03/04/2025
Why are these dam removals important? Here in the Carmel River : stream restoration and dam removals support steelhead trout, a unique migratory fish that travels between freshwater and saltwater throughout its life cycle. Born in the Carmel River, steelhead spend their early years in freshwater before migrating to the ocean, where they grow and mature. After several years, they return to their home river to spawn, repeating this incredible journey. The Carmel River steelhead is part of a threatened population protected under the Endangered Species Act, making habitat restoration critical to their survival. The removal of San Clemente Dam has helped reconnect upstream habitats, restoring natural river flows and providing the spawning gravels steelhead need to reproduce. Today, the Carmel River supports the largest steelhead run in the region, offering 73.7 miles of spawning habitat. Despite these improvements, Los Padres Dam remains a major obstacle to migration. To help steelhead navigate, a fish trap collects adult fish and releases them upstream, while a chute helps juveniles move downstream. Further upstream, a 75-foot waterfall creates an additional barrier to fish passage, underscoring the need for ongoing conservation efforts to support this resilient yet vulnerable species.For more on dam removals happening across California and the Country:
The investment in our nation’s infrastructure in recent years is paying off. In 2024, we finally saw a rebound to pre-pandemic levels of dams removed across the country, with 108 dams demolished. Seeing momentum building once again for reconnecting and restoring rivers brings hope during an otherw...
