Down go the Dams
Notes
Summary: This article was talking about how recently many of the dams that were built after WWII are coming down. In the past, they were the main source of water for many communities, but after much consideration, they have realized that the dam is actually not doing anything for local communities. Societies are weighing the pros and cons of dams and weighing their utility and benefits against their destructive costs. Although removing a dam seems like an amazing idea, just removing a dam does not mean an ecosystem does not flourish again. There are many things that need to be taken into consideration. Sometimes dams are used to block toxic sediments and invasive species. In the example of Fossil Creek, managers poisoned the exotic fish and airlifted native species to safety. This may be the cure to our problem. With dams being removed, hiking trails can be made and there could be a surprise return of some wildlife. There are many benefits to removing dams, but it can also be a very dangerous process that requires a lot of planning.
- Fossil creek was sustaining an oasis in the middle of the dessert.
- By 2001, Fossil creek was providing less than 0.1% of the states water supply.
- Dams are now being taken down.
- Removing a dam does not mean an ecosystem does not flourish again.
- Hydroelectric power makes up 20% of the globes energy supply.
- Dams control flooding and provide a reliable supply of water for irrigation, drinking and recreation.
- Researchers and policy makers are trying to decommission aging dams.
- Rate of destruction is higher.
- The removal of dams has created the surprise return of some wildlife.
- Ecologists are learning that the removal of dams needs careful planning because sometimes the dams are blocking toxic sediments and invasive species.
- In Fossil Creek, managers poisoned the exotic fish and airlifted native species to safety.
- These can be the cure to most of these problems.
- In most places where dams have been taken down, oxygen levels have gone back up and everything is going well.
- Release of sediments can choke waterways, muddying the environment and wiping out insects and algae which are important for fish.
- Sediments that are not washed down stream can be problematic as well.
- Fossil creek will now have hiking trails where people can hike.
- Many engineers who were once working on building dams now find themselves taking them down.
- Societies will continue to weigh the pros and cons of dams. Weighing their utility and benefits against their destructive costs.
- The waterways are going back to their natural ways.
Summary: This article was talking about how recently many of the dams that were built after WWII are coming down. In the past, they were the main source of water for many communities, but after much consideration, they have realized that the dam is actually not doing anything for local communities. Societies are weighing the pros and cons of dams and weighing their utility and benefits against their destructive costs. Although removing a dam seems like an amazing idea, just removing a dam does not mean an ecosystem does not flourish again. There are many things that need to be taken into consideration. Sometimes dams are used to block toxic sediments and invasive species. In the example of Fossil Creek, managers poisoned the exotic fish and airlifted native species to safety. This may be the cure to our problem. With dams being removed, hiking trails can be made and there could be a surprise return of some wildlife. There are many benefits to removing dams, but it can also be a very dangerous process that requires a lot of planning.
Reflection: After reading this article it made me happy that we are gettin rid of all the man made dams, because it helps lead to a better biodiversity and return of wildlife. Companies should worry more about damaging the wildlife than worrying about the money. No creature should pay the consequences of our actions. If we figure out a way to fix that problem, all of the species will be happy and everything will be perfect. It is very nice that the removal of dams is leading to good results with the increase in oxygen and return of aquatic animals. I hope that this motivates others to make a difference :)!