As endemic fish, such as the endangered Shortnose and Lost River sucker, face critical population decreases that threaten the survival of the species, water quality and restoration actions must be undertaken. Additionally, the upcoming removal of the PacifiCorp Dams on the main-stem Klamath River downstream of Upper Klamath Lake, creates an unprecedented opportunity to improve fish habitat conditions in the Upper Klamath Basin (UKB) for anadromous species including Chinook salmon and Steelhead trout. Habitat restoration initiatives will carry huge potential in re-establishing healthy fish populations in the Basin.
The Upper Klamath Basin Watershed Action Plan provides guidance for ecological restoration projects in the Upper Klamath Basin. The document is the result of a collaboration of landowners, ecology experts and government. This makes it harmonious with existing regional planning efforts and accessible to restoration partners, while also sensitive to the needs of landowners to sustain their operations and ways of life.
The Upper Klamath Basin Watershed Action Plan (UKB WAP) has three focus points:
❖ First it gives an overview of the ecological principles behind various types of restoration actions: the so called “Conceptual Models”.
❖ Next, it provides guidance in prioritizing restoration efforts, using a “Restoration Prioritization Framework”.
❖ Last, it gives advice on monitoring and assessment of restoration efforts by providing a “Monitoring Framework”.