Klamath Dam Removed, Habitat Recovery Begins
The crew began working to remove four dams on the Klamath River that tribes and other groups had been lobbying for decades to tear down.
Early demolition work will include upgrading bridges and building roads to facilitate access to the remote dam, which is scheduled to be fully decommissioned by the end of 2024. The removal of the 38-mile-long dam on the river has been targeted by the last dam owner, PacifiCorp, California, Oregon, Yurok, Kalk, and many environmental groups to restore salmon populations. increase.
The Klamath River Renewal Corporation held a press conference on Thursday to give an update on its work on dam demolition and habitat restoration.
“We have embarked on the world’s largest salmon recovery project to date. Tucker said: Press conference. “Recent news has been circulating about how dire the forecast for salmon in California is going to be this year. We anticipate the near-total closure of similar commercial tribal and recreational fisheries in the Klamath and Sacramento river systems, leaving salmon in a dire situation and preventing projects such as this. is exactly what we need.”
The Pacific Fisheries Management Council plans to cancel this year’s California salmon season because the Chinook population is declining.
The project, funded by $200 million from PacifiCorp and $250 million from the California Water Bond, includes habitat restoration activities, including 17 billion native species planted along rivers. I’m here.
“Removing a dam can be a bit of a chore, so we are here to stabilize reservoir sediment through the regeneration of native vegetation and provide quality habitat in no time.” Dave Coffman of Northern California and Southern Oregon said. Director of Resource Environment Solutions said:
“Like I said, quality habitat for these fish hasn’t been available for over 100 years.
To complete the project, several sites have been developed to house the workforce, including trailers, office space, lodging, RV parks, and bike facilities for construction workers, and are located throughout the Pacific Northwest. It could be used for future restoration projects, Coffman said.
KRRC board member Wendy Ferris, appointed by the Karuk Tribe, said at a press conference that restoring the Klamath River and removing the dam is of unspeakable importance to the local tribes.
“Governments have come and gone, elected officials have come and gone, activists have come and gone. Many of them are gone now, but we were able to achieve this great victory,” Ferris said. I got
You can contact Jackson Guilfoil at 707-441-0506.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/03/25/klamath-dam-removals-habitat-restoration-begins/ Klamath Dam Removed, Habitat Recovery Begins