Office of the Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 6, 2001

Contact: Mark Pfeifle 202/208-6416 or
Jeff McCracken 916/978-5100

SECRETARY NORTON ANNOUNCES COOPERATIVE EFFORT TO FREE UP
ADDITIONAL WATER FOR LOWER KLAMATH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

(WASHINGTON) - Thanks to PacificCorp, the Tulelake Irrigation District, and local area farmers, a total of about 6,300 acre-feet of additional water has been earmarked for the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge in September 2001.

The Bureau of Reclamation is coordinating this action with the parties and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the refuge. Conveyance of the water, which is expected to meet the Klamath refuge water needs for the month of September, will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 11.

"I commend PacificCorp, Tulelake Irrigation District, and local irrigators for helping with this critical water for the refuge," Interior Secretary Gale Norton said. "Their contributions will be an enormous boost for the refuge water supply and the bald eagles and other precious wildlife that historically inhabit the area in the late fall and winter."

PacificCorp has donated 2,000 acre-feet; the Tulelake Irrigation District will provide 2,000 acre-feet by exchange; and local irrigators are providing the remaining 2,300 acre-feet.

The parties engaged in the mediation process presided over by Judge Thomas Coffin of the U.S. District Court continue to work to find water to meet the refuge water needs for the coming months.

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