The largest dam removal in U.S. history, California's biggest-ever land-back deal, forests bought back with carbon credits, and tribal clinics serving whole rural counties: the finale turns from what was taken to what is being reclaimed. It covers the 2024 Klamath dam removal and returning salmon, the Yurok's Blue Creek land-back, timber co-stewardship, and health sovereignty.
Who's who
- Joseph Mathiesen-PowellTribal Chairman of Chicken Ranch Rancheria
- John VassExecutive Director of the Mathiesen Memorial Health Clinic
- Gavin Newsom+11 more episodesGovernor who announced a land-return effort in 2024
Where it happens
- Blue Creek, Klamath region, CaliforniaAbout 47,000 acres conveyed to the Yurok Tribe
- Klamath River, California+4 more episodesFour lower dams removed in 2024
- Jamestown, Tuolumne County, CaliforniaSite of the Chicken Ranch health and wellness facility
Timeline
- 2004Tribal Forest Protection Act enacted.
- 2009Western Rivers Conservancy and Yurok formally launch the Blue Creek partnership.
- 2013Yurok register California's first forest offset project under cap-and-trade.
- 2022USDA and Forest Service sign 11 new tribal co-stewardship agreements.
- June 18, 2024Newsom announces a land-return effort on the fifth anniversary of the state apology.
- 2024The four lower Klamath dams are removed.
Still debated
Whether the Blue Creek land-back model can reach tribes lacking a willing conservation partner and carbon revenue is open. Critics also argue California's forest carbon protocol over-credits, which CARB disputes.
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