In November, 2024, Pomeroy Dam, located on the Illinois River, was successfully demolished. The Pomeroy Dam was rated as one of the highest on the 2019 Statewide Fish Passage Barrier Priority List, which “identifies the most critical man made barriers to fish passage in the state”. The removal of the 270-foot wide concrete structure will allow salmon and steelhead to once again access about 100 miles of habitat.
The Pomeroy Dam harmed salmon and steelhead, impeded access to safe river recreation, and did not provide hydropower, flood control, or other public benefits. Over time, it became a focus for a collaborative effort to restore the ecosystem. WaterWatch secured removal and restoration agreements from three private landowners, and partnered with Oregon’s Department of Fish and Wildlife, USFWS, USFS, NOAA Fisheries Restoration Center, the office of U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, and others to move this project forward.
The dam’s water diversion function was replaced with pumps, fish-friendly culverts were installed, and a harmful canal was decommissioned. The removal of this dam is one piece of a larger effort by the Free the Rogue Campaign. Construction efforts will continue into 2025 to improve irrigation and infrastructure for safe fish passage.
