Current Projects that will benefit our Wild and Scenic Rivers
Talbot Mills Dam
The Talbot Mills Dam is located on the Concord River in Billerica, MA approximately 3.4 miles downstream of the Wild and Scenic segment of the Concord River. Currently, the dam owner is working with several state and federal agencies and local NGOs to pursue dam removal.
Learn more about the Talbot Mills Dam Removal Project:
MRWC Talbot Mills Dam Removal Page
Warner’s Pond Dam
Warner’s Pond Dam is located on Nashoba Brook, approximately 0.25 miles upstream of the confluence with the Wild and Scenic Assabet River in West Concord. Currently, the Town of Concord is exploring alternatives to pond management, including dam removal, to address eutrophication and sedimentation in Warner’s Pond as a result of the dam.
Learn more about the Warner’s Pond Dam:
Town of Concord’s Warner’s Pond Information
Benefits of Dam Removal
Free-Flowing Rivers
Dam and other barrier removal enables rivers to flow freely and naturally. Protecting and enhancing the nation’s free-flowing rivers is a central tenet of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
Fish Passage
Dams are major barriers to fish passage. Removal of these barriers allow fish to access additional habitat to carry out important parts of their lifecycle.
Water Quality
Dams slow or stop the flow of rivers and streams, leading to increased water temperature and decreased oxygen levels. These conditions are harmful to riverine species that need cool, flowing water to survive.
River Restoration
Dams significantly alter riverine ecology by slowing stream flow, trapping sediment, and inundating important floodplain and wetland habitat. Dam removal and the subsequent river restoration creates habitat for riverine species and returns the river to its natural state.
Learn more about dam removal and river restoration across the US:
Restoring Damaged Rivers (americanrivers.org)
Learn more about dam removal in Massachusetts:
River Restoration: Dam Removal | Mass.gov
Learn more about the benefits of dam removal in the SuAsCo watershed:
River Restoration and Dams | OARS (oars3rivers.org)
Wild and Scenic River Case Studies
The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System works to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Removing dams upstream, downstream, or on tributaries to Wild and Scenic Rivers enhances river resources and creates more miles of free-flowing rivers. To explore each of the Wild and Scenic Rivers in depth, visit this page.
A stretch of the Wild and Scenic Rogue River, Oregon
