Constructing the Klamath: Nature, Culture, and the Management of a Western River

Abstract

Despite decades of scientific research, stakeholder negotiations, and policy proposals, management of the Klamath River in southern Oregon and northern California remains hotly contested. This research examines the sociocultural dimensions of proposed removal of four Klamath River dams. Using a social constructivist approach to analyze the discourse of public comments regarding dam removal, I find commenters rely on diverse ideas of nature and divergent problem framings, contest the role of science, and draw on embedded and meaningful sociocultural narratives to legitimize their management preferences. These discourses shape the terrain upon which management actions are perceived, valued, and contested, and make management actions meaningful beyond their immediate spatial and temporal context. Dam removal on the Klamath River is far more than an ecological problem amenable to a scientific or technical approach; instead, it is a complex project shot through with the sociocultural identities, visions, and narratives of all involved.

Keywords:

• Klamath River dam removal
• social constructions
• discourse analysis
• cultural narratives
• environmental conflict
• environmental politics

Acknowledgements

I am indebted to Mark Neff, Dave Rossiter, and Andy Bach for their insightful comments and intellectual inspiration, as well as to the two anonymous reviewers for their suggestions.