Home / Environment / River Restored: Tribe's Century-Long Fight Ends
River Restored: Tribe's Century-Long Fight Ends
21 Nov
Summary
- Attorney Amy Bowers Cordalis led historic river restoration.
- Tribe ended generational fight to save the Klamath River.
- First kayak journey on river in over a century completed.

A landmark victory has been achieved for the Yurok tribe, culminating a generational fight to reclaim and restore the vital Klamath River. Amy Bowers Cordalis, a distinguished attorney and UN Champion of the Earth Laureate, was instrumental in negotiating the largest river restoration project ever undertaken in the United States. Her efforts have ensured the survival of the salmon population, a cornerstone of the tribe's heritage and sustenance.
This historic accomplishment signifies more than just environmental recovery; it represents the restoration of a sacred connection for the Yurok people. The successful negotiation has paved the way for a revitalized river ecosystem, promising a healthier future for both aquatic life and the community. The impact of this restoration is already being celebrated.
Demonstrating the river's newfound health and accessibility, Keeya, Cordalis's niece, recently completed an extraordinary kayak journey. She became one of the first individuals in over a century to navigate the entire length of the Klamath River, symbolizing a new era of hope and renewed connection to this essential natural resource.



