The Eel River in California is on track to become one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the United States following a five-year agreement to remove two dams. This effort, spearheaded by California native tribes, aims to restore ecological balance and re-establish vital cultural connections to the waterway. The proposed plan, known as the Two Basin Solution, is scheduled for dam removal in the 2030s.
The Eel River, spanning 200 miles through five counties and emptying into the Pacific Ocean, holds deep cultural significance for tribes, including the Wiyot Tribe. Historically, the construction of the Cape Horn and Scott dams in the early 1900s blocked fish migration, depriving tribes of essential food resources.
Potter Valley Project Challenges
The dams are part of the Potter Valley Project, previously owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). A recent inspection revealed that a century-old hydroelectric power system required an estimated $15 million in repairs. Given that the system only provided electricity for approximately 750 homes, PG&E sought to cease operations. Unable to find a buyer for the costly hydroelectric system, PG&E applied to the federal government to shut down the project, a move that would lead to the dams' closure and the river's restoration.
The Two Basin Solution and Tribal Restoration
After years of negotiation, a consensus was reached among government agencies, environmental organizations, tribes, and PG&E. The Two Basin Solution facilitates the dam removal, which will allow fish access to hundreds of miles of upstream habitat. Tribal members, such as Nicole Whipple of the Round Valley Indian Tribes, emphasize the importance of this restoration for cultural revitalization and access to traditional food sources like salmon, steelhead, and freshwater clams.
Under the agreement, a new management agency, the Eel Russian Project Authority (ERPA), will be established to oversee the dam closure. ERPA will include representatives from the Round Valley Indian Tribes, Sonoma Water, the County of Sonoma, and the Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission. This collaborative structure aims to ensure the river's long-term health and its continued cultural importance to indigenous communities.
