Warner Basin Fish Passage and Habitat Improvement Initiative

In Oregon’s remote High Desert region, the Warner Lakes Basin includes a series of connected lakes. In this harsh desert environment, native fish of conservation concern, including the Warner Lakes redband trout and the Endangered Warner Sucker, face special pressures on their survival and population sustainability. Partners collaborating towards the Warner Basin Fish Passage and Habitat Improvement Initiative are identifying how to connect streams and lakes in the Warner Basin to help these unique native fish. Core Implementing Partners are working closely with irrigation districts in Honey Creek, Twentymile Creek, and Deep Creek. In January 2019, the Warner Basin Fish Passage and Habitat Improvement Initiative was awarded funding through the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board’s (OWEB) Focused Investment Partnership (FIP) grant program. A FIP is an OWEB investment that addresses a board-identified priority of significance to the state, achieves clear and measurable ecological outcomes, uses integrated and results-oriented approaches as identified through a Strategic Action Plan, and is implemented by a high-performing partnership.