Welcome to the interactive web schedule for the 2018 Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference! For tips on how to navigate this site, visit the "Helpful Info" section. To return to the main Conference website, go to: www.midwestfw.org.
AUTHORS. Henry Hansen, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Mark Pegg, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Kevin Pope, U.S. Geological Survey, Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
ABSTRACT. Dams do not last forever. In respect to both structural integrity and ecosystem services provided, current policy and management across administrative hierarchies typically remain impartial to this reality. The potential for dam failures continue to rise, yet there is no systemic plan in place to proactively address aging dams and their associated reservoirs. We present initial perspectives on a possible exit strategy framework for aging dams that distills the complexities of this dilemma into identifiable obstacles, considerations, and viable solutions. We will review past scenarios and case studies to evaluate the relationships of legal, biological, economic, and social concerns on dam exit strategies. This framework serves as the foundation of a much needed discussion to address the plethora of aging infrastructure issues and their potential impact on society.
