Taking a Second Look: Communities and Dam Removal

[Mike Clifford]

Here is a great video that is well worth spending time to view.

No propaganda, just a few case studies with tangible results.

 

 

American Rivers, in collaboration with a number of partners, offers "Taking a Second Look: Communities and Dam Removal."

 

This 22-minute video is meant to inform dam owners, local businesses, public officials, resource agencies, and other concerned community members about the benefits of dam removal as a river restoration tool.

 

Featuring case studies of communities that have removed dams in Wisconsin, Maine, and California, the video addresses many of the issues and concerns that are involved in the process of deciding whether or not to remove a dam.

 

The story of river restoration in the three communities is told through before-and-after video, photographs, and testimonials from business owners, local citizens, and officials.

 

The video is a collaborative project of American Rivers, Trout Unlimited, River Alliance of Wisconsin, Natural Resources Council of Maine, and the Atlantic Salmon Federation, in partnership with the National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program.

 

It is generously funded in part by the Mississippi Interstate Cooperative Resource Association, an organization of 28 state natural resource agencies.

[Guest rich mc]

very cool. i just watched a few minutes and cant wait to see the rest.

[ronk]

While dam removal is very desirable on most rivers I hesitate when it comes to the Fox.If their removal would result in its becoming clear enuf to promote the unchecked growth of the coldwater algae followed by massive amounts of weeds that have choked the Dupage for the last 6-7years and is increasingly having the same affect on the Kank it would be better for fishermans' purposes if the dams remained.Better a dammed murky river free of noxious vegetation than a "freeflowing" clear river choked with it all season long in most years.With all that vegetation it wouldn't be freeflowing anyway.Perhaps the bedrock streambed of the Fox, unlike the gravelly bottom of most of the Dupage, would inhibit the weeds but it hasn't on the Kank which seems to have the same bottom makeup as the Fox.When it comes to dam removal on the Fox I can't help but be reminded of that old addage "be careful what you wish for....."

[jim bielecki]

Great Video! I watched the whole session and it really shows the positive aspects and potential of dam removal. I'm looking forward to the removal of the McDowell, and Warrenville Dams! Any future talks about removing the dams along the Fox R.?

[Mike Clifford]

Actually, the Fox and Kankakee are very different.

The Kankakee is getting choked something fierce by sand and sediment, and there is little hope for abatement anytime soon.

Even if all of the dams were removed, the sand flow would continue.

That is the first and foremost concern on this watershed, above all else.

 

The EPA recently held a TMDL meeting at the Kankakee VFW regarding this, and found even more disturbing issues with fecal coliform on 2 stretches of the Iroquois, a major tributary to the Kankakee.

 

More on this later, as they need much help from volunteers to monitor this specific situation, and we may find some way to help in this regard.

Their resources are severely limited, and accurate monitoring will require 5 attempts per month in various segments to pinpoint the cause.