What happened to the Klamath River after the dams were removed?

The Klamath River has seen a remarkable recovery in the year since the removal of four major dams, with threatened salmon species returning to their historic spawning grounds and ecosystems rapidly reviving.

Who led the first descent of the Klamath River in over a century?

Indigenous youth, including 18-year-old Ruby Williams, led the first full descent of the Klamath River in over a century, marking a historic moment for the river's restoration.

Home / Environment / Indigenous Youth Spearhead Klamath River's Remarkable Comeback

Indigenous Youth Spearhead Klamath River's Remarkable Comeback

Q: How has the Klamath River's restoration inspired other Indigenous communities?

The Klamath River's remarkable comeback has ignited a global movement, as Indigenous communities from Brazil to China seek to replicate this success story and protect their own vital waterways.

25 Oct, 2025

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Summary

Klamath River rebounds after removal of 4 dams in largest US project
Indigenous youth complete first river descent in over 100 years
Restoration inspires Indigenous-led movements to protect rivers globally

Indigenous Youth Spearhead Klamath River's Remarkable Comeback

In a remarkable environmental comeback, the Klamath River has been reborn just one year after the removal of four major dams - the largest dam removal project in US history. At the forefront of this transformation are Indigenous youth, who last year completed the first full descent of the river in over a century.

Flanked by fellow tribal representatives, 18-year-old Ruby Williams and her team of young paddlers made history as they reached the Pacific Ocean, marking a new era for the once-imperiled river. The Klamath's recovery has been swift, with threatened salmon species returning to their historic spawning grounds and ecosystems rapidly reviving.

Beyond the river's borders, the Klamath's restoration has ignited a global movement, as Indigenous communities from Brazil to China seek to replicate this success story. The youth-led expedition has forged connections between river advocates worldwide, who are now petitioning the UN to stop recognizing dams as clean energy. As the Klamath continues to heal, a new generation of stewards is emerging, determined to protect this vital waterway and inspire change across the globe.