Protecting Klamath River Salmon From Grazing

Wild coho salmon in the upper Klamath River in California are at “high risk of extinction,” in part because of cattle grazing. Coho find habitat along sensitive streams such as Horse Creek and Beaver Creek, which have high potential for serving as a critical piece of the population’s recovery. Nonetheless, the Forest Service authorizes cattle to graze along the creeks and degrade coho habitat.

In 2017, we notified the Forest Service of our intent to sue it if it did not consult with the National Marine Fisheries Service as to the effects of grazing on the creeks. The Forest Service then agreed to consult, and we’ll keep tabs on this issue to ensure healthy fish habitat in these tributaries.