Restoration

KBMP Vision

The Klamath Basin Monitoring Program facilitates the coordination and implementation of water quality monitoring in support of the stewardship, protection, and restoration of all beneficial uses within the Klamath River watershed, with the ultimate goal of restoring water quality. Learn More

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Klamath-Trinity basin; all sectors (favorable conditions) - Green

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Watershed Restoration
Over the last decade, private landowners have joined with NRCS, USBR, USFWS, USFS, OWEB, and many other restoration partners to implement restoration actions that benefit both landowners and aquatic and riparian ecosystems. The goals has been to use the best available science to guide restoration actions and the adhere to priorities outlined by federal and state agencies. These priorities consist of improving fish passage and reducing entrainment, restoring natural stream processes, improving management of riparian areas, reducing nutrient enrichment from agricultural operations, reconnecting springs, and recreating lake-fringe wetlands.

The ecological benefits of watershed restoration are well documented. Communities benefit from restoration with improved water availability, water quality, and ecosystem function. Landowners benefit with more efficient irrigation systems, the capturing of surface water runoff that improves groundwater recharge, more abundant wildlife and improved efficiency of land management systems. Restoration projects employ consultants and contractors who purchase equipment and hire employees, providing a benefit to local economies.

Project Types
- Road Decommisioning
  Decommissioning of unneeded forest or ranch roads can be a key tool in watershed restoration by reducing chronic sediment delivery to streams by restoring natural hillslope and hydrology. Many variables need to be considered to be effective based on local climate, geology, soil type, funding available, etc.
  
  An introduction to Road Closure and Decommissioning- Pacific Watershed Associates
  
  Road Decommissioning- USFS
- Erosion Control
- Culvert Removal and Replacement
  Removing and/or replacing culverts can have many benefits to streams and fisheries. Addressing inadequately sized, damaged, or perched culverts can improve bedload and suspended sediment transport, eliminate erosion of road embankments, prevent diversion of streams onto roadbeds, reduce the risk of plugging from large woody debris or sediment, and improve passage of aquatic species. Below are a few of many resources available to assess culverts and understand BMP’s of culvert replacement.
  
  Evaluation of Fisheries Benefits Arising from the Repair, Replacement and Removal of Culverts for Selected Projects Funded by The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
  
  Best Management Practices of Culvert Replacement- California State Parks
  
  Fish Xing: Software and Learning Systems for Fish Passage Through Culvert
Riparian Restoration
Riparian zones in the Klamath Basin are important for their high productivity, diversity, as well as their ecological roles that are integral to the functioning of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Riparian plantings reduce erosion potential, filter waterways, and moderate water flow which helps to prevent flooding. Improvement of natural conditions along rivers and streams can provide shade which cools the water, benefitting fish populations. Wetlands improve water quality by capturing nutrients and breaking down chemical contaminants.

Project Types
- Riparian Fencing
  
  Hidden Acres Ranch
  
  In October of 2016, Upper Klamath Basin conservation partners collaborated to complete riparian planting on the Hidden Acres Ranch along the Sprague River. Trees, shrubs and aquatic plants native to the riparian environment were planted, fenced and watered to restore the natural historic conditions at the site.
- Riparian Planting
- Wetlands and Water Quality Improvement
  
  Diffuse Source Treatment Wetlands (DSTW)
  
  Wetland water treatment can occur throughout a watershed, rather than at the bottom or just prior to discharge into a large receiving water body. Design and implementation of networks of small-scale diffuse source treatment wetlands (DSTWs) can achieve the benefits of wetland ecosystem functioning in multiple locations throughout a watershed. The goals for DSTWs are generally the same as for other types of wetlands, but the functionality occurs in relatively smaller pockets and has the advantage of onsite treatment and habitat. Rather than being sized based on treatment efficiency, DSTWs are designed to accommodate an estimated amount of stormwater runoff from the landscape or a particular hydraulic residence time given adjacent agricultural canal flow. Specific design elements allow these systems to function at smaller scales such as natural low points in pastures and agricultural fields or areas directly adjacent to small drainage ditches. These systems can also be used to treat wastewater and runoff from small-to medium-sized housing developments. There are relatively few requirements and hence, relatively low costs, for building DSTW systems. Unlike larger-scale habitat and treatment wetlands, land acquisition may be unnecessary as the wetlands can be located on a fraction of an existing parcel by an individual landowner. (from Stillwater Sciences et. al, 2013, Water Quality Improvement Techniques for the Upper Klamath Basin)
- Reconnecting Floodplains/Levee Removal
  
  Sun Creek Historic Channel Reconnection
  
  Sun Creek originates on the southern slopes of Crater Lake National Park and was historically a tributary to the Wood River in the Upper Klamath Basin. Within the park, Sun Creek is in fairly pristine condition, and a population of federally threatened bull trout inhabits this upstream portion of the creek. However, the downstream portion flows through private property and has been heavily impacted by agricultural land use. In 2014, KBRT received an OWEB grant to reconnect Sun Creek to the Wood River along its historic channel, creating a migratory corridor for the isolated bull trout population, and also expanding available habitat for redband trout already present in Wood River. The reconnection also included the installation of a screen to prevent fish entrainment in irrigation ditches along the lower creek. When the project is complete, the riparian area will be fenced and revegetated with native trees and shrubs to decrease nutrient loading, increase stream shading, and over time, provide a natural source of instream wood. Concurrent projects funded by USFWS and NRCS that will further benefit Sun Creek include acquiring permanent instream water transfers in the new channel and installing irrigation efficiency improvements. Effectiveness monitoring is underway. The partners will measure fish distribution and will conduct spawning surveys and geomorphic assessments.
  
  Logs placed instream along the Williamson river canyon improve habitat conditions for Redband trout and endangered Lost River suckers
Instream Restoration
Within the aquatic community, habitat is key. Rivers and streams that have lost natural riparian vegetation can benefit from restoration projects designed to improve habitat conditions instream. Logs strategically placed instream can provide habitat and food sources for aquatic organisms. Juvenile fish and fry need cover to grow and develop, adult fish need spawning areas, and instream restoration can create improved growing conditions for all life stages. Ultimately instream restoration can contribute to the terrestrial food web, with higher productivity of fish benefitting both man and beast.

Project Types
- Fish Screens
  
  Installation of fish screens can protect and increase anadromous and resident fish populations by preventing fish entrainment associated with water withdrawals or diversions. To continue to be effective, fish screens must be routinely inspected and maintained. Screens have a variety of designs, some of which have self-cleaning functions and/or reduce velocity enough to allow fish to safely swim away.
- Fish Passage
  
  Lower Sevenmile Creek Fish Passage
  
  Located upstream of the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, Sevenmile Creek is a tributary to Agency Lake that contains some of the best remaining stream habitat, and the cleanest and coldest water due to numerous freshwater springs in the Upper Klamath Basin. The area is home to the Lost River sucker, shortnose sucker, bull trout, native redband trout and the federally listed Oregon spotted frog. In 2014, KBRT partnered with USFWS and three private landowners to provide fish passage at the largest barrier on Sevenmile Creek. The project constructed a fish bypass channel around a diversion dam. Two constructed inlet structures allow the channel to meet passage criteria for both species of sucker and redband trout. The completed project improved fish access to over 21 stream miles, including cold-water habitats. The project is a showcase for collaborative restoration and continued productivity of private ranchlands.
- Instream Habitat Improvement
  
  Restoration of instream habitat can vary considerably based on existing habitat, species needs, and many other factors. Often, the addition of whole logs, root wads, and live willow cuttings can help protect the streambank, create cover and velocity refuge for juvenile and adult fish, increase channel complexity, or provide other specific benefits.
  
  Construction of or enhancement of side channel or off channel habitat may be especially beneficial to a variety of life stages of fish, especially when located at areas where cold water from tributaries or springs are located, providing refugia from temperature extremes in the summer and winter. Working with experienced partners to understand the critical habitat needs for key aquatic species life stages for the existing channel types is critical to the success of instream restoration projects.
- Spawning Habitat Improvement
Funding Opportunities

NFWF- Klamath River Coho Enhancement Fund
CDWF- Fisheries Restoration Grant Program
OWEB- Special Investment Partnership (SIP)
OWEB- Council Capacity Grants
USFWS- Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program
USFWS- National Fish Passage Program
NCRWQCB- 319(h) Grant Program
ODEQ- 319(h) Grant Program