Q&A with Bureau of Reclamation commissioner  

By TY BEAVER

H&N Staff Writer

March 19, 2010

   With the Basin facing one of its worst droughts in decades, he answered questions about how at least some water was made available for the Project this year, other irrigation communities facing similar problems, and how continued efforts are needed to address   the environmental and agricultural demands for water in the region.

   Q: What changed in the biological opinion to  allow water deliveries? Why was that changed?

   A: Connor said federal agencies determined that flows going into the Klamath River were one thing they had some control over and could consider changing.  

   The current river flows are mandated by court order to provide for endangered salmon. However, a biological opinion from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service   allowed some flexibility in extremely dry years to maintain a minimal water level at Upper Klamath Lake.  

   By putting that factor of the water year into play, the Bureau was able to keep more water in the lake, which could potentially allow some water to reach irrigators once a specific water level is. “It’s going to be real time management,” he said.

   Q: Are there any other irrigation or reclamation projects facing an irrigation season such as   ours, with low precipitation and no guarantee of deliveries? If yes, how are those communities dealing with it and what is the Bureau doing for them?

   A: “Unfortunately, the Central Valley Project (in California) is experiencing this same type of situation,” Connor said.

   The region has been hit by a drought for years, reducing reservoirs and other water supplies. In addition, the delta smelt has been listed as a threatened species, prompting water to be cut off to some irrigators last year.

   This year should be easier for that project, as it’s had good precipitation   to help restore supplies. Times are still tough, though, and the Bureau and others are looking at ways to fix the problem, from revising water allocations to extending land leases.

   “There, like here, we’re not trying to maintain the status quo when it comes to water management,” he said.

   Q: Water is being released from Upper Klamath Lake to satisfy the needs of salmon in the Klamath River. However, some have said that has put suckers in the lake at risk. So, what if it’s discovered that one species is suffering to protect another? What   would happen?

   A: Connor said the needs of salmon and suckers were a critical reason for the federal agencies overseeing the Basin’s water supplies and environmental health to collaborate and coordinate their activities.

   His agency, as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have developed a plan that will protect both species. Now they must continue to monitor the fish and ensure that the management practices for both aren’t conflicting and causing further problems, he said.