Salmon are swimming freely in the Klamath River for the first time in over a century after the largest dam removal project in U.S. history was completed. The project, which involved demolishing four outdated dams, aims to rejuvenate the river’s natural flow and ecosystem, substantially benefiting both Chinook salmon and other aquatic life.
On October 2, 2024, following decades of struggle and advocacy primarily led by Native American tribes, the Klamath Dam removal reached its final stage, marking the end of what has been described as both the world’s largest and most environmentally significant dam removal effort. The vision was to restore the river, allowing salmon populations, which have faced dramatic declines due to habitat loss, to begin migrating upstream and repopulating their ancestral waters.
Historically, between 1903 and 1962, the power company PacifiCorp constructed multiple dams along the Klamath River for electricity generation purposes. Over the years, these structures significantly disrupted the river's natural flow, choking off migration routes for fish, particularly affecting the once-thriving Chinook salmon population.
Quickly after the project concluded, brilliant photographs captured the immediate effects of the removals: clear waters flowing where concrete barriers used to stand. On the very next day, researchers from California Trout documented the arrival of fish, including 2.5-foot-long Chinook salmon, migrating upstream, symbolizing hope for the revival of the ecosystem. This remarkable turnaround highlights not just the ecological significance but also the cultural revitalization for local tribes.
Tribal spokesman Joseph L. James, the chairman of the Yurok Tribe, expressed the sentiment underlying the dam removal, stating, “The tribally led effort to dismantle the dams is an expression of our sacred duty to maintain balance in the world. That is why we fought so hard for so long to tear down the dams and bring the salmon home.” This reflects the deep cultural connection tribes have with the river and the salmon, which have been central to their way of life for generations.
Environmentalists and fish advocates have been instrumental throughout this lengthy process, working tirelessly to push for the dam removals, especially following the devastating fish kills caused by bacterial outbreaks due to stagnated water conditions, which significantly impacted local fish populations.
California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, heralded this project as more than just environmental remediation. He emphasized, “This is a monumental achievement – not just for the Klamath River but for our entire state, nation, and planet. By taking down these outdated dams, we are giving salmon and other species a chance to thrive once again, restoring not only the river but also the livelihoods of tribal communities who have long depended on its health.”
The project was initially approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) back in 2022, solidifying the commitment to restore the river’s ecosystem over time. The construction phase started around July 2023, and by October 2024, the last of the dams had been dismantled, bringing about what many hope will be the beginning of ecological healing.
Though the excitement is palpable with the return of salmon, scientists caution this is just the first step. Full restoration of the river will take years of monitoring and intervention. Still, the initial reactions from the environmental and scientific communities signal optimism. Researchers are moving forward with plans to continue tracking the migration patterns of salmon and other fish species to gain insights on how quickly the river can heal.
Visual documentation of the project has illuminated the compelling narrative of the dam removals. Captivated by the results, Swiftwater Films, the documentary team behind the undertaking, released before-and-after images showcasing the dramatic transformation of the river’s geography.
For years, this restoration battle has demonstrated how intertwined human development, environmental degradation, and cultural preservation can be. Following the dismantling of the dams, stories of resurgence are sure to emerge, as communities witness firsthand how nature responds when granted the freedom to thrive.
With this significant step forward, the Klamath River stands as a beacon of hope and resilience for salmon populations and the tribes who depend on them. The dam removal project is not merely about tearing down concrete structures but is deeply rooted in the cultural ethos and ecological health of the region. The return of the salmon symbolizes not just ecological restoration but a cultural revival for local tribes, reaffirming their connection to the Klamath River as part of their heritage.
Every time salmon leap upstream, they tell the story of survival, commitment, and hope—transforming the Klamath River from a silent witness to human impact to once again being the lifeline it has been for centuries.
