Fiscal Year 2003: Performance Report U.S. Department of Agricultire Natural Resources Conservation Service

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Figure 6. Land with conservation applied that improves wildlife habitat in fiscal years 2000 -2003, million acres. 15 12 9 6 3 I FY 2000 FY 2001 FY 2002 FY 2003 Source: NRCS Performance and Results Measurement System Figure 7. Wetlands created, restored, or enhanced in fiscal years 2000 -2003, million acres. 0.40 0.35 0.30 0.25 0.20 0.15 0.10 — 0.5 — 0 -- FY 2000 FY 2001 FY 2002 FY 2003 Source: NRCS Performance and Results Measurement System Basin wide planning in the Klamath Comprehensive water resources plan- ning is essential to manage limited resources to meet multiple needs. Through its Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) program, NRCS helped to develop such a long -range plan to solve water and other natural resources conservation concerns In the Klamath River Basin of Oregon and California. Irrigated farms in the basin are threatened with loss of water because drought has reduced the water supply below the level needed to meet the competing needs of farm- ers and endangered species. The con- servation districts in the basin sought NRCS assistance to meet their goal of achieving a reliable water supply for agriculture by decreasing water demand, increasing water storage, improving water quality, and develop- ing fish and wildlife habitat. NRCS is providing sub -basin assessments that describe present conditions, identify solutions, and identify potential assis- tance available from NRCS programs. The plan will provide the framework within which technical and financial assistance is provided to individual farmers and ranchers. NRCS and the districts are attempting to coordinate the activities of the other Federal and State agencies and Tribal governments that have responsibilities in the Klamath Basin. Financial assistance for implementing the plan is being provided through programs author- ized by the 2002 Farm Bill. Fiscal Year 2003 Performance Report 9