“Worst Salmon-Killing Dam on Rogue River” Completely Removed

By Chris Clarke | Posted on October 9, 2009

Rogue River returns to original streambed for first time in 88 years

Oakland, CA — The last pieces of the Savage Rapids Dam, widely regarded as the worst fish-killer on Oregon’s Rogue River, are being removed today. The river will be restored to its natural bed for the first time in 88 years, just in time for the Fall run of coho salmon. 

The demolition is the direct result of a lawsuit Earthjustice attorneys Mike Sherwood and Claudia Polsky participated in on behalf of WaterWatch of Oregon.  WaterWatch waged a two-decade campaign to remove the dam.  Removal of the dam opens access to 500 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for Rogue River salmon.