Removal of Oregon’s Marmot Dam begins
July 25, 2007
Salmon and steelhead runs on Oregon’s Sandy River got a shot in the arm on July 24 when demolition of 47-foot high Marmot Dam began.
The hydroelectric dam was built back around the turn of the century and has been a major contributor to the dramatic decline of the Sandy’s coho, winter steelhead and spring Chinook populations.
Portland General Electric is spending $17 million over the next two years to pull out Marmot and Little Sandy dams, which, when complete, will make the Sandy a free-flowing river from its headwaters on the flanks of Mt. Hood, down to its confluence with the Columbia River.
Little Sandy Dam…slated to be removed next year.
For more info, check out www.americanrivers.org
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2 Responses to “Removal of Oregon’s Marmot Dam begins”
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It’s going to be really exciting seeing the salmon and steelhead coming back on the Sandy.
Dams are slated for removal on other rivers in the Northwest — like the White Salmon, Elwha and Rogue. So in the coming years we should see some real benefits to salmon and steelhead recovery. And benefits for anglers, too!
You’re right! Thanks for the pix, Amy!