REPRINT: Dams Down, Will Ranches Survive?

_{The CATTLE Mag}
^{cover photo: Iron Gate Dam, Jay Martin}

Please take a look at latest article (released 2/22/24 by The CATTLE Mag) about Klamath hydroelectric dam removal, the environmental disaster it has caused thus far, and the likely devastating effects on Klamath River’s fish populations. With millions of cubic yards of sediment now unleashed in the Klamath River, Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, and coho salmon (listed as “threatened” under the endangered species acts) will likely suffer drastically—and for many years to come. Small farms and ranches along the Scott and Shasta rivers (tributaries to the Klamath) have reason to worry about their own futures. If history is any measure, they will be called upon to sacrifice water to help recover Klamath fish populations. These farmers and ranchers have already sacrificed much in the name of the very fish that are now threatened by irresponsible dam removal methods.

This disaster could have been avoided. But instead of upgrading the dams for fish passage, or instead of dredging out sediment from behind the dams before breaching them, the agencies and the Klamath River Renewal Corporation decided to “flush” out the sediment via the Klamath River—the salmon’s lifeline. 

• Rubble from Copco No. 1 Dam Blast Temporarily Blocks Outlet, Raises Reservoir Level
  A blast conducted as part of the removal of the Copco No. 1 Dam on the Klamath River resulted in large concrete rubble partially blocking the dam’s low-level outlet pipe, causing the reservoir level to rise approximately 10 feet. The incident occurred on April 2nd and was reported to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)… Read more: Rubble from Copco No. 1 Dam Blast Temporarily Blocks Outlet, Raises Reservoir Level
• CalMatters: California once led in government transparency. It descended into secrecy and opacity
  By Dan WaltersCalMatters, CalMatters NetworkApril 26, 2024 Stay up-to-date with free briefings on topics that matter to all Californians. Subscribe to CalMatters today for nonprofit news in your inbox. California once was a national leader in making government more transparent, requiring state and local agencies to conduct their business in public meetings and giving Californians… Read more: CalMatters: California once led in government transparency. It descended into secrecy and opacity
• The Code of the West…the Realities of Rural Living
  A Primer for Living in SISKIYOU COUNTY, CALIFORNIA 2005 Edition source: www.co.siskiyou.ca.usmade accessible 5/2019 ACKNOWLEDGMENT The idea for “The Code of the West…the realities of rural living” originated from counties in Colorado. Some of the information in the Siskiyou County “code” is taken directly from those publications and some has been adapted to address specific… Read more: The Code of the West…the Realities of Rural Living
• College of Siskiyou Spring Concert Schedule
  Weed / COS – The College of the Siskiyous Music Department will feature many opportunities for the community and music lovers of all ages to attend upcoming concerts.  The concerts will feature the COS Chamber Music, Concert Choir, and the COS Vocal Jazz Ensemble.  Come and let your heart be filled with joy as you… Read more: College of Siskiyou Spring Concert Schedule
• CalFire PR: BURN PERMITS REQUIRED May 1, 2024
  Yreka, Ca- The CAL FIRE Siskiyou Unit will require residential burn permits effective 6:00 a.m. onWednesday, May 1, 2024, for any type of open burning within State Responsibility Areas (SRA) of Siskiyou County. Greg Roath, Chief of the CAL FIRE Siskiyou Unit wants to remind residents as we approach the upcoming fire season it’s important… Read more: CalFire PR: BURN PERMITS REQUIRED May 1, 2024