Klamath River Dam removal was on the ballot this year in the two counties most likely to be affected by that removal, Siskiyou County, California and Klamath County, Oregon.

I have talked about this in the past: Klamath River Dams Removal News, from River Dancers Rafting, so thought I’d give you an update.

Both measures were nonbinding advisory votes. Both are polling conservative rural communities about their opinions on the issue of dam removal and involvement in the decisionmaking process.

In Siskiyou County the vote was nearly 80% to 20% in favor of dam removal. In conservative Klamath County the vote was a close 51% to 49% in favor of having the county government continue to represent Klamath citizens’ interest in the ongoing negotiations and discussions.

Interesting.

Why would two such similar counties have differing views on this vital issue?

For more information check out this article in the Klamath Falls Herald and News:  Vote no on 18-80 to keep county involved in KBRA

And also to educate yourself on the issue, you might be interested in the website for the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement.

The decision about dam removal is currently being considered by the U.S. Department of Interior. I’ll keep you informed.

Please share your thoughts on the disparity of public opinion between these two such similar counties.