.
- Re-initiate and complete ESA Section 7 consultation for the Project.
- KWUA urges that, upon completion of the updated ESA reassessment, Reclamation announce that ESA consultation will be reinitiated. A new durable, credible and defensible consultation must be completed as soon as practicable to allow for its implementation and defense during the Trump 47 Administration.
- Reclamation leadership at the California Great Basin Region has designated key staff to drive an ambitious schedule and coordinate with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service to ensure timely completion of consultation.
III. The importance of key infrastructure critical to the Klamath Project and Basin.
- Keno and Link River Dams are the backbone of water reliability for agriculture, wildlife, and communities. In addition, they provide major benefits for flood control. KWUA supports a transparent, science-based evaluation of fish passage options at Keno Dam.
A Consistent Message
Across every meeting, one theme was unmistakable: the Trump Administration is committed to protecting Western water and supporting farmers and ranchers. Federal leaders expressed a clear intent to cut red tape, improve transparency, and base decisions on sound, science-driven policies.
KWUA’s voice in these discussions was critical. By clearly presenting the Klamath Project’s priorities and 2025 water year successes, we reinforced the importance of practical, actionable solutions for water security in the Basin. Our engagement ensures that the Klamath Project remains a top priority in national water policy discussions, and that the federal agencies responsible understand the urgency of timely and durable action.
This trip demonstrated that when Western water stakeholders speak with one voice, we can influence policy, strengthen partnerships, and advance solutions that protect both our communities and family farms and ranches for years to come.
Family Farm Alliance – Farmers Fly-In 2025 Schedule
Washington, D.C. | September 16–18, 2025
*** meetings attended by KWUA representatives***
- Senator Ron Wyden (OR) – Jacob Egler
- Senator Jeff Merkley (OR) – Meredith Booker, Policy Advisor
- Rep. Cliff Bentz (OR) – Mason Justice, Legislative Assistant
- Rep. Vince Fong (CA) – Legislative Assistant
- Rep. Janelle Bynum (OR) – June Zhu, Policy Advisor
- Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA) – Grace Fluker, Legislative Assistant (KWUA representation could not attend due to a meeting conflict)
- Rep. Janelle Bynum (OR) – June Zhu, Policy Advisor
- Rep. Cliff Bentz (OR) – Mason Justice, Legislative Assistant
- House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee – Water Resources & Environment Subcommittee (Tim Petty, staff)
- Senate Agriculture Committee (Coleman Garrison (Majority) and Alex Noffsinger (Minority))
- House Agriculture Committee (John Busovsky/Josh Maxwell (Majority))
- Department of the Interior (DOI) – Scott Cameron, Mathew Maucieri, Sean Torpey, Linnea Melbye, Nate Watson, Travis Yonts, Niall O’Connor
- Katherine Scarlett, Chief of Staff (confirmed as Chair shortly after meeting)
- EPA – Office of Water – Deputy Under Secretary Peggy Browne & staff
Spotlight: Karen Budd-Falen Photo source: The Falen Law Offices L.L.C.
Karen Budd-Falen serves as Associate Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of the Interior, where she plays a key role in guiding water, land, and natural resource policy across the nation. She brings decades of experience as an attorney and advocate for Western agriculture, natural resources, and water law.
Known for her deep understanding of the legal and practical challenges facing irrigators and landowners, Budd-Falen has been instrumental in advising federal leadership on strategies to balance environmental protections with the needs of farmers and ranchers.
Spotlight: Tim Petty. Photo source: U.S. Department of Energy
Tim Petty has a long history in Western water policy, having served as Assistant Secretary for Water and Science under the Trump Administration. He currently serves as a senior staff member for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Water Resources and Environmental Subcommittee and has recently been nominated to lead NOAA within the Department of Commerce — a role that positions him to influence water and science policy nationwide. During his confirmation processes, Petty has earned endorsements from water users organizations, including the Family Farm Alliance.
What has the KWUA Board Been Working On : September Board Report
Operations Committee Report/District Updates:
Gene Souza provided an update that current Project supply is approximately 275,000 acre-feet, and deferred Project Supply is approximately 8,800 acre-feet. KID Update: No irrigation shutdown date confirmed; anticipated mid-October.
Update from Kristin White, Deputy Regional Director, California Great Basin Region:
The Klamath Basin Area Office (KBAO) committed to providing full project demand in April and has not changed from that assessment. Approximately 275,000 acre-feet has been delivered with an expected 50,000 acre-feet in demand, which KBAO intends to deliver. Kristin thanked everyone for their continued commitment to sharing critical delivery and demand data with Reclamation so it can operate pieces of the Project as efficiently as possible.
Kristin further provided that following the February 10, 2025, Secretarial memo, Reclamation and the Office of the Solicitor are prioritizing an update to the discretion analysis that will guide how the Endangered Species Act is applied to Klamath Project operations beyond 2025. While potential changes remain uncertain, Reclamation has emphasized its commitment to transparency, coordination, and clear communication with water users and districts throughout the process.
Kristin shared that title transfer has been a recurring topic, with KID formally requesting transfer for the Klamath Project. KBAO is working with KID staff to prepare the necessary documents to advance the effort.
Finally, Kristin acknowledged staffing challenges stemming from recent federal directives but highlighted the dedication of leadership in Washington, D.C. and Denver, as well as the Reclamation’s focus on supporting employees. In the California Great Basin Region, ensuring safe and reliable operations remains the top priority.
Executive Director Report:
Washington D.C. Trip: Elizabeth will attend the Family Farm Alliance Farmer Lobbyist Trip (Sept. 15–18) with participants from 5–10 western states.
US Fish and Wildlife Pumping Cost Grant Funding: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has $750,000 available to offset pumping costs for districts that can demonstrate conservation benefits. On August 18, Fish and Wildlife staff met with Elizabeth, Scott White, and Brad Kirby to discuss options for utilizing these funds. Staff indicated that the most effective approach would be for KWUA to receive the funding directly, with districts applying through KWUA. During the Board meeting, Board members agreed that the Drought Response Agency would be the proper entity to receive the funding and work with irrigation districts to offset pumping costs. Elizabeth will coordinate with the DRA.
Tule Lake Flow Through Project: In July, the Board approved a contract with Jacobs Engineering for the Tule Lake Flow Through Grant Project. Elizabeth recommended that a working group be formed to guide the process to ensure it aligns with KWUA’s goals and is successful. Brad Kirby, Gene Souza, and Scott Seus volunteered to participate on the committee. Scott White and Rob Unruh were nominated. Elizabeth will coordinate with Scott White and Rob, and will coordinate the next steps for the working group.
Fall Harvest Tour: Planning for the Fall Harvest Tour, scheduled for October 1, is ongoing. The Planning Committee is finalizing stops, which will depend on harvest activities closer to the date.
Public Relations: Michelle Miller “The Farm Babe” Visit: In August, Save Basin Farming, LLC entered into a six-month social media partnership with Michelle Miller (“The Farm Babe”). Ms. Miller and her videographer spent two days in the Klamath Project interviewing irrigators and capturing footage. Topics included the importance of agriculture in the Basin, the history of water issues over the past 30 years, and the critical role of water security for agriculture, the economy, and food supply. The footage will be released as media reels over a six-month campaign.
Cooke Nomination for Reclamation Leader Collapses
Reprinted from Family Farm Alliance Update
The Bureau of Reclamation will remain without a commissioner for the foreseeable future after the White House asked former Arizona water official Ted Cooke to withdraw his nomination, leaving the agency rudderless during these tense negotiations over the Colorado River’s future.
Cooke, the former general manager of the Central Arizona Project, told Agri-Pulse that he was informed that “paperwork issues” derailed his nomination, though he believes politics played a larger role.
“Since the day I was nominated in June, there have been objections from the four Upper Basin states… that, because I was from Arizona, they believed I would be too biased of a candidate to treat them fairly,” Mr. Cooke said. “That drum beat just got louder and louder until the decision was made by the White House.”
Cooke argued his background shows balance, noting his work with irrigators, municipalities, and environmental groups in Arizona.
“There’s no evidence that I am any different from these other people” who previously lead Reclamation, he said, pointing to past commissioners from within the basin.
The timing raises alarm as the seven Basin states face a November 11 deadline to reach an agreement in principle on post–2026 Columbia River operations.
“This breaks a long, long-term tactic, understanding that we do not politicize water,” Mr. Cooke said. “Why this whole thing happened at a time when the Colorado River can least afford to have this happen is beyond me.”
Without a commissioner, Cooke warned, reaching consensus will be harder.
“We’re kind of at the doorstop of being out of time – and out of water for that matter,” he said.
*** As noted in The Ferguson Group’s report, Scott Cameron is serving as the Acting Commissioner of Reclamation***
The Ferguson Group- DC Report
The latest developments from Washington include the House continuing to move on notable appropriations bills; congressional Democrats and the Trump Administration in a continued stalemate over the budget; and the Trump Administration taking action of note on ESA matters and improving water forecasting.
On the appropriations front, Republicans in the House passed their FY 2026 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill (H.R. 4553) on a 214- 213 vote, with no Democratic support. The $57.3 billion package prioritizes defense and nuclear programs while cutting funding for renewable energy programs and other Democratic-backed initiatives. On the water side, the bill funds the Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and related agencies, with approved amendments shifting money to flood control, coastal emergencies, and reservoir maintenance. The Senate Appropriations Committee has yet to take up an Energy and Water Appropriations bill.
In terms of a shutdown, the federal government is now in fact in a shutdown for the first time since the 2018-2019 one, a disruption that lasted 37 days. As of this writing, Congress is not close to agreement on a Continuing Resolution (CR) to temporarily fund the government. The White House seems to be digging in as well. The outlook is, to say the least, uncertain. While previous shutdowns have often been resolved after public or economic pressure has been brought to bear, particularly as federal workers begin missing paychecks and services average citizenstake for granted are disrupted, in this case the possible duration is not clear.
This could last into December as the deadline for extension of the Obamacare tax credits (the main sticking point for Democrats) looms — the credits are currently scheduled to expire at the end of December.
Of note, in terms of impacts, the Bureau of Reclamation will pause most planning, permitting, and grant programs, including WaterSMART and Title XVI. Only essential operations and dam safety work will continue; however, Reclamation will only need to furlough about 5% of their staff due to their appropriations, which includes “no-year” funding that does not expire with the end of the fiscal year.
On the agency front, the Bureau of Reclamation has announced that Scott Cameron, former acting Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, has been named acting Commissioner. Also, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is pausing its long-standing “blanket 4(d) rule” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which automatically gave “threatened” species the same protections as “endangered” ones. Instead, FWS will create species-specific 4(d) rules for any future listings, tailoring protections and exemptions to each species’ needs. The pause, which could last until October 31, 2026, is part of a rulemaking process to formally rescind the “blanket rule”, a practice dating back to the 1970s. The change follows years of political back-and-forth: the rule was rescinded under the Trump 45 Administration in 2019 and reinstated by the Biden Administration.
In addition, the Bureau of Reclamation is contracting with Upstream Tech to pilot its HydroForecast artificial intelligence technology, aiming to improve short-term water forecasts for reservoirs across the West. The two-year project will enhance 10-day streamflow predictions, helping water managers better manage water, plan reservoir releases, and prepare for floods or droughts. HydroForecast, which won Reclamation’s 2020–2021 “Streamflow Forecast Rodeo,” uses a machine-learning model trained across numerous basins to incorporate a wide range of data, such as satellite snowpack imagery and weather forecasts. The pilot will cover diverse sites in regions that include the California-Great Basin.
Working Together to Overcome Historical Billing Challenges
By Mark Limbaugh and Chris Kearney
Klamath Basin irrigators have faced many challenges in recent years, and one of the most pressing has been the negative impacts of Pacific Power’s historical billing practices. KWUA has worked hard to address these issues, and I am pleased to share some important progress.
On September 25th, I had a productive meeting with Pacific Power representatives from both Oregon and California. They expressed a sincere commitment to working with our irrigators to resolve local concerns, and I left the meeting encouraged that we are moving in the right direction.
One significant outcome is that charges previously applied to the Tulelake Irrigation District have been reversed. Just as importantly, Pacific Power stated historical billing will no longer be a standard practice for TID. This represents a meaningful step forward for our irrigators who rely on fair and transparent billing. I continue to work toward the same resolution on the Oregon side.
While this progress is worth celebrating, our work is far from finished. We continue to investigate potential negative impacts Pacific Power’s past billing practices may have had on Project irrigators throughout the project, and we are committed to ensuring that every producer is treated fairly. In addition to local solutions, we are exploring avenues to end, or minimize, the negative financial impacts of historical billing through the Public Utility Commission (PUC). We have been in contact with the PUC to better understand how and why historical billing has become standard practice.
We are also working with local Oregon legislative representatives to explore potential legislative fixes to the Oregon Administrative Rules, thus ensuring irrigators are protected long-term.
KWUA’s mission has always been to defend the interests of Klamath Basin agriculture. We at United Strategies & Consulting are honored to share in your fight. We will continue to advocate on your behalf, pursue constructive partnerships, and secure solutions that allow our irrigators to focus on what they do best, producing food and sustaining our communities.
~ Dave Henslee, United Strategies
Michelle Miller “The Farm Babe” was in town – keep your eye out over the next several months.
In early September, Michelle Miller—widely known as the “Farm Babe”—visited the Klamath Project as part of a public relations effort to highlight the Project, the family farmers and ranchers who depend on it, and the food produced by those farmers and ranchers in this unique region. The visit was made possible through a partnership between Michelle, Save Basin Farming, and the Klamath Water Users Association.
During her time here, Michelle and her videographer met with several irrigators, recording in-depth interviews and capturing hours of video footage showcasing the people and places of the Basin. That material will be used to produce content over a six-month campaign, shining a national spotlight on the challenges and successes of agriculture in the Klamath Project.
Michelle has already shared some of her first impressions on her social media channels, offering her audience a glimpse into the region’s story. More features will be coming soon, but in the meantime, we encourage you to follow her for updates and to check out her latest article, Spreading the Facts: Farmer Water Battles of the Klamath Basin and Beyond, available here: Read the article.
Keep an eye out—there is much more to come!
FALL HARVEST TOUR 2025
Klamath Water Users Association’s Fall Harvest Tour highlighted the heart of Basin agriculture. About 50 participants visited Staunton Farms in Tulelake Irrigation District, where they met with KWUA Board member Marc Staunton and Eddie Staunton to see their onion harvest in action. They also toured Gold Dust Farms’ potato harvesting facility and storage sheds in Malin, Oregon, and enjoyed a bird’s-eye view of a large portion of the Project from the Shasta View Irrigation District, where KWUA Board member Gary Derry and KWUA Board President Scott Seus emphasized the importance of an irrigated and hydrated landscape. Guests enjoyed a catered lunch by BBQ expert Ty Kliewer, sponsored by Ag West.
The tour continued with a visit to KWUA Board member Mike McKoen’s aromatic mint oil distillery. Participants then traveled to the Klamath Drainage District to watch KWUA Board member Scotty Fenters’ potato harvest in action and explore a nearby wetland field, with insights from Scott White, KDD manager, and KWUA Board member Tracey Liskey across the general KDD area. Keep an eye out for a full report and video highlight of the tour in the coming weeks.