2025 State of Dam Removals in the U.S.

In 2025, practitioners across the United States continued to build momentum for the practice of dam removal by connecting with new communities and building robust partnerships. In this summary, we highlight some of these exciting projects to illustrate that any community can restore its river if they come together with determination for a healthier and safer existence with nature.

This list includes all dam removals reported to American Rivers (as of February 3, 2026) that occurred in 2025, regardless of the level of American Rivers’ involvement. Inclusion on this list does not indicate endorsement by American Rivers.

For further information about the list, please contact Jessie
Thomas-Blate, American Rivers, Director of River Restoration
at 202-347-7550 or jthomas@americanrivers.org.