News Release Archive

IMPROVED TRAIL OFFERS HIKERS ALTERNATIVE DURING CONSTRUCTION OF FISH LADDER ON LINK RIVER DAM

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, JMCCRACKEN@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: April 27, 2004

Reclamation has announced the enhancement of Eulalona Trail along the northeast corner of Klamath Falls. The trail, which will be named in collaboration with the Klamath Tribes, will be open by June 1, 2004.

The trail development will allow hikers access to the ridgeline above the Link River Nature Trail as an alternative during construction of a new fish ladder on Link River Dam to improve access to Upper Klamath Lake habitat for the endangered suckers and other native fish species. The northern portion of the Link River Nature Trail above the dam will be closed for the duration of the fish ladder construction.

The improvements, including a parking lot and completion of the trail, will begin in May and take about 6 days to complete. The bid process to select a contractor will begin soon. Project cost is expected to be approximately $18,000, to be provided to the City of Klamath Falls Parks and Recreation Department to complete the trail. The new parking area is expected to permanently improve the park system.

Ms. Valerie Lantz, Klamath Falls Parks and Recreation Director, noted that birders, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the Moore Park trail system. "We have longed to improve the area to increase the safety and enjoyment of all of the trail users," Lantz said. "This trail expansion will allow people in one hike to go from riparian corridor to high desert grasslands to a conifer forest."

Mr. Jim Carpenter, of Carpenter Design, who collaborated with the city's design team, pointed out, "There will be a lasting benefit as a result of this temporary inconvenience, and as a net result, the trail system will be expanded."

The southern portion of the Link River Nature Trail will remain open during construction, subject to temporary closures for brief construction delays. Hikers are cautioned to carefully follow the temporary information signs that are posted along the trails.

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