Life after the demolition of a dam on Oregon's Sandy River
A short film looks at the post-dam era on a river outside of Portland. Whether you approve or not, it's fascinating stuff.
By Kimberly Marlowe Hartnett
Posted on September 27, 2007. Printed on August 30, 2008.
http://www.crosscut.com/recreation/7769/
The demolition this past summer of the Marmot Dam on the Sandy River east of Portland came about because enviro-law changes meant massive future costs for the dam's owner, Portland General Electric. About eight years ago, a diverse crowd started kicking around ideas with the PGE execs. More than 20 interest groups weighed in, including the usual fervent water rats, as well as business types, politicians, and a lot of folks who couldn't find the Sandy River on a map but liked the idea of giving it and its resident salmon a new, sparkling, and dam-free existence.
The result was believed to be the biggest Oregon dam-demo job ever, making it easier for salmon to do what salmon do best, and a 1,500-acre land donation by PGE to the Western Rivers Conservancy. PGE also kicks in for restoring land and fish habitat. Thousands more acres went to the Bureau of Land Management to be used for recreational pastimes.
A new, well-crafted six-minute film posted on YouTube.com, produced by Amy Kober of the Seattle-based American Rivers organization. captures a sense of the cooperative effort without rehashing old animosities between the players.
Two faves among the happy supporters of the demolition: the guy claiming each adult fish brings in $500 tourism dollars (please, please let that be true) and the rare local who freely admits she doesn't swim, kayak, or fish — but still likes the Sandy River.
Of course, not everyone is thrilled. The demolition meant the end of Roslyn Lake, , a beloved gathering spot for many locals. and some river-watchers raise concerns about loss of hydropower potential, the effects of pent-up sediment on fish populations, and other ecological effects.
Regardless of where you stand on the wisdom of blowing up dams, the film is well worth watching. (Shut the sound off if you're that mad.) The few seconds of a deer swimming across the now free-flowing water, captured by an obviously surprised shooter, is wonderful stuff.
Kimberly Marlowe Hartnett is Crosscut's Oregon editor, based in Portland. You can e-mail her at kimberly.marlowe.hartnett@crosscut.com.