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Ipswich Mills Dam, Amanda Siow 2024
Dam Busters 201
Building a Dam Removal Project Team
See below for resources, links, tips, and a video recording. Webinar originally held March 12, 2025.
It takes a village to remove a dam! From initial reconnaissance to post-project monitoring, learn how to assemble the right team of people to address project coordination, coordinating community engagement, shepherding the permitting process, working with consultants and experts, and other project management issues. We'll pay particular attention to the role of the Project Manager and talk about how the size of the team should "match" the size of the project. Understanding how to build a dam removal project team is a crucial preliminary step in this crucial work.
Presented by: Serena McClain, Senior Director of American Rivers’ National Dam Removal Program
Recording
Highlights:
3:25- Start of presentation
4:18- Project Manager Role
7:01- Finding & Managing Contractors
8:28- Strategic Partnerships/Collaboration
10:32- Identify Key Partners/Collaborators
13:46- Understand Decision Process to Establish Roles, Responsibilities, & Expectations
16:00- Team Structure Example- Leadership Team
20:30- Team Structure Example- Technical Advisory Team
25:31- Team Structure Example- Community Outreach Team
26:38- Tip for Strong Relationships with Teams
28:03- Q&A
Do you have any feedback on the webinar?
Additional Resources
Communications Management Plan
Land Owner Access Materials- Example #1 and Example #2*
*Please note that these can vary greatly depending on the site, type of owner, etc. and this information does not constitute legal advice.
Sediment Info- Really good federal guidance that came out a few years ago that steps you through sediment analysis and decision-making from a very practical scale/risk-based analysis.
Dam Busters 101- Scoping a Dam Removal Project
New Jersey Statewide Dam Removal Partnership- Finding or Being an Ideal Dam Removal Contractor
American Rivers- National Dam Removal Community of Practice Website
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