Stop the Klamath Bird Die-Off

Thousands of migratory birds have reportedly already died—and many more could die in the coming weeks.

According to local officials citing wildlife managers, avian botulism is affecting birds at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, where an estimated 150 birds are dying every day. Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge faces the same growing threat.

Warm, stagnant wetlands can create conditions that allow botulism outbreaks to intensify rapidly among ducks, geese, and other waterfowl.

Without urgent action, local officials warn that the Klamath Basin could face one of the largest bird die-offs in North America.

This disaster is not inevitable.

For years, farms, fisheries, tribal nations, wildlife refuges, and rural communities have struggled over the Klamath Basin’s limited water. Those conflicts are complicated, and every community’s legal rights and needs must be respected.

But complexity cannot become an excuse for allowing thousands more birds to die.

The birds need action now.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service should immediately bring together tribal governments, local leaders, wildlife experts, irrigation districts, scientists, conservation groups, and other Basin partners to find every lawful way to improve conditions at the refuges.

One proposal would move water through refuge wetlands before returning it to the Klamath River. Supporters say the plan is intended to improve water circulation and water quality. It—and every other responsible option—deserves urgent, independent scientific review.

Any emergency response must respect tribal sovereignty and treaty rights, protect endangered species, and follow existing environmental laws.

These safeguards matter. So do the lives of thousands of wild birds.

Tule Lake and Lower Klamath are vital stops along the Pacific Flyway, one of North America’s major bird migration routes. Allowing a preventable outbreak to become a mass wildlife tragedy would be unacceptable.

Please sign the petition urging Secretary Burgum and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to act before more birds die.

The petition to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reads: Please urgently bring together tribal governments, local officials, wildlife managers, irrigation districts, scientists, conservation organizations, and other partners to address the bird die-off threatening Tule Lake and Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuges. Evaluate and implement lawful, science-based emergency measures that can improve refuge conditions, protect migratory birds, respect tribal sovereignty and treaty rights, uphold existing protections, and prevent this crisis from becoming an even greater wildlife disaster.
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Source:

https://capitalpress.com/2026/08/03/commentary-before-another-wildlife-disaster-we-must-act-together/