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Dams are coming down on rivers across the West. Why many tribes are all for that

Coverage of tribal natural resources is supported in part by Catena Foundation

Dams were first built along many major rivers in the country to control the flow of water, to create reservoirs, or generate electricity. But now, as the environmental and cultural impacts of many of those dams are coming to the fore — they’re starting to come down. 

That’s the story that’s playing out on one river in Northern California called the Klamath. And Debra Utacia Krol spent a long time  reportingthere — from the tribal concerns about the four dams along the river to how taking them down will bring salmon back to its shores. 

Krol is an Indigenous affairs reporter for the Arizona Republic and The Show spoke with her about what's happening.

More stories from KJZZ

Lauren Gilger, host of KJZZ's The Show, is an award-winning journalist whose work has impacted communities large and small, exposing injustices and giving a voice to the voiceless and marginalized.