It’s All Connected: Demonstrating Benefits of Dam Removal as a Means of Improving the Integrity and Health of Aquatic Resources in the Great Lakes Basin

Year Awarded: 1999
Awarded: $312,000
Team Leader:  Trout Unlimited

This team removed several small dams in the headwaters of the Sheboygan River in Wisconsin, dramatically changing ecological conditions at headwater springs and over 10 miles of free flowing river. Removal of the Franklin Dam revitalized native cold water fisheries and mussel populations in the Sheboygan River. Dam removal at two other sites—the Kamrath Dam and Silver Springs—aided the team in restoring related segments of river and wetland. The team’s dam-removal and restoration work cost much less than anticipated yet produced significant results and succeeded in attracting the public’s attention. In January, 2003, restoration efforts at the Silver Springs site were highlighted in a three-part segment of Dan Small’s Outdoor Wisconsin TV series.