Dam Removal Project Manager Training
28 - 29 April 2026
9:00am - 5:00pm
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.
Day 1: Tribal Welcome and Blessing
Opportunities and Goals for Dam Removal in California, Meghan Quinn, American Rivers
Introduction to Dam Removal, Serena McClain, American Rivers
Basics of Engineering Design and Construction: Role of a Project Manager, Brian Graeber, American Rivers
Afternoon field trip to Battle Creek Dam Removals
Day 2:
Basics of Engineering Design and Construction: Six Components of Dam Removal Science and Design, Brian Graeber, American Rivers
Dam Removal at Varying Scales: Examples from Jenny Creek and the Klamath, Evan Bulla, Trout Unlimited, and Yurok Tribe TBA
Understanding the Social Landscape: Effective Community Engagement, Serena McClain, American Rivers
Tribal Engagement at Battle Creek and Beyond, Angelina Cook, California Sportfishing Protection Alliance; and Emily Maloney, CalTrout
Demystifying Decommissioning: Hydropower Dam Removal, Charlie Schneider, CalTrout, and Meghan Quinn, American Rivers
Dam Removal Permitting and Regulatory Session, Facilitated by Meghan Quinn, American Rivers, in conversation with Stephanie Falzone, Sustainable Conservation, and others TBA
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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.
