By Samantha Kadera | July 25, 2024 | KDRV-TV News
The Klamath Dam removal project is ahead of schedule.
Ren Brownell, public information officer for the initiative, provided updates on the progress towards dam removal completion by late August or early September.
“We will have volitional fish passage likely end of August, maybe the first of September, sometime around then,” Brownell said.
Brownell also emphasized the ongoing commitment to restoring the landscape through the seeding and planting of native vegetation in the areas previously occupied by the dams.
Taz Soto, fisheries manager for the Karuk Tribe, noted the positive impact on fish health and the focus on restoring spring-run chinook salmon as part of the restoration efforts.
Soto said the last year of fish health has been normal and they continue to measure fish health, water temperature, and water purity weekly. “The health is relatively normal, we did see an increase in parasites in the Shasta area but those numbers really dropped off.”
Daniel Chase, senior fisheries biologist at the Western Region at Resource Environmental Solutions LLC, noted the growth of vegetation and adaptation of wildlife to the newly-restored environment. “Watching the growth was really inspiring, we had a fantastic bloom this spring with species like poppies and lupine.” Six different species of butterflies have been seen. Resource Environmental Solutions plans to continue restoration projects, like the helicopter placement of large-rooted trees, this fall.
This article by Samantha Kadera originally appeared with a corresponding package on KDRV-TV News on July 25, 2024. Banner photo courtesy of KDRV News.