Klamath Drainage District · Established 1915
Good for wildlife. Good for Klamath Basin communities.
KDD delivers water and drainage to about 27,000 acres of family farms, ranches and wildlife habitat in the historic footprint of Lower Klamath Lake, just north of the Oregon–California line.
What we’re working on · October 2026
Projects underway
KDD is modernizing its canals, bringing water back to the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, and preparing for the return of salmon.
30% design complete
Lower Klamath Reconnection
Using KDD’s Ady Canal to reconnect the Klamath River to Unit 2 and Sheepy Lake on the refuge. Phase 2 funding is being secured.
Fully funded
North Canal Solar
About 1 megawatt of solar panels over the North Canal. $5.4M secured; construction finishes summer 2027.
Partially funded
Ady Canal Fish Screens
Four screens on Ady Canal turnouts to keep salmon in the canal and out of fields. Construction expected to begin summer 2027.
1915
Year KDD was established
27,000
Acres of farmland and wildlife habitat served
75%+
Share of water used in the district that is returned or reused
$12.8M
Secured for current projects (October 2026)
About KDD
Farms and wildlife, side by side
Rich, lake-bottom soil makes the district ideal for pasture, grain, alfalfa, potatoes and organic crops. Landowners mimic the lake’s natural cycle by flooding fields in fall and winter, creating habitat that feeds waterfowl, bald eagles and much more.
Wildlife
A stop on the Pacific Flyway
Tens of thousands of migrating birds rest and feed in KDD’s flooded fields each spring and fall. The district’s fields also support one of the largest wintering populations of bald eagles in the continental United States.
News & updates
The latest from KDD
Board meetings
Third Thursday of every month
Public meetings are held at the KDD office, 4240 Highway 39, Klamath Falls, unless otherwise noted.