Dam Removal Project Manager Training

43rd Annual Salmonid Restoration Conference

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 Acknowledgement and Blessing

Opportunities and Goals for Dam Removal in California
Meghan Quinn, American Rivers; California Department of Water Resources (TBD)

Introduction to Managing a Dam Removal Project
Serena McClain, American Rivers

Basics of Engineering Design and Construction: Role of a Project Manager
Brian Graeber, American Rivers

Site Visit: Battle Creek Dam Removals
Facilitated by Trey Hiller, Battle Creek Watershed Conservancy

Day 2:

Basics of Engineering Design and Construction: Six Components of Dam Removal Science and Design
Brian Graeber, American Rivers

Dam Removal and Restoration at Varying Scales: Jenny Creek Dam Removal
Evan Bulla, Trout Unlimited

Klamath River Dam Removals and Restoration
David J. Bandrowski, Yurok Tribe

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

Lessons Learned in Navigating Regulatory Compliance in Dam Removal
Michael Belchik, Yurok Tribe

Wrap Up
Brian Graber and Serena McClain, American Rivers

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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.