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Tribes and agencies point to Klamath dam removals and targeted restoration but warn of persistent salmon shortfalls
Summary
Tribal leaders, agency directors and conservation groups said Klamath dam removals and targeted habitat projects are showing local recovery but that low run predictions, water management and funding uncertainty keep salmon populations and tribal subsistence at risk.
Mr. McCovey, fisheries director for the Yurok Tribe, told the committee that the Klamath basin remains fragile: 2025 run-size predictions were among the lowest on record and the tribe has not seen a successful commercial fishery since 2015. He urged continued funding and protections to secure flows and habitat.
Secretary Crowfoot and Director Bonham credited tribal leadership and federal‑state cooperation for clearing four Klamath dams and restoring hundreds of miles of habitat. "Fish are returning," McCovey said, and participants described early observations of fish recolonizing upper basin reaches after barrier removal.
Conservation and industry speakers agreed on the need for investments in hatchery infrastructure, monitoring, and flow protections such as AB263. Charlie Schneider and George Bradshaw both urged reinvestment in aging Central Valley hatcheries and targeted reintroduction sites.
Panelists highlighted monitoring gaps and asked the committee to consider funding mechanisms for the California Monitoring Program so investments in restoration can be measured for effectiveness. No legislative action was taken during the forum; participants requested follow-up and more granular cost and project timelines.
