Decades in the making, restoration is nearly complete for Northern California’s Klamath River, as the fourth and final major dam has been breached. The Klamath River now runs unobstructed for the first time in more than 100 years, providing connected access from the Pacific Ocean deep into California and Oregon. The implications for wild fish, native wildlife, the tribes, and river enthusiasts cannot be understated: the largest dam removal project in U.S. history is near complete, and there is hope for the native fish and wildlife. Earlier this week, crews successfully dismantled Iron Gate Dam, the largest and most downstream of the four dams, effectively restoring 420 miles of prime habitat for wild anadromous species.
You likely recall seeing or reading about construction crews removing the other three dams over the past year. There were explosions and joyous celebrations, as a restored Klamath River became more and more of a reality. That reality is settling in for many, including Brian Johnson.
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In his roles with Trout Unlimited and on the Board of Director’s of the Klamath River Renewal Corporation, Brian Johnson has thought about this day for decades and spent much of his professional career towards the shared goal of a free-flowing Klamath River.
“It wasn’t easy,” Brian wrote in a TU Blog. The dam removal campaign had incredible victories and breakthroughs along the way, but it also hit roadblocks that risked being dealbreakers. The effort almost failed several times. But the partners always stepped up to figure out a way forward.”
“Ultimately, I think the most important lesson is the reminder that big things happen when committed people decide that failure is not an option. So today, on behalf of Klamath River salmon and steelhead and the communities that cannot live without them, we celebrate all the talented, relentless people who wouldn’t take no for an answer. We salute everyone who made this moment possible.”
The Klamath was once supported one of the largest salmon rivers on the west coast, but that was before the dams. Since then, wild salmon and steelhead in the Klamath were pushed toward the brink–fisheries had closed, extensive mitigation efforts were attempted, the Endangered Species Act was deployed, yet the runs continued declining. Now, with a free-flowing river and restored access to 420 miles of pristine habitat, there is hope that the Klamath’s native fish can follow the success observed on the Elwha River.
We cannot wait for the first reports of salmon and steelhead charting deep into California and Oregon tribs to successfully spawn and bring promise to a future with abundant wild populations. Also, stay tuned for some more in-depth coverage on all the behind-the-scenes habitat work that’s been going on for years in anticipation of reconnecting the Klamath.
Cover Picture courtesy of TU’s Josh Duplechian.
Breaking: Federal Regulators OK Plan to Remove the Klamath Dams
