National Dam Removal Science Database

The removal of dams has increased in recent years due to aging infrastructure, changing societal needs, and modern safety standards. Where possibilities for river restoration, or improved safety, exceed the benefits of retaining a dam, removal is more often being considered a viable option. Yet, as this is a relatively new development in the history of river management, science is just beginning to guide our understanding of the physical and ecological implications of dam removal. Ultimately, however, deciding if and how to remove aging dams should be guided by “lessons learned” from previous studies that have examined the ecosystem effects of dam removal. We are creating a dynamic database that organizes published scientific information [...]