Massachusetts Project
Effects of Dam Removal on Stream Ecosystems
July 2015 - January 2018
Personnel
- Allison Roy, Principal Investigator
- Peter Zaidel, Student / Post Doc
- Beth Lambert, Non-PI Collaborator
- Andrew Grant, Student / Post Doc
- Sam Sillen, Student / Post Doc
- Zach Becker, Student / Post Doc
- Kris Houle, Non-PI Collaborator
- Keith Nislow, Co-Principal Investigator
- Ben Letcher, Non-PI Collaborator
- Emily Lozier, Student / Post Doc
- Eli Lagacy, Student / Post Doc
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 |
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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 |
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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 |