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By Nicholas Grube Behind the iconic yellow border of one of the world's most renowned periodicals hides a story that might seem familiar to those living in Del Norte County. In National Geographic's most recent edition, which hit local newsstands earlier this week, the magazine focuses its lens on the Klamath River. Through 22 pages filled with words, photos and illustrations, the magazine tries to capture the story of the people who live both behind and in front of PacifiCorp's hydroelectric dams that hold back the natural flow of the waterway. Even though the article came out after PacifiCorp officials signed an agreement in principle to remove four of its contentious dams a project that would constitute the largest such operation in U.S. history Yurok Tribe's Executive Director Ralph Simon said the mere fact the story appears within National Geographic's covers could help spur a final deal. "I think with a national publication like this it shows how important the issues are," Simon said of the magazine that is printed in 29 different languages and has a monthly circulation of about 8.5 million. "Hopefully, it will increase support for the removal of the dams and approval of funding for all the restoration and remediation work that has to be done after the dams come out." The Yurok Tribe and other tribes, such as the Karuk and Hoopa, have advocated dam removal for years, particularly to increase water quality and restore what was once considered an abundant salmon population. These tribes' interests are represented in the magazine alongside those of the farmers who live in the upper basin and who rely on Klamath River's water for irrigation. But while it seems these are competing views, Simon said an important feature of the article is its focus on how these two factions have come together to save the river that gives each party life. "I certainly hope we have a lot of readers of the article," he said. "I think it tells two stories. One is the sad state of affairs because of the development on the river. But it also gives a message of hope as well." December's edition of National Geographic is not all the 120-year-old society has in store for Del Norte County. Earlier this month at a meeting with local officials James Dion, a representative from National Geographic, unveiled plans to produce a "Geotourism MapGuide" of attractions on the Northern California coast, from Marin County to the Oregon border. Dion also revealed there will be another article gracing the pages of the venerable magazine next year, this time focusing on a more well-known natural attraction the redwoods. |