Four dams are coming down along the Klamath River. The final decision to remove the dams is a milestone political and legal victory for indigenous tribes living in Southern Oregon and Northern California.
The largest dam removal project in U.S. history has cleared its final hurdle on the Klamath River in Oregon and California. The Iron Gate Dam, J.C. Boyle Dam, and Copco dams #1 and #2 will soon be history.
“The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission voted Thursday to allow the license of four dams on the Klamath River to lapse,” reports Kurtis Alexander for the San Francisco Chronicle [paywall] to report the historic news.
“The vote by federal regulators opens the door for the first of the four hydroelectric dams to come down next year in what has been a two-decade effort to liberate the once mighty river that spans southern Oregon and Northern California,” adds Alexander.
Additional coverage of the news is available from the Associated Press and High County News.
“After a grueling 20 years of environmental impact statements, scientific studies, negotiations with stakeholders and advocacy from the tribes and their conservationist allies — people who, as Hoopa Valley Tribe Chairman Joe Davis said, ‘poured their blood, sweat and tears into making this happen’ — the vote is the final green light everyone’s been waiting for. With FERC’s laborious approval process now concluded, dam removal can begin, launching what is expected to be the biggest river restoration project in U.S. history,” reports B. ‘Toastie’ Oaster for High Country News.
Oaster provides additional about the remaining steps in the dam removal process: “The next legal steps are largely technical. As a result of the vote, FERC is ordering the surrender of the Lower Klamath Project License, which is currently held by energy company PacifiCorp. That license will be transferred to the entities in charge of dam removal: the states of Oregon and California, and the Klamath River Renewal Corporation, a nonprofit created to oversee dam removal that is made up of tribal, state and conservation group representatives.”
As noted by Oaster, the stage for FERC’s historic vote was set by FERC’s August release of a final environmental impact statement.
Planetizen has been covering the Klamath River dam saga since 2007, with updates oscillating between progress and setbacks for the dam removal in 2008, 2016 (and 2016 again), 2018, and 2022. The Klamath River made national news in 2002 when a fish kill left 34,000 dead salmon lining the banks of the river.
More details on what’s next in the dam removal process are included at the link below.
FULL STORY: The Klamath dams are coming down
Klamath River Dam Removal Moves Ahead Without Congressional Approval
A lack of Congressional approval almost killed a controversial dam removal project on the Klamath River in Oregon and California. The states and the Interior Department have found a way to proceed.
Tribe Appeals For Removal Of Dams
Dams have been decimating the population of salmon in Northern California's Klamath River for years, and now Native Americans who depend on the salmon are traveling to visit the owner of the dams to appeal for their removal.
Dams on the Way Out on Two California Rivers
The largest dam removal project in U.S. history is about to commence on the Klamath River. Due to a recent development, a dam on the Eel River is also on expected for decommission.
Eugene Ends Parking Minimums
In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.
How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit
A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.
San Diegans at Odds Over ‘Granny Towers’
A provision in the city’s ADU ordinance allows developers to build an essentially unlimited number of units on single-family lots.
DC Launches 24/7 Bus Service
Starting December 17, 14 Metrobus routes will run around the clock to better serve essential workers and visitors.
New York Strengthens Protections for Mobile Home Park Residents
Modular home owners will get the first right of refusal when park owners want to sell residential parks.
Palo Alto Expands Church ‘Safe Parking’ Program
The city is considering adding commercial lots to the program, which provides safe parking and amenities for people living in cars.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Park City Municipal Corporation
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
