DEADLINE: IJNR Klamath River Institute

Klamath River Institute
September 17-23, 2023 (dates tentative)
California + Oregon

When four dams along the Klamath River begin coming down later this year, a new chapter will start for this historically rich river system. For millennia, the Klamath has nourished Indigenous people and wildlife. More recently, its waters have been divided and subdivided in attempts to support large-scale agriculture across a largely arid area, generate hydroelectric power, and sustain varied ecosystems. But overallocation has fueled acrimony for more than a century. Between human engineering and relentless drought, the Klamath River barely resembles what it once was and literally no one – Tribes, farmers, ranchers, fish, wildlife – gets what they need.
 
Now, with the world’s largest dam-removal effort under way, the focus turns to restoration.

A free-flowing Klamath brings hope to this stressed region. Removing dams won’t add water, but stakeholders hope a renewed river can recharge groundwater, restore fish populations and the wetlands that support them, provide a buffer against climate change, light a path forward for innovative agriculture, and ultimately expand the sovereignty of the Native people who call the Klamath River basin home. The world is watching to see what a new regime means for neighboring communities, the Pacific Northwest, and rivers across the globe.

The Institute for Journalism & Natural Resources announces the Klamath River Institute, an expenses-paid, six-day, seven-night Institute for up to 15 journalists that will explore the Klamath River Basin from its headwaters in southern Oregon to its mouth in northern California, and investigate how removal of four dams will impact Indigenous rights and sovereignty, hydrology, food systems, agriculture practices, river ecosystems, fisheries, wildlife migrations, the energy system, and more.

Applications due Friday, July 28 (midnight MST)

Applicants must submit a resume, one or more clips and statement of interest via Submittable.

We will select up to 15 applicants who represent diversity in geography, outlet, race, gender, experience, and journalistic medium.

Priority consideration will be given to journalists of color.

IJNR covers all program expenses (food, lodging, local travel) during programs.