Interior Secretary Norton responds to
National Academy of Sciences Draft Interim Report

(WASHINGTON) - The following is a statement by Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton in response to the National Academy of Sciences draft interim report providing a scientific evaluation of the 2001 Biological Opinions on Endangered and Threatened Fishes in the Klamath River Basin.

"Last year I requested that the respected National Academy of Sciences review the biological opinions issued by the Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service relative to the operations of the Bureau of Reclamation's Klamath Project. I did so based on concerns about the lack of independent peer review of those opinions, and our fundamental obligation to make decisions based on the best science available."

"I am concerned by the weaknesses revealed by the National Academy of Sciences study. The NAS study indicates that there were flaws with respect to critical components of the analysis in the biological opinions and assessments. Significantly, among the Academy's conclusions is its finding that there was no substantial scientific foundation for requiring higher water levels in Upper Klamath Lake or higher water levels in the Klamath River."

"By challenging the analysis, the NAS study will affect our decision making process for this year and future years. I have instructed Dr. Steve Williams, the newly confirmed director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, and John Keys, commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, to evaluate the NAS findings and report back to me within ten days."

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