INFORMATIONAL RELEASE:
Why Link River Dam Still Matters: Protecting Agriculture, Wildlife, and Rural Economies
For generations, communities across the Klamath Basin have recognized the vital role of the Keno and Link River Dams—whether through farming and ranching on irrigated lands, recreating along the Klamath River, or observing waterfowl traversing the Pacific Flyway. As dam removal becomes increasingly common—most recently with the removal of four dams on the Lower Klamath River—it is crucial to acknowledge the continued, irreplaceable function these dams serve in managing water throughout the Basin. In a June 26 press release, the Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA) highlighted the significance of Keno Dam and reaffirmed commitments concerning its future. In this release, we turn our attention to the importance of Link River Dam.
Located at the outlet of Upper Klamath Lake (UKL) in Klamath Falls, Oregon, Link River Dam was completed in 1921. It regulates outflow from the UKL to the Klamath River, maintaining UKL’s elevations and providing the critical infrastructure needed to manage water supplies for agriculture, wildlife, flood control, and local communities. This isn’t just technical water management—it’s the foundation for life in the Basin.
Supporting Agriculture and Local Economies
Link River Dam enables the delivery of water to thousands of family-owned farms and ranches in the Klamath Project, which touches three rural counties, Klamath in Oregon, and Siskiyou and Modoc in California. These operations grow a wide range of crops—including potatoes, onions, mint, alfalfa, barley, wheat, and pasture for livestock—and contribute significantly to local and national food systems.
Many of these farms and ranches have been operated for generations, supporting rural communities and contributing to local economies and food supply chains across the country. A June 2023, study prepared for Oregon State University detailed the hundreds of millions of dollars in economic benefits that irrigated agriculture provides to the Klamath Basin, as well as the thousands of jobs supported by farming and ranching. According to the study, the crops and livestock grown and raised in the Upper Klamath Basin are worth approximately $368 million annually, generating $176.5 in income for 3,180 full-and part-time employees.
Simply put: without Link River Dam, agriculture in the Klamath Project would not be possible.
Balancing Ecosystem Needs and Water Management While Preventing Flood Risk
Link River Dam helps manage consistent flows into the Klamath River, providing the foundation for balanced water distribution. By regulating the rate at which water is released, the dam prevents erratic changes in river flow, which can be harmful to fish, including federally listed coho salmon, as well as other wildlife species and overall water quality.
The ability to control flows is especially important in dry years, when managing limited resources to meet multiple needs, including farming, ranching, fish and wildlife habitat. This is only possible because of the dam’s presence and function.
The Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges, both within the Klamath Basin, are among the most significant wetland ecosystems in the Pacific Flyway. Water released from Link River Dam and conveyed through the Project supports these wetlands, which are critical to millions of migratory birds, including ducks, geese, swans, cranes, and shorebirds.
These refuges provide not only habitat but also recreational opportunities for birdwatching, hunting, and education, drawing visitors from across the country.
The dam also plays a key role in maintaining UKL. Lake levels must be carefully balanced: if too low, water cannot be delivered downstream or used for irrigation; if too high, it threatens lakeside property, infrastructure, and wildlife habitats. By maintaining water levels within a target range, Link River Dam supports native fish—including the endangered shortnose and Lost River suckers—while also protecting infrastructure and preserving the lake’s ecological function. During years of high snowpack or heavy rainfall, Link River Dam also helps mitigate flood risks in the Klamath Basin. By moderating high inflows into UKL, the dam reduces the chances of water moving uncontrollably into the Klamath River and threatening downstream communities and infrastructure. This role is especially important in spring and early summer when runoff is at its peak.
KWUA’s Commitment to the Future of the Klamath Basin
KWUA emphasizes that continued investment in the operation and maintenance of Link River Dam is essential to safeguarding the long-term health, resilience, and prosperity of the Klamath Basin. Despite a growing misconception that Link River and Keno Dams are outdated relics, these structures are in fact indispensable components of a critical and adaptive water management system. They serve as important connectors that balance agricultural productivity, flood protection, wildlife conservation, and the livelihoods of rural communities.
KWUA remains firmly committed to collaborating with local, state, and federal partners to ensure that Link River Dam continues to meet the needs of the Klamath Basin. By maintaining this critical infrastructure, we can help ensure that farms and ranches thrive, wildlife habitats endure, and communities remain resilient well into the future.
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