It’s exciting that the drawdown of Iron Gate Reservoir is imminent, marking a historic moment in this massive restoration effort.
Klamath Dam Removal Science Collaboration Workshop
Klamath River Dam Removal Offers Opportunity for Coordinated Research and Monitoring
The removal of four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River – slated to occur in 2023 and 2024 – represents the largest dam removal project in U.S. history. While the dam removal itself is being undertaken by the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) to comply with regulatory requirements, there is a need and opportunity to coordinate more extensive research and monitoring to understand the ecological impacts of this monumental action.
The Klamath River was once the third most productive salmon river on the West Coast, but dams, water diversions, and other development have dramatically reduced fish populations and impacted tribal communities like the Yurok and Karuk who rely on the river. The goal of removing the dams is to restore the free-flowing river and revive its crucial fisheries. However, our scientific understanding of the effects of large-scale dam removal is still limited.
Some monitoring is already underway or planned around the dams themselves and for threatened species. But more coordinated efforts are needed to look at watershed-scale changes to the river’s geomorphology, water quality, ecology and how native species will respond. Key questions remain about how the ecosystem will evolve after a century of impoundment behind the dams.
To address these knowledge gaps, tribes like the Yurok and Karuk have organized workshops over the past few years, bringing together various stakeholders to identify research priorities and opportunities for collaboration. Scientists have emphasized the need to leverage existing monitoring programs where possible, while filling gaps with new coordinated studies.
The Klamath dam removal offers an unmatched chance to further our understanding of ecological restoration on a landscape scale. Lessons learned here can inform river management around the world. But realizing these research opportunities will require continued partnership among tribes, government agencies, academics and others. By working together, they can ensure the most extensive learning possible is derived from this unprecedented project.
2023-Klamath_Dam_Removal_Science_Collaboration_Workshop-Summary_ReportThe workshop summary notes there is still much to learn as we witness the effects of releasing the dams on such an ecosystem scale. But the level of engagement from tribes, academics, government bodies and others demonstrated at the workshop is extremely encouraging. I look forward to seeing what we can discover through systematic monitoring and analysis of this unprecedented restoration project in the years ahead. It’s an exciting time for the Klamath River and for river ecology.
These resources will be invaluable for scientists and agencies studying the Klamath River as the removal process unfolds. The collaborative spirit driving information sharing and research alignment is key.
*better reading with ai assistance
- the Obituary of Karen L. ShipmanKaren L. Shipman Obituary Longtime Yreka resident Karen Capps Shipman passed away on April 30, 2024 at her home in Yreka. She was 79 years old. Karen was born on August 29, 1944 in Portland, Oregon to Joel L. and Viola Hoffman Barker. She was the fifth of six children. The family moved to Grants… Read more: the Obituary of Karen L. Shipman
- California High School Rodeo Association Hosts Successful Rodeo in EtnaThe California High School Rodeo Association (CHSRA) held their 8th rodeo of the season in Etna, CA on April 26-27, 2024. The event showcased the talents of high school rodeo athletes from across the state. Cover photo by https://www.crystalamenphotography.com/rodeo In the bareback riding event, Quentin Personeni from Oroville emerged victorious with a score of 134.… Read more: California High School Rodeo Association Hosts Successful Rodeo in Etna
- Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Siskiyou County ShootingYreka, CA – A Siskiyou County jury has found Timothy Chase McDonald, 26, guilty of first-degree murder for the shooting death of Spencer Hodgson, 31, in a case that dates back to April 2019. On April 8th, 2019, the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible dead body near Yreka Walker Road… Read more: Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Siskiyou County Shooting
- the Obituary of James H. NeptuneJames H. Neptune Obituary James (Jim) H. Neptune passed away on April 24, 2024 at the age of 85. He was born November 8, 1938 to Carl and Amy Neptune in Mt. Shasta. He was preceded in death by wife, Twila Neptune, and brothers, Stanley Neptune and John Neptune. He is survived by his sister,… Read more: the Obituary of James H. Neptune
- Major Decision from FERC Still Pending on Iron Gate Dam RemovalSerious questions remain about the Klamath River Renewal Corporation’s (KRRC) schedule and overall plan for removal of Iron Gate Dam.Reprinted from KWUA’s newsletter By Moss DriscollDirector of Water PolicyKlamath Water Users Association On April 22, KRRC submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) its “optimal excavation schedule” and supporting information for removal of Iron… Read more: Major Decision from FERC Still Pending on Iron Gate Dam Removal