News Release Archive

Reclamation Receives the National Academy of Sciences' Final Review of Reclamation's Klamath Project Natural Flow Study and Dr. Thomas Hardy's Phase II Flow Study

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, 11/28/2007 18:35

For Release: November 28, 2007

The Bureau of Reclamation announces the release of the National Academy of Sciences' (NAS) final review of two studies:  Reclamation's Klamath Project Natural Flow Study and Dr. Thomas Hardy's Phase II Flow Study.  Reclamation is evaluating the findings of the NAS to determine how these studies could contribute to future resource management decisions.  Reclamation will continue to work with stakeholders to apply the full suite of available science to management of the Klamath Project.  

The NAS found that both studies are noteworthy in some regards but have flaws as well.  Further, the NAS concluded that the Klamath Basin is in need of an independent and comprehensive analysis to identify the most urgent science needs to inform management decisions.  The NAS also provided recommendations for improvement of the two studies should a basin-wide review of the science determine it is warranted.  The NAS also recommended an adaptive management approach whereby decisions are played out in water management with monitoring and constant assessment and with periodic informed adjustments in management strategies.  Consistent with these findings, Reclamation will continue to pursue adaptive, basin-wide solutions with our stakeholders.

The NAS review is available on Reclamation's website at:  http://books.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12072#toc .  Should you encounter problems accessing documents online, please contact Ms. Lynnette Wirth at 916-978-5102 or lwirth@mp.usbr.gov.

For additional information or to request a copy of the document, please contact Ms. Christine Karas at 541-880-2555 or ckaras@mp.usbr.gov.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

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