Watershed restoration in the Mid Klamath subbasin often focuses
on roads. Roads are a major contributor to soil erosion and are a
detriment to water quality. The Orleans Ranger District and the
Karuk Tribe are involved in road decommissioning projects, road
surveys and monitoring. The Happy Camp Ranger District is also
actively involved in planning and implementing road decommissioning
and upgrading projects. MKWC recognizes the need for facilitating
dialogue between the community and agencies with regard to
decommissioning roads.
In Fall 2004, MKWC joined its partners in sponsoring a workshop
highlighting FS Road 12N08, a cooperative road-decommissioning
project between multiple funders and the Karuk Watershed Restoration
Program. Methods and issues regarding decommissioning roads in
our national forests and on private lands were discussed.
Landowners can help reduce sedimentation of our salmon streams by
properly maintaining their private roads and by reporting drainage
or erosion problems on public roads to the appropriate entity.
