NOAA - West Coast Region - Klamath River Basin

The Reclamation Act of 1902 (43 U.S.C. 391 et seq.) authorized the Secretary of the Interior to locate, construct, operate, and maintain works for the storage, diversion, and development of water for the reclamation of arid and semiarid lands in the western States. The headwaters of the Klamath River originate in Southern Oregon and flow through the Cascade Mountain Range to the Pacific Ocean south of Crescent City, California. The river extends nearly 250 miles and is just one of three waterways that pass through the Cascades to the Pacific. It is named after a native American name - klamet - meaning swiftness.

The Klamath River Basin supports Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead populations, among other anadromous species. Historically, anadromous fish populations supported important commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries. However, many anadromous fish populations have declined substantially in abundance. Restoration of these populations will require strong partnerships and collaboration between agencies and stakeholders throughout the basin. Links to reports and document in three main areas: water management, hydroelectric management, and salmon management,