Tribal River Restoration: Overview of Klamath River Dam Removal

We are pleased to introduce DJ Bandrowski of the Yurok Tribe Fisheries Department – Northern California. The Yurok tribe is happy to bring us up to speed on the huge undertaking of removing four dams on the Klamath River, crossing the border of southern Oregon into northern California. The Tribe has successfully completed the largest dam removal project in U.S. history; celebrating the recovery and restoration of 400 previously blocked miles of salmon spawning habitat. The waters of the Klamath Basin cover 15,751 miles before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. The Klamath River Dam Removal Project is an important example of American river stewardship and Tribal ingenuity, reclaiming and releasing the natural landscape to its original design.

As Senior Project Engineer, DJ will give us an invaluable view into the perils and punctuations that came with this endeavor, as well as the nuance of a first people’s perspective. From planning to planting wildflowers, this speaking event is not to be missed! Join us in welcoming Mr. Bandrowski to the Okanogan Valley!

DJ Bandrowski, Senior Project Engineer / Program Manager for the Yurok Tribe, is a Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) that is responsible for managing the Design and Technical Services Program within the Yurok Tribes Fisheries Department and Natural Resources Division. He has the responsibility for the planning, design, and implementation of large-scale ecosystem restoration projects across Northern California on the Upper Klamath River, Trinity River, Sacramento River, and supporting the Klamath Dam Removal Project operations. He oversees all phases of project implementation including planning, data collection, design, analysis, heavy civil construction, and revegetation/planting operations. He serves as the lead design engineer on many of the restoration projects performing engineering and design analysis for various components but specializing in large wood and habitat implementation aspects.

Salmon spawning photo by Paul Wilson/Klamath Tribes