As the Klamath River prepared for its historic transformation with the removal of the Iron Gate and Copco dams, an essential first step was undertaken: relocating overwintering juvenile coho salmon to safer habitats. This effort, a collaboration between RES and the Karuk Tribe, focused on protecting these vulnerable fish from sediment impacts during reservoir drawdown. It marked a critical moment in the long-term restoration of the river’s ecosystem.
The team, working alongside the Karuk Tribe’s local experts, identified 15 key sites between Iron Gate Dam and Happy Camp where juvenile coho, Chinook, steelhead, and other fish were collected and relocated. Juvenile coho salmon, a listed species with critically low numbers, were a priority. Each fish was carefully measured, weighed, tagged, and released into newly constructed off-channel ponds, created by the Karuk Tribe and Mid Klamath Watershed Council. These ponds provided a secure overwintering habitat until the fish matured and migrated to the ocean.
For the coho salmon, this restoration represented a significant turning point. Once the dams were removed, these fish became some of the first to access 76 miles of high-quality rearing and spawning habitat that had been blocked for over a century. This reintroduction of free-flowing conditions is now helping rejuvenate the Klamath River, creating opportunities for healthier salmon populations.
The collaboration between RES and the Karuk Tribe showcased the power of combining technical expertise with deep cultural knowledge. Tribal technicians, who grew up on the river and carried generations of ecological wisdom, brought a long-term perspective to the work. While challenges like sediment impacts and water quality arose, the resilience of the salmon and the river itself inspired optimism. With time, patience, and dedication, the Klamath River is now on a path toward a thriving ecosystem, benefiting salmon and the communities that depend on them.
