Klamath-Siskiyou Ed & Research Station at Deer Cr Ranch

The project purchased an 873 acre ranch in the Illinois Valley watershed. The project accomplished habitat and species conservation through education, restoration and research.

Restoration projects, including removal of the push-up dam on Deer Creek and the 10.5 foot high

concrete dam on Squaw Creek, will significantly ilnprove salmon habitat on the Ranch. By

allowing salmon to migrate up to excellent habitat that exists in upper Squaw Creek that the

salmon have been excluded from for some 50-60 years, this project will benefit salmon on public

lands as well.

The proposed transformation of a significant portion of the 220 acres presently in irrigated hay

fields will enhance the Deer Creek watershed on many fronts. First, it will allow for substantial

Deer Creek water rights to be transferred from DCR to instream rights. Secondly, restoring back to

native grasses or wetlands will prevent further invasion of exotic plants downstream on Deer

Creek and the Wild and Scenic lllinois River. Finally, the lack of conventional agricultural use

along Deer Creek will improve the water quality of Deer Creek, thus ensuring improved habitat

for salmon and other aquatic species.