The removal of this dam is the beginning of an effort to open access to 1,000 miles of habitat on the Penobscot River. The removal of the Great Works and Veazie dams and the bypass of the Howland and Milford dams upstream, will open up the river to eleven species of migratory fish, such as endangered Atlantic salmon, sturgeon, and river herring.

The removal of this dam and the Union dam upstream on the Patapsco River will open 43 river miles for American eel, alewife, and blueback herring.  Removal of these barriers will also serve as models for a larger restoration initiative in the Patapsco River watershed, aimed at restoring more than 300 mainstream and tributary miles of free-flowing habitat for important migratory fish species. These projects will also enhance public access and significantly improve recreational fishing and boating opportunities throughout the entire Patapsco River valley.

Winnicut Dam, New Hampshire

This dam is the last remaining barrier on the main stem of the Winnicut River. Its removal effort, which also includes the installation of a fish passage structure upstream, will open more than 39 miles of upstream habitat for migratory fish such as alewives, blueback herring, and American eel. Dam removal began in September 2009.