With the Klamath, Yurok and Karuk tribes seeking removal of four lower
dams on the Klamath River, officials from the association are working with
the tribes to find a common solution.
“We’re tired of fighting with each other,” said Troy Fletcher, Yurok
tribal member.
The four dams generate 150 megawatts of power, 1.7 percent of
PacifiCorp’s output. The original 50-year
licenses for the dams are approaching expiration, though they can be
renewed on an annual basis. The tribes want the dams removed to allow
salmon access to spawning grounds they’ve been cut off from for years.
Greg Addington, executive director of the water users association, said
all three groups were meeting about the possible removal of the dams and
the effect it would have on water and energy issues.
The association isn’t necessarily against the removal of the dams as
long as it doesn’t result in higher energy rates for irrigators, he
said, and the tribes are understanding of irrigators’ needs.
An article published in the Oregonian newspaper indicated the Keno dam as
a dam that could be removed. Addington said the water users would not
allow that dam to be removed because its role as an irrigation source.
“Having an affordable rate is great, but if you don’t have any water,
it’s useless,” he said.
But leaders from the tribes and association said dialogue was clear and
open between their organizations and they will continue to work to resolve
the issue as fairly for everyone involved as possible.
“I think this dam relicensing has done a lot to bring people together,”
said Craig Tucker, a Karuk tribal member.
