Sucker spawning aim of project 

 

Barkley Springs restoration project will last six weeks 

 

By LEE JUILLERAT 

     HAGELSTEIN PARK — Barkley Springs, which historically provided spawning habitat for two species of endangered fish, is being redesigned to again benefit Lost River and shortnose sucker.

   Barkley Springs and adjacent lands were incorporated into Hagelstein Park in the 1960s. In earlier years, the springs were cut off from their normal flow with Upper Klamath Lake during and after the construction of Southern Pacific Railroad tracks and Highway 97.  

   “This project will not make it as it was, but it will function as it used to,” said Katharine Jackson, project manager for the Klamath Watershed Partnership, at ceremonies marking the beginning of a six-week, $450,000 restoration project Thursday. “This project will enhance and restore that habitat.”

   During the ground breaking ceremonies, other speakers who have spent the past four-plus years planning and organizing the project offered their perspectives.

   “Our people lived here,” said Don Gentry, the Klamath Tribes vice chairman, noting Klamaths used a word for the springs that translated to “late sunrise place.”  

   He expressed hope that by rebuilding populations of endangered sucker, the two species can eventually be removed from the endangered species list. Since being listed, fishing has halted for the traditional food source.

   “I want to see our grandchildren fish for these fish,” Gentry said.

   Seeking a rebound

   Sue Mattenberger, a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Klamath Falls office, echoed Gentry. She said if sucker populations eventually rebound, allowing them to be removed from endangered species list, some of the ongoing concerns about water allocations will ease.

   “I’m very optimistic that through our efforts things will improve,” she said.

   “This reclamation project will probably add spawning habitat,” agreed Chuck Korson, fish passage and restoration program manager for the Bureau of Reclamation’s Klamath Falls office.

   David Bland, operations manager for Klamath County Parks, said he recalls seeing abundant numbers of suckers at Barkley Springs and expressed optimism that increased populations also will lure tourists.

   “I think it’s going to be an awesome thing for folks to come here and see that,” Bland said of future spawning.

   Warren Olson, Klamath Operations manager for Knife River, the project’s primary contractor, said the project will employ four on-site workers plus auxiliary staff. He emphasized the park and the boat ramp that allows access to Upper Klamath Lake will remain open during construction.

 

Submitted photos  Photos show Barkley Springs in 1940, before it was cut off from Upper Klamath Lake by Highway 97 and railroad tracks, and in 2005 and its future appearance once restoration work is completed later this year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Side Bar

 

Working together

 

   The Klamath Watershed Partnership, in conjunction with the Barkley Springs Restoration Planning Team, is restoring the form and function of the springs complex.  When completed, fish will be able to naturally re-colonize the springs.  IF fish do not spawn in the springs after the project is completed, Lost River suckers may be sequestered from Sucker Springs to re-establish spawning at  Barkley Springs.

 

   The Partnership is working with Klamath County and other stakeholders to improve riparian and in-stream habitat compatible with Hagelstein Park use.  There may be opportunities to place signs at the park with information about the springs, including its history and unusual ecosystem.

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