The lake ewauna wetland restoration project encompasses approximately 60 acres of land adjacent to lake ewauna within a short walking distance from downtown klamath falls

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Department of the Interior, awarded a Cooperative Agreement totaling $197,749 to the Klamath Watershed Partnership on August 1, 2025, under the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (CFDA 15.631). The award funds the Lake Ewauna Wetland Restoration Project, a comprehensive habitat restoration initiative encompassing approximately 60 acres adjacent to Lake Ewauna in Klamath Falls, Oregon. The project will deliver wetland restoration services, including the installation of essential water control structures designed to maximize habitat benefits and attract migratory waterbirds. Work is scheduled for completion by May 19, 2031.

The project is structured as a collaborative effort among multiple stakeholders including the City of Klamath Falls, Klamath County, the Oregon Institute of Technology, local business owners, and the Klamath Watershed Partnership. Beyond habitat restoration, the initiative delivers secondary benefits to the local community through enhanced recreational opportunities, tourism promotion, and economic revitalization around Lake Ewauna. The project aligns with USFWS strategic priorities by providing cost-effective habitat restoration on privately managed lands while fostering community engagement and supporting the administration's objectives of strengthening local economies and community assets.

The vision for this initiative is to enhance the area in ways that benefit landowners boost tourism and promote recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. This project aligns with the administrations broader objectives of revitalizing local economies and enhancing community assets. This project provides an essential water control structure that will be used to maximize habitat benefits attracting thousands of waterbirds providing substantial tourism benefits. This project seeks to implement strategies that will benefit the local economy and improve recreational experiences. The city of klamath falls and klamath county view this project as a high priority recognizing IT is expected to serve as a catalyst for further improvements in land use and public access around lake ewauna promoting both local heritage and economic vitality. The collaboration among various stakeholders including the service klamath county the city of klamath falls local business owners oregon institute of technology and the klamath watershed partnership underscores the commitment to fostering community engagement and maximizing the benefits of this project for all involved.