How the largest dam removal in US history restored a legendary salmon run
For centuries, the Klamath River flourished with massive salmon migrations. Then, a century of industrial extraction and a series of dams nearly silenced the water. Now, a historic movement is undoing decades of damage to revive an ecosystem and honor Indigenous heritage.
The Klamath River, flowing through Northern California, was once defined by one of the most significant salmon runs on the North American continent. For thousands of years, this abundance supported the Yurok Tribe and shaped the local ecology. However, this natural cycle was interrupted by a century of intensive extraction and the construction of a series of dams that fundamentally altered the river's ability to sustain life.
The fight to reverse this damage led to a landmark achievement: the removal of four dams. This project represents the largest dam removal of its kind in the history of the United States. Led by advocates such as Amy Bowers Cordalis, the movement sought to dismantle the infrastructure that had choked the river, aiming to restore the natural flow and the migratory paths essential for salmon survival.
The struggle for the Klamath was not merely a legal or environmental battle, but a deeply personal one involving local communities and Indigenous leadership. Cordalis, an Indigenous advocate, helped steer the complex process of decommissioning these structures. The success of this removal offers a significant roadmap for other global communities currently working to protect and restore their own local environments and ancestral lands.
Beyond the environmental mechanics, the history of the Klamath is intertwined with stories of resistance. The movement's roots are tied to the endurance of families who faced federal authorities to protect their river. By removing these barriers, the project aims to undo a century of ecological decline and provide a blueprint for large-scale river restoration projects worldwide.
Source: Amy Bowers Cordalis: Why we blew up four dams — and saved a river
