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Open Rivers Initiative

In 2005, NOAA created the Open Rivers Initiative to help provide communities with funding and guidance to complete barrier removal projects. The initiative is focused on community-driven, small dam and river barrier removals in coastal states, with the goal of enhancing watershed health and fostering sustainable fish populations such as salmon, sturgeon, shad, river herring, striped bass, and American eel. Projects under the initiative will also improve community vitality and public safety, and encourage economic growth.

Merrimack Village Dam Removal

The Merrimack Village Dam (pictured) was one of a series of dams originally constructed in the 1730s to power industry in New Hampshire. Through its lifetime, the dam powered a sawmill, gristmill, and bridge. Dams in this region also helped control the water power for nail, cotton, and woolen mills, as well as carpet, furniture and shoe factories. Today, the dam is no longer in use and presents a public safety hazard liability for its owner.

Construction and demolition began on July 22 and will continue through August 30, 2008. The project will also involve local volunteers to help transplant freshwater mussels and fish during the restoration process, as well as to assist in removing accumulated trash and debris that has accumulated behind the dam. This is one of the largest and most complex dam removal projects NOAA has ever attempted.

Looking Forward
The Merrimack Village Dam Removal will restore fish passage to over 14 miles of main stem and tributary habitat for river
herring, Atlantic salmon, American shad, and American eel between Merrimack and Milford, NH. The project will also provide
benefits to native riverine fish and wildlife, including wild brook trout.

For more information about the Merrimack Village Dam, contact Eric Hutchins of the NOAA Restoration Center at eric.hutchins@noaa.gov or 978-281-9313.