Karl Wenner, a co-owner of Lakeside Farms in southern Oregon, converted 70 acres of his 400-acre barley operation into a managed wetland in 2021. This decision transformed a flood-prone section of the farm into a critical refuge for wildlife and a natural filter for agricultural water runoff.
Ecological Impact and Water Management
Traditional farming near Upper Klamath Lake often contributed to high phosphorus levels, which triggered harmful algal blooms. By engineering the site with shallow water zones, channels, and islands, the farm now captures nutrients and suspended materials before they reach the lake. This system relies on natural vegetation and sedimentation to treat water.
The project demonstrates that environmental restoration does not require a total cessation of agricultural activity. The remaining 330 acres stay in production. This approach shows how private landowners can integrate conservation goals with commercial farming operations.
Success for Endangered Species
Beyond water quality, the site serves as a vital nursery for the federally endangered Lost River and shortnose suckers. These fish species have struggled with low juvenile survival rates in the Klamath Basin. By creating a protected, shallow environment, conservationists provide the necessary conditions for these fish to reach adult size.
In May 2025, researchers partially drained the wetland and discovered 50 adult-sized suckers. These fish measured up to 16 inches. While genetic testing remains necessary to confirm the exact species distribution, the findings offer a clear signal that the restored habitat supports growth for fish that historically faced extinction risks.
Biodiversity Gains and Future Outlook
Wildlife responded almost immediately after the project started. Records from the US Fish and Wildlife Service indicate that over 20,000 ducks frequented the site during peak fall migration months. The wetland now hosts at least 140 distinct bird species, along with populations of otters, beavers, and muskrats. Data collected from bee-gathered pollen suggests that plant biodiversity doubled within two years of the initial restoration.
The broader Klamath Basin faces significant environmental challenges, including water scarcity and habitat loss. While this 70-acre wetland does not solve the entire regional crisis, it serves as a working template. Other landowners in the area have expressed interest in the model. The project suggests that small-scale, targeted interventions can offer measurable benefits to regional ecosystems without disrupting the fundamental viability of working farms.