Thanks for highlighting this initiative to restore free flowing rivers in the west. Obviously communities may lose carbon-free electricity, flood control, irrigation or recreation in the process of dam removal. But with the growth in other clean energy sources, we should be looking for more opportunities to rewild our rivers to restore cultural and natural resources.
Here in Chicago, where our namesake river has been abused and channelized for nearly 200 years, we have made progress. Not only was the city’s only dam removed recently, but the world’s first floating eco park is growing on a former industrial canal. Connecting more residents to our rivers will help raise awareness of their role in protecting this critical habitat.
Jeff, dams certainly have their advantages. That's why we build them. And in some cases I think it might be wise to leave the dams, as you say for flood control, irrigation, etc. I live in Southern California, and our water supply would be precarious without dams and reservoirs.
And sometimes the energy we get from those dams is not that much. The hydropower from the Klamath dams amounted to only about 2% of that electric company's output.
Yes! I've been reading about the wonderful greening of the Chicago River for the last 20 years, and it's a great, inspiring story. This past October, I had a wonderful stroll along the river and spent some quality time sightseeing and reading. Thanks so much for your comment.
There are so many benefits to removing human-made dams. It also allows the beavers do what they do best, as a keystone species and eco engineers. Good story, Paul.
I love these dam removal stories of habitat restoration. They give m hope that we can reverse so many other insults to nature.
Joel, yes! Until I looked into it, I didn't realize how profound, and quickly, the natural world can restore itself.
Thanks for highlighting this initiative to restore free flowing rivers in the west. Obviously communities may lose carbon-free electricity, flood control, irrigation or recreation in the process of dam removal. But with the growth in other clean energy sources, we should be looking for more opportunities to rewild our rivers to restore cultural and natural resources.
Here in Chicago, where our namesake river has been abused and channelized for nearly 200 years, we have made progress. Not only was the city’s only dam removed recently, but the world’s first floating eco park is growing on a former industrial canal. Connecting more residents to our rivers will help raise awareness of their role in protecting this critical habitat.
Jeff, dams certainly have their advantages. That's why we build them. And in some cases I think it might be wise to leave the dams, as you say for flood control, irrigation, etc. I live in Southern California, and our water supply would be precarious without dams and reservoirs.
Electricity from hydropower is not always carbon free. https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/tracking-carbon-footprint-hydropower
And sometimes the energy we get from those dams is not that much. The hydropower from the Klamath dams amounted to only about 2% of that electric company's output.
Yes! I've been reading about the wonderful greening of the Chicago River for the last 20 years, and it's a great, inspiring story. This past October, I had a wonderful stroll along the river and spent some quality time sightseeing and reading. Thanks so much for your comment.
Enjoyed the bonus finale to the newsletter :)
Yes. Paid subscribers will receive more back-up material to this post, with maps and more!
There are so many benefits to removing human-made dams. It also allows the beavers do what they do best, as a keystone species and eco engineers. Good story, Paul.
Thanks so much, Perry! And yes, I was pretty amazed at the number of environmental plusses when dams are no longer clogging up our rivers.
Excellent
Dam removal is a regenerative option par excellence ...