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Lakes & Reservoirs

Harney Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Collaborative

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Agenda

  • Step 2 Characterize Water Resources, Water Quality, & Ecological Issues
  • Step 3 Water Management Needs
  • Key Takeaways
  • Critical Issues

Lakes & Reservoirs

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2023

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Step 2 Conditions

The lakes have changed through time.

Lakes & Reservoirs

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2023

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Lake size and depth currently depend on snowpack in the Steens and previous year lake levels

Presentation title

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20XX

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Bird Use is affected by water levels of the Lake

Lakes & Reservoirs

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2023

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There is a growing understanding of the complexity of the Malheur Lake ecosystem.

Lakes & Reservoirs

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2023

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Step 3 Future Water Resource Needs

Lakes & Reservoirs

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2023

Improved information on spring discharge and influence of surface water use

Improved information on sediment sources for turbidity in Malheur Lake

Better understanding of watershed contributions to the Lakes

Improved understanding of emergent vegetation establishment processes

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Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways Lakes

  • While understanding of the ecology of Malheur Lake has improved, additional work is needed to understand the sediment supply for turbidity.
  • The Lakes need to be viewed as the sum of watershed processes.
  • Malheur Lake may be significantly affected by alteration of the Blitzen River.

Key Takeaways Reservoirs

  • There is very little reservoir storage in the Harney Basin.
  • Most of the storage is in the Silver Creek watershed and little of it is available to affect flows downstream.

Lakes & Reservoirs

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2023

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Critical Issues

Lakes

  • Improved understanding of the relationship of the Lakes to their watersheds.
  • Improved understanding of sediment delivery to Malheur Lake.
  • Improved understanding of the impediments to reestablishment of emergent vegetation.

Reservoirs

  • Are there ways to use reservoir storage to meet other needs.

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2023

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The way to get�started is to quit talking and begin doing.

Presentation title

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2023

Walt Disney

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Thank you

Lakes & Reservoirs

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2023