Report says dam removal good for Klamath salmon .

From the AP: " A federal report says removing four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River in Oregon and California and restoring ecosystems will produce a big increase in salmon harvests and boost farm revenues. "

The 400-page report attempts to monetize the costs and benefits of taking down the dams for the major constituents in the Klamath region, including fish, farmers, tribes and recreational users. 

Full Klamath Dam Removal report:   http://1.usa.gov/VN0uqR

Study: Klamath Dam Removal Less Costly Than Expected

A new Interior Department study projects the cost of removing the four main dams on the Klamath River to be much less than anticipated and the evironmental impact, particularly for spawning salmon, to be substantial.

There are still many hurdles before the dams actually come down, but this is another important step in the process.

Here's the AP article.

Battle Goes On...

Here's a piece in High Country News about the continued battle in the Klamath River region. As mentioned before, removing those dams and satisfying all the stakeholders from the source of the river in Oregon to the mouth of the river in California is sure to be a long process of legal and regulatory fights. And, as in much of the West, there is just not enough water to satisfy everyone (and everything).  

Washington will destroy dams to revive a river

Interesting piece in USA Today about dams on the Elwha River in Washington state that are scheduled to come down in 2012. It also examines the Klamath River situation and how other western states are considering dam removal.