Klamath River dam removal completed ahead of schedule

Governor Gavin Newsome | Twitter Website

The ambitious Klamath River restoration project has reached a significant milestone with the completion of dam removal efforts, marking the largest river restoration endeavor in U.S. history. The project was completed ahead of schedule and on budget, as announced by Governor Gavin Newsom.

The focus now shifts to restoring 2,200 acres of land that were previously submerged. This work is expected to continue for several years.

Governor Newsom played a key role in advancing this initiative since 2020, advocating for federal approvals and engaging with tribal leaders and stakeholders. In August, he noted the project's progress with fish returning to freely swim in the Klamath River for the first time in over a century.

“This is a monumental achievement – not just for the Klamath River but for our entire state, nation, and planet,” said Governor Newsom. He emphasized the ecological benefits of removing outdated dams and highlighted its importance for tribal communities reliant on the river's health.

The removal opens nearly 400 miles of habitat critical to salmon and other species integral to both ecosystems and local communities.

Tribal leaders expressed their support:

“Our áama, ancestral companions, can now return to over 400 miles of unleashed spawning grounds,” stated Chairman Russell ‘Buster’ Attebery of the Karuk Tribe. He added that this development represents a reclamation of cultural heritage and sovereign rights.

Yurok Tribal Chairman Joseph L. James remarked on the tribal effort as fulfilling "our sacred duty to maintain balance in the world."

Since hydroelectric dams began construction in 1918, salmon populations have significantly declined due to restricted water flow impacting quality and temperature—conditions vital for fish survival.

This achievement is celebrated by Klamath Basin tribes, California and Oregon states, as well as environmental groups involved in restoration efforts.

Visual documentation illustrating changes before and after each dam’s removal can be found through Swiftwater Films.