The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association announced a new Open Rivers Initiative designed to spur economic and environmental renewal and improve public safety in small towns and communities through the removal of obsolete or derelict stream barriers.

The announcement featured the Wyomissing Creek dam removal project in Berks County.

There are an estimated 2.5 million dams across the country, many less than six feet tall and some up to 200 years old. The ORI will target only those small dams where community consensus and the dam owners support removal, the dam no longer serves a useful purpose, and removal will have the greatest benefit to anadromous fish like salmon, striped bass and shad.

Many derelict dams pose a safety hazard, particularly to downstream communities; cause economic hardship for towns forced to pay for upkeep and liability; and disturb delicate ecosystems by preventing the free flow of water and species through the river. Removing dams and other blockages opens habitat for migratory fish and can help boost local economies by increasing property values and increasing recreational opportunities such as fishing and kayaking.

The Open Rivers Initiative will be a grant program administered through the NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation.

9/2/2005