Exciting news on the free-flowing river front. The prospect of removing Condit Dam on the White Salmon River moved closer to reality last week when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissioning formally ordered the removal of the dam.
The decision means that dam removal is now official for October 2011.
"We conclude, based on the record of this case, that the benefits of dam removal to anadromous fish, wildlife, and whitewater recreation outweigh the costs associated with the loss of Condit dam and Northwestern Lake," project surrender order Commissioners of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission stated.
Many partners have been working on this project, and with the reality of dam removal around the corner, excitement is mounting. "The rivers of the Columbia River Gorge represent some of the nation's most outstanding whitewater resources, and at the heart of the Gorge the White Salmon River is known worldwide for its scenic beauty and high quality whitewater", noted Thomas O'Keefe, American Whitewater's Pacific Northwest Stewardship Director.
"Condit Dam was originally constructed a century ago for hydropower and at the time met a local community need. Now we recognize other values of the river and while the dam itself is big, the hydropower project is relatively small especially in light of its major environmental impacts–its time has passed."
At 125 feet, the dam will be one of the largest dams ever removed. You can read more about the anticipated dam removal on the American Whitewater site. A big congrats to everyone that was involved on this project; we love celebrating free-flowing rivers!