Workshops on the watershed  

Agency hosting programs in order to improve water habitat  

Submitted photo - Workers add woody debris along the bank of the Williamson River during a 2004 project on the Lawrence Ranch. The debris is intended to create fish habitat and stabilize the bank, reducing erosion.

By STEVE KADEL

H&N Staff Writer

March 7, 2008

   The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to help landowners in the Sprague River and Upper Klamath Lake watershed improve habitat conditions for fish and wildlife. 

   The agency is holding two workshops to explain its Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. The first will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, March 10, at the Chiloquin Community Center and the second will be from 1 to 3 p.m. , Wednesday, March 12, at the Bly Fire Hall. 

   Program coordinator Dave Ross said annual funding has ranged from $700,000 to $1.6 million for a variety of improvement projects. The program has operated locally since 1994 with about 400 landowners having taken part during that time, Ross said.

Improvements made    

Head d e d that improvements to the watershed’s health have been made due to efforts of those enrolling in the program. For example, an increase in juvenile fish has occurred where work has created backwaters off the main channel of Sprague River . 

   Improvements may include stream ban k stabilization and erosion control, livestock control fencing, f ish screens on irrigation canals, riparian management, and levee breaching to reconnect the Sprague River to its floodplain. Technical assistance as well as financial support are available to landowners. 

   Although costs of each project are paid primarily by federal funds, Ross said landowners are encouraged to contribute in-kind donations such as heavy equipment work or planting of willow trees. 

   “That gives them ownership and pride in the project,” Ross said.
   
Workshop details    

The workshops will include details about how the program works. Informational also will be given about how rivers and wetlands function to provide habitat while also meeting the needs of private landowners. 

   Those who are unable to attend one of the workshops can still apply to take part in the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. More information is available by calling Ross at 885-8481.  

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