Happy New Year from all the organizations at Reconnect Klamath. While 2020 will go down as a year most of us would like to forget, there was at least one high point. The Karuk and Yurok Tribes, California, Oregon, and Berkshire Energy forged an agreement that unstuck Klamath Dam removal from the bureaucratic mud. While the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) created new hurdles for implementing the Klamath dam removal agreement, the aforementioned organizations re-committed to restoring the Klamath River. These parties, with strong support from Klamath advocates from all walks of life, cut through the red tape to advance dam removal and the rehabilitation of one of America’s most treasured watersheds (read more here) .

As it stands, Klamath dam removal is on track to allow the Klamath River to flow free in 2023!

“I recognize the importance of Klamath dam removal and river restoration for tribal people in the Klamath Basin. We appreciate and respect our tribal partners for their collaboration in forging an agreement that delivers an exceptional outcome for the river, as well as future generations. Working together from this historic moment, we can complete the project and remove these dams.”

-Warren Buffett

This year we will begin the final round of environmental reviews necessary before FERC can issue a final dam removal order. We’re asking communities all over the Klamath Basin to be ready to comment and support this effort – we still need your voice!

In the meantime, stay tuned and stay safe. The Reconnect Klamath family wishes you and yours a healthy and prosperous 2021.