The Activist Success Story Behind the Biggest Dam Removal Deal In U.S. History
A remarkable success story has emerged from decades of tenacious activism by a coalition of Indigenous groups, commercial fishers, environmentalists, and concerned citizens. Their unwavering efforts have resulted in Oregon and California state governments committing to the removal of four dams along the Klamath River.
For the Yurok Tribe, residing in the vast Klamath River Basin in Northern California for thousands of years, the river is the lifeblood of their traditions, culture, and community. The Klamath River once hosted the third-largest salmon migrations in the United States, but the construction of eight dams from the early 1900s to 1962 severely depleted fish populations, pushing spring-run Chinook salmon to the brink of extinction.
In response, a collective movement was sparked to “Un-dam the Klamath.” After years of organizing, the Yurok and Karuk tribes, along with the electric utility PacifiCorp (owner of the dams), reached a historic agreement in 2020 to begin removing the dams. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) played a crucial role, as the dams were built without fish passage, violating ESA requirements.
Despite initial obstacles and stalling agreements, the states of Oregon and California eventually agreed to take over dam ownership for removal. In November 2022, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission gave its final approval for the dam removal plan, with the dismantling starting in 2023.
The project is monumental: It is the largest dam removal and salmon restoration effort in U.S. history. It aims to revive 400 miles of habitat for salmon and other migratory fish. Reconnecting spawning grounds, improving water quality, and reducing the risk of toxic algae blooms are crucial steps toward rejuvenating the river ecosystem. The plan sets a global model for collaboration and sustainable river restoration.
Key figures in the movement, such as Samuel Gensaw, founder of the Ancestral Guard, have been instrumental in getting youth involved in preserving Yurok traditions and protecting the river. The coalition’s efforts brought together diverse groups, overcoming historical animosities for the collective survival of their species and the river’s well-being.
The success of “Un-dam the Klamath” underscores the necessity of holistic approaches, combining activism, legal strategies, good science, and policy advocacy. The alliance of tribes, commercial fishers, and environmental groups proved to be a winning formula. Strong leadership fostered meaningful relationships and collaborations.
The Klamath dam removal agreement represents a significant policy shift and serves as a testament to the power of unified efforts. Without the collaborative approach of tribes and strategic partners in the NGO and environmental conservation sectors, this historic achievement would not have been possible. The preservation of the Klamath River and its ecosystem stands as a beacon of hope for future generations and a model for sustainable river restoration worldwide.
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
