Klamath dam removal was the result of a 25-year effort that resulted in the largest dam removal project in history.  Opening up approximately 400 miles of historic habitat, dam removal is already profoundly altering the ecology of the Klamath River and will continue to do so for decades to come.  

 

A key component of the dam removal project is the restoration of the former reservoir footprint areas for Iron Gate and Copco Reservoirs.  Formerly home to the Shasta Tribe, these areas will be critical to the future success of this project.  Floodplains to key tributaries were buried in silt deposits and intensive restoration was necessary to restore their function.  RES, the Yurok Tribe, the Shasta Indian Nation, and other parties worked diligently together and have completed several large projects intended to enhance access, provide critical habitat, and to restore overall ecological function.  Also showcased will be the revegetation efforts for both upland and riparian areas within the reservoir footprints.  

 

In addition to observing restoration sites in and near the former reservoir sites, the tour will include discussion of other topics such as the dam removal process,, the progress of salmon repopulation in areas far above the dam sites, spring Chinook restoration, and future restoration goals, and plans.