The largest dam removal project in U.S. history is nearing completion on the Klamath River, allowing salmon to have free passage for the first time in over a century. This project involves breaching rock dams upstream of two existing dams, Iron Gate and Copco No. 1, to restore the river’s historic channel and provide access to key spawning habitats for salmon. The removal of the dams is seen as an important step in restoring the ecosystem and cultural significance of salmon for tribes in the region.
The project is part of a national movement to restore rivers to their natural flow and improve habitat for fish and wildlife. Over 2,000 dams have been removed in the U.S. in the last 25 years, with the Klamath River project being one of the largest and most significant in terms of salmon restoration. The removal of the dams is expected to have positive impacts on the river ecosystem and help salmon populations recover.
While the dam removal is a major milestone, it may take some time for the river to fully heal and for salmon to return to their historical habitats. The project is expected to cost around $500 million and is being funded by taxpayers and PacifiCorp ratepayers. Despite the challenges ahead, there is optimism that salmon will soon be able to navigate the river freely and establish healthy populations once again.
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