Hollingsworth-Segedy, Lisa, American Rivers, 1101 14th Street NW, Suite #1400 Washington, DC 20005, lhollingsworth-segedy@americanrivers.org.
The Susquehanna River has a long history of habitat fragmentation via large dams. In addition to the ecological damage, dams are now limiting recreation access in a time when the river’s use is transitioning away from industrial uses in favor of expanded recreational uses. With the designation of the North Branch, West Branch, and mainstem Susquehanna River as Pennsylvania Water Trails, dams on the river are now recreational limitations as well as a public safety threats and barriers for aquatic wildlife movement. American Rivers recently completed the removal of Oakland Dam at Mile 350 of the North Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail to eliminate a severe safety hazard and to reconnect 250 miles of headwaters aquatic habitat for river resident fish, migratory fish species, and freshwater mussels. This technical session will provide a case study of the Oakland Dam removal and examine additional opportunities for reconnecting additional miles of Susquehanna River water trails and aquatic habitat for ecological and community benefits.
Dam removal, aquatic habitat connectivity, river recreation, public safety