IMST Review of the USFWS and NMFS 2001 Biological Opinions on Management of the Klamath Reclamation Project and Related Reports

Abstract

Different community and environmental goals, and conflicting information in the Klamath River basin have been major concerns for citizens of Oregon and California, the Klamath Basin Tribes, and agencies responsible for managing natural resources. In an April 25, 2001 letter, Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber asked the Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team (IMST) to “review the information and offer an independent assessment of the science used to establish lake levels and instream flow targets for suckers and coho.” Questions concerning 1) status and management of coho salmon in the Klamath River and 2) management of Upper Klamath Lake and its watershed directly relate to the responsibilities of the IMST under Oregon Revised Statute 541.409. This report reviews several key documents and reports, including federal agency biological opinions and assessments, related to the Klamath River basin and the management of lake water levels, river flow levels, and fish in Upper Klamath Lake and the lower Klamath River.