California tribes celebrate historic dam removal: ‘More successful than we ever imagined’

Klamath River: Earlier this year, explosions echoed through the canyons of the Klamath River, marking a fresh start for this region along the Oregon-California border.

In October, the last of four hydroelectric dams was taken down, making it the biggest project of its kind in the U.S. It’s a huge deal!

But that was just the beginning. Now, the focus is on restoring the river, which stretches 263 miles from the Cascade mountains in Oregon to the Pacific coast in Northern California.

People are feeling hopeful about this environmental turnaround. Ren Brownell, a spokesperson for the Klamath River Renewal Corporation, said, “It has been more successful than we ever imagined.” There’s a lot of joy in the air.

The Klamath River used to be a thriving ecosystem, known for producing tons of salmon. It was home to many tribes, like the Hoopa and Yurok, who relied on the river for food and culture for thousands of years.

But over the last century, things changed drastically. The first dam went up in 1918, and soon after, the river’s flow was altered. Salmon and other native species struggled to migrate, which messed up the whole ecosystem.

These dams also trapped sediment that should have flowed downstream, creating warm, shallow reservoirs that led to toxic algae blooms. It’s been a tough ride for the river.

With climate change making things worse, the region has faced severe droughts and wildfires. Many salmon species are now threatened or endangered.

As the river’s health declined, it became clear that removing the dams was a crucial step toward recovery. But convincing local communities to support this change was a challenge.

In 2002, a major algae bloom killed 70,000 salmon, highlighting the dire situation. This tragedy sparked a coalition of tribes to push for dam removal, educating the public and rallying support.

It took years of hard work, but finally, in the mid-2000s, PacifiCorp agreed to remove the dams, influenced by changing public opinion and the high costs of maintaining them.

In November 2020, a deal was struck among various stakeholders, leading to the formation of the Klamath River Renewal Corporation to oversee the removal process.

They had to work with local residents, manage species plans, and ensure outdoor enthusiasts could still enjoy the river. It was a big task, but everyone was eager to contribute.

Brownell described the journey as a “tremendous rollercoaster.” Standing in the canyon as the first dam was blasted away, she felt a mix of excitement and responsibility.

She watched as the river began to flow freely again, reconnecting with its natural path. It was a thrilling moment for everyone involved.

However, the process wasn’t without its challenges. The dams had held back a massive amount of sediment, and when they were removed, the river faced a tough adjustment period.

Brownell recalled how the water looked murky and lifeless as it rushed downstream. It was a hard sight, but she knew it was part of the healing process.

Leaf Hillman, a Karuk tribal leader, helped keep spirits high, reminding everyone that this was a sign of recovery. He envisioned a restored river, even when the water was cloudy.

Fortunately, the river only lacked oxygen for two days, much shorter than expected. As 2025 approaches, the real work of restoration begins.

Hillman is optimistic about the future, especially for the fish that will return to their natural habitats. With 400 miles of salmon habitat restored, there’s a lot to look forward to.

In late November, coho salmon were spotted in the upper Klamath River basin for the first time in over 60 years. Other wildlife is benefiting too, like turtles and river otters.

Strong winter rains have also helped the river recover, redistributing sediments and bringing life back to the ecosystem.

While there’s still much to do, the return of sacred lands to the Shasta Indian Nation is a significant step forward. Their history is painful, but this moment marks a new beginning.

Janice Crowe, chair of the Shasta Indian Nation, expressed hope for the future, saying, “Today is a turning point in the history of the Shasta people.”

Yet, challenges remain. The river is still murky, and the effects of climate change are ongoing. Tribal leaders are still waiting for the salmon to return to their homelands.

But for many, the removal of the dams is a powerful reminder that change is possible. Toz Soto, a fish biologist, was skeptical until he saw the first dam come down.

Now, he’s excited about the future and the chance to reintroduce salmon to the river. Water conditions are already improving, and it’s a promising sign.

“It’s a river again,” he said with a smile, reflecting on the transformation. It’s a hopeful time for the Klamath River and all who depend on it.