The largest dam removal project in U.S. history is nearing completion along the Klamath River, giving salmon free passage to their historic habitats for the first time in over 100 years. The removal of the four large dams built by PacifiCorp between 1918 and 1962 disrupted the natural flow of the river and caused a drastic decline in the salmon population, with a bacterial outbreak in 2002 killing over 34,000 fish. The Karuk and Yurok tribes, along with environmental groups, have been advocating for the removal of the dams for decades.
The project is part of a national movement to restore rivers to their natural state and promote the recovery of ecosystems for fish and wildlife. Over 2,000 dams have been removed in the U.S. in the last 25 years, with a focus on restoring natural river flows. The Klamath River was once the third-largest salmon-producing river on the West Coast, making the dam removal crucial for the restoration of the fish population and ecosystem health in the region.
While the dam removals will have minimal impact on the power supply, costing around $500 million, the restoration of the river and the return of the salmon are uncertain timelines. Early signs indicate fish starting their journey up the river, but it may take time for the river to fully heal. The project is seen as a positive step towards restoring the natural flow of the Klamath River and allowing salmon to thrive once again.
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