Yurok Tribe Council Tours Historic Klamath Dam Removal & Ecosystem Revival | Drum Circle News
In this 48-minute video, I follow the Yurok Tribe Council, both past and present members, as they tour the historic removal of the Iron Gate and Copco dams on the California side of the Klamath River. After a 40-year fight, on August 28, 2024, the last standing dams came down, marking a significant victory for the CA Klamath River tribes. This multimillion-dollar project was funded by the Yurok Tribe through the nonprofit Ridges to Riffles. During the tour, we hear inspiring speeches from council members, the legal team who lobbied for dam removal at the state, federal, and international levels, and the scientists hired by the tribes who explain the intricate details of the project.
The agricultural and fisheries teams discuss their efforts in salmon restoration and revegetation projects along the river. They explain how the dam caused toxic algae blooms and allowed invasive species to thrive, leading to the depletion of the salmon population. With the dam removed, these teams are confident the ecosystem will begin a full revival.
You can also track real-time river water quality data through the Karuk Tribe’s website:
https://waterquality.karuk.us/Data
Please note, the audio may be difficult to hear in parts due to windy conditions, but the majority of the video remains audible.
Key Topics:
Yurok Tribe’s 40-year fight for dam removal
Iron Gate and Copco dams
Yurok Tribe’s funding through nonprofit Ridges to Riffles
Legal and scientific efforts behind the project
Real-time river water quality data via Karuk Tribe
Ecosystem damage and toxic algae caused by the dams
Salmon restoration and revegetation projects
Fisheries and agricultural teams’ work to restore the river
Future revival of the river’s ecosystem
#YurokTribe #KlamathRiver #DamRemoval #RidgesToRiffles #KarukTribe #CaliforniaTribes #SalmonRestoration #IndigenousRights #EnvironmentalRestoration #IronGateDam #CopcoDam #TribalLeadership #Revegetation #Fisheries #Agriculture #ToxicAlgae #EcosystemRevival #IndigenousScience #TribalSovereignty #RiverRestoration #ClimateAction #DrumCircleNews #climatechange #waterhealth #ecowarrior
@340wbymag
June 24, 2026 at 5:49 am
I proudly support the tribe's efforts to restore the river! This is truly one of the greatest events in my long life.
@GeorgeWHaydukeIII6396
June 24, 2026 at 5:49 am
We owe the native people so much. They have made a dream come true for me. The Klamath is a truly unique river running through one of the best places on earth.❤