Tribes Celebrate Completion of Largest Dam Removal Project in US History
The largest dam removal project in US history has recently concluded near the California-Oregon border, bringing an end to a long-standing battle for local tribes. After years of protests, testimonies, and legal challenges, the removal of four hydroelectric dams along the Klamath River has opened up hundreds of miles of vital waterway, particularly significant for the salmon population, which holds cultural and spiritual importance for the tribes in the region.
The dams, constructed by power company PacifiCorp between 1918 and 1962, had impeded the natural flow of the river, once renowned as the third-largest salmon-producing river on the West Coast. Despite generating only a fraction of PacifiCorp’s energy output at full capacity, the dams had severe impacts on the salmon population and did not provide significant benefits such as irrigation, drinking water, or flood control.
Since the removal of the dams, there have been noticeable improvements in the environment, with anadromous fish reclaiming their natural habitats, water quality enhancements, and decreased water temperatures. While this marks a significant milestone, tribal advocates and activists are now shifting their focus towards further restoration efforts in the Klamath River and surrounding areas.
One prominent figure in the fight for dam removal is Karuk tribal member Molli Myers, who was actively engaged in advocacy efforts, even traveling to Scotland in 2004 with fellow tribal members to protest outside a PacifiCorp shareholder meeting. Reflecting on the urgency of the situation, Myers highlighted the responsibility she felt towards safeguarding the future for her children and the community.
Yurok elder Jacqueline Winter’s journey intertwined personal and collective loss, as her son, Troy Fletcher, a key figure in the campaign for dam removal, passed away before witnessing the realisation of a free-flowing river. Winter emphasised the spirit of unity promoted by her son, where individuals with diverse perspectives came together to achieve a common goal, underscoring the interconnectedness of all those affected by the river’s restoration.
Former Klamath Tribes Chairman Jeff Mitchell’s advocacy for dam removal stemmed from a deep-rooted belief in the symbiotic relationship between salmon and the tribes. Mitchell’s lifelong dedication to this cause, spanning back to the 1970s, has been instrumental in achieving the removal of the dams. Looking ahead, Mitchell emphasised the importance of ongoing restoration efforts to ensure a thriving ecosystem for future generations.
As the tribes celebrate this significant milestone, they acknowledge there is still much work to be done to revitalise the Klamath River and surrounding areas. The legacy of perseverance, resilience, and unity displayed throughout this journey serves as a testament to the enduring commitment of the tribes in preserving their cultural and environmental heritage.