California Dam Demolitions a Victory for Some, Devastation for Others

SISKIYOU COUNTY—As the Klamath Dam Removal Project—the largest in the nation’s history—nears completion, reaction to the aftermath has been mixed, ranging from celebration to devastation. Proponents are celebrating the four dam removals after their decades-long battle to restore the free-flowing river, while other residents and property owners say the destruction of the dams and loss of the manmade lakes is crippling tourism and recreation activities such as camping, water skiing, sports fishing, and boating, as well as hurting wildlife, and increasing wildfire risks. Environmental nonprofit groups and local Native American...