Salmon Migrate into Irrigation Canals in the Upper Basin
Following the removal of the four lower Klamath dams last year, Salmon have been spreading throughout the Upper Basin, including into irrigation canals - where they should not be. Typically fish screens are installed on diversions to keep fish out, particularly endangered species such as Coho salmon. While there have been agreements to implement such preventative measures in the Upper Basin, fish screens are not yet installed on most irrigation canals in the area.
Irrigation districts and users have voiced disappointment in the lack of support from state and federal partners in implementing screening measures.
ODFW recently received 1.25 million dollars form the Oregon Lottery Bond to assist landowners screen installation, but demand has outpaced supply and funding.
In late 2024, the Klamath Basin Water Agreement Support Act, was introduced by Republican Congressman Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., companion legislation to Wyden’s Klamath Power and Facilities Agreement Support Act. The bill passed and was signed by the President in early 2025. It is intended to provide federal agencies with the authorities necessary to cover the costs of infrastructure upgrades and operation that provide both water for agriculture and environmental benefits - including fish screen - but it seems that funds have yet to be allocated or dispersed.
Explore the articles below to learn more.
News
Contributor: Salmon's comeback pits nature against Trump administration - Los Angeles Times
The Trump administration is using illegal funding cuts and questionable regulatory sleight of hand to divert water to farmers and away from tribes.
Salmon back in the Klamath River but finding their way into irrigation canals, something farmers and officials want to prevent - OPB
State officials say demand is outpacing supply for screens to keep salmon from getting stranded in irrigation canals, but a project is under way to help out fish and farmers.
California dam removal: Some Klamath River salmon are swimming too far
With the removal of four dams on the Klamath River, salmon are making tremendous progress on their migration upstream, reaching new, previously inaccessible waters along the California-Oregon border. In some cases, however, they may be making too much progress.
Culture and abundance: How should California bring back its ‘salmon society?’
Salmon are an iconic species with deep cultural ties to tribes across California, but they have seen steep population decreases in recent decades. Now, some experts think it's time for the state to reintegrate salmon into the state’s cultural fabric.
Fix Our Forests Act divides environmental community - High Country News
A new bill poised to pass the Senate after clearing the House will govern how the federal government thins, burns and otherwise manages nearly 200 million acres of the nation’s forests.
Klamath groups say fish screen promises have gone unfulfilled | | heraldandnews.com
Promises made to farmers and ranchers are being ignored, according to the leaders of two Klamath Basin groups — Elizabeth Nielsen, executive director of Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA) and Scott White, general manager of the Klamath Drainage District (KDD).
‘It’s a story of hope’: Reflections on undamming the Klamath - High Country News
A Q&A with Amy Bowers Cordalis about her new book on the multigenerational effort towards dam removal.
In Case You Missed It...
California Promised Insurance Relief, But Delivered Loopholes - The New York Times
fire zones would have coverage available. But companies can still avoid serving many high-risk areas, a Times investigation found.
These Native Kids Were First to Witness the Mighty Klamath River’s Rebirth – Mother Jones
The removal of dams, and the river's restoration, is "a great David-and-Goliath story."
Senator Mike Lee Revives Push to Shift Forest Service to Interior | Dakota News Network
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Mike Lee is working to move the U.S. Forest Service out of the Department of Agriculture and into the Department of the Interior.
Register for these upcoming Making Energy Work events - 12/9/25 and 1/27/26
Oregon's Rural and Agricultural Energy Transition Hosted by Sustainable Northwest
Date & Location: Tuesday December 9th, 2025, 1:00 - 2:00pm | Virtual
What'll be covered: Join us for our final webinar of 2025 to learn more about what work is being done at the intersection of clean energy and the state's rural and agricultural communities. During the call, Wy'East Resource Conservation & Development will be discussing updates on USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant. It's worth noting that REAP reimbursement grants can fund up to 25% of energy efficiency improvement projects or renewable energy projects for the small business/applicant's use