The four dams only create enough power for about 70,000 homes, he said. "It's not worth it" with other sources of power available.

Frankie Myers of the Yurok Tribe said the two canoes are about 15 and 40 years old, and they were carved with traditional methods from redwood logs. They are considered to be living things with souls, and the fact that tribes were willing to transport them shows the depth of their commitment to the issue, he said.

"We really hope that the people at PacifiCorp hear our message to remove their dams," he said. The dams are harming fisheries in the river, he added.

Besides other values, he said, "The Klamath River has a huge impact on commercial fishing."

Dave Eskelsen, spokesman for Rocky Mountain Power, said the Klamath projects are undergoing their periodic license renewal procedure before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The protesters represent parties to negotiations that are part of the renewal process.

FERC has the responsibility to balance needs of the electricity production against other people with interests in environmental, cultural and recreational issues. Sometimes the parties come to understandings that are approved by FERC. At others, FERC has to hold what is in effect a litigation-type hearing on matters where no agreement is achieved.

"There's no set deadline" for licensing renewal negotiations, he said. Typically, FERC grants operating licenses on a year-to-year basis during negotiations. Often the process lasts five years; in this case, it has been going on since 2000.

"We respect the positions of all those parties, including the folks in Salt Lake City today," Eskelsen said. "We'll continue to work with them on possible settlements."

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E-mail: bau@desnews.com