Public support for the removal of dams, especially those that have outlived their usefulness, has increased throughout the United States. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is sponsoring the web broadcast of a dam removal at Merrimack, New Hampshire.
History of the Merrimack Village Dam
Merrimack Village's Dam was used for 270 years to support the local economy, but has fallen into disuse. It was built in the 1730's and powered grain mills, saw mills and factories throughout its useful life. The dam blocks the migration of herring, shad, eel and salmon up the Souhegan River, and breaching it will open 14 miles of new river habitat for the fish. The Souhegan River is a a major tributary to the Merrimack River and the Merrimack Village Dam is one of a series of dams that cross the river.
Announcing the web broadcast, Eric Hutchins of the NOAA Restoration Center says, "Merrimack residents and people around the world can go online and watch the river as it transforms back to its natural free-flowing state. From your laptop at home, you’ll see years of planning and preparations come to life, and watch the river repair itself."
A "Dam Cam" to Document a Dam Removal
The "dam cam" will document the removal of the concrete dam and will continue its broadcast for five months after its removal to document the recovery of the river to a free flowing state. Photographs will be taken by the webcam every ten minutes to form a time-lapse video of the restoration project.
Description of the NOAA Open Rivers Initiative
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has committed some $260,000 towards the removal of the Merrimack Village Dam. This represents one of the agencies major initiatives to restore river habitat under its Open Rivers Initiative. Project goals are to restore rivers with historic runs of migratory fish and other species traveling inland from the ocean. Barriers to aquatic migration include derelict dams, culverts, and weirs. One structure subject to removal of interest to paddlers are low head dams that were once popular for irrigation purposes.
Removing dams to reestablish free flowing rivers benefits riparian habitats, encourages migration of fish stocks inland to new grounds, opens up water for white water kayaking or canoeing, and can reduce liability for dam owners who are often public utilities. Removing dams makes ecological and economic sense in many cases. Removals can make a marked difference in species viability, benefit recreational uses, and improve riparian environments.
 |
 |
 |
 |
