Ready to talk about the project

Rae Olsen, the Bureau of Reclamation's new Klamath Basin area public affairs officer, is getting up to speed on Basin water issues. Olsen has been on the job for a little more than a month.

Published April 14, 2004

Olsen starts public affairs job

By BRIAN COLE

It's Rae Olsen's job to foster communication about all matters relating to the Klamath Project.

Olsen became the Bureau of Reclamation's Klamath Basin area public affairs officer - a newly created position - a little more than a month ago.

Olsen is still working to get up to speed on the complexities of the bureau project that captured the national spotlight in 2001 when water was shut off to Klamath Basin irrigators.

The bureau's Jeff McCracken has handled most public relations duties related to the Klamath Project. He will still work as a spokesman out of Sacramento as public affairs officer for the mid-Pacific region.

Olsen came to the Basin with 15 years experience in public affairs posts, most recently for PPL Montana, an international power generation company. She has a grown son and is an avid bird watcher.

"I really believe in this process of including all the stakeholders and other parties to find a solution," she said.

Olsen said irrigation within the project is a model of conservation.

"We have one of the highest percentages of water reuse - about 90 percent," she said.

The bureau is now studying the feasibility of increasing project water storage by 350,000 acre-feet in Long Lake Valley, west of the Running Y Ranch Resort.

"By June 1, we should have a real good picture of what the summer needs will be for irrigators," she said.

Rae Olsen works at the bureau office at 6600 Washburn Way, and can be reached at 880-2543.