In line with a strong trend away from dams,  communities in 19 states, working in partnership with non-profit organizations and state and federal agencies, removed 65 US dams in 2012.

Dams were removed from rivers in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin  In total, the dam removal project restored 400 miles of streams for the benefit of fish, wildlife and people across the country.

Nearly 1,100 dams that have been removed across the country since 1912. Nearly 800 were removed in the past 20 years. American Rivers is the only organization maintaining a record of dam removals in the United States and uses the information to communicate the benefits of dam removal, which include restoring river health and clean water, revitalizing fish and wildlife, improving public safety and recreation, and enhancing local economies.

American Rivers is the leading organization working to protect and restore the nation’s rivers and streams. “The river restoration movement in our country is stronger than ever. Communities nationwide are removing outdated dams because they recognize that a healthy, free-flowing river is a tremendous asset,” said Bob Irvin, President of American Rivers.The top three states for river restoration through dam removal in 2012 are:1. Pennsylvania – 13 dams removed

2. Massachusetts – 9 dams removed

3. Oregon – 8 dams removed

The complete list of dam removals in 2012 is available at http://www.americanrivers.org/2012damremovals.

 

Source Reference: Water Efficiency