Our new Biological Assessment is out - Klamath Basin Crisis

Klamath Project Operations Biological Assessment
Introduction, Action Area, and Proposed Action: Detailed Proposed Action
Element Three
Interactive Management: Implement an IM process by which Tribal and
State governments and other Federal agencies will work collaboratively
with Reclamation to manage and distribute water available in the system
after meeting proposed flows and lake levels and addressing Project
obligations. The IM water will enhance minimum levels to bring river
flows and lake elevations closer to desired targets, to contribute toward
tribal trust obligations, and to help conserve and enhance fish and wildlife
habitat.
1. Target River Flows and Lake Elevations
Water remaining in the system after Reclamation meets the river flows and lake
levels identified in Element Two above, and then Project demand, is referred to as
“IM” water for the purposes of this BA. Reclamation believes the enhanced flows
are not necessary to avoid the likelihood of jeopardy to listed species, but will
promote conservation of other fish and wildlife species as well as listed species.
Given Reclamation’s UKL refill criteria and Klamath River and UKL minimums,
modeling from 1961-2004 suggests that IM water will be available in many years.
Flows sufficient for movement of gravels and scouring occur on a natural cycle
and are experienced as uncontrolled spills from UKL and PacifiCorp’s
hydroelectric dams. Flows sufficient to accomplish movement of gravels and
scouring can not be achieved in years when insufficient natural inflow is
occurring.
Reclamation’s goal is to operate the Project to meet or exceed proposed
minimums, which will be enhanced by the IM water. Reclamation will determine
the quantity of IM water available. Reclamation proposes to manage this water
collaboratively with Tribal and State governments and other Federal agencies,
through the IM process described below. These parties will form an IM Technical
(Tech) Team that will recommend how the IM water should be distributed based
on the status of the fish and their habitat, not strictly upon inflow. Reclamation
will review the IM Tech Team’s recommendations and determine how to best
implement them consistent with the guidance below. Recommendations for
distribution of IM water will be re-evaluated on a bi-weekly basis should the
volume of IM water change. Reclamation would provide guidance on historical
inflows and system effects to the IM Tech Team to help in making informed
recommendations. Reclamation reserves the authority to alter recommended
distribution of IM water if deemed necessary to meet future minimums.
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