“Salmon Return to Klamath River After 108 Years: A Historic Moment for Conservation”

A historic event took place on October 16, 2024, when a fall-run Chinook salmon was spotted in a tributary of the Klamath River in Oregon. This marked the first time a salmon had returned to the area since 1916, following the removal of four hydroelectric dams along the Klamath River less than two months prior.

The sighting of the first salmon on October 3, swimming through the former site of Siskiyou County’s Iron Gate Dam, was reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. Since then, scientists have observed dozens, possibly hundreds, of Chinook salmon swimming through the former dam sites, signaling a successful return to their spawning grounds.

Frankie Myers, vice chairperson of the Yurok Tribe, expressed the sentiment that “the salmon remember,” highlighting the significance of this momentous occasion. The removal of the dams, part of a $500 million project, aimed to restore the river’s natural flow and revive wildlife, particularly the salmon population in the Klamath River basin.

California state biologists have witnessed salmon swimming in creeks that were previously blocked by the dams, allowing the fish access to their ancestral spawning grounds. This development has been met with enthusiasm and gratitude from Indigenous activists and leaders who have long advocated for the removal of the dams.

The successful return of the salmon to the Klamath River is not only a testament to the resilience of the fish but also a crucial step in restoring the health and wellness of the communities that depend on them. Biologists are closely monitoring the salmon’s spawning activities to track their progress over the coming months.

The completion of the dam removal work by the Klamath River Renewal Corporation signifies a significant milestone in the restoration of the Klamath River watershed. Efforts to restore native plant species and continue conservation work will be ongoing for years to come, ensuring the long-term health of the river ecosystem.

Overall, the return of the fall-run Chinook salmon to the Klamath River after over a century marks a significant victory for conservation efforts and a promising sign for the future of the region’s wildlife and communities.