Springing into Action: Spring Chinook Reintroduction in the Klamath Basin Post Dam Removal
Session Coordinators: Shari Anderson, Lazuli Ecological Services and Craig Tucker, Suits and Signs Consulting
Following the largest dam removal project in U.S. history, Klamath Basin partners are preparing for the reintroduction of spring-run Chinook salmon, potentially the Basin’s most historically abundant run. Achieving a resilient, self-sustaining population will require collaboration among Tribal nations, agencies, landowners, NGOs, and the scientific community. This session will bring together diverse perspectives to share knowledge, examine challenges, and explore pathways for successful reintroduction in the Upper Klamath Basin.
This session will convene State and Federal agency staff, scientists, and Tribal representatives to examine the implementation of active spring-run Chinook reintroduction in the Upper Klamath Basin. The discussion will begin with a review of reintroduction plans developed prior to dam removal, followed by presentations from leading researchers on habitat use and genetics. Topics will include the importance of preserving the unique genetics associated with early run timing, the role of habitat exclusivity in future restoration strategies, and considerations for identifying appropriate brood stock.
Tribal representatives will discuss how emerging science aligns with Traditional Ecological Knowledge, deepening our understanding of the diverse life history strategies expected as spring-run Chinook repopulate the Basin. The session will also highlight new monitoring data from recent experimental smolt releases, exploring how observed fish movements and habitat use can inform restoration priorities to support successful repopulation of the Upper Klamath Basin.
After hearing from the diverse set of speakers, we will facilitate dialogue in a panel discussion that allows open conversation with the audience. We expect the conversation to be energetic and informative given the developing nature of the reintroduction strategy.
Runs in the Genes: Technologies for Rapid Genetic Identification of Chinook Salmon Runs, Sean Canfield, Ph.D., California Department of Water Resources
Ecosystem Response to the Removal of the Elwha River Dams, Washington State, U.S.A., George Pess, Ph.D., CalTrout
The Role of Natural and Man-Made Barriers on the Distribution of Summer and Winter-Run Steelhead in the Greater Klamath-Siskiyou Region, Samantha Kannry, TRIB Research
What Spring Chinook Need Most: An Evolutionary Reason to Exist, Tasha Thompson, Wild Salmon Center
Lessons Learned from the San Joaquin River Restoration Program, Phillip Street, Ph.D., Science Coordinator, USFWS
Wild ishyâat (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in a Spring-Run Chinook Salmon Stronghold, Toz Soto, Karuk Tribe, and Sophie Price, SRRC
Panel Discussion: The session will conclude with a panel of Tribal culture bearers to discuss the cultural role of Spring Chinook and how TEK and western science can best be integrated to inform management and restoration priorities.
