Klamath River ecosystem restoration

The Klamath River has seen significant ecological progress following the decommissioning of the Iron Gate, Copco 1, Copco 2, and J. C. Boyle dams. This project, noted as the largest of its kind globally, restored access to over 640 kilometers of river habitat. Scientific monitoring via sonar technology has documented a surge in salmon migration, with recorded numbers rising from 7,742 to 13,310 individuals over two seasons. Salmon have successfully returned to 88 percent of their documented historical range.

Despite these gains, the restoration efforts face new challenges. Tribal members and environmental advocates have warned that California’s proposed Bay-Delta Plan could jeopardize these progress. Critics argue the plan, which seeks to increase water flexibility for Central Valley cities and agriculture, may divert water from the Trinity River. Such a reduction in flows could increase water temperatures and threaten the salmon populations and tribal water rights that the recent dam removals were intended to protect.