The Klamath River Renewal Project is the most epic salmon restoration effort in history. It has been a race against extinction for the remaining salmon runs in the Klamath River. This story has captured worldwide attention, receiving coverage in outlets ranging from the BBC to the New York Times.

Our StoryMap tracks RES’ ongoing progress and provides a deep background on the restoration plan and partnerships underpinning this massive undertaking. Subscribe to updates to follow the audacious effort to not only bring the salmon home but also restore hope to Tribes and river communities that need a reset for one of the most impaired rivers in the West.

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As the restoration contractor, RES has played a central role in the recovery of the salmon and the larger ecosystem following dam removal.

Multiple factors contributed to the “death by a thousand cuts” for Klamath fish populations. However, a major factor was four dams – three in California and one in Oregon – that stopped fish passage and disrupted the free-flowing river with shallow, toxic reservoirs for more than a century.

Those four dams were removed in 2024. RES’ client, the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC), understood that dam removal was only the first step in restoring a functioning river.

“Restoration is not some small task tagged on to a dam removal project,” said Mark Bransom, CEO of the Klamath River Renewal Corporation. “Extensively treating the thousands of acres in the project footprint following dam deconstruction – from planting native vegetation and stabilizing soils to ensuring tributary connectivity and controlling invasive species – is vital to achieving our overarching goal of recovering declining fish populations.

“We selected RES because of their successful track record permitting thousands of projects, many at the landscape-level, creating rich, high-functioning ecosystems with each one.”