American Whitewater and the whitewater paddling community have long been advocates for dam removal, given the significant impact dams have on paddlers.
Across the country, paddlers have played key roles in various dam removal projects, employing strategies ranging from supporting relicensing negotiations to direct involvement in removal efforts and development of a vision for how the public can enjoy the restored river.
Notable examples include the Dillsboro Dam on North Carolina’s Tuckasegee River, where paddlers helped rally public support, and the White Salmon River in Washington, where we advocated for the removal of dams that hindered salmon runs.
In Oregon and California we worked to support the Klamath River dam removals and have been leaders in the effort to develop a plan for how the public can experience and enjoy the river.
Similarly, in New Hampshire, American Whitewater and local paddlers supported the removal of the Bearcamp River Dam as well as the removal of four dams on the Willimantic River in Connecticut.
These projects highlight how paddlers can drive change, showing that dam removals are not only achievable but growing in number, with one individual making a significant impact.
