Large-scale dam removal and ecosystem restoration
By Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
August 30, 2024
After centuries of building dams on rivers around the world, dam removal projects are on the rise. USGS scientists and partners from France compiled a collection of research articles on a wide range of topics related to large dam removal, from vegetation and terrestrial animal responses to social and financial considerations of these large-scale restoration projects.
USGS scientists Rebecca McCaffery and Jeff Duda co-edited a special collection of papers on large dam removal and wrote an editorial introducing the collection in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. River restoration via dam removal is receiving increased public attention and financial investment, but most dam removal projects to date have focused on smaller structures. Understanding the outcomes of large dam removal depends on sustained research and monitoring efforts over large spatial extents and time scales. The editorial introduces the diverse research topics in the collection, including 12 papers with USGS authors covering aquatic and terrestrial ecology, water quality, economics, and social science. The collection is available for download as an eBook.
McCaffery, R.M., Duda, J.J., Soissons, L., and Roussel, J., 2024, Large-scale dam removal and ecosystem restoration: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, v. 12, p. 1471146. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2024.1471146
Related
Browse publications by USGS authors included in the research collection.
Large-scale dam removal and ecosystem restoration Large-scale dam removal and ecosystem restoration
Rivers underpin vital ecosystems that support aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity and many ecosystem services, including food, water, culture, and recreation (Dudgeon et al. 2006). After centuries of building dams on rivers across the world, river restoration via dam removal is receiving increased public attention, financial investment, and scientific study because of various issues of...
Authors
Rebecca McCaffery, Jeffrey Duda, Laura Soissons, Jean-Marc Roussel
Challenges of implementing a multi-agency monitoring and adaptive management strategy for federally threatened Chinook salmon and steelhead trout during and after dam removal in the Elwha River Challenges of implementing a multi-agency monitoring and adaptive management strategy for federally threatened Chinook salmon and steelhead trout during and after dam removal in the Elwha River
Adaptive management, a process of planning, implementing, and evaluating management strategies, is often recommended for monitoring ecological systems. However, few examples of successful implementation and retrospective case studies exist. We provide a case study of adaptively managing hatchery-assisted protection and recovery for Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and winter...
Authors
Roger Peters, Joseph Anderson, Jeffrey Duda, Michael McHenry, George Pess, Samuel Brenkman, Jeffery Johnson, Martin Liermann, Keith Denton, Matthew Beirne, Patrick Crain, Heidi Connor
Establishment of terrestrial mammals on former reservoir beds following large dam removal on the Elwha River, Washington, USA Establishment of terrestrial mammals on former reservoir beds following large dam removal on the Elwha River, Washington, USA
Terrestrial wildlife species are important yet often overlooked taxa in the recovery of ecosystems following dam removal. Their presence can shape ecosystem recovery, signal restoration of ecosystem function, and influence food web dynamics and nutrient transfer. We used camera traps to examine seasonal use of two former reservoir beds and an upstream reference reach by the mammalian...
Authors
Rebecca McCaffery, Sara Cendejas-Zarelli, Katy Goodwin, Patricia Happe, Kurt Jenkins, Kimberly A. Sager-Fradkin
Vegetation responses to large dam removal on the Elwha River, Washington, USA Vegetation responses to large dam removal on the Elwha River, Washington, USA
Large dam removal can trigger changes to physical and biological processes that influence vegetation dynamics in former reservoirs, along river corridors downstream of former dams, and at a river’s terminus in deltas and estuaries. We present the first comprehensive review of vegetation response to major fluvial disturbance caused by the world’s largest dam removal. After being in place...
Authors
Patrick B. Shafroth, Laura Perry, James Helfield, Joshua Chenoweth, Rebecca Brown
A review of natural and managed revegetation responses in two de-watered reservoirs after large dam removals on the Elwha River, Washington, USA A review of natural and managed revegetation responses in two de-watered reservoirs after large dam removals on the Elwha River, Washington, USA
Large dam removals are increasing in frequency and the response of natural and managed revegetation is a critical consideration for managed restoration of dewatered reservoir landscapes post dam removal. The removal of two large dams on the Elwha River in 2011-2014 provides insight into reservoir revegetation. We review literature and datasets from 2012 through 2018, 1-6 years since...
Authors
Joshua Chenoweth, Patrick B. Shafroth, Rebecca Brown, James Helfield, Jenise Bauman, Sara Cendejas-Zarelli, Chhaya Werner, Jarrett Schuster, Olivia Morgan
Leaf litter decomposition and detrital communities following the removal of two large dams on the Elwha River (Washington, USA) Leaf litter decomposition and detrital communities following the removal of two large dams on the Elwha River (Washington, USA)
Large-scale dam removals provide opportunities to restore river function in the long-term and are massive disturbances to riverine ecosystems in the short-term. The removal of two dams on the Elwha River (WA, USA) between 2011 and 2014 was the largest dam removal project to be completed by that time and has since resulted in major changes to channel dynamics, river substrates, in-stream
Authors
Carri LeRoy, Sarah Morley, Jeffrey Duda, Alex Zinck, Paris Lamoureux, Cameron Pennell, Ali Bailey, Caitlyn Oswell, Mary Silva, Brandy Kamakawiwo’ole, Sorrel Hartford, Jacqueline Van Der Hout, Roger Peters, Rebecca Mahan, Justin Stapleton, Rachelle Johnson, Melissa Foley
Seven dam challenges for migratory fish: Insights from the Penobscot River Seven dam challenges for migratory fish: Insights from the Penobscot River
More than a century of impoundments in the Penobscot River, Maine, USA, has contributed to population declines in migratory fish in the system. A decade of change, research, and monitoring has revealed direct and indirect ways that dams have influenced the river habitat, connectivity for migratory fish, and the food web. The removal of two main-stem dams (in 2012 and 2013) and bolstering...
Authors
Joseph Zydlewski, Stephen M. Coghlan, Cody Dillingham, Guillermo Figueroa-Munoz, Carolyn Merriam, Sean Smith, Rylee Smith, Daniel Stich, Sarah Vogel, Karen Wilson, Gayle B. Zydlewski
Coastal vegetation responses to large dam removal on the Elwha River Coastal vegetation responses to large dam removal on the Elwha River
Introduction: Large dam removals provide a restoration opportunity for shrinking coastal wetland habitats. Dam removal can increase sediment delivery to sediment-starved river deltas and estuaries by restoring natural sediment transport and mobilizing reservoir-impounded sediment. However, rapid mobilization of massive quantities of sediment stored behind large dams also constitutes a...
Authors
Laura Perry, Patrick B. Shafroth, Samuel Alfieri, Ian Miller
Lessons learned from community and citizen science monitoring projects on the Elwha River Restoration Project Lessons learned from community and citizen science monitoring projects on the Elwha River Restoration Project
Community and citizen science (CCS) projects – initiatives that involve public participation in scientific research – can both sustain and expand long-term monitoring of large dam removal projects. In this article, we discuss our perspectives on CCS associated with the Elwha River dam removals. We summarize how the public has been or could be involved in monitoring and distill lessons...
Authors
M. V. Eitzel, Ryan Meyer, Sarah Morley, Ian Miller, Patrick B. Shafroth, Chelsea Behymer, Christopher Jadallah, David Parks, Anna Kagley, Anne Shaffer, Heidi Ballard
Nearshore subtidal community response during and after sediment disturbance associated with dam removal Nearshore subtidal community response during and after sediment disturbance associated with dam removal
Dam removal is used increasingly to restore aquatic ecosystems and remove unnecessary or high-risk infrastructure. As the number of removals increases, there is a growing understanding about the hydrologic, geomorphic, and ecological responses to these removals. Most dam removal studies, however, focus on river and watershed responses to dam removal. The removal of two dams on the Elwha...
Authors
Stephen Rubin, Melissa Foley, Ian Miller, Andrew Stevens, Jonathan Warrick, Helen Berry, Nancy Elder, Matthew Beirne, Guy Gelfenbaum
Patterns, drivers, and a predictive model of dam removal cost in the United States Patterns, drivers, and a predictive model of dam removal cost in the United States
Given the burgeoning dam removal movement and the large number of dams approaching obsolescence in the United States, cost estimating data and tools are needed for dam removal prioritization, planning, and execution. We used the list of removed dams compiled by American Rivers to search for publicly available reported costs for dam removal projects. Total cost information could include...
Authors
Jeffrey Duda, Suman Jumani, Daniel Wieferich, Desiree Tullos, S. McKay, Timothy Randle, Alvin Jansen, Susan Bailey, Benjamin Jensen, Rachelle Johnson, Ella Wagner, Kyla Richards, Seth J. Wenger, Eric Walther, Jennifer Bountry
Related
Browse publications by USGS authors included in the research collection.
Large-scale dam removal and ecosystem restoration Large-scale dam removal and ecosystem restoration
Rivers underpin vital ecosystems that support aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity and many ecosystem services, including food, water, culture, and recreation (Dudgeon et al. 2006). After centuries of building dams on rivers across the world, river restoration via dam removal is receiving increased public attention, financial investment, and scientific study because of various issues of...
Authors
Rebecca McCaffery, Jeffrey Duda, Laura Soissons, Jean-Marc Roussel
Challenges of implementing a multi-agency monitoring and adaptive management strategy for federally threatened Chinook salmon and steelhead trout during and after dam removal in the Elwha River Challenges of implementing a multi-agency monitoring and adaptive management strategy for federally threatened Chinook salmon and steelhead trout during and after dam removal in the Elwha River
Adaptive management, a process of planning, implementing, and evaluating management strategies, is often recommended for monitoring ecological systems. However, few examples of successful implementation and retrospective case studies exist. We provide a case study of adaptively managing hatchery-assisted protection and recovery for Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and winter...
Authors
Roger Peters, Joseph Anderson, Jeffrey Duda, Michael McHenry, George Pess, Samuel Brenkman, Jeffery Johnson, Martin Liermann, Keith Denton, Matthew Beirne, Patrick Crain, Heidi Connor
Establishment of terrestrial mammals on former reservoir beds following large dam removal on the Elwha River, Washington, USA Establishment of terrestrial mammals on former reservoir beds following large dam removal on the Elwha River, Washington, USA
Terrestrial wildlife species are important yet often overlooked taxa in the recovery of ecosystems following dam removal. Their presence can shape ecosystem recovery, signal restoration of ecosystem function, and influence food web dynamics and nutrient transfer. We used camera traps to examine seasonal use of two former reservoir beds and an upstream reference reach by the mammalian...
Authors
Rebecca McCaffery, Sara Cendejas-Zarelli, Katy Goodwin, Patricia Happe, Kurt Jenkins, Kimberly A. Sager-Fradkin
Vegetation responses to large dam removal on the Elwha River, Washington, USA Vegetation responses to large dam removal on the Elwha River, Washington, USA
Large dam removal can trigger changes to physical and biological processes that influence vegetation dynamics in former reservoirs, along river corridors downstream of former dams, and at a river’s terminus in deltas and estuaries. We present the first comprehensive review of vegetation response to major fluvial disturbance caused by the world’s largest dam removal. After being in place...
Authors
Patrick B. Shafroth, Laura Perry, James Helfield, Joshua Chenoweth, Rebecca Brown
A review of natural and managed revegetation responses in two de-watered reservoirs after large dam removals on the Elwha River, Washington, USA A review of natural and managed revegetation responses in two de-watered reservoirs after large dam removals on the Elwha River, Washington, USA
Large dam removals are increasing in frequency and the response of natural and managed revegetation is a critical consideration for managed restoration of dewatered reservoir landscapes post dam removal. The removal of two large dams on the Elwha River in 2011-2014 provides insight into reservoir revegetation. We review literature and datasets from 2012 through 2018, 1-6 years since...
Authors
Joshua Chenoweth, Patrick B. Shafroth, Rebecca Brown, James Helfield, Jenise Bauman, Sara Cendejas-Zarelli, Chhaya Werner, Jarrett Schuster, Olivia Morgan
Leaf litter decomposition and detrital communities following the removal of two large dams on the Elwha River (Washington, USA) Leaf litter decomposition and detrital communities following the removal of two large dams on the Elwha River (Washington, USA)
Large-scale dam removals provide opportunities to restore river function in the long-term and are massive disturbances to riverine ecosystems in the short-term. The removal of two dams on the Elwha River (WA, USA) between 2011 and 2014 was the largest dam removal project to be completed by that time and has since resulted in major changes to channel dynamics, river substrates, in-stream
Authors
Carri LeRoy, Sarah Morley, Jeffrey Duda, Alex Zinck, Paris Lamoureux, Cameron Pennell, Ali Bailey, Caitlyn Oswell, Mary Silva, Brandy Kamakawiwo’ole, Sorrel Hartford, Jacqueline Van Der Hout, Roger Peters, Rebecca Mahan, Justin Stapleton, Rachelle Johnson, Melissa Foley
Seven dam challenges for migratory fish: Insights from the Penobscot River Seven dam challenges for migratory fish: Insights from the Penobscot River
More than a century of impoundments in the Penobscot River, Maine, USA, has contributed to population declines in migratory fish in the system. A decade of change, research, and monitoring has revealed direct and indirect ways that dams have influenced the river habitat, connectivity for migratory fish, and the food web. The removal of two main-stem dams (in 2012 and 2013) and bolstering...
Authors
Joseph Zydlewski, Stephen M. Coghlan, Cody Dillingham, Guillermo Figueroa-Munoz, Carolyn Merriam, Sean Smith, Rylee Smith, Daniel Stich, Sarah Vogel, Karen Wilson, Gayle B. Zydlewski
Coastal vegetation responses to large dam removal on the Elwha River Coastal vegetation responses to large dam removal on the Elwha River
Introduction: Large dam removals provide a restoration opportunity for shrinking coastal wetland habitats. Dam removal can increase sediment delivery to sediment-starved river deltas and estuaries by restoring natural sediment transport and mobilizing reservoir-impounded sediment. However, rapid mobilization of massive quantities of sediment stored behind large dams also constitutes a...
Authors
Laura Perry, Patrick B. Shafroth, Samuel Alfieri, Ian Miller
Lessons learned from community and citizen science monitoring projects on the Elwha River Restoration Project Lessons learned from community and citizen science monitoring projects on the Elwha River Restoration Project
Community and citizen science (CCS) projects – initiatives that involve public participation in scientific research – can both sustain and expand long-term monitoring of large dam removal projects. In this article, we discuss our perspectives on CCS associated with the Elwha River dam removals. We summarize how the public has been or could be involved in monitoring and distill lessons...
Authors
M. V. Eitzel, Ryan Meyer, Sarah Morley, Ian Miller, Patrick B. Shafroth, Chelsea Behymer, Christopher Jadallah, David Parks, Anna Kagley, Anne Shaffer, Heidi Ballard
Nearshore subtidal community response during and after sediment disturbance associated with dam removal Nearshore subtidal community response during and after sediment disturbance associated with dam removal
Dam removal is used increasingly to restore aquatic ecosystems and remove unnecessary or high-risk infrastructure. As the number of removals increases, there is a growing understanding about the hydrologic, geomorphic, and ecological responses to these removals. Most dam removal studies, however, focus on river and watershed responses to dam removal. The removal of two dams on the Elwha...
Authors
Stephen Rubin, Melissa Foley, Ian Miller, Andrew Stevens, Jonathan Warrick, Helen Berry, Nancy Elder, Matthew Beirne, Guy Gelfenbaum
Patterns, drivers, and a predictive model of dam removal cost in the United States Patterns, drivers, and a predictive model of dam removal cost in the United States
Given the burgeoning dam removal movement and the large number of dams approaching obsolescence in the United States, cost estimating data and tools are needed for dam removal prioritization, planning, and execution. We used the list of removed dams compiled by American Rivers to search for publicly available reported costs for dam removal projects. Total cost information could include...
Authors
Jeffrey Duda, Suman Jumani, Daniel Wieferich, Desiree Tullos, S. McKay, Timothy Randle, Alvin Jansen, Susan Bailey, Benjamin Jensen, Rachelle Johnson, Ella Wagner, Kyla Richards, Seth J. Wenger, Eric Walther, Jennifer Bountry