Seven Sins of Dam Building

Seven Sins of Dam Building

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) released this report, Seven Sins of Dam Building, on World Water Day in 2013 to highlight the detrimental impacts that building dams has on our precious freshwater resources. The sole case study highlighted from the United States in the report is the damming of the Coosa River in Alabama.

Skagit River Project

Skagit River Project

The Skagit River basin is the largest drainage in Puget Sound, covering 3,140 square miles and representing a unique regional and national resource. Over 158 miles of river including its major tributaries are federally protected Wild and Scenic reaches. Its upper watershed is deeply embedded in the spectacular North Cascades National Park [pictured at right]. Within the Park, the Ross Lake National Recreation Area immediately surrounds 35 miles of Skagit River, surrounding Seattle City Light’s hydroelectric project.

Pit 1, and Pit 3, 4, and 5 Projects

Pit 1, and Pit 3, 4, and 5 Projects

The Pit River is the largest river in northeastern California; its watershed is 4,324 square miles. The mainstem Pit flows in a southwesterly direction through valleys and basalt canyons to Shasta Lake, where it eventually flows into the Sacramento River and San Francisco Bay.

Rock Creek-Cresta Project

Rock Creek-Cresta Project

The North Fork Feather originates near the southern boundary of Lassen Volcanic National Park and flows generally southward. The West Branch and North, Middle, and South Forks of the Feather River join underneath Lake Oroville to form the Feather River, a tributary of the Sacramento River. Before dams obstructed the way, the Feather River and its forks were well- known as major salmon rivers, documented as early as the 1840s.

Mokelumne River Project

Mokelumne River Project

The Mokelumne River basin drains 661 square miles high in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains. Its dominant tributary, the North Fork Mokelumne, cut through granite to create the Mokelumne River Canyon, encased in the Mokelumne Wilderness. The rugged scenery is defined by deep granitic canyons, volcanic ridges and peaks, and prominences such as the massive 1,200-foot Calaveras Dome – much like its neighbor, Yosemite.