Audubon Society Hosts Insightful Talk on Klamath Dam Removal

The Redwood Region Audubon Society will host a significant program featuring a presentation by Alison O’Dowd. Titled “Food Web Responses to Klamath Dam Removal: An Examination of Salmonid Food Resources Downstream of Iron Gate Dam,” this event is scheduled for November 20, 2023, at the Six Rivers Masonic Lodge, located at 251 Bayside Road, Arcata. The gathering will commence at 7:00 p.m. with refreshments, followed by the program starting at 7:30 p.m. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual option will be available via Zoom; attendees can find the link at rras.org.

The presentation will delve into the implications of the largest dam removal in U.S. history, specifically the removal of four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River. According to the Audubon Society, this historic action has led to improvements in water quality and enhanced access to habitats for salmonids. However, the sediment fluxes resulting from the dam removal are predicted to have short-term adverse effects on habitats and water quality downstream of the former dam sites.

O’Dowd’s talk is poised to explore the responses of food webs following the Klamath dam removal, particularly downstream of the Iron Gate Dam. The focus will be on a crucial period for juvenile salmonids, specifically during their growth and outmigration in late spring. Findings from this study are expected to provide insights that could inform future dam removals, particularly regarding their potential impact on sensitive life stages of anadromous fish and their invertebrate prey.

Dr. Alison O’Dowd serves as a professor in the Environmental Science and Management Department at Cal Poly Humboldt. Her research emphasizes the role of benthic macroinvertebrates as key indicators of river health and as vital food resources for salmonids.

The event promises to be an enlightening discussion, shedding light on the complex interactions within aquatic ecosystems and the effects of significant environmental changes. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the ecological consequences of dam removal and the importance of protecting salmonid populations.