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Baber’s Mill Dam Removal:  Effects on Stream Morphology, Habitat, and Aquatic-Organism Passage

Louise Finger
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
Verona, VA

In April 2024, the long-defunct Baber’s Mill Dam was removed on Rock Island Creek in Buckingham County, Virginia.  This low-head, stone and mortar dam impeded aquatic-organism passage, altered hydrology and sediment transport, and impacted in-stream habitat in this tributary to the James River for close to 200 years.  Affected species include the federally endangered James Spinymussel (Pleurobema collina) and anadromous Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). 

This presentation will include monitoring data collected within the first year following dam removal and provide information on stream-morphology adjustments, habitat-condition changes, and aquatic-species movement. 

About Louise Finger
Louise Finger has been a Stream Restoration Biologist with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources since 2003. She designs and constructs stream-restoration projects, provides education and outreach on stream and riparian systems, and has special interest in enhancement of aquatic habitat and removal of dams.