Manmade Rock Dams: It's That Time Again...
NFC Executive Director Bob Mallard inspects a manmade rock dam in New Hampshire’s White Mountain Region. (Emily Bastian)
“As the kids return to school, the weather transitions from summer to fall, and families shift gears for the school year, the recreational masses abandon our streams, leaving behind cairns, rock dams, and other stream alterations.”
As the kids return to school, the weather transitions from summer to fall, and families shift gears for the school year, the recreational masses abandon our streams, leaving behind cairns, rock dams, and other stream alterations. All of these structures impact aquatic lifeforms, and not just fish.
Manmade rock dams can negatively impact fish, insects, and amphibians, as well as birds and mammals that depend on them. They can block fish passage, warm the water, collect silt, and redirect flows against banks causing erosion and siltation.
As fall moves in, these dams collect leaves and other debris, making them less porous and more difficult, and even impossible, for fish to pass through. These dams often sit intact throughout the fall and winter when fish are trying to move upstream and downstream for refuge.
NFC has an organization-wide volunteer initiative to address manmade rock dams when they are encountered. We support, and encourage, the removal or breeching of manmade rock dams where it is safe and legal to do so, including obeying trespass laws.
From NFC’s FAQ.
NFC has also developed a sign template for use in areas with chronic dam problems. In fact, most of the rock dams we encounter are rebuilt in the same general spot year after year, and likely by the same people. In addition to being ecologically harmful, building rock dams is also often illegal.
NFC is looking to work within our chapter states, and outside where there is interest, to post informational signs in problem areas to discourage the construction of manmade dams. Partner logos, government agencies and non-profits, will be added to the sign where applicable.
NFC will design the signs, provide print-ready artwork, address fish art use fees, procure signs, help fund them where applicable, and assist in posting them where necessary. Our template is 12x18 inches, and the signs are done in .040 aluminum with UV ink and pre-drilled holes top and bottom.
Please contact us at Info@NativeFishCoalition.org if you would like to learn more.
