The Californer - California: Klamath River dams fully removed ahead of schedule

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Oct 2, 2024

Klamath River dams fully removed ahead of schedule

What you need to know: The largest river restoration project in American history has officially completed all of the work to remove the dams, a massive infrastructure project that was done ahead of schedule and on budget. Work will continue for several years restoring the 2,200 acres of formerly submerged lands.

SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Newsom announced that the Klamath River restoration project completed the final work to remove the dams from the river. The largest such infrastructure project in American history has came in ahead of schedule and on budget.

While the dam removal portion of the project is now complete, work will continue for several years restoring the 2,200 acres of formerly submerged lands.

Governor Newsom helped convene leaders in 2020 to advance this restoration plan and since then has pushed for the needed federal approvals, returned land to the Shasta Indian Nation, visited the site, and more. In August, the Governor announced that the project had gotten to the point of fish being able to swim freely for the first time in more than 100 years, with the Klamath River returning to free-flowing.

"This is a monumental achievement – not just for the Klamath River but for our entire state, nation, and planet. By taking down these outdated dams, we are giving salmon and other species a chance to thrive once again, while also restoring an essential lifeline for tribal communities who have long depended on the health of the river. This is proof of what's possible when we come together to prioritize our environment, our people, and future generations."

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Governor Gavin Newsom

The removal of the dams, which had blocked the river's natural flow for over a century, restores nearly 400 miles of vital habitat for salmon and other species that are essential to the river's ecosystem and the communities that depend on them.

Here's what tribal leaders had to say:

"Our áama, ancestral companions, can now return to over 400 miles of unleashed spawning grounds, renewing a bond that has nourished our people since time immemorial. The river is cleansing itself, and with time, its waters will grow purer. The scars left by the dams will fade and balance will be restored to the land. This is a reclamation of our cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and sovereign rights. We are thankful to everyone who made this possible. Yôotva!" – Chairman Russell 'Buster' Attebery of the Karuk Tribe
"The tribally led effort to dismantle the dams is an expression of our sacred duty to maintain balance in the world. That is why we fought so hard for so long to tear down the dams and bring the salmon home." – Yurok Tribal Chairman Joseph L. James

The Klamath River, once the third-largest salmon-producing river on the West Coast, has faced drastic declines in fish populations since the construction of hydroelectric dams began in 1918. The river's blocked flow reduced water quality, increased temperatures, and made it nearly impossible for salmon and steelhead to complete their life cycles.

This represents a major victory for the Klamath Basin tribes, the States of California and Oregon, and numerous environmental and fishing groups.

Below is how the river has transformed with each dam's removal:

Before and after photos can also be found here, attributable to Swiftwater Films.

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