Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant | University of Illinois

Back to Newsroom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2003

Source: Leslie Dorworth (219)989-2726; dorworth@calumet.purdue.edu

Dam Removal Workshop: What's Next

Removing older dams that are in need of repair or replacement can improve fish, wildlife, and biodiversity quality in a river, increase recreational opportunities and create safer waterways. But after the dam is gone, what needs to be done? At an upcoming one-day workshop, experts from a variety of perspectives will answer this question.

The "Beyond the Basics of Dam Removal and Modification Workshop" will be held on June 4, 2003 at the Elgin Community College in Elgin, Illinois. It is sponsored by Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, Purdue University Calumet and Chicago Wilderness.

"This workshop will provide the tools you need when considering a dam removal project in your area. Widely-talented speakers from across the country as well as from our own backyard will discuss critical issues that arise when a dam is removed," said Leslie Dorworth, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant aquatic ecology specialist. Topics include habitat restoration, fish passages, exotic species, sediment transport, regulatory considerations and community attitudes.

"Many people are recognizing that obsolete, unsafe dams can be removed in a cost-effective manner that will benefit their community," said Dorworth. This workshop can provide critical information for natural resource managers, environmental consultants, park department staff, landscape architects, consulting engineers, city planners, public work directors and municipal engineers as they assess local needs.

The workshop begins at 8:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast, and runs until 5:00 p.m. Space is limited, so register early. The registration cost before May 21 is $85; after that date the cost is $100. This fee includes lunch, refreshments, and conference materials. To register by mail, send a check to EE&WR--Attn: Thomas Burke, Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., 9575 W. Higgins Road, Suite 600, Rosemont, IL 60018. Please include contact information.

If you would like more information about the workshop, contact Leslie Dorworth at (219) 989-2726 or dorworth@calumet.purdue.edu.

--30--

The Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program is one of more than 30 National Sea Grant College Programs. Created by Congress in 1966, Sea Grant combines university, government, business and industry expertise to address coastal and Great Lakes needs. Funding is provided by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U. S. Department of Commerce, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Purdue University at West Lafayette, Indiana.