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Established
1908 |
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"as
a preserve and breeding ground for native birds" |
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Executive Order |
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"...dedicated
to wildlife conservation...for the major purpose of waterfowl management, but with full
consideration to optimum agricultural use that is consistent therewith" |
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Kuchel Act 1964 |
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Established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908,
Lower Klamath Refuge is our nation’s first waterfowl refuge. This 46,900 acre Refuge
is a varied mix of shallow freshwater marshes, open water, grassy uplands, and croplands
that are intensively managed to provide feeding, resting, nesting, and brood rearing
habitat for waterfowl and other water birds. A marked 10-mile auto
tour allows visitors year round access to great wildlife viewing opportunities. The
Refuge also has a number of photoblinds which are
strategically situated for great early-morning photography.
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Refuge Objectives:
- Maintain habitat for endangered, threatened and sensitive
species.
- Provide and enhance habitat for fall and spring migrant
waterfowl.
- Protect native habitats and wildlife representative of the
natural biological diversity of the Klamath Basin.
- Integrate the maintenance of productive wetland habitats and
sustainable agriculture.
- Ensure that the refuge agricultural practices conform to the
principles of integrated pest management.
- Provide high quality wildlife-dependent visitor services.
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Significant
Species:
- American bald eagle
- Golden eagle
- American white pelican
- White-faced ibis
- Snow, Ross’, white-fronted, & Canada geese.
- Peregrine falcon
- Pintail, mallard, gadwall, canvasback
- Western & eared grebes
- Black tern
- Tri-colored blackbird
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Current Issues of Concern:
- Loss of wetlands. The Klamath Basin has lost 80% of its
original wetlands
- Degraded water quality.
- Water quantity during drought years (balancing wildlife needs
with basin agricultural demands). Water rights adjudication.
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Public Use:
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Ongoing
Management Activities:
- Extensive wetland/cropland rotation scheme.
- Implementation of a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management
Program on commercial lease lands.
- Maintenance of an extensive water conveyance infrastructure.
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Habitats: |
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TYPE |
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ACRES |
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% OF AREA |
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Marsh |
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30,016 |
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56 |
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Croplands |
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15,008 |
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28 |
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Uplands |
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8,576 |
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16 |
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53,600 |
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100% |
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 Return to Refuge Home Page
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Last updated:
April 1, 2009
