Group pulls out of Klamath Dam removal talks

Local northern California group rejects flawed dam removal, restoration agreements for Klamath River

One of the parties to negotiations to remove dams from the Klamath River in Southern Oregon and Northern California is pulling out before the final agreement.

The Northcoast Environmental Center in Arcata, Calif., announced Monday it cannot accept several provisions of the deal that is expected to be signed next month.

Klamath Campaign coordinator Jay Wright says the agreement fails to compel dam owners PacifiCorp, the states of Oregon and California, or the federal government to commit to dam removal now.

He adds the group is unhappy about a related deal allowing farming to continue on Klamath wildlife refuges, and that California's $250 million share of costs is part of a huge water bond before voters that would fund other projects the Klamath Campaign cannot support.