Correspondence, reports, and articles discussing the impact of agriculture and reclamation projects on the Lower Klamath, Tule Lake, and Clear Lake Refuges. Topics of focus include the impacts of grazing on bird refuges, construction of dikes and dams on the Klamath and Link Rivers, and possible reflooding of portions of the Lower Klamath Lake.
Manuscript discusses how the waterfowl in Klamath country are now protected from hunters by game laws. The Bureau of Reclamation destroyed areas of sanctuary for waterfowl because the demand for land for agricultural use was so high. According to Dr. C. F. Marbut from the Department of Agriculture, the soil from the land in and around the bed of the Lower Klamath Lake could not support agricultural means successfully. Instead, the area became a refuge similar to Clear Lake.
Documents focus primarily on the destruction of bird nesting sites through the careless practices of the Reclamation Service, including prescribed burning and leasing of land for grazing. Other topics include cooperation between the Reclamation Service and Biological Survey, duck hunting, and recommendations for restoring refuges to ideal nesting conditions. A map of the Klamath Irrigation Project is included.
Documents focusing on Lower Klamath Lake, including drainage and proposed reflooding. Other topics include homesteading on Steens Mountain and effects of agriculture on the Clear and Tule Lake Refuges.