A federal judge in July dismissed the Klamath Tribes lawsuit seeking $1 billion in damages for lost salmon runs.

The tribes blamed PacifiCorp for the reduced runs. Tribal officials say the company's dams have violated their fishing rights.

But U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken said PacifiCorp can't be held liable because it wasn't a party to the treaty. He cited a recent ruling from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which blocked a similar salmon lawsuit by the Skomosish Tribe of Washington. The judges in that case said damages could be sought from the federal government but not states or other entities.

Get the Story:
Judge rejects salmon lawsuit (The Klamath Falls Herald and News 8/18)

Related Decison:
Skokomish Tribe v. Tacoma (March 9, 2005)

Relevant Links:
Klamath Tribes - http://www.klamathtribes.org

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