• Dams removed on Klamath River, restoring fish access to historic habitat.
• California Governor celebrates “righting the wrongs of the past.”
• Siskiyou County denied State of Emergency declaration despite concerns.
• Restoration efforts aim to revitalize tribes and boost salmon populations.
• Dam removal marks largest such project in US history.

August 29, 2024 — California Governor Gavin Newsom writes that in a landmark event marking a significant step towards environmental restoration, fish are once again swimming freely in the Klamath River after more than a century of being blocked by dams. Removing two cofferdams at Iron Gate and Copco No. 1 has returned the Klamath to a free-flowing state in California, opening up over 400 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for native fish species like salmon and steelhead.

Governor Newsom hailed this achievement: “Today, fish are swimming freely in the Klamath for the first time in more than a century, thanks to the incredible work of our tribal, local and federal partners.” He emphasized California’s commitment to “righting the wrongs of the past.”

Siskiyou County’s Concerns Unmet.

The dam removal project, however, has not been without controversy. Siskiyou County, expressing concerns about potential impacts on air and water quality and public health and safety, had requested a State of Emergency declaration.

Despite these concerns, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services denied the request, stating that the situation was within the County’s capability to manage.  In an August 23 news release, Siskiyou County wrote,

While the request for a State of Emergency has been denied, Siskiyou County is committed to continuing its efforts to protect the health and safety of our residents. We are actively working with state agencies such as the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to monitor air and water quality. In addition to the two air quality monitors that have already been deployed, CARB will be deploying more specialized air monitors, and on-going water testing will be conducted to ensure that any potential risks are mitigated.

We understand that this decision may be disappointing, and we share your concerns. The County will continue to advocate for resources and remain vigilant in monitoring the situation. We encourage residents to reach out with any concerns they may have.

A Collaborative Effort for Restoration.

The Klamath River restoration project, deemed the largest of its kind in American history, is a collaborative endeavor involving state, federal, and tribal partners. It aims to remove four obsolete hydroelectric dams in California and Oregon that have degraded water quality and harmed salmon populations over decades.

The dam removal is anticipated to benefit fish populations and revitalize the culture and economy of several tribes in the Klamath Basin.

The remaining dams are scheduled for removal throughout the year. This project, combined with initiatives such as California’s first salmon restoration strategy and substantial investments to protect the species, reflects a concerted effort to address the environmental challenges facing the Klamath River and its inhabitants.

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TOP OF FOLD IMAGE:
Map of the Six Major Dams on the Klamath River showing the Four Being Removed 2023-2024, California Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, published November 8, 2022.

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