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Open Rivers Initiative
In 2005, NOAA created the Open Rivers Initiative, which provides communities with funding and technical guidance to carry out projects to restore local rivers and streams. The initiative is focused on community-driven dam and river barrier removals, with the goal of enhancing watershed health and fostering sustainable populations of migratory fish such as salmon, sturgeon, shad, river herring and American eel. Open Rivers Initiative projects also aim to improve public safety, enhance community vitality, and 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. This dam was no longer in use and presented a public safety hazard liability for its owner.
Construction and demolition took place in late summer 2008. This was one of the largest and most complex dam removal projects NOAA has ever attempted. Now that the dam has been removed, NOAA Restoration Center staff and volunteers continue to work at the site, planting riparian vegetation and monitoring the site for erosion and other changes to the stream bank.
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.
