By Blake Jackson
A meeting was held on August 28, 2024, to discuss the potential benefits and impacts of dam removal on the Little Salmon River in Mexico, New York.
Representatives from various organizations, including the NYS Water Resources Institute (NYSWRI), Tug Hill Commission, NYSDEC, and NY Sea Grant, participated in the meeting.
Jeremy Deitrich, an Aquatic Ecologist with NYSWRI, presented his research on ecological monitoring of barrier mitigation projects in the Great Lakes Watershed.
His study assessed water quality conditions of the Little Salmon River and Black Creek, both upstream and downstream of the three dams in Mexico.
The results indicated that downstream conditions were generally better than upstream, based on aquatic life and habitat conditions.
Deitrich also shared insights from dam removal projects in the Hudson River watershed, where water quality and habitat conditions improved significantly within a few years.
The meeting provided an opportunity for watershed residents and stakeholders to share their perspectives on dam removal.
There was interest in conducting further studies to explore potential benefits, such as habitat improvement, enhanced resiliency, improved safety, and potential impacts on water quality, flood risk, and invasive species.
Emily Fell from NYSDEC's Great Lakes Program and NYSWRI presented funding opportunities available to support watershed resiliency options, including dam removal studies and other alternatives for enhancing dam safety, habitat, and resiliency.
They also highlighted the guidance available from NYSWRI and NYSDEC on dam safety, aquatic connectivity, and barrier removals.
For more information and meeting presentations are available at the Tug Hill Commission website.
Photo Credit: istock-fangxianuo
Categories: New York, Government & Policy