Artifacts unearthed at dam
Klamath Falls Herald and News
September 7, 2008
Chiloquin, Oregon - Removal of
the Chiloquin Dam on the Sprague River has
unearthed artifacts culturally significant to
the Klamath Tribes.
The public should not take or
disturb artifacts found in the area or on other
public lands, according to Fremont-Winema
National Forest officials.
The artifacts uncovered are
both recent and historically significant to the
culture and heritage of the local community and
the Klamath Tribes, forest officials said in a
news release, and forest officials are working
closely with tribal members, archaeologists and
historians to determine their importance.
The Chiloquin area was known
as a large village site that the Klamath Tribe
called Bezuksewas. The convergence of the
Sprague and Williamson rivers have long been
important and significant for traditional uses
such as cultural, spiritual, hunting, fishing,
gathering and trapping.
The dam was built by hand in
1914 using horses to pull and extract materials.
It was originally put in as part of a water
diversion system to send water to Modoc Point
for agricultural purposes. During the late 1800s
and early 1900s, the Sprague River also was used
for floating timber to nearby mills.
The goal of the Chiloquin Dam
Removal Project is to restore the natural
channel of the Sprague River and fish
restoration, forest officials said.
Side Bar
A federal offense
Disturbing or removing
artifacts is a federal offense. If convicted,
the penalty could be a two year imprisonment and
a $250,000 fine. To report the disturbance or
removal of artifacts, call Fremont-Winema
National Forests law enforcement officers at
541-947-2177 or 541-783-4001.
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