Two years ago, crews removed three dams on the Klamath River, revitalizing the ecosystem by reconnecting hundreds of miles of habitat for salmon and other fish. Resource Environmental Solutions (RES), with Tribal partners, began revegetating 2,200 acres of reservoir land using native seeds and plants. Early efforts showed positive signs of renewal with native vegetation sprouting.
RES has executed a complex planting operation, aimed at sowing around 20 billion seeds. They have been actively planting about 60,000 bare-root trees and shrubs, while also addressing challenges like controlling invasive species. The restoration focuses on enhancing fish habitats, notably for struggling salmon and steelhead. Large wood was introduced into tributaries to create favorable environments for fish.
The immediate impact is evident: Chinook salmon quickly returned to areas they had been barred from for over a century. By fall 2024, fish numbers had significantly increased, demonstrating the project’s success and the ecosystem’s rapid recovery—much of which will require ongoing stewardship. The collaborative effort between RES and the Yurok Tribe emphasizes the importance of restoring natural habitats for various species while specifically targeting the revival of salmon populations.
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