Historic Return: Salmon Spotted in Klamath Basin After Dam Removal

The removal of four dams has allowed Chinook salmon to reach their spawning grounds in the Klamath Basin for the first time in over a century.

Biologists identified a Chinook salmon in an Oregon tributary of the Klamath River, marking a significant ecological milestone.
The dam removal project, completed in August, was the largest of its kind in U.S. history and involved dismantling four hydroelectric dams.
The effort was driven by decades of advocacy from Indigenous tribes, including the Yurok and Karuk, who have cultural and economic ties to the salmon.
With the dams gone, salmon now have access to over 400 miles of river and tributaries, with hopes of revitalizing fish populations.
Ongoing monitoring and restoration efforts aim to ensure the long-term recovery of salmon and other fish species in the region.