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Projects & Campaigns
Un-Dam the Klamath Klamath Riverkeeper is part of a broad-based, grassroots coalition to remove 4 dams that have blocked salmon from 300+ miles of historic spawning habitat on the Klamath River for 90 years. PacifiCorp has applied for a new 50 year operating license for these dams, creating an outstanding opportunity for decomissioning and fisheries restoration on the Klamath. Find out more about how it will be cheaper to remove these dams than to relicense them and the toxic algae they create. Information is also available for PacifiCorp ratepayers and PacifiCorp/Berkshire Hathaway shareholders.
Toxic Algae In 2006, water in reservoirs behind PacifiCorp's Klamath River dams held the highest levels of the toxic algae, Microcystis aeruginosa, recorded in North America. These levels exceeded the World Health Organization standards for a moderate health risk by 4,000 fold. In 2007, the algae blooms behind PacifiCorp's dams spilled downriver, prompting local health officials to close the river to recreational contact during the height of fishing season. In 2008, scientists have found the algae bioaccumulatingat levels toxic for human consumption in the flesh of reservoir game fish and downriver mussels. Klamath Riverkeeper is pursuing an aggressive legal strategy to force PacifiCorp to address its toxic algae problem, and the public health threat it creates for Klamath communities. Find out more.
Protecting Clean Water, Basin Wide Klamath Riverkeeper works in both California and Oregon to encourage strong water pollution control plans, including regulations of ‘total maximum daily load’ (TMDL) within the Klamath. We have been successful in finding violations of the Clean Water Act and point source pollution permits, and subsequently challenging polluters and strengthening permits throughout the Klamath Basin. A recent lawsuit from Klamath Riverkeeper forced the EPA to list the Klamath River as impaired by algae toxins, a win which will make it more difficult for PacifiCorp to achieve clean water certifications for re-licensing its Klamath dams.
Saving Klamath salmon and steelhead Klamath Riverkeeper has been tracking and challenging actions affecting endangered coho salmon within the Scott and Shasta Rivers, and the main-stem Klamath River. We have also been working to protect spring and fall Chinook salmon and summer steelhead runs, and to encourage fish passage at dams across the region. We're also monitoring and commenting on ODFW's plan to reintroduce anadromous fishes to the Upper Klamath Basin.
Klamath Salmon Fishermen and Tribal Empowerment Project Klamath Riverkeeper is now seeking funds to expand our grassroots strategy that organizes affected downstream communities – both native and non-native – to actively participate in state and federal Clean Water Act processes affecting the Klamath River. The centerpiece of this strategy is our new Klamath Salmon Fishermen and Tribal Empowerment Project, which aims to train impacted people on how to influence the policies that impact their health and livelihood. Georgianna Myers of the Yurok Tribe has started coordinating this project and can be reached at sregonlady [at] gmail.com, or (707) 599-0877.
Klamath River Outreach and Education We continually strive to engage citizens throughout Oregon and California in issues affecting the public health and ecology of the Klamath River watershed. We actively participate in major events like the Salmon Aid Festival and you can often find us tabling at local fairs, events, and festivals with information about upcoming meetings, issues, and ways to be involved. We've helped hundreds of people attend key meetings and submit comments on decisions affecting fisheries and water quality on the Klamath. We will continue to expand access to information on Klamath fish, sub-basins, and important scientific and economic analyses via our website. We also organize Un-Dam the Klamath Film Nights (we've done 10 of these in the last year!) for communities around Oregon and California. Please contact Malena Marvin at malena [at] klamathriver.org or (541) 821-7260 if you'd like to suggest an event or help us plan a film night where you live.
River People Volunteer Monitoring Program Powerful things happen when people have the opportunity to scientifically monitor their own watershed. Research partners increase their data gathering capacity while citizen volunteers gain new skills. People make important connections to their watershed, other organizations, and each other. Volunteer monitoring builds community by fostering networks based on the place we live. Klamath Riverkeeper believes science can and should belong to the people who live here. For this reason we’re kicking off our own volunteer water quality monitoring program in 2009.