The initial irrigation water allocation for the Klamath Project in 2026 is expected to fall significantly short of agricultural needs, according to the Klamath Water Users Association. The Bureau of Reclamation announced 221,000 acre-feet from Upper Klamath Lake, just over half of what is typically required. Officials say drought conditions, minimal snowpack, and regulatory constraints are contributing factors, and more than 40,000 acres may need to be idled this season.

The Klamath Irrigation District is seeking public input on a proposed infrastructure modernization project aimed at improving water delivery efficiency and strengthening drought resilience across the basin. An in-person public meeting is scheduled for April 9 in Merrill, where community members can learn about the proposal, ask questions, and provide feedback on the draft plan.

KWUA says the 2026 Klamath Project Annual Operations Plan sets water management parameters but stops short of confirming irrigation allocations, which are expected by April 1.

The Klamath Water Users Association announced that the Bureau of Reclamation has completed a reassessment of how the Endangered Species Act is applied to the Klamath Project, a move described as a key step toward improving long-term water supply predictability in the Basin.

The DeHoop family’s journey from Dutch immigrants to Klamath Basin agricultural leaders spans generations, shaping both the region’s dairy industry and its economic resilience. Their story reflects the promise of the American Dream and the challenges facing modern agriculture in the Basin.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has released a detailed FAQ explaining the temporary emergency rules aimed at reducing the risk of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) at equine events. The guidance clarifies registration requirements, isolation expectations, veterinarian availability, recordkeeping, and misinformation circulating within the equine community.

Oregon has enacted emergency rules to prevent the spread of Equine Herpes Virus following outbreaks linked to events in Texas and Oklahoma. In response, the Klamath County Fairgrounds has issued a full suspension of all equine use while awaiting further guidance from state officials.

Oregon officials say they recognize the urgent push for fish screens as salmon return to the Upper Klamath Basin — but warn the engineering, cost, and statewide backlog mean fast solutions are unlikely.

Ranchers in southern Oregon report increasing livestock losses linked to the growing Grouse Ridge wolf pack. State wildlife officials confirm a rising wolf population while balancing conservation goals and rural livelihoods.