Dams Continue to Come Down as Winter Approaches

November 12, 2008 | Restoring Rivers, Dams & Dam Removal

Serena McClain
Director, River Restoration, Federal Grants

If you listen closely, you might hear a collective cheer this week up near the U.S.-Canadian border in the town of Fort Covington, New York. The town, along with partners that include American Rivers, NOAA, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the New York Department of State, and the New York Power Authority to name a few, are gearing up for the removal of the Fort Covington Dam. The dam, which was originally built in 1913 to provide hydropower for local mill operations, has long since fallen out of use and into disrepair and, according to town officials, has contributed to upstream flooding. Removing the dam will alleviate liability and maintenance responsibilities for the dam, as well as restore access to more than 10 miles of Salmon River spawning habitat for smallmouth bass, walleye, etc. The Fort Covington Dam isn't the only dam being removed this year.

Today, American Rivers released its list of 64 dams that have been removed or are scheduled for removal in 2008. While some dams are beneficial to society, many have outlived their usefulness and often do more harm than good. Some dams increase flood risks for communities, and old or poorly maintained dams are at risk of failure. Many of the dams on this year's list are part of this outdated infrastructure. By removing old infrastructure like obsolete dams, we build up our natural infrastructure – the streams, wetlands and floodplains that give our communities essential services like clean water, flood protection, and other economic benefits.

I think our president, Rebecca Wodder, says it best. "It is time to rethink our nation's water infrastructure. These dam removals are an example of how our communities can reap multiple benefits when we let nature work, and when we let rivers be rivers."

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