{"id":822,"date":"2016-10-07t16:47:24","date_gmt":"2016-10-07t21:47:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/snyder-associates.u5fz9z3h-liquidwebsites.com\/?post_type=snyder-projects&p=822"},"modified":"2022-04-18t16:02:05","modified_gmt":"2022-04-18t21:02:05","slug":"des-moines-river-dam-removal","status":"publish","type":"snyder-projects","link":"\/\/www.dicovercards.com\/projects\/des-moines-river-dam-removal\/","title":{"rendered":"fort dodge dam removal: des moines river"},"content":{"rendered":"

improving river safety, water quality & recreation through dam removal<\/h2>\n
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hydroelectric dam<\/p><\/div>\n

the des moines river serves as a primary water source<\/a> for numerous communities<\/a> within the des moines river watershed<\/a>. it\u2019s also a popular recreation destination for anglers, water sports enthusiasts, and people who enjoy the beauty of rivers. at approximately 525 miles long, it\u2019s also the largest river in iowa and a tributary of the mississippi river.<\/p>\n

central to the project is the removal of the fort dodge hydroelectric dam and a smaller dam, known as little dam, which lies two miles south. constructed in 1916, the fort dodge hydroelectric dam generated electricity for the downtown street lights until 1971 when it was decommissioned. it has since been abandoned, with subsequent gate failures contributing significantly to a decline in water quality<\/a> of the river.<\/p>\n

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little dam<\/p><\/div>\n

both the hydroelectric dam and little dam were recommended for removal as part of the des moines river and lizard creek water trails and corridor plan.<\/a>\u00a0by demolishing the dams, the natural flow of the river can be restored, while providing positive impacts to the aquatic environment and safety for recreational users.\u00a0in this instance, the environmental benefits of dam removal<\/a> outweigh the benefits of maintaining the dam.<\/p>\n

the primary goals for this dam removal project include:<\/p>\n