Workshop Coordinator: Meghan Quinn, Esq. Director of California Dam Removal and Hydropower, American Rivers

 

This 2-day workshop focuses on preparing individuals to work through the challenges of developing and managing a successful dam removal project. The goal is to build the knowledge, skills, and confidence of potential project managers to allow them to lead both straightforward and more complex projects that often involve engaging with active project opponents; working through unpredictable regulatory processes; significant fundraising; and coordinating a team of diverse project partners, property owners, engineers, and contractors. Topics include river science, the basics of dam removal design and construction, project identification and scoping, and managing stakeholder engagement. Attendees will learn about opportunities for dam removal projects identified through our work with California Fish Passage Forum and hear from regional dam removal practitioners. The training will culminate in a tour of a local dam removal site and discussions with partners actively engaged in on-the-ground dam removal projects.

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American Rivers is a national non-profit organization that believes every community in our country should have clean water and a healthy river. Since 1998, we have led a national movement focused on dam removal as a safe, reliable tool for restoring river function and connecting previously fragmented river systems. Our Dam Removal team has implemented and/or provided technical assistance to more than 326 successful dam removal and river restoration projects in watersheds around the nation.

Even as American Rivers and our river restoration partners celebrate progress on removing 2,240 dams nationwide, there is a need for more action. To meet the growing demand to address outdated, ecologically damaging dams, we need additional project managers and stakeholders to fill a variety of roles necessary to ensure successful implementation of dam removal projects.