According to the group American Rivers, headquartered in Washington, 65 dams were removed to help restore rivers in 2012, bringing to nearly 1,100 the total number of dams removed across the United States since 1912. Nearly 800 of these dams have been removed in the past 20 years as communities have come to recognize the value of free-flowing waters.
The latest statistics show that dams were removed in 19 states as communities worked in partnership with non-profit organizations and state and federal agencies to restore 400 miles of streams for the benefit of fish, wildlife and people. American Rivers played a role in 24 of the dam removals last year.
American Rivers states that it is the only organization maintaining a record of dam removals in the United States, and it uses the information gathered to communicate the benefits of dam removal including restoring river health and clean water, revitalizing fish and wildlife, improving public safety and recreation, and enhancing local economies.
“The river restoration movement in our country is stronger than ever. Communities nationwide are removing outdated dams because they recognize that a healthy, free-flowing river is a tremendous asset,” said Bob Irvin, President of American Rivers.
%pullstart%Outdated dams were removed in 19 states to restore 400 miles of streams for the benefit of fish, wildlife and people during 2012.%pullend% The top three states for river restoration through dam removal in 2012 were:
1. Pennsylvania – 13 dams removed
2. Massachusetts – 9 dams removed
3. Oregon – 8 dams removed
In local states, 2 dams were removed in Maine, 1 in Connecticut , 1 in Maryland, 9 in Massachusetts, 3 in New Hampshire, 2 in New Jersey and 4 in New York.
You can view a complete list of dam removals in 2012 is at www.americanrivers.org. The list includes all known dam removals, regardless of the level of involvement by American Rivers.
