Lower Owens River Project

Aerial view of a winding river, managed by the Inyo County Water Department, flowing through green wetlands and dry plains under a clear blue sky.

“The goal of the LORP is the establishment of a healthy, functioning Lower Owens River riverine-riparian ecosystem, and the establishment of healthy functioning ecosystems in the other elements of the LORP, for the benefit of biodiversity and threatened and endangered species, while providing for the continuation of sustainable uses including recreation, livestock grazing, agriculture, and other activities.”

This large-scale mitigation project was initiated in December 2006 and reintroduced continuous flows to a 62-mile stretch of the Lower Owens River and delta. This portion of the Owens River, from just south of Aberdeen to the Owens Lake, had been left nearly dry since 1913, when the river was diverted into the Los Angeles Aqueduct.

The LORP is restoring a set of systems connected to the Owens River. In order to reestablish wetland, flooded and riparian habitat, the project includes the 20,400-acre Blackrock Waterfowl Management Area, a network of Off-River Lakes and Ponds, and the Owens River Delta Habitat Area. Together, these components are supporting wildlife, improving water quality, and offering new opportunities for recreation and scientific study within the Owens Valley.

Lower Owens River Project cover with map, grassy field, mountain background, and project monitoring text.

Guiding Documents

A flooded river reflects sunlight near a bridge, with snow-capped mountains in the background.
Map of Lower Owens River Project Area in California, showing rivers, lakes, and nearby towns and roads.

Monitoring and Managing the LORP

Each year, LADWP and Inyo County work together to manage and improve the Lower Owens River Project (LORP). LADWP handles operations, property management, and water flow regulation. The County focuses on monitoring the river’s biology and water quality and conducting research to guide future activities and inform adaptive management.

Work Plans

2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
2024-25

Annual Reports

Search documents, meetings, and other information.