A broad umbrella group of 26 people from various organisations and tribes travelled to Scotland from Southern Oregon and Northern California to protest at and negotiate with Scottish Power, the mother company of PacifiCorp, which is responsible for several dams and their negative impacts on the Klamath River, its surrounding environment and neighbouring communities. The first dam was actually built in 1917 and the last of the 6 dams were built in the late 60s. However, currently a relicensing process is under way, which should review the consequenses of the dams not only from an economical angle, but also which environmental, social, cultural change the dams cause for the local situation. If the license is granted in 2006, the dams would be continued for another 50 to 60 years - maybe even without any review nor desperately needed change to the local situation and damages on the communities situated at the river. Here are pictures from the protest at the Scottish Power Shareholding meeting. Present where not only a broad coalition of native american Indian tribes, but also scientists, such as sociologists, biologists, cultural experts, representatives of the commercial fishermen and fishing businesses, and also supporters from Friends of the Earth, Friends of the River and independant media. The best outcomefor the people living at the river would be some of the dams, e.g. the oldest dam, the Iron Gate, to be taken out, as it hasn't got a fishladder and has the most severe impact on the river, the water height to be increased, the water quality to be increased and fishladders suitable for salmon to be installed.

Related

http://www.scotland.indymedia.org/feature/display/454/index.php

http://rogueimc.org/