This project aims to restore functionality to a 1,500-acre wetland along the klamath river (FIG. 1),representing a significant opportunity for landowners, agricultural producers, and the local economy

Ducks Unlimited Inc. received a $255,802 Cooperative Agreement award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Region 8 under the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (CFDA 15.631), effective October 1, 2025, with a completion date of May 19, 2031. The award funds the first phase of a wetland restoration project designed to restore functionality to approximately 1,500 acres of wetland habitat along the Klamath River in Oregon. The primary deliverable involves redirecting return flows from the Klamath Drainage District through the Tule-Smoke Marsh to improve hydrologic conditions, support water quality, and complement existing water management initiatives by agricultural stakeholders.

The project is expected to deliver substantial environmental benefits, including a projected 31% reduction in nitrogen inputs (145,999 lbs/year) and 19% reduction in phosphorus (10,087 lbs/year) to the Klamath River, which will help alleviate Clean Water Act regulatory pressures. Additionally, the restoration work will create critical habitat improvements for federally protected species, including Chinook salmon and the critically endangered Lost River and Shortnose suckers, with habitat area less than one foot deep expected to increase by 398%. Future project phases will include installation of water control structures, levee development, and modifications to the Straights Drain pumping system. The project represents a collaborative conservation effort that balances ecological restoration with agricultural security and economic sustainability for regional landowners and irrigation districts.

The initiative redirects substantial return flows from the klamath drainage district through the wetland, promoting long-term resilience and health of the area. This restoration is expected to improvehydrologic conditions, which is crucial for maintaining water quality and supporting local agriculture. Italso compliments water management initiatives and plans developed by klamath water users andirrigation districts. Once completed this project could reduce nitrogen by 31% (145,999 LB YR),phosphorus by 19% (10,087 LB YR), and of carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand by 28%, simplyby circulating water through tule-smoke, before returning to the klamath river. By reducing nutrientinputs into the klamath river, the project will help alleviate regulatory pressures associated with theclean water act, providing agricultural security for landowners. This project will also provide important habitat for chinook salmon and the critically endangered lostriver and shortnose suckers. Proposed conditions are expected to increase habitat area less than one footdeep throughout tule-smoke marsh by 398% which is expected to have a positive impact on bothendangered sucker rearing and foraging as well as waterfowl and wading bird foraging. Additionally, theproject aligns with president trump S executive orders aimed at promoting economic growth andinfrastructure development. By utilizing existing infrastructure and wetlands, we can create a moresustainable environment that supports both economic and recreational activities, ultimately benefitingthe entire region. This initiative marks the first phase of this critical project. Future phases includeinstallation of water control structures, levee development, and modifications to straights drainpumping system. This project is consistent with the partners and fish and wildlife act codified UNDER16 U.S.C 3771-3774 national wildlife refuge system administration act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668DD 668EE) the endangered species act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 1544), and the national wildliferefuge system improvement act of 1997 (public law 105-57).