Ela Dam Removal Project

For nearly 100 years, the Ela Dam has been smothering the streambed downstream and severing the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians from their ancestral waters and many of their first foods. An accidental release of sediment from the dam in 2021 further exacerbated the problem and prompted local partners to act. Removing the Ela Dam will eliminate the only physical barrier preventing the Oconaluftee River from flowing freely and reconnect 549 miles of open water that benefit rare and federally endangered species. Increased habitat and spawning migration will restore the population of sicklefin redhorse, which was once a vital and thriving fishery of the Cherokee. Dam removal and water quality improvements could also increase potential for development of river-based recreation, including increased fishing access, increased tubing and paddling, and snorkeling.

Project Quick Facts:

• Location: North Carolina
• Federal Investments to Date: $6,000,000
• Non-Federal Investments to Date: $10,000,000
• Total Restoration Costs: $20,000,000
• Type of Barriers: Dam
• Number of Barriers: 1
• Stream Miles Reopened: 549 
• Project Lead: Mainspring Conservation Trust
• Non-Federal Partners Include: Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, American Rivers, State of North Carolina, American Whitewater, Northbrook Hydro, Southern Environmental Law Center, Swain County Soil and Water Conservation District 
• Federal Agencies Invested to Date: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Department of Energy’s Water Power Technology Office

Removing Barriers to Success

In order to protect downstream habitat and species, the project requires consistent activity once it begins. Requiring only $4 million more dollars, full funding would allow for the removal of the dam as well as sediment excavation and removal, as well as streambank restoration necessary to protect and restore downstream habitat.

The Importance of Transformational Fish Passage Projects

This project is one of over 70 grand-scale, community-centric restoration projects, identified by the Federal Interagency Fish Passage Task Force, that not only rejuvenate ecosystems but also bolster the climate resilience and economies of communities across the country. Learn more about these ground breaking projects in our Reviving Rivers, Reconnecting Communities story map.

The National Fish Passage Program: Leaders in Building Bridges and Fostering Connections

The National Fish Passage Program is a national leader connecting watersheds and people. The program has decades of experience implementing infrastructure projects with partners. Fish passage project proposals can be initiated by any individual, organization, government, or agency. However, proposals must be submitted and completed in cooperation with a Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office. (Please note that fish passage fish passage
Fish passage is the ability of fish or other aquatic species to move freely throughout their life to find food, reproduce, and complete their natural migration cycles. Millions of barriers to fish passage across the country are fragmenting habitat and leading to species declines. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Fish Passage Program is working to reconnect watersheds to benefit both wildlife and people.

Learn more about fish passage projects being used for federal or state compensatory mitigation or required by existing federal or state regulatory programs are not eligible for funding through the National Fish Passage Program.) 

 CONTACT A FISH PASSAGE COORDINATOR IN YOUR AREA TO GET STARTED. 

200 Million Dollar Investment in Rivers, Wildlife, and Communities

Clean free-flowing waterways are vital to wildlife, people, and ecosystems. But across the country, millions of barriers fragment rivers, block fish migration, and put communities at higher risk to flooding. The  Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) is a once-in-a-generation investment in the nation’s infrastructure and economic competitiveness. We were directly appropriated $455 million over five years in BIL funds for programs related to the President’s America the Beautiful initiative.

Learn more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law  , signed in November 2021, included $200 million for restoring fish and wildlife passage by removing in-stream barriers and providing technical assistance under the National Fish Passage Program.