The Klamath Drainage District (KDD) board said it has been preparing for salmon making their way up the Klamath River into the district.
In late September, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife shared a short video of a Chinook salmon leaping from the last pool of the Keno Dam fish ladder on its way up the Klamath River. KDD said while people on social media celebrated or scrutinized the video, the district has been preparing for the moment.
“We have been very aware of this possibility and have been planning with a variety of partners and stakeholders on how we can ensure the success of these fish if they enter the district while providing water security for our landowners,” said KDD Manager Scott White. “Let’s be clear—there are no guarantees that salmon will make it into the district. But if they do, we want to be prepared and our farmers and ranchers to be protected.”
Fish screens are set to be installed in 2026 pending funding from the state of Oregon and the federal government.
