Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Massachusetts
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

Massachusetts Project


Effects of Dam Removal on Stream Ecosystems

July 2015 - January 2018


Personnel

Participating Agencies

  • Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration

Concerns about safety and interests in restoring stream connectivity have increased dam removal in the last two decades. This research investigates the effects of dam removal on stream ecosystems. We will quantify dissolved oxygen and temperature upstream, within, and downstream of impoundments at 12 sites in MA. Eight of the sites are slated for dam removal in 2015 and 2016, and we will quantify the effects of removal on dissolved oxygen, temperature, and other aspects of the stream ecosystem. Data will be useful in understanding the extent to which dams impair stream ecosystems and quantifying potential improvements in water quality following dam removal. Potential improvements can be used to leverage support for dam removal and help to prioritize dam removals that will maximize ecological benefits.

Theses and Dissertations Publication Date
Bouldin, R. 2018. Responses of stream fishes to dam removal in Massachusetts. B.S. Honor's Thesis. University of Massachusetts Amherst. May 2018
Type Citation Publication Date
Data Release Abbott, K.A. and Roy, A.H., 2022, Stream Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Responses to Small Dams and Dam Removal in Massachusetts: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9L2ATHV. September 2022