Dam Removal

In the past alterations or modifications to stream channels and their floodplains were usually aimed at increasing agricultural or commercial productivity. Drainage tiles were often used to get rid of excess water and dams were able to help regulate flow and retain water supplies. With a better understanding of how these changes have effected ecosystems we now have a broader perspective of all the organisms, processes and relationships associated with healthy, productive streams and creeks. By removing dams, impoundments, flumes and other obstructions we can restore the natural habitat and conditions for rare, threatened and endangered species such as freshwater mussels.