Dam Removal Workshop--A True Learning Experience in Michigan

In early July, EWRI hosted their first in a series of five dam removal workshops at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Speakers were on hand from American Rivers, the National Park Service, University of Michigan, and a plethora of varied organizations with an interest in the process of dam removal and its impact. With thirteen speakers covering a variety of topics over a two-day workshop, it was a valuable learning experience.

The workshop was held in the Dana Building, home of the School of Natural Resources and Environment. The Dana Building recently underwent a major renovation where its hundred-year-old infrastructure was updated and newer facilities were adapted. All aspects of this transformation were performed on an environmentally responsible level with all aspects of the building now demonstrating "Green" building practices. Materials and designs were selected with low environmental impact as a high priority and many of these materials have high recycled content or were salvaged or reused from the original building. The most interesting aspects of this renovation are the materials themselves. The rubber flooring material in stairwells and some corridors is recycled rubber from used tires. The restroom tile is recycled glass tile--most of the glass was obtained from airplane windshields removed during routine maintenance. Participants of the workshop had the opportunity to take a tour of the facility after the first day's session to get a closer look. For more information on the Greening of Dana visit http://www.snre.umich.edu/greendana/

The remaining Dam Removal: Lessons Learned workshops will feature the same format-six sessions on the topics of permitting, economic impacts, biological impacts, social/cultural impacts, aesthetics/recreation, and geomorphologic/hydrologic impacts. Each session will include a presentation by two dam removal professionals chosen to reflect diversity in experience and perspective, mixing both intra and extra regional experience to enhance dialogue and understanding. The workshops will integrate open discussion on each topic to improve cross disciplinary communication of lessons learned and improved decision making processes about dam removal.

Please visit http://www.ewrinstitute.org/damremoval04/for more information and to register!EWRI staff members Katie Gorscak (kgorscak@asce.org) and Gail Sor (gsor@asce.org) may be contacted for additional work-shop information.

Register Today for the Last Three Dam Removal Workshops

Dam Removal: Lessons Learned - Coming to a Region Near You!

Fort Collins, Colorado August 30-31, 2004

Fort Collins, Colorado is often considered to be the pathway to the Rocky Mountains. Located sixty miles north of Denver, this bustling town boasts three hundred days of sunshine a year to complement its large array of outdoor activities. With forty parks within the city and a number of shopping districts and local attractions, Fort Collins is a great place for an extended visit. The workshop will be held in the recently renovated Fort Collins Marriott located just two miles from Colorado State University. Featured speakers for this workshop will represent the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Colorado State University. On-site registration will be available.

Vancouver, Washington November 8-9, 2004

Where the beauty of a mountain lodge meets the beauty of a city surrounded by nature's greatest achievements, this dam removal workshop travels to the Heathman Lodge in Vancouver, Washington. Just fifteen miles from the Portland International Airport, it is the perfect location for out of town travelers who wish to benefit from our workshop and have a relaxing visit as well. With the Pacific Coast ninety miles to the west and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument only two hours away, this city paints a perfect picture of small-town charm yet possesses the excitement of a major metropolitan area. Invited speakers for this workshop will represent the Environmental Protection Agency, University of Washington, Cultural Resources, Inc. and Waterwatch.

University of Tennessee February 10-11, 2004

The University of Tennessee offers a high quality education through its vast instruction, research, and outreach programs throughout the state of Tennessee. With over 28,000 students and 271 degree programs, the university offers a wealth of opportunities to learn for students of all ages. Located in the shadows of the Great Smokey Mountains, the town of Knoxville has been designated one of the most rapidly growing areas in the New South. With numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation and scenic tours, the town around the university is a nice mix of small town community and big city prospects. Invited speakers for this workshop will represent the National Water Resources Association, Virginia Tech and American Rivers.