Oberholzer Dent, John R.

In this study, we conducted a social impact assessment of Klamath dam removal for tribal community well-being, as a contribution to tribal assessment science. Building on a long-term research partnership with the Karuk Tribe, we co-developed an assessment tool evaluating the social, cultural and economic impacts of dam removal in the Klamath Basin (California, Oregon, US). Our study design used a well-being framework focused on access to cultural resources, holistic health, self-governance, education, and livelihoods (https://damremovalsocialimpact.com). We analyzed surveys and focus groups with Tribal community members through coding and Indigenous storytelling methodologies. By including Karuk knowledge systems that connect the health of the river and the people, the assessment recasts dam removal as eco-cultural revitalization, and provides a baseline for evaluating social impacts from dam removal that is relevant to the tribal community. In this way, our research redefines the reference system used to track Klamath watershed restoration outcomes. By taking a more inclusive approach to environmental governance, we move away from siloed approaches that separate biophysical and social systems, and towards more holistic watershed governance for tribal community well-being.