Many people have asked what will happen with the sediment stored behind the lower Klamath dams once they are removed. It’s an understandable question, which is why it has been so exhaustively studied. This outlines what the research has shown. Most importantly, the California State Water Resources Control Board’s Draft Environmental Impact Report projects that the sediment released and transported to the ocean will be similar to the amount carried during a year with average flow and less than what is delivered during a wet year. ... See more

This summer, KRRC worked with Confluence Research and Consulting to conduct a flow study to identify and document water volumes necessary for recreation opportunities, like boating and fishing, on the Klamath River reaches affected by the dam removal project. The results of the flow study will be used in various plans, including pinpointing locations for new recreation sites so the public can access and enjoy the new stretches of the river following dam removal.

Photo credit: Thomas O’Keefe, American Whitewater ... See more

Factual Friday: Salmon can get big. Like, really big. This 1925 photo features a massive Chinook salmon from the Columbia River. We hope that whoever caught it packed a lunch, because it would have taken a while to reel in that monster.

The Klamath River once boasted the third largest run of Chinook salmon on the west coast, but those numbers have drastically decreased over time. A key reason for the dam removal project is to bring those fish numbers back up by reopening habitat that has been blocked for a century. If conditions are right, Klamath salmon can also grow to a very robust size.

Learn more about Chinook salmon: https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Fish/Chinook-Salmon#:~:text=Chinook%20salmon%20are%20the%20largest,110%20pounds%20(50%20kilograms)

(Photo credit: River Maritime Museum) ... See more

KRRC loves being a part of the Klamath Basin community, and our community liaison Dave Meurer was happy to pitch in this summer to do a bit of weekend work on the beautiful Lost River Mitigation Bank. The Klamath Lake Land Trust (KLLT) sponsored a couple days of volunteer activity that included installing bird houses for wood ducks and tree swallows, placing turtle habitat logs on the edge of the river, planting shrubs and mending fences. Located on the right-hand side of HWY 140 East before Stevenson Park, the site is coming along nicely. It is worth the short drive to check out the progress. We appreciate KLLT and all the work they are doing to improve water quality in Upper Klamath Lake, which feeds into the Klamath River. Improved water quality is a win-win for the lake, the river, wildlife and, well…everyone! ... See more

Factual Friday: President Lyndon Johnson signed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act into law in 1968, and four years later Governor Ronald Reagan signed into law the Golden State’s version – the California Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. We love these historic photos because they remind us that protecting special rivers has a history of bipartisan support.

The California law states that, “certain rivers which possess extraordinary scenic, recreational, fishery, or wildlife values shall be preserved in their free-flowing state, together with their immediate environments, for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the state.”

The Klamath River is protected under both the state and federal versions of Wild and Scenic legislation, and we certainly understand why. The Klamath River is an amazingly beautiful waterway. But we think it will become even more beautiful when it is no longer segmented by four hydroelectric dams. Once KRRC removes those dams, the Klamath will run unimpeded for more than 250 miles from the outskirts of Klamath Falls to the small town of Klamath next to the sea. This will revitalize runs of salmon and steelhead and boost the economy of Klamath Basin communities. We can’t wait! ... See more

Factual Friday: What will the beavers do when the Klamath dams come down?

One of the interesting outcomes of dam removal on the Elwah River was a rebound in beaver populations. Not only are beavers thriving along the Elwha, but the beaver dams create pools that provide ideal habitat for juvenile salmon to rest and feed. Talk about a win-win! We are looking forward to seeing how beaver populations respond to removal of the Klamath dams.

Learn more through this The Seattle Times article: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/wood-chips-fly-at-elwha-river-as-beavers-make-a-comeback/ ... See more

“’As we’ve seen time after time on rivers across the country, dam removal works. Thanks to FERC’s decision today, the Klamath River is on the way to rebounding back to life. With ongoing cooperation from PacifiCorp and federal regulators, our children and future generations will know a healthy, free-flowing Klamath River,’ said Curtis Knight, Executive Director of California Trout.” via Lost Coast Outpost ... See more

Yesterday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved the partial transfer of the Lower Klamath Project License to KRRC, provided that PacifiCorp remain a co-licensee. We are pleased that FERC has identified a pathway for the project to move forward. There is more work to be done, and we are working with our settlement partners on how to ensure a successful project. Our partners have indicated they remain committed to identifying a path to move forward. The FERC Order can be viewed through the link below. ... See more

Factual Friday: Did you know Chinook salmon are prolific egg-layers? But just how many eggs can a single Chinook lay at a time? Test your knowledge with Reconnect Klamath's latest “How Klamath Basin Are You?” quiz. It has a host of interesting questions and factual information! ... See more

Happy Independence Day! We are thankful for our freedom and all the beauty and natural wonder our great nation has to offer. Wishing everyone a safe, healthy, and happy July 4th!