PHOENIX - The Klamath River is once again a free-flowing waterway after the last of four dams that nearly decimated its salmon populations was demolished last week. This monumental event marks a significant victory for the Yurok, Karuk, Hupa, and Klamath Tribes, as well as environmentalists who have fought tirelessly for decades to restore the river's natural course.
Brook Thompson, now 28 and a member of the Yurok Tribe, vividly remembers the tragic fish kill of 2002 when she was just seven years old. "It was devastating seeing thousands of dead bodies the same size as me in the river," Thompson recalls. This heartbreaking event ignited a two-decade-long campaign to save the Klamath River, with the removal of the dams being the ultimate solution.
The Final Barrier Removed
On Tuesday, the final coffer dams were breached, allowing the Klamath River to reclaim its ancient course. This breach opens up 400 miles of salmon spawning and nursery habitats, marking the completion of the nation's largest-ever dam removal project. River protectors and tribal members celebrated as the waters flowed freely, signifying the beginning of a new chapter in the Klamath Basin's restoration.
The Klamath River has suffered from over a century of mismanagement and injustices, including dam construction on ancestral lands and agricultural re-plumbing of the Upper Klamath Basin. These actions led to a 95% reduction in salmon populations, severely impacting the tribes who have relied on the river for centuries. The degradation of the river not only threatened the salmon but also the physical and spiritual health of the Native peoples.
The removal of the dams is expected to reverse these damages, allowing salmon and other fish populations to thrive once again. The project also aims to address the harmful effects of phosphorus pollution and toxic algae blooms that have plagued the river.
Next Steps for Klamath Basin Restoration
While the dam removal is a monumental step, the work is far from over. Final deconstruction of riverside infrastructure is expected to be completed by the end of September. Efforts to restore lands and tributary creek beds will continue for several years to ensure the river's recovery. Additionally, the Shasta Indian Nation is finalizing an agreement with California to restore 2,800 acres of land reclaimed from reservoir removal, furthering the process of healing and restoration.
A New Beginning for Tribal Youth
The success of the dam removal has been a source of inspiration for tribal youth, who now see the tangible progress their communities have made. "They're able to see the tribe has made progress, and they see they can be part of solutions," Thompson says, according to Yahoo. This renewed hope and engagement among younger generations signal a promising future for the Klamath River and the communities that depend on it.
