Dam removal is a critical tool necessary to restore freshwater ecosystems by reconnecting free-flowing rivers from the mountains to the sea. This presentation will discuss American River’s Watershed Restoration of the Lower Deep River and Upper Cape Fear River funded by NOAA’s Office of Habitat Conservation. This ambitious project will reconnect nearly 100 miles of the upper Cape Fear River and lower Deep River in North Carolina by removing five dams. The goals of this project are to restore connectivity throughout this river corridor to reestablish passage for migratory species, enhance habitat for resident species, increase safe recreational opportunities, and uplift community benefits.
The restoration of the Cape Fear River basin is a priority river for the restoration of migratory fish species including American shad, river herring, striped bass, Atlantic Sturgeon and American eels. Improvements in the Lower Cape Fear River have provided the opportunity to reconnect a free-flowing river from the headwaters to the sea from the Deep River to the Cape Fear River. This river reconnection will benefit multiple life stages of these migratory species including reproduction and juvenile phases for anadromous species and provide adult habitat for the catadromous species. Additionally, the upper Cape Fear and lower Deep River watershed is home to the endemic Cape Fear Shiner (Notropis mekistocholas), which is an endangered resident fish in the watershed. The Cape Fear River Basin is subject to climate change, biodiversity loss, and competing water needs. Integrating dam removal is a key restoration tool to create a more dynamic, connected and resilient river system for people and nature.