How Two Decades of Community Collaboration Led to the Largest Dam Removal in the United States
The Klamath River, winding through Southern Oregon and Northern California, is going through a remarkable transformation. For over a century four hydroelectric dams have impeded the flow of the river and denied migrating salmon, steelhead, and lamprey access to the Upper Klamath Basin. Now, after a two-decade long campaign led by local Tribes, including members of the Yurok, Karuk, Hoopa and Klamath Tribes, the dams are being removed and the river reborn.
This project, one of the most ambitious river restoration efforts in the history of the United States, is not only making significant progress but is also ahead of schedule.
The Dam Problem
For over a century, the Klamath River has been shackled by these dams, which were originally built to generate hydroelectric power. While they served their purpose in providing electricity, the ecological cost was high and the cultural costs even higher. The dams blocked migratory routes for salmon, steelhead trout, and Pacific lamprey leading to a dramatic decline in these species’ populations. Additionally, the stagnant reservoirs created by the dams fostered poor water quality, including dangerous algal blooms that threatened both wildlife and human health.
The collapse of fish stocks led to the loss of thousands of jobs in the sport and recreational fishing industry. But more tragically, it led to a loss of traditional foods for Tribal communities. This loss not only impacts ceremonial practices where salmon are considered a sacrament, but it also directly affects Tribal members’ health. Studies by the Karuk Tribe revealed the connection between construction of dams, collapse of the fishery, and a resulting rise in diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. In other words, as traditional foods became scarce, Tribal members were forced to rely on commodities and adopt a diet to which their physiology was not adapted.
Catastrophe Gave Rise to the Movement
Things may have hit rock bottom on the Klamath back in 2002 when the dams’ impact to water quality were exacerbated by drought and resulting poor water conditions caused a massive fish kill. Tens of thousands of adult salmon died in the lower river just as Tribal communities were beginning to gather for annual World Renewal Ceremonies. For Native People, the sight of thousands of salmon getting sick and dying before their eyes was nothing short of apocalyptic. As horrific as the 2002 Fish Kill was, it may have been the catalyst that started the campaign to Bring the Salmon Home.
In 2004, PacifiCorp filed an application to renew its federal license to operate the Klamath River dams for another 50 years. Tribal communities responded with a resolve to defend the river and its salmon. A group representing Karuk, Yurok, Hoopa, and Klamath Tribes along with allies from the environmental, agricultural and commercial fishing communities launched their campaign for dam removal that year by traveling to Scotland– home the PacifiCorp’s parent company, Scottish Power. This was the kickoff to what was to become a two-decade long fight to remove the lower four Klamath River dams.
Dozens of protests, lawsuits, and meetings later, parties from all over the Basin finally gathered to negotiate terms of dam removal.
Collaborative Efforts and Historic Agreement
The path to dam removal was neither straightforward nor swift. It required years of advocacy, legal battles, and unprecedented collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Tribal People, environmental organizations, fishing groups, and local communities worked tirelessly alongside government agencies and the dam’s owner, PacifiCorp, to reach a consensus.
In 2016, a landmark agreement known as the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement (KHSA) was signed. This accord paved the way for the removal of the dams, with the ultimate goal of restoring the river’s ecosystem and improving water quality. In 2020, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved the dam removal plan, marking a significant victory for all involved.
Ahead of Schedule: Progress and Achievements
As of mid-2024, the Klamath Dam removal project is ahead of its projected timeline, a testament to the dedication and meticulous planning of all parties involved. Several key milestones have already been achieved:
Preparatory Work: Extensive preparatory work was completed, including environmental assessments, engineering designs, and logistical coordination. This groundwork ensured that the actual dam removal process was efficient and safe.
Community Engagement: Continuous engagement with local communities has been a cornerstone of the project. Regular meetings, public forums, and collaborative decision-making among the settlement parties has fostered a sense of shared ownership and responsibility. This inclusive approach has not only built trust but also enriched the project with diverse perspectives and knowledge.
Habitat Restoration: Simultaneous to the dam removal, significant efforts have been made to restore the river’s habitat. Riparian plantings, erosion control measures, and habitat restoration projects are already underway. These efforts aim to revitalize the river’s ecosystem and support the return of native fish species.
Economic Benefits: The project has also brought economic opportunities to the region. Local businesses and contractors have been engaged in various aspects of the project, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. This influx of economic activity is a welcome benefit for the surrounding communities.
Monitoring and Research: Continuous monitoring and research are integral to the project’s success. Scientists and environmental experts are closely observing water quality, sediment transport, and biological responses to the dam removal. This data is crucial for adaptive management strategies, ensuring that the river’s restoration is both effective and sustainable. Visit Grantee Spotlight: $330,000 Grant Supports California Trout’s New Monitoring Project on the Klamath to learn more about how newly launched projects to collect this important data.
The Road Ahead
With the project moving ahead of schedule, the actual dam deconstruction is nearly complete! KRRC estimates that the river will flow freely from Lake Euwana, near Klamath Falls, to the Pacific Ocean by the end of August. Already, landscapes that emerged early this year when the reservoirs were drained are planted in native shrubs, trees, and flowers, with more plantings planned this fall. While water quality suffered when the dams were first breached, water quality has recovered, and water temperatures are already improving.
It’s important to remember that the benefits of this project extend far beyond ecological restoration. For the Tribes of the region, the removal of the dams represents a profound step towards reclaiming their cultural heritage and traditional practices. The return of salmon and other native fish species is not only an ecological victory but also a cultural revival.
A Collective Victory
The Klamath Dam removal project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and collective action. It is a shining example of what can be achieved when diverse groups come together with a shared vision for a sustainable future. The success of this project is a tribute to the dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment of all involved.
As we celebrate the progress made, we also look forward to the continued journey towards a restored Klamath River. The upcoming months will be crucial, and the support and involvement of the wider community will remain essential. There are still many tributaries, wetlands, and forests in need of restoration. Agricultural and fishing communities are still wrangling over water allocations. In many ways dam removal is not an end to efforts to bring the salmon home but a beginning.