The primary purpose of this award is to support the conversion of 32 acres of cattle grazing pasture into wetland habitat on upper klamath lake in the state of oregon through a USFWS partnership…

This $807,760 Cooperative Agreement award from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service under the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (CFDA 15.631) aims to transform 32 acres of cattle grazing pasture into productive wetland habitat on Upper Klamath Lake in Oregon. The key project activities include converting the land, planting native wetland vegetation, implementing water management practices, and establishing protocols for rearing juvenile endangered Lost River and shortnose sucker fish within the restored habitat. The expected outcomes include enhancing the survival and growth of these endangered fish populations, improving overall water quality and vegetation, and increasing community engagement and support for conservation initiatives. This project will be implemented directly by the awardee, Rusted Gate Farm, with no subawards.

Activities

1. Land conversiontransform 32 acres of cattle grazing pasture on ball BAY into semipermanent fringe wetland habitat. 2. Native vegetation plantingplant native wetland vegetation to create a supportive habitat for the juvenile sucker fish. This includes selecting plant species that enhance water quality and provide shelter and food for the fish. Many other species of fish and amphibian also stand to benefit from this wetland habitat.3. Water managementthe design includes include water management principles that prioritize sucker habitat but also account for optimal water levels varied with natural seasons improved water quality and nutrient absorption and consideration for watershed runoff and the water leaving the adjacent pastureland through the newly established wetland.4. Juvenile sucker fish rearingestablish protocols for the introduction and rearing of juvenile sucker fish in the newly created wetland habitat in coordination with existing local hatcheries and for native fish. This includes regular monitoring of fish health growth rates and survival. 5. Monitoring and evaluationconduct ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the wetland habitat and fish populations. Collect data on water quality vegetation health and fish development to assess the success of the project and make necessary adjustments.6. Community engagementengage local communities stakeholders and indigenous groups through educational workshops site visits and public awareness campaigns. These activities will highlight the importance of wetland restoration and sucker fish conservation.expected deliverables or outcomes:the project is expected to achieve the following outcomes:1. Wetland habitatsuccessful transformation of 32 acres of cattle grazing pasture into a longterm functional wetland habitat. 2. Enhanced fish populationsincreased survival and growth rates of juvenile lost river and shortnose sucker fish contributing to the overall recovery of these endangered species.3. Improved water quality and vegetationenhanced water quality and the establishment of native wetland vegetation creating a balanced and sustainable ecosystem.4. Influenceincreased community involvement and fostering a sense of stewardship and support for ongoing conservation initiatives. Specifically the landholder aims to create a model of successful habitat restoration and species conservation that can be replicated by other farmers. 5. Informationdetailed reports and datasets on habitat conditions water quality and fish population dynamics will be shared with relevant stakeholders and used to inform and improve future conservation efforts.

Intended beneficiaries

The primary beneficiaries of this project are the endangered lost river and shortnose sucker fish whose populations will be directly supported by the restored wetland habitat. Additionally the local ecosystem will benefit from improved water quality and biodiversity. The project will also benefit local communities and stakeholders by providing educational opportunities and supporting the longterm health of this significant lake. This project will have no subrecipients. All activities and management will be conducted directly by the project team.