Some goals require a lifetime to achieve. Al Schmauder has worked for over 20 years to raise money for the removal of this dam that stops Chinook salmon from migrating upstream. After the funds were appropriated by Congress, it was the local public works department that gave the dam a low priority. The design for the removal of the dam has been delayed until after building a new bridge is designed over the creek.
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At the Fall Environmental Coalition Conference, Al Schmauder shared his frustrations with getting three water projects in Chambers-Clover Watershed funded. It was sad to see how difficult it is to make changes in an entrenched bureaucracy. But this time, he proposed a solution whose time is possibly near.
Removal of Dam at Chambers Creek Bay
The dam removal has been unnecessarily delayed for 6 years. County engineers have said a new bridge must be built before the Dam is removed. Schmauder is advocating for a partial lowering of the dam by making a 10’ X 4’ opening at the top of the dam, which would allow fish passage at high tide, sediment nourishment of estuary, and tidal influence above the dam.
People can see Chinook salmon spawning in the creek along the new trail planned for Chambers Creek Canyon. Tribal and ESA issues can be resolved while a new bridge is being built. “We should speed up dam removal while funding is available and the fish still remember how to swim upstream.
