Upper Kickemuit River Dam Removal, Rhode Island

Warren, Rhode Island

Endorsed by ACFHP in 2019.

The Upper Kickemuit River Dam was built in 1960 after Hurricane Carol in order to protect the water supply in the upper river from tidal inundation. However, the impoundment is no longer being used as a water supply due to the vulnerability to sea level rise and poor water quality. Save the Bay is working with partners to have the Upper Kickemuit River Dam removed in order to improve diadromous fish passage, stream flow, and restore riverine and freshwater marsh habitat in the river. The Upper Kickemuit River is one of the State of Rhode Island’s 303(d) impaired waters, and restoring both flow and wetland habitat will improve the water quality of the river.

Text provided by Save the Bay.

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