The largest dam removal project in U.S. history was completed last year along the Klamath River.
Proponents wanted the dams gone to restore native salmon populations and important cultural sites for the Shasta Indian Nation.
But the undamming project has also added new recreational opportunities on the free-flowing river.
Three sites opened this week in Oregon and California, where visitors can put in boats, part of the Klamath River Renewal Corporation鈥檚 recreation plan. , a recreation advocacy group, has helped with the process.
鈥淲e are currently in the process of developing those sites, working with Klamath River Renewal Corporation [and] working with tribes, to make sure that we're putting access facilities in the right places, both from an ecological perspective but also from a cultural resources perspective,鈥� said Thomas O'Keefe, Pacific Northwest stewardship director with American Whitewater.
, the Pioneer Park West site opened in Oregon. In California, K鈥檜t谩raw谩x路u or Grizzly Hill (formerly known as Copco Valley), Fall Creek (K鈥櫭耗峚s膷as) and Iron Gate locations have also opened. These areas currently have limited parking, amenities and open hours.
鈥淭he thing I would share is that the water is very high right now, so it's not suitable for general public use,鈥� O'Keefe said. 鈥淏ut if you're going out with an outfitter鈥� or if you have the skills to run... Class 4 white water, there's opportunities out there to experience and enjoy the river.鈥�
A full opening of the river access sites, along with another area in Oregon at Moonshine Falls, is expected this summer.
鈥淧lease note, the river is undergoing natural changes as it reclaims the river channel,鈥� according to the KRRC.
