Happy Eco News Northeast Dam Removal Projects Accelerate to Restore River Ecosystems
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The economic benefits of the Northeast dam removal trend include increased property values and expanded recreational opportunities for fishing and kayaking.
Small dams across the Northeast are decreasing at record rates as government agencies and environmental groups work to restore river ecosystems and help struggling fish species.
The Northeast dam removal movement gained significant momentum after the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided $800 million in funding for such projects.
To date, 806 dams have been removed in the Northeast, with hundreds more planned. Nationwide, 80 dams were removed in 2023, making it a record-breaking year for these restoration efforts.
According to Andrew Fisk, Northeast regional director of the nonprofit American Rivers, the increasing intensity and frequency of storm events and the dramatically reduced sizes of migratory fish populations are accelerating these efforts.
Many fish species migrating between oceans and rivers face serious population declines.
American eels, though not officially endangered, have been recorded at historically low numbers for decades throughout the Northeast. Fishing regulators consider their stocks depleted.
Other species in trouble include alewife and blueback herring, shad, shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon, and Atlantic salmon. All are declining in Northeastern river systems.
The Northeast is the most heavily dammed region in the nation. Most of these structures were built in the 19th century to power various mills as the region industrialized.
Jeremy Dietrich, an aquatic ecologist at the New York State Water Resources Institute, has seen dramatic improvements after completing Northeast dam removal projects.
Before removal, areas upstream of dams were typically dominated by midges, aquatic worms, and small crustaceans—organisms usually found in ponds.
After removal, Dietrich found improved water quality and more beetles, mayflies, and caddisflies. These insects are more sensitive to environmental changes and serve as indicators of ecosystem health.
Dietrich’s research shows that streams generally recover to a point where there is no evidence of a dam ever being present.
American eels and juvenile blue crabs have already moved in on Quassaick Creek in New York, where a dam was removed in 2020. In some cases, fish returns can be observed within minutes of opening a passageway.
Northeast dam removal isn’t just about helping fish. It’s also about protecting people, saving money, and in some cases, boosting local economies.
American Rivers estimates that 85 percent of U.S. dams are either unnecessary or dangerous to public safety if they collapse and flood downstream communities.
Low-head dams, which allow water to flow continuously over them, create dangerous currents that trap and drown about 50 people annually in the U.S.
Private dam owners are increasingly interested in removal. Insurance companies often flag these structures as liabilities, especially in disrepair.
Economic studies have shown that Northeast dam removal projects can increase property values along restored rivers and boost recreational activities like fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching. One study in Maine found that riverfront property values increased after dam removals improved water quality and scenic views.
Northeast dam removal is crucial in helping communities adapt to climate change.
Intact rivers handle floods more effectively than dammed ones. As climate change brings more intense and frequent storms to the Northeast, free-flowing rivers can better absorb and distribute floodwaters.
Removing dams also helps cool water temperatures in rivers, providing thermal refuges for cold-water species like trout and salmon that are threatened by warming climates.
Climate resilience has become a key factor in prioritizing which dams to remove, with organizations looking at which removals will provide the greatest flood protection benefits to downstream communities.
Many Northeast dam removal projects now include citizen science components, allowing local residents to participate in river restoration efforts.
The Hudson River Estuary Program trains volunteers to monitor water quality and counts returning fish species after dam removals. These “River Watchers” contribute valuable data while learning about river ecology.
Public engagement is considered critical for successful dam removal. When people participate in monitoring, they develop a personal connection to the river and become advocates for its health.
Several Northeast states have developed smartphone apps that allow citizens to report fish sightings, helping track the recovery of migratory species after dam removals.
Despite the benefits, dam removal isn’t simple or cheap.
Even small, straightforward projects cost between $100,000 and $3 million.
Applications must score well on various criteria to qualify for federal or state grants. This process can be overwhelming for dam owners.
Applications often require proof that removal will restore fish habitat and reduce flooding. They also need sediment assessments, feasibility studies, planting plans, permits, designs, and support letters from officials and neighbors.
Sometimes, there are good reasons to keep dams in place. For example, in Maine’s Penobscot River, removing certain dams might allow invasive pike to reach areas with native brook trout.
In these cases, fish ladders that block invasive species while allowing native fish to pass can be a better solution.
Community support can also be an issue. The potential removal of the Muchattoes Lake dam in New York faces challenges because the lake provides the only nearby place for locals to kayak and fish.
Recent research may help simplify requirements for the Northeast dam removal.
A 2020 study by Brian Yellen found that most dams don’t trap much sediment. This means many projects wouldn’t need costly sediment management plans, potentially reducing removal costs significantly.
To increase efficiency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has formed a task force with other federal agencies, such as NOAA and FEMA.
American Rivers is working with regional partners to develop priority lists of dams whose removal would provide the greatest benefits and open the most river miles to important species.
Of course, not all dams will be removed, but efforts can be thoughtful and impactful if the ones chosen for removal have the highest return on effort.
When dams come down, proper restoration of the surrounding area is essential. This often includes planting native trees to prevent erosion, providing shade to cool the creek, and dropping leaves that help oxygenate the water.
As climate change brings more intense storms and fish populations decline, Northeast dam removal efforts are likely to continue gaining momentum.
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