The proposed project will assist the tribe to develop, manage, and protect their water and related resources, as authorized by public law

The Modoc Nation received a $155,400 project grant awarded August 5, 2025, by the Bureau of Reclamation under the Indian Tribal Water Resources Development, Management, and Protection program (CFDA 15.519). The grant funds targeted grazing treatments designed to control invasive plant species, increase water supply, promote native grass and forb growth, reduce wildfire fuel loading, and decrease erosion to improve water quality. These activities support the ecological and cultural restoration of Modoc ancestral lands in the Klamath Basin while advancing broader collaborative lower Klamath Lake restoration efforts.

The project, scheduled for completion by December 31, 2027, will enhance ecosystem resilience, mitigate wildfire risks, and increase water quality and quantity for lower Klamath Lake and surrounding native habitats. As a federally recognized tribe, the Modoc Nation leveraged this Bureau of Reclamation funding to advance tribal self-sufficiency and sustainability in managing critical water resources during periods of extended drought, addressing both immediate water resource needs and long-term environmental restoration objectives across tribal homelands.

Activities

The proposed project will implement targeted grazing treatments to control invasive plant species to increase water supply, promote seed germination and growth of native grasses and forbs, reduce fuel loading to mitigate wildfire risks, and decrease erosion to help improve water quality.outcome: to increase opportunities for indian tribes to develop, manage, and protect their water resources in the klamath basin, the secretary of the interior, acting through the commissioner of the bureau of reclamation, authorized funding to enter into contracts, grants and cooperative agreements with the tribes in the klamath area basin. This is especially important during the extended periods of drought that are becoming more frequent.beneficiary: the public. This project will help advance the ecological and cultural restoration of modoc ancestral lands, promoting resilience and sustainability for future generations, while also supporting larger collaborative lower klamath lake restoration efforts. These enhancements include ecosystem resilience, reduced wildfire risks, increased water quality and quantity to lower klamath lake, and restored native habitats across our ancestral homelands.