A non-binding agreement could see the removal of four dams on the Klamath River in northern California and southern Oregon.

The Hoopa Valley Tribe, the Yurok Tribe and the Klamath Tribes depend on fish and water from the river. They have sought removal of the dams to restore their rights.

Environmentalists also back the removal of the dams in hopes of increasing salmon runs. But the federal government and the owner of the dams have been reluctant to accept the idea.

The non-binding agreement between the Department of the Interior, California, Oregon and PacifiCorp, the dam owner, could change the situation. Depending on financial contributions from the states and the federal government, the dams could be removed by 2020.

Get the Story:
Step taken toward removing Klamath River dams (The San Francisco Chronicle 11/14)
Federal and state officials sign nonbinding deal to remove Klamath River dams (The Los Angeles Times 11/14)
Pact looks to remove hydropower project on the Klamath River by 2020 (The Eureka Times-Standard 11/14)
Pact Would Open River, Removing Four Dams (The New York Times 11/14)
Deal paves way for dams' removal on Western river (AP 11/14)

Relevant Documents:
Secretary Kempthorne's Letter to PacifiCorp | Secretary Kempthorne's Letter to Governor of Oregon | Secretary Kempthorne's Letter to Governor of California | Agreement in Principle on PacificCorp's Klamath River Dams | Press Release