Winter 2024 Newsletter

Post-Dam Removal: Introducing a New Approach to Resourcing, Are Salmon Returning? and Recommended Readings

Welcome to the Winter edition of the Klamath River Newsletter. Wow, a lot has happened since we sent out the summer edition of the newsletter. At the same moment we clicked ‘send,’ the Klamath River Renewal Corporation made the official announcement that four dams had been completely removed, and the Klamath was flowing freely from Lake Euwana to the sea for the first time in over a century. It was a historic moment, and we’re honored to support the people and organizations who not only made that possible but will carry the restoration and renewal efforts into the future.


Since then, we’ve been busy, traveling throughout the basin, building and deepening relationships, and spending time listening to leaders. We were honored to support a number of organizations with over $650,000 in grants. 


This month, we are excited to launch the Klamath Philanthropic Funder Collaborative as we continue to invite additional funders to join us in supporting the health and healing of the Klamath Basin.

 

Finally, don’t miss our new regular column, News from the Basin, where you’ll find some great articles, podcasts, and book recommendations that will help you get the full story on the inspiring history of dam removal. 

 

As always, we are deeply grateful for your continued support. 


With appreciation, 

Gina Zottola 

Vice President 

Advancement & Philanthropic Innovation 

A New Approach to Resourcing the Klamath Basin


Part of the Humboldt Area Foundation’s Klamath River Fund, the Klamath Philanthropic Funder Collaborative builds on our commitment to help support the restoration and revitalization led by the Tribes and communities in the Klamath Basin.  

 

Collaboration can compound our collective impact to achieve common goals and take full advantage of the opportunities afforded by dam removal. 


Learn more about this important collaborative effort and how you can join

News from the Basin

Klamath Dam Removal Exceeds Expectations


This year was marked by a series of milestones and celebrations by Klamath dam removal advocates. All manner of celebration marked reservoir drawdowns, dam breaches, and finally the complete removal of the lower four Klamath River dams. But the biggest celebratory moment came four days after the construction teams left the site.

Continue Reading

Recent Grant Summaries

Save California Salmon hosted the Klamath Dam Removal Celebration at the Arcata Theater Lounge on Saturday, Dec. 7. 



Community-Focused Grantmaking Supports Change


We're dedicated to supporting nonprofits, Tribes, and community organizations in the Klamath River Basin with a combination of catalyst and community impact grants. Here's a brief summary of our most recent grant recipients through October 2024.


Grantees include:  

  • California Trout in collaboration with the Klamath Tribes, Karuk Tribe and Yurok Tribe for initial fish monitoring post-dam removal  
  • Klamath-Trinity Joint Unified School District for its Fish Fair  
  • Family Water Alliance for the Klamath Basin Fish Screen Program   
  • Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District  
  • Ridges to Riffles for General Operating Support   
  • Save California Salmon for General Operating Support   
  • Scott River Watershed Council for a Resilience Hub   
  • Shasta Indian Nation Project Planning and Support   
  • Sustainable Northwest for the Salmon Homecoming Celebration


Sponsorships supported the 21st Annual Salmon Run, the Klamath Gathering of Salmon People, the Modoc Ancestral Run, and Paddle Tribal Waters. 



The Klamath River Fund offers both Catalyst (under $10,000) and Community Impact Grants ($10,000 and above). We welcome applications at any time, and grants are reviewed on a quarterly and biannual basis, depending on the requested amount. 

 

To learn more and submit an application, visit our Grants webpage


Visit our Grants Page

Save California Salmon Inspires the Next Generation with Hands-on Engagement

Save California Salmon has shown a generation of Indigenous youth what can happen when you are part of community and the environment. From supporting dam removal to advocating for changes to California’s outdated water policies, Save California Salmon is a frontline organization giving tomorrow’s leaders a way forward. 

Read More
Books lined up

Recommended Media: Klamath Dam Removal Makes International Headlines

Much of the news coverage this year focused on either the superlative nature of the project or presented it as a David and Goliath story of Tribes versus energy giants. The Klamath is now telling a different story – one of nature’s resilience.  

 

Catch up on the story of dam removal and river renewal with some of our recommended reading and listening.


Bringing the Salmon Home: The Story of the World's Largest Dam Removal Project


Gastropod | November 5, 2024

Listen Here

Klamath River Dam Removal Hopes to Undo Decades of Ecological Destruction


Washington Post | December 14, 2023

Read Article

Salmon Have Returned Above the Klamath River Dams: Now What?


The Revelator | November 18, 2024

By Juliet Grable

Read Article

River of Renewal: Myth and History of the Klamath Basin


Oregon State University | October 2024

By Stephen Most

Read Book
Read More News

Thank You to Our Philanthropic Partners

Bella Vista Foundation