Project Titles:

• Replace Water Control Structures (FFS #R8GH, R8GJ, R8GK, R8GL)
• Rehabilitate Administrative Road (FFS #R8GM)

State: California

Project Description: Established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908, Lower Klamath Refuge is the 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.

Replace Water Control Structures

This project replaced four water control structures, of varying sizes, along existing diked areas throughout the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. The structures were either non-functional or were leaking, preventing the staff from controlling water supply deliveries and drainage.

Effect on Wildlife Habitat and Species: Repair of these structures ensures the continued long-term management of this unit for the benefit of waterfowl and other waterbirds. The new structure provides for continued active management of wetland habitats for the benefits of wildlife and the visiting public.

Effect on Deferred Maintenance Backlog: Completion of these needed projects with ARRA funds removes $122,000 ($27,000; $34,000; $34,000; and $27,000) from the Deferred Maintenance backlog for Lower Klamath NWR, allowing it to be redistributed to other high priority needs and/or allowing for project completion in advance of the DM 5 Year Plan schedule.

Long-term Economic Benefits for the Local Community: Repair of these structures is critical to long-term habitat management on the Lower Klamath. As such, they are a vital component of refuge infrastructure, which in turn affects wildlife use of the refuge and the associated public use. That public use is a vital part of the local economy during peak wildlife viewing periods, bringing thousands of visitors to the great Klamath Falls area.

Scope: The contractor removed and disposed of existing water control structures and supplied, delivered, and installed four water control structures, associated corrugated metal pipe, and gravel fill. Elevations for water control structures and pipes were set with an on-site determination by the Refuge staff, ranging in depths from six to twelve feet deep.

Project Status: The contract was awarded to David Bennett of Fort Jones, California on August 6, 2009, in the amount of $50,224.00. The project was completed October 29, 2009.

New Water Control Structure 9B-1H.

Rehabilitate Administrative Road

This project rehabilitated a 2.8-mile Unit 10B, 11A2 Administrative Road at Lower Klamath NWR. The project entailed a 6-inch lift of both 3-inch minus gravel and also a 6-inch lift of 1.5-inch minus commercial gravel along 1.2 miles of the road. In addition, along the remainder of the 1.6 mile length, the project required only a 6-inch lift of 1.5-inch minus commercial gravel.

Effect on Wildlife Habitat and Species: Continued staff use of this road allows proper long-term management of this and neighboring wetland units, thereby benefitting waterfowl and waterbirds using this marsh system.

Effect on Deferred Maintenance Backlog: Completion of this needed project with ARRA funds removes $77,000 from the Deferred Maintenance backlog for Lower Klamath NWR, allowing it to be redistributed to other high priority needs and/or allowing for project completion in advance of the DM 5 Year Plan schedule.

Long-term Economic Benefits for the Local Community: Repair of this road is critical to long-term habitat management on Lower Klamath. As such, it is a vital component of refuge infrastructure which, in turn, affects wildlife use of the refuge and the associated public use. That public use is a vital part of the local economy during peak wildlife viewing periods, bringing thousands of visitors to the great Klamath Falls area.

Scope: The contractor supplied and delivered 2,040 tons of 3-inch minus commercial gravel along the 1.2 miles of the north-south section of road. The contractor also supplied and delivered 2,040 tons of 1.5-inch minus commercial gravel over the top of the 3-inch minus commercial gravel, along the 1.2 miles of the north-south section of road. In addition, the contractor supplied and delivered 2,720 tons of 1.5-inch minus commercial gravel along the 1.6 miles of the east-west section of road. Material was applied at the rate of 6 inch depth and 12 foot width along the entire length of the project.

Project Status: The contract was awarded to Glenn Howard of Klamath Falls, Oregon in the amount of $76,874.00. The project was completed on July 27, 2009.

Completed Administrative Road

For more information, please contact:

Greg Austin
Deputy Project Leader
Assistant Refuge Manager
Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex
US Fish and Wildlife Service
4009 Hill Road
Tulelake, CA 96134
Phone: (530) 667-2231
Email: greg_austin@fws.gov

Steve Huhnke, Engineering Equipment Operator Work Supervisor
Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex
US Fish and Wildlife Service
4009 Hill Road
Tulelake, CA 96134
Phone: (530) 667-2245
Email: steve_huhnke@fws.gov

Karen Tanaka, Administrative Officer
Address: Klamath Basin NWRC, USFWS
4009 Hill Road
Tulelake, CA 96134
Phone: (530) 667-2231
Email: karen_tanaka@fws.gov

Originally posted 01/15/2010
Page Completed 01/21/2011