The Harvell dam had blocked migration of river herring and other migratory fishes for over 70 years. There is even historical evidence of a dam structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.

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near the site dating back to the mid-1700s. 

Together, these structures impounded the river’s flow, and blocked upstream movement of American shad, river herring, hickory shad, striped bass and American eel for centuries.

In 2014, the dam was removed and fish gained access to nearly 130 miles of great spawning and nursery habitat upstream. The project was the result of a collaborative effort between the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, American Rivers, the Harvell Dam Corporation, and the City of Petersburg, Virginia.

Since then, state biologists and local anglers continually report seeing American shad, hickory shad, American eel, river herring, and other fish species migrating throughout the river.

Species

Programs

Juvenile Northern Pike in aquarium at Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery, South Dakota
The Fish and Aquatic Conservation program leads aquatic conservation efforts for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We are committed to tackling the nation’s highest priority aquatic conservation and recreational challenges to conserve, restore, and enhance fisheries for future generations.
A person is walks through a large wide culvert that passes under a gravel road. A small river runs through the culvert.
Across the country, millions of barriers are fragmenting rivers, blocking fish migration, and putting communities at higher risk to flooding. Improving fish passage is one of the most effective ways to help conserve vulnerable species while building safer infrastructure for communities and...

Facilities

Biologist holds live Atlantic sturgeon
The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office works to protect, restore, and enhance migratory and inland resident fishes in the rivers of Virginia, and to prevent the spread of harmful invasive species. We also work with partners and landowners to restore aquatic connectivity, remove...