The sprague river is a key sub-watershed and tributary of upper klamath lake, particularly affected by past land management practices such as agricultural conversion, stream channelization, and…

Trout Unlimited, Inc. received a $264,710 Cooperative Agreement award from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service (DOI FWS) Region 8 under the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (CFDA 15.631), effective October 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2030. The award funds Phase II of the Sprague River restoration initiative, focusing on approximately 5.0 river miles across five private properties in the Beatty Gap area near Beatty, Oregon. Trout Unlimited will deliver comprehensive stream restoration services including levee removal, riparian area improvements, and placement of large wood structures to restore the river to historical conditions. Implementation activities include transporting materials and conducting necessary bank earthwork to address degradation caused by past agricultural conversion, stream channelization, and levee construction.

The project is designed to generate multiple benefits for federal trust species and local stakeholders, including improved fish habitat and fishing opportunities, enhanced water quality, and increased agricultural productivity through improved grazing yields. The restoration aligns with the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program's emphasis on voluntary habitat conservation on private lands through cost-share partnerships. Trout Unlimited's delivery of this river restoration project demonstrates the organization's core competency in fish habitat improvement and watershed management, with strong private landowner support and coordination with state and federal agencies to advance sustainable land and water management objectives.

The sprague river is a key sub-watershed and tributary of upper klamath lake, particularly affected by past land management practices such as agricultural conversion, stream channelization, and levee construction. Restoring the river to its historical conditions is essential and requires comprehensive engineering analysis and changes in land management. This restoration will include removing levees, improving riparian areas, and adding large wood structures, which is vital for local landowners by enhancing agricultural operations and positively impacting the local economy. The funds requested for FY 2026 will support phase II of the restoration plan, focusing on approximately 5.0 river miles across five private properties in the beatty GAP area. Implementation will involve transporting materials and necessary bank earthwork. The project has strong support from private landowners and is expected to improve fishing opportunities, increase grazing yields and improve water quality. IT aligns with executive orders, including president trumps executive order 13855, which emphasizes collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies with private landowners for sustainable land and water management. Additionally, IT adheres to the fish and wildlife act of 1956 and the partners for fish and wildlife act, promoting agricultural productivity and responsible land stewardship in partnership with trout unlimited.