Klamath Tribes: BRING HOME THE SALMON!

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

Environmental Impact Hearings

CHILOQUIN, OREGON - The Klamath Tribes is encouraging its tribal citizens, friends and supporters to attend public hearings on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report on removal of four dams in the Klamath Basin in Northern California and Southern Oregon.

Late last month Secretary Ken Salazar, US Department of the Interior, released findings of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report. The Impact Report identifies the effects of the proposed action - dam removal and implementation of Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement - as well as other alternatives, including two options for leaving the dams in place.

The Klamath Tribes reacted positively in favor of the removal of the dams.

"It's important to understand that this is about more than dam removal. This effort will restore fisheries while creating and protecting thousands of jobs in both fishing and agricultural communities. We have the diverse grassroots support that should spur congress to act," said Jeff Mitchell, Councilman for the Klamath Tribes.

Several public hearings will be held to solicit input from the community to determine their response to the Impact Report and their wishes for the region.

With a theme, "Bring home the salmon," the Tribes announced the locations of the hearings.

The public hearings will include an open house/presentation and a formal oral comment period. The open house will be from approximately 4:30 pm to 5:45 pm pdt. Oral comments will be taken during the hearings, which will start promptly at 6 pm pdt.

The meetings will be held as follows:

Klamath Falls, Oregon
Tuesday, October 18
County Fair Grounds
3531 S. Sixth St, Klamath Falls

Chiloquin, Oregon
Wednesday, October 19
Chiloquin Community Center
140 S. 1st Street, Chiloquin

Yreka, California
Thursday, October 20
Yreka Community Theater
810 North Oregon, Yreka

Orleans, California
Tuesday, October 25
Karuk Tribe Community Room
39051 Highway 96, Orleans

Arcata, California
Wednesday, October 26
Arcata Community Center
321 Community Park Way, Arcata

Klamath, California
Thursday, October 27
Yurok Tribal Administration Office
190 Klamath Blvd, Klamath

Those who cannot attend the meetings, but wish to make comments can submit written comments that are being accepted through November 21.

You can submit written comments online at klamathrestoration.gov »

Comments can also be mailed to the following physical addresses:

Ms. Elizabeth Vasquez
Bureau of Reclamation
2800 Cottage Way
Sacramento, CA 95825

Gordon Leppig
California Department of Fish & Game
619 Second Street
Eureka, CA 95501

posted October 6, 2011 8:00 am edt