Removing Dams is Good

For the environment and for salmon.

Today's good news starts with the fact that because we are getting so good at producing electricity, the payoffs aren't just on the grid or in our homes. In this case, the payoff is a river along the California-Oregon border, and in a project that has been called the "world's largest dam removal effort" by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Klamath River has been returned to a state last seen in 1918, via the world's largest dam removal effort, the Klamath River Renewal Project. With an amount of habitat revitalized at a truly astounding scale, equivalent to the distance between Portland, Maine, and Philadelphia.

Four hydroelectric dams have been removed, and in less than a month, the environmental impact was already evident:

• Salmon were quick to return and spawn.

• Harmful algae blooms were lessened.

• Water temperatures fell, leading to healthier fish.

  

So, the Klamath River, once a vital lifeline for countless species and Indigenous communities, is well on its way to a remarkable restoration. The removal of these four hydroelectric dams, a monumental engineering feat, has unleashed the river's potential, allowing salmon and other aquatic life to reclaim their rightful habitats.

The Klamath River's resurgence benefits not only the environment but also the human communities that depend on it. Indigenous tribes, who have long revered the river, are celebrating the return of cultural practices and spiritual connections. Recreational fishing and tourism are also expected to flourish as the river's health improves. Moreover, the removal of the dams has opened up new opportunities for scientific research and education, allowing us to learn from this remarkable ecological experiment.

The Klamath River with and without the Boyle Dam

As the river continues to heal, ongoing monitoring and adaptive management will be in place to ensure the long-term health of the ecosystem. This is a testament to recognizing that engineering projects are not ahistorical, and that when these engineering artifacts are no longer of use, taking the proper steps to return nature and local environments to their rightful states is essential.

By taking bold action to remove outdated dams, we have not only restored a habitat and ecosystem but also rekindled a specific cultural and ecological heritage.

The Klamath River is back, unimpeded.

That's a good thing.