California’s Eel River will soon flow free. We can fix past mistakes and revive wetlands and rivers. Shall we have a dam, dike and culvert-dismantling extravaganza? Let’s go!
Amanda. Dams begone. In Maine 2023 for for first time in 40 years sturgeon returned to old spawning areas far inland up Androscoggin River. There were some reports of fish 10-15’ long. Somehow these fish knew the dam was gone. Like elephants they remember their old spawning grounds.
I loved reading this. On my island we created huge wetlands where tens of thousands of migrating birds make a stop to feed, rest, and gain the energy to continue. Also check out “room for the river” in the Netherlands. And, somewhat related: “sandmotor” in the Netherlands.
I love your enthusiasm, Adam! We'll still need some reservoirs for drinking water and irrigation. There are a lot of promising solutions being used, like fish ladders and monetary incentives for farmers to flood their fields during key migration periods. The Eel River runs through a lot of forest and mountain, so it's another ideal river to restore for salmon.
I am touched by this news. I grew on the north end of the Eel river and this post and video gave me a profound hope for the salmon species and all the other connected life forms that will benefit from this step. I will have to be patient for 3 more years, but let's make sure we hold PG&E to their word. Thanks for sharing!
So there is good news?? I know nothing only the ecological impact the lack of water flow has caused in the Sea of Cortez. I look forward to learning more!!
My best friend and I did native plant restoration at one of the wetlands in San Diego. There are good people doing good work.
In Maine, it seems like all the dams that didn’t just get new or improved fish ladders are getting removed. Brookfield Energy did a ton of work on fish ladders in the last 5 years.
Couple good Maine Public shorts on dam work in Maine.
Thank you Amanda! After reading this article, I feel lightness flowing through my veins as some inner dams have been lifted, at least for the day.
I found myself saying yes! and yes! and yes! with each story of a damn coming down and water flow being restored. The Klamath --its beauty and power-- is close to my heart. When the damn started coming down there, I too felt tears coming to my eyes.
Amanda. Dams begone. In Maine 2023 for for first time in 40 years sturgeon returned to old spawning areas far inland up Androscoggin River. There were some reports of fish 10-15’ long. Somehow these fish knew the dam was gone. Like elephants they remember their old spawning grounds.
So fabulous. Thanks for sharing this. I love that they returned.
They got past Brunswick, Pejepscot, Lisbon, and Great Falls? Or just to base of great falls?
I loved reading this. On my island we created huge wetlands where tens of thousands of migrating birds make a stop to feed, rest, and gain the energy to continue. Also check out “room for the river” in the Netherlands. And, somewhat related: “sandmotor” in the Netherlands.
Excellent info. Thank you.
Thanks Amanda. The speed with which nature restores itself is so inspiring 💜
If you want, i could have every dam demolished when emperor. And the surrounding ecosystems of said dams restored with local help.
I love your enthusiasm, Adam! We'll still need some reservoirs for drinking water and irrigation. There are a lot of promising solutions being used, like fish ladders and monetary incentives for farmers to flood their fields during key migration periods. The Eel River runs through a lot of forest and mountain, so it's another ideal river to restore for salmon.
That’s true. I’m even floating the idea of building new reservoirs in California. And restoring ghost rivers.
More beavers!
I was so excited about this one! My favorite story is the road culverts and the dna testing. So cool!! This post makes me so happy. Thank you 😊
You're welcome!
I am touched by this news. I grew on the north end of the Eel river and this post and video gave me a profound hope for the salmon species and all the other connected life forms that will benefit from this step. I will have to be patient for 3 more years, but let's make sure we hold PG&E to their word. Thanks for sharing!
Do you know of any plans to restore the Baja California side of the Colorado River?
Ah, thanks for reminding me! I've looked into that before and had meant to include a mention of it. That story could fill an entire post.
So there is good news?? I know nothing only the ecological impact the lack of water flow has caused in the Sea of Cortez. I look forward to learning more!!
My best friend and I did native plant restoration at one of the wetlands in San Diego. There are good people doing good work.
Some groups are doing restoration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xqe5ha_Dj4
The Nature Conservancy: https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/priority-landscapes/colorado-river/restoring-the-delta/
Further upstream in Colorado: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6saRuQ9eKk4 (Trout Unlimited is also mentioned here)
In Maine, it seems like all the dams that didn’t just get new or improved fish ladders are getting removed. Brookfield Energy did a ton of work on fish ladders in the last 5 years.
Couple good Maine Public shorts on dam work in Maine.
https://www.mainepublic.org/2023-10-31/maines-whitewater-kayakers-carve-their-own-path
https://www.mainepublic.org/borealis/running-of-the-alewives
Holy Cow! The fact that so many dead damns litter the countryside and sit unattended was news to me!
So much for believing one is “well-informed.”
Thank you Madam Royal, for all of your “social composting” - a term I hereby register as being uttered in reference to the work of Earth Hope.
So happy to hear of these old dams coming down
Oh, and I didn't buy you coffee, but did become a paid subscriber just now.
Thanks so much! This makes my day. : ) Please keep in touch.
Thank you Amanda! After reading this article, I feel lightness flowing through my veins as some inner dams have been lifted, at least for the day.
I found myself saying yes! and yes! and yes! with each story of a damn coming down and water flow being restored. The Klamath --its beauty and power-- is close to my heart. When the damn started coming down there, I too felt tears coming to my eyes.
AH, I'm so glad to hear this. Let it seep in a little deeper than the rest of the news.
Good insight 😌 Can i translate this article into Spanish with links to you and a description of your newsletter?
Please do! Thank you
Outstanding post, Amanda. Restoring habitat is critical to species preservation, and the ripple effects (pun intended) are substantial.
Thank you, Julie : )
What an awesome post. Thanks so much for the welcomed good news!
Thank you! : )
Fantastic! Birds everywhere. Yay!
Thank you : )