Tribes, Fishermen Mark 87th Anniversary of Copco Dam on the Klamath

NEWS RELEASE


For Immediate Release: October 25, 2004


For more information:
Leaf Hillman , Karuk Tribe: 530-493-5305 x2040
Craig Tucker, Friends of the River: 916-207-8294


Tribes, Fishermen, and Conservationists Mark 87th Anniversary of First Klamath Dam
Since the construction of COPCO I, salmon populations have plummeted

Happy Camp, CA- It was 87 years ago today that the construction of COPCO Dam was completed, effectively denying salmon and steelhead access to over 350 miles of spawning and rearing habitat upstream. Before dam construction, the Klamath River was the 3rd most productive salmon and steelhead river in the United States, hosting the return of 1.1 million adult fish annually. Current runs of Klamath River fall chinook salmon are less than 8 percent of pre-dam populations. For coho salmon, the numbers are less than 1 percent. Coho salmon are now listed as Threatened Species under the Federal Endangered Species Act.

Since the completion of COPCO I, five more dams have been constructed on the main-stem of the Klamath River.

In 1916, when COPCO Dam was under construction, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, acting on behalf of local tribes, asked the dam builder, California-Oregon Power Company (COPCO), how they would accommodate the needs of migrating salmon. The company replied in writing:


“…Ample provision has been made in the plans for the dam for a fish ladder which will permit unobstructed passage of fish up the Klamath River…When the tunnel and flumes through the dam which now permit the run of fish to pass are closed up, the fish ladder will be in operation.”

Despite the promise, fish ladders were never installed. In 1962, an even greater impediment was placed before the fish, Iron Gate dam- a pile of earth and rock standing an imposing 173 feet above the river bed and blocking an addition 7 miles of habitat in the Klamath as well as access to key tributaries such as Scotch Creek and Camp Creek.

Over the years, as the fishery declined, Klamath River tribes such as the Yurok, Karuk, and Klamath Tribes, were forced to eat less and less fish. According to a recent study, Karuk Tribal members once ate 450 lbs. of salmon per person per year. Today, the average consumption of salmon is less than 5 lbs. per person per year. According Dr. Kari Norgaard, author of the study, “The loss of salmon has effectively denied people access to a healthy diet. Today Karuk Tribal members contract heart disease and diabetes at rates two to three times the national average.”

In addition, the decline of the fishery has directly impacted cultural practices. According to the Karuk Tribe’s cultural biologist and ceremonial leader Ron Reed, “We practiced the first salmon ceremony since the beginning of time to celebrate the coming of the Spring run Chinook. Today we cannot hold the ceremony because there are no Spring Chinook.”

The decline of the fishery has impacted California and Oregon’s economy as well. According to a study by the Institute of Fishery Resources, a restored Klamath fishery would be valued at over $4.5 billion, providing a much needed boost to regional economies.

Today the dams are owned and operated by the multi-national energy giant Scottish Power (NYSE-SPI). This past summer four Klamath Basin Tribes (Hoopa, Karuk, Yurok, and Klamath Tribes) joined forces with Friends of the River and the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations (PCFFA). Together, tribes, fishermen and conservationists asked Scottish Power shareholders to help restore the struggling Klamath fishery. The group managed to meet with Scottish Power CEO Ian Russell.

Although Scottish Power did not build the Klamath dams, according to Craig Tucker of Friends of the River, “they inherited the responsibility to provide fish passage when they acquired PacifiCorp.” PacifiCorp had previously acquired California Oregon Power Company.

Mr. Russell pledged to the group that he would make a personal commitment “To find the right solution.”

According Leaf Hillman, vice-chairman of Karuk, “We left Scotland encouraged by Mr. Russell’s words. He seemed to understand our need to bring the salmon home.”

Hillman went on to say, “What we need now is for the governors of California and Oregon to step up and lead the fight to restore the Klamath River. Not only is there a moral obligation to the people who have lived here since time immemorial, the Governors should be interested in restoring fishing related jobs and improving the regional economy. It is in all our interests to bring the salmon home.”