Number: RL33098
Title: Klamath River Basin Issues and Activities: An Overview
Authors: Kyna Powers, Eugene H. Buck, and Betsy A. Cody, Resources, Science, and Industry Division; and Pamela Baldwin, American Law Division 
Abstract: As is true in many regions in the West, the federal government plays a prominent role in the Klamath Basin's water management. This role stems from three primary activities: (1) the operation and management of the Bureau of Reclamation's Klamath Water Project and Central Valley Project (e.g., Trinity River Dams); (2) management of federal lands in the Basin, including five national wildlife refuges, several national forests, and public lands; and (3) implementation of federal laws, such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The Congress has oversight over these federal activities and has held several hearings to discuss Klamath Basin issues. In particular, congressional debate has focused on the role of the ESA in water management, the operation of the Klamath Project and, other Upper Basin topics. Therefore, this report focuses on the Upper Basin. It provides some information on the Lower Basin (i.e., the watershed area below and west of Iron Gate Dam).
Pages: 39
Date: September 22, 2005