Restoration work is now underway on five key tributaries of the Klamath River following the largest dam removal and river restoration project in US history. The effort aims to support the recovery of native fish populations, including salmon, that once thrived in the watershed spanning northern California and southern Oregon.
Design and engineering firm Stantec, working as a subcontractor for Resource Environmental Solutions (RES), is leading the restoration design of Beaver Creek, Jenny Creek, Spencer Creek, Camp Creek, and Scotch Creek. These streams were partially submerged for more than a century due to dam reservoirs.
The last of four hydroelectric dams was removed in 2024 as part of the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement (KHSA), reopening more than 400 miles of fish habitat. The removal marked a key milestone for tribal nations, anglers, and conservation groups that advocated for river restoration. The Klamath River, once home to the third-largest salmon population in the western US, suffered sharp declines due to habitat loss caused by the dams.
The nonprofit Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC), established by KHSA signatories, selected RES to lead post-removal restoration efforts. RES is working in partnership with local Indigenous communities, including the Shasta Indian Nation.
With the reservoirs drained, original stream channels are now reemerging. Stantec’s restoration work will involve reconfiguring about 3.4 miles of stream channel to improve fish passage and habitat for spawning and juvenile rearing. Roughly 150,000 cubic yards of sediment will be removed from the former reservoir areas and relocated nearby.
“It is awe-inspiring to be part of this historic project and see long-lost stream channels come to life and start supporting migratory fish again,” said Michael Adams, who is leading Stantec’s design and restoration work.
Construction will take place through summer and fall. Stantec has finalised design work and will be onsite during implementation by RES.
In addition to tributary work, RES began large-scale revegetation of former reservoir land in early 2024. The company plans to restore 2200 acres in total. Under a recent agreement, RES and the Shasta Indian Nation will jointly restore more than 1000 of those acres, which are set to return to tribal ownership.
“We are honoured to work with the tribes and other authorities to restore one of the most culturally important rivers in the West,” said Dave Coffman, who leads the restoration program for RES. “We’re thrilled, too, to have Stantec as our design partner to restore the Klamath’s tributaries that are so critical for successful fisheries restoration.”
The Klamath River holds cultural and subsistence importance for several tribal nations, including the Karuk, Yurok, Shasta, Klamath, and Modoc peoples. Salmon remains a central resource for these communities. A short film, Restoring Balance, highlights the collaboration between tribal groups and RES.
Stantec has experience with similar restoration projects across North America, including work in Colorado, Ontario, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
