Oral Presentation Society for Freshwater Science 2026 Annual Meeting

From reservoirs to rivers: documenting ecosystem recovery and project success after two years of the Klamath River Renewal Project restoration journey. (134961)

Caitlin Boise 1
  1. Resources Environmental Solutions, CA, United States

In January 2024, the largest dam removal and restoration project in history in the United States began with the drawdown of three reservoirs. Ten months later, the Klamath River was free-flowing through the former hydroelectric reach, where four dams once stood, for the first time in over a century. During that time and in the two years since, RES and partners have focused on implementing and monitoring ecologically sound restoration throughout the former reservoir footprints and high priority tributaries. This presentation will look back on the restoration strategies, implementation, successes, and challenges from the ongoing  Klamath River Renewal Project restoration.  The talk will also highlight the robust and multi-faceted monitoring program that is utilizing novel approaches and technologies to aid in real-time decision making and document Project outcomes.