Reconnecting Rivers: Natural Channel Design in Dam Removals and Fish Passage [Book Introduction]

The goal of this document is to provide an overview of issues relevant to dam removal and fish passage projects with case examples to illustrate problems that were encountered and how they were handled. Both the technical and social issues surrounding these projects have been included because controversy is inherent to dams and river management. Frequently, advancement of river restoration projects requires as much expertise in diplomacy as science. Opponents to such projects often have genuine concerns and my experience has been that these individuals can become valuable allies when their concerns are addressed and projects are successfully implemented. People are frequently fearful of change especially when there are numerous unknowns. Relatively new concepts are particularly subject to these unknowns and uncertainty. Hopefully this paper helps in addressing these concerns and provides a vision for some river management alternatives.