Obviously the references to “lizards” and “reptilian D-Day” are biologically inaccurate, but I’m gonna choose to believe that Vuong knows the difference between reptiles and amphibs, and also recognizes that Hai probably wouldn’t.

Hey, you’re already watching Glen Canyon return!

I *would* love to see a gajillion river herring

And here are a few images of the Klamath from my visit last summer, as the dams were being dismantled and the river & its tributaries emerged from the fetid goo of reservoir bottoms to slip back into ancient courses. May many other rivers (the Eel, the Snake!) follow the Klamath to freedom.

/end

Naturally I did some angling in the Klamath basin, namely in the Sprague River, where @troutunlimited.bsky.social has done restoration. The Sprague’s redband rainbows, or their offspring, can in theory go to Pacific & back. Do their genes remember the sea? Will they unleash their inner steelhead? 🥹

Earlier this fall I also had the privilege of visiting the Elwha, the largest dam removal before Klamath. Not only have many salmonid populations erupted, but fish have rediscovered long-dormant life histories—landlocked rainbow trout becoming steelhead, e.g. These critters just need a chance.

“Is A River Alive?” “Yes—In Part Because Salmon Make It So.”

Whaddaya say @robgmacfarlane.bsky.social / @mattweiland.bsky.social?

Some spawned right below lowermost dam, others were collected for production in hatchery.

Literally banging their heads against a wall