The dam removal will open nineteen miles of stream habitat to American and hickory shad, river herring, American eel and other fish species. Other benefits will include elimination of dam safety issues and opening of stream access for recreational paddling.

The planned removal is a result of the partnership of Octoraro Watershed Association, Octoraro Water Authority, American Rivers, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Northeast Region Division of Fisheries, Susquehanna River Coordinator and Chesapeake Bay Ecological Services Field Office). Cooperative efforts of the partners have prompted the two approving agencies, Maryland Department of the Environment and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to take a less rigid approach to permitting dam removals. Such partnerships are proving to be the way to achieve cost effective dam removal in Maryland.

Another dam in western Maryland was removed last year, and four more dam removals are in the planning process. For more information, contact David Sutherland, Chesapeake Bay Field Office, Annapolis, Md.