Lessons Learned

We began talking about dam removal and river restoration almost fifteen years ago. Since then, the River Alliance has worked in more than 50 communities around Wisconsin and the Midwest where dam removal was being considered. While every situation is unique, we have seen that certain issues and concerns almost always come up (see our "Frequently Asked Questions" factsheet). What has also become  clear is that the debate around dam removal is not just about dams, but also about relationships between people.

We've mulled over the successes (and, frankly, dusted off the thick "oops" file, too) to compile this list of lessons learned. Below are seven big ones that come up in virtually every dam removal debate we've worked on. Watch our video to hear dam owners, resource managers, local citizens and River Alliance staff  - in their own funny and poignant words - about the lessons learned in restoring rivers through dam removal.



Are you ready to get started? Go to our Resources Page, where you can download a copy of the Citizens' Guide to Dam Removal, a video of the benefits of selective dam removal and can find more information about funding for river restoration projects and a map of dams removals in the state.