Lower Owens River Project

Lower Owens River Project

The Lower Owens River Project (LORP) is one of the largest and most ambitious river restoration projects undertaken in the history of the Western United States. In California in 1913, LADWP began diverting water from Inyo County's Owens River for export to Los Angeles, effectively drying up most of the 62 miles of the river below the LA Aqueduct intake.

Now after 90 years, water will once again begin to flow. The LORP will reestablish a permanent river flow down the historic 62 mile channel, reviving its riparian habitat and providing a warm water fishery.

The Lower Owens River Project will result in a permanent water supply for the creation and enhancement of nearly 2000 acres of wetland and riparian habitat beyond the river banks, sustaining a wide variety songbirds, waterfowl, and shorebirds. The LORP will provide recreational opportunities for anglers, botanists, hunters, hikers, bicyclists and bird watchers; and preserve the area's historical ranching and farming in California's Owens Valley.

The LORP is a joint project between the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the County of Inyo as part of the Inyo/Los Angeles Long Term Water Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Inyo County , LADWP, the California Department of Fish and Game, the State Lands Commission, the Sierra Club, and the Owens Valley Committee

The LORP has four primary restoration elements:

Releasing water to the Lower Owens River to enhance native and game fisheries and riparian habitats along 62 miles of the river
Providing water to the Owens River Delta to maintain and enhance various wetland and aquatic habitats
Enhancing a 1,500 acre off-river area with seasonal flooding and land management to benefit wetlands and waterfowl
and... Maintaining several off-river lakes and ponds.