BOONE, N.C. — Excavators are currently dismantling Shulls Mill Dam on the Watauga River, an important step in restoring the natural flow of the river after nearly two centuries of obstruction.
The removal of this hydropower dam is set to greatly benefit outdoor enthusiasts, including rafters, kayakers, and tubers, by opening up nearly 80 miles of uninterrupted waterway. However, the most significant impact may be on the eastern hellbender salamander, a unique and ancient species in need of restoration.
Known for its size, with some individuals reaching two feet in length, the eastern hellbender has faced a dramatic decline in its population—down 70% over the last five decades in southern Appalachia.
“The hellbender relies on specific habitat conditions, including clear, cold, and well-oxygenated water,” said a representative from a local river conservation group involved in the dam’s removal. “As a keystone species, the hellbender’s recovery will benefit the overall mountain stream ecosystem.”
The demolition of Shulls Mill Dam is part of a larger national movement aimed at restoring rivers to their natural condition by tackling aging structures that historically provided power or irrigation. This initiative focuses on reviving biodiversity, improving water quality, and enhancing flood resilience, catalyzed by a significant funding boost from a recent bipartisan infrastructure bill.
Federal agencies have been allocated over $2 billion to maintain, repair, and remove dams and other river barriers, with a notable $920 million already distributed across 544 projects.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is set to receive $200 million over the next five years for dam removals. Recently, the agency announced grants totaling $70 million to support 43 projects across 29 states aimed at removing river barriers.
“This is a significant advancement for ecological rehabilitation,” said a coordinator from the wildlife service, emphasizing the increased financial support for more extensive projects.
States are also contributing financially to dam removal initiatives. North Carolina has earmarked $7.2 million for the removal of Shulls Mill Dam and several others in the western region, addressing concerns about the state’s aging dam inventory.
In Michigan, over $43 million has been allocated for dam upkeep and removal following a 2020 failure incident, with funding facilitating the removal of numerous hazardous structures.
Advocates highlight the ecological benefits stemming from these removals, which include improved habitats for migrating fish. Research indicates that dam removal can lead to lower water temperatures and higher oxygen levels, boosting populations of species such as trout and salmon.
Current dam removals are predominantly focused on smaller structures, although significant projects, like those on the Klamath River in California, are also in the spotlight.
In addition to ecological restoration, ongoing dam removals promise safer habitats for various aquatic species, including federally protected salmon and herring.
In North Carolina, the removal of the Shulls Mill Dam is already yielding positive changes, with improvements in water quality and fish populations being observed.
Environmental scientists engaged in monitoring efforts anticipate that the changes will create a healthier habitat for hellbenders, fostering conditions conducive to their reproduction and overall survival.
“The absence of the dam should result in better habitat conditions within 10 to 20 years,” a researcher noted, indicating that future generations may not even recognize the site was ever obstructed.
