Dams are coming down on rivers across the West. Why many tribes are all for that

By Lauren Gilger
Published: Wednesday, January 10, 2024 - 11:00am
Updated: Wednesday, January 10, 2024 - 11:04am

Audio icon Download mp3 (12.06 MB)
Coverage of tribal natural resources is supported in part by Catena Foundation

Dams were first built along many major rivers in the country to control the flow of water, to create reservoirs, or generate electricity. But now, as the environmental and cultural impacts of many of those dams are coming to the fore — they’re starting to come down. 

That’s the story that’s playing out on one river in Northern California called the Klamath. And Debra Utacia Krol spent a long time reporting there — from the tribal concerns about the four dams along the river to how taking them down will bring salmon back to its shores. 

The Klamath River flows through Oregon and Northern California.
Getty Images
The Klamath River flows through Oregon and Northern California.

Krol is an Indigenous affairs reporter for the Arizona Republic and The Show spoke with her about what's happening.

More stories from KJZZ