Dam Busters
What is Dam Busters?
Mass Rivers Alliance, along with our partners, the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, and the Charles River Watershed Association, is pleased to present a series of monthly, lunchtime webinars on a variety of dam removal topics.
Each free one-hour webinar will feature:
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an expert on a facet of dam removal
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time for questions and discussion
The goal of the series is to give municipal and NGO dam removal project managers the knowledge they need to successfully manage and carry out a dam removal project. In-person site-visits happened at the end of the 101 series in the fall of 2024.
Check out the 101 Webinar Series
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Why Dam Busters?
"Whether you are contemplating removing your first dam, an advocate of dam removal, or just interested in the process, Dam Busters 101 is a great opportunity to learn all about it from subject matter experts. I signed up myself, in order to better understand the process." -Mike Yeomans, President, Greater Boston Trout Unlimited
"As a dam engineer who recently moved to Massachusetts from Atlanta, I am excited about the opportunity to get involved in local dam removal projects. The Dam Busters 101 training series is shaping up to be a fantastic way for me to connect with local dam removal champions and experts while learning more about the details of what it takes to complete a successful dam removal project." -Ann Houseman, Senior Principal Engineer
"Every dam removal project is different and we have a lot to learn from each other. The Dam Busters webinar series has something to offer even experienced project managers, and we are fortunate to have Mass Rivers and its partners share their knowledge so that we can all have a greater impact."-Becky Malamut, North South Rivers Watershed Association
Webinar 1
Introduction to Dam Removal
November 1, 2023 at 4:00:00 PM
This presentation introduces you to the Dam Busters webinar series, the dam removal process, and the role of the dam removal manager. We give a general overview of planning for dam removal, project scoping, dam removal engineering and design, working with groups of stakeholders, troubleshooting for issues like sediment and impoundments, cost assessment and feasibility, permitting, fundraising, and the benefits of river and habitat restoration such as restoring connectivity, improving water quality.
Webinar 4
Assessing Local Impacts
February 7, 2024 at 5:00:00 PM
Dam removal projects often go through permitting processes to be in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act and other processes to protect historic and cultural resources. Learn more about the process of addressing local impacts of dam removal projects and working with local stakeholders.
Webinar 6
Addressing Infrastructure
April 3, 2024 at 4:00:00 PM
Dam removal projects in more urbanized settings often come with additional challenges of other infrastructure in the vicinity of the project area. Dam removal projects in these cases often also improve or address conditions for other nearby infrastructure such as bridges, culverts, pipelines.
Webinar 8
Indigenous Approaches to Dam Removal & River Restoration
June 5, 2024 at 4:00:00 PM
Dams are physical manifestations of the legacy of colonialism in our rivers. Indigenous peoples are important stakeholders in the dam removal process. Learn more about indigenous perspectives surrounding dam removal projects and river restoration in the U.S.