Klamath River Runs Free!

Vesper Society believes a just society begins when everyone is well and respected as a human being. We also understand that our well-being is deeply connected to the health of our planet and ecosystem. October 2, 2024 marks the day that all four dams on the Klamath River were fully removed, and the river flowed freely for the first time in over 100 years.

Yurok Tribe Chairman Joseph L. James said, “The tribally led effort to dismantle the dams is an expression of our sacred duty to maintain balance in the world. That is why we fought so hard and for so long to tear down the dams and bring the salmon home.”

For the tribal members that live along the Klamath River in Northern California and Southern Oregon, salmon are their relatives. Jeff Mitchell, chair of the Klamath Tribe’s Culture and Heritage Committee believes “They were gifted to us by our creator and given to us to preserve and to protect and to help give us life. As such, the creator also instructed us to make sure that we do everything in our power to protect those fish.”

The Klamath River Renewal Corporation completed the dam removal ahead of schedule and on budget. The work to restore the newly exposed 2,200 acres of land began earlier this year and will continue for several more years. It will take time for the water and soil quality to improve and for the salmon population to return. It is an amazing story of struggle and perseverance that inspires us to continue our social justice quest for healing for generations to come.

Commemorating this moment, we share some incredible photos from Swiftwater Films that show the “before and after.” Click HERE. Enjoy!