Salmon can now move freely along the river and its tributaries for the first time in over a century.
The last of four dams on the Klamath River on the border between California and Oregon was demolished last week, signaling the completion of the nation’s largest-ever dam removal project.
As Rachel Ramirez explains in an article for CNN, “The removal of the four hydroelectric dams — Iron Gate Dam, Copco Dams 1 and 2, and JC Boyle Dam — allows the region’s iconic salmon population to swim freely along the Klamath River and its tributaries, which the species have not been able to do for over a century since the dams were built.”
The project is hailed as a victory for local tribal nations such as the Yurok, who have been fighting for the dams’ removal for decades. Although the dams were built to produce hydroelectric power, they only contributed 2 percent or less of PacifiCorp’s energy supply. Mark Bransom, chief executive officer of the Klamath River Renewal Corporation, says the corporation will now engage in further restoration work that includes the planting of almost 16 billion native plant seeds in the Klamath Basin.
FULL STORY: The largest dam removal project in the US is completed – a major win for Indigenous tribes
Dam Removal Proposed to Save Salmon
Lawmakers are likely to consider a controversial plan this summer to remove a series of dams on the Klamath River to help restore endangered salmon populations.
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.
2021 Most Endangered Rivers List Highlights Environmental Justice
The annual list of endangered rivers created by American Rivers has always documented pollution and other threats like dam construction, but this year, the confluence of water and systemic racism warrants extra attention.
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.
EPA Awards $267 Million to Clean Up and Reuse Contaminated Sites
The EPA is investing the funds to clean up and redevelop contaminated sites nationwide, supporting economic growth, community revitalization, and environmental restoration.
Knoxville Dedicates $1M to New Greenway
The proposed greenway would run along North Broadway and connect to 125 miles of existing trails.
Philadelphia Launches ‘Speed Slots’ Traffic Calming Pilot
The project focuses on a 1.4-mile stretch of Lincoln Drive where cars frequently drive above the posted speed limit.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions