Certificate of Water Right (HB - 2153)

This is a Certificate of Water Right issued by the State of Oregon, County of Josephine, to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (3040 Biddle Rd, Medford, OR 97504). The certificate, effective March 31, 1997, grants water storage rights for West Fork Whiskey Creek, an unnamed tributary of Mule Creek in Whiskey Creek, and associated reservoirs. The authorization permits storage of 0.334 acre-feet total, comprising 0.13 acre-feet from an unnamed stream and 0.204 acre-feet from an unnamed spring. The water rights are limited to industrial, prescribed fire, and road operations.

The certificate holder must comply with Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS 498.351 and ORS 509.605-509.625) regarding fish passage, requiring adequate fishways if anadromous, game, or food fish exist in the pond. Should water diversion occur from an in-channel pond containing fish, the certificate holder must install, maintain, and operate fish screening and by-pass devices approved by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Water storage is contingent upon installation and maintenance of an outlet pipe with a minimum 8-inch diameter to facilitate emergency water evacuation for public safety or to satisfy downstream water rights as determined by the Water Resources Director. The storage and use of water are restricted to beneficial use at the specified location.