Reclamation cuts Crooked River flows for fish, wildlife

In cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries, the federal Bureau of Reclamation said Friday it is decreasing fish and wildlife flows in the Crooked River to 20 cubic feet per second through October, to maintain biologically vital winter flows of 65 cfs from October to next April.

“This decision was made due to the dry conditions being experienced this year and the fact that Prineville Reservoir did not fully fill,” the agency said in an announcement.

“It is important to conserve the fish and wildlife water at this early stage in the year to ensure adequate water will remain to support flows vital for fish and wildlife during the winter months,” said Bridget Moran, Bend Field Supervisor with the USFWS.

The lower flows may not be readily noticeable below Arthur R. Bowman Dam because irrigation releases are occurring, in addition to releases to benefit fish and wildlife.

Stored water for fish and wildlife flows was identified in Prineville Reservoir as part of the Crooked River Collaborative Water Security and Jobs Act of 2014. This stored water was previously uncontracted for irrigation use and did not have a water right for fish and wildlife purposes.

For questions, contact Gregg Garnett, Reclamation Bend Field Office Manager, at 541-389-6541 x226 or Peter Lickwar, USFWS Fish and Wildlife Biologist, at 541-312-6422.

Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier in the United States, and the nation’s second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov, and follow on Twitter @USBR.