A River Restored: The Historic Removal of the Klamath Dams

The Klamath River-once blocked by four major dams-is flowing freely again for the first time in over a century.

The largest river restoration project in American history has officially completed the removal of all four dams ahead of schedule and on budget, according to Governor Gavin Newsom’s office (Office of Governor Newsom, 2024). The project’s dam removal phase wrapped up in October 2024, after a carefully orchestrated, multi-year process (Mongabay, 2024). Work will continue for several years to restore the 2,200 acres of previously submerged lands.

I had the privilege of being involved in early stakeholder discussions as a representative for the State of California. What I saw, and what we accomplished, is a powerful reminder that when diverse voices come together tribal leaders, environmental advocates, government agencies, and energy companies real, lasting change is possible.

Why It Mattered

The Klamath River was once the third-largest salmon-producing river on the West Coast. But for more than a century, hydroelectric dams built between 1918 and 1962 blocked fish migration, degraded water quality, and devastated the river’s ecosystem (BBC, 2024).

Salmon populations plummeted. Water temperatures rose. Algal blooms became toxic. For Indigenous communities like the Yurok and Karuk Tribes, the river’s decline was more than environmental it was deeply personal.

As Yurok Tribal Chairman Joseph L. James put it, “The tribally led effort to dismantle the dams is an expression of our sacred duty to maintain balance in the world… to bring the salmon home” (Office of Governor Newsom, 2024).

What We’ve Gained

The environmental response has already been stunning. With the river’s natural flow restored, over 400 miles of historic fish habitat have been reconnected, opening vital spawning grounds for salmon and steelhead (NOAA Fisheries, 2024; BBC, 2024). Restoration of the 2,200 acres of previously submerged land is underway, with tribal and scientific partners leading the effort.

The water is cooler, cleaner, and flowing freely. Algal blooms are receding. Fish can now migrate naturally in both directions-reviving an ecosystem that had been slowly suffocating for generations.

As Chairman Russell Attebery of the Karuk Tribe said, “The river is cleansing itself… This is a reclamation of our cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and sovereign rights” (Office of Governor Newsom, 2024).

A Blueprint for What’s Possible

The Klamath River story isn’t just about dams or fish. It’s about vision, patience, and collaboration. It’s about undoing environmental harm in a way that heals communities and ecosystems alike.

In a time when water issues continue to divide and define California, the success of this project offers hope. It shows that long-term thinking and inclusive dialogue can deliver results that benefit everyone-especially future generations.

As a Board Director for the Eastern Municipal Water District, I carry the lessons of the Klamath with me. Let’s keep fighting for smart, inclusive, forward-thinking solutions right here at home.

Works Cited

Office of Governor Gavin Newsom. "Klamath River Dams Fully Removed Ahead of Schedule." State of California, 2 Oct. 2024, https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/10/02/klamath-river-dams-fully-removed-ahead-of-schedule/.

Mongabay. "Largest Dam Removal Ever, Driven by Tribes, Kicks Off Klamath River Recovery." Mongabay, 24 Oct. 2024, https://news.mongabay.com/2024/10/largest-dam-removal-ever-driven-by-tribes-kicks-off-klamath-river-recovery/.

NOAA Fisheries. "Final Step in Klamath River Dam Removal Opens Path for Returning Salmon." National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 10 Feb. 2024, https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/final-step-klamath-river-dam-removal-opens-path-returning-salmon.

BBC. "The Largest Dam Removal in US History Is Complete." BBC Future, 3 Sept. 2024, https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240903-removing-the-klamath-river-dams-to-restore-the-river-what-happens-next.