Dam Removals Are Bringing Fish Back Across the Northeastern United States, Striking Down One Tiny Barrier at a Time
Summary
Dam removals across the northeastern United States are restoring river flows and enabling migratory fish like alewives to return. The article traces historical dam barriers, profiles New England case studies (Bellamy River, Town Brook, Oyster River, among others), and discusses ecological benefits, social attitudes, regulatory hurdles, and funding challenges, illustrating a broader shift toward rewilding rivers and reconnecting habitats.