Capturing the WIIFMs:

a citizen handbook tool for influencing public perception of dam

removal and fish passage projects

Lisa Hollingsworth-Segedy, AICP

American Rivers

www.americanrivers.org

American Rivers

protects wild rivers,

restores damaged

rivers, and conserves

clean water for people

and nature.

Allegheny River Lock & Dam 6

Scenarios1. Acceptable partner2. Status Quo3. Restore river

connectivity

Issues1.Benefit-cost2.Non-dependent

infrastructure3. Shift in recreation4. Slow-motion failure5. Aquatic habitat6. WRDA Authorization

Public Safety

Recreation

EcologyCost

Community & Infrastructure

Issues people care about

What’s In It For Me?

WIIFMPublic Safety

Slow-motion failure

Damage to non-dependent infrastructure

Lowhead dams are drowning machines

Status Quo

Eliminate public safety hazard

Avoid infrastructure damage

Planned removal takes advantage of optimal conditions

Dams Removed

Green River L&D 6 Uncontrolled Loss of Pool

TNC.org TNC.org

WIIFM

Private party seasonal lock operation not sustainable

Lock failure = disconnected pools

Status Quo

Access for motorized boating and paddling

Water trail connection

Riverfront and access improvements

Dams Removed

Recreation

1802 Allegheny Navigator

Middle Allegheny Water Trail

Three Rivers Water Trail

Potential Armstrong Water Trail

Northern Forest CanoeTrail (NY, VT, NH, ME, QC)740 miles @ $12 M/yr

Huron River Water Trail104 miles @ $50 M/yr

PA Recreation Water Trails(Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Juniata, Three Rivers)489 mi @ ~$1M/yr

Economic Valuation of Water Trails

(River Mgt Society, 2015)

A

A

A’

A’

WIIFM

Water intakes are vulnerable to sudden loss of pool

Water, sewer, and gas lines are vulnerable

Status Quo

Reconfigured water intakes will be more resilient

Infrastructure can be protected or relocated during dam removal

Dams Removed

Community & Infrastructure

WIIFM

Species of Greatest Conservation Need are excluded from important habitat

Status Quo

Species have access

Improved water quality

More natural flow conditions

Biodiversity protected and enhanced

Dams Removed

Ecology

Species of Greatest Conservation Need

WIIFM

Recapitalization estimated ~ $40 million per structure

Caretaker status = slow-motion failure

Status Quo

Estimated $5-$10 million per structure

2018 WRDA allows USACE to eliminate their water infrastructure

Dams Removed

Cost

Allegheny River Citizens’ Handbook

Target Audiences

• Pittsburgh District USACE

• NGO partners

• River interest groups

• Business interest groups

• Tourism interest groups

• Local governments

• Water purveyors

• Individuals

What’s next for Muncy?

• Use current plan update as an opportunity to prioritize additional study needed to determine the feasibility of FP TDR as a tool for multiple benefits

• Conduct BCA using HAZUS-MH to build scenarios that model potential sending and receiving areas

• Establish criteria for sending and receiving areas• Evaluate local real estate market• Design and implement program• Evaluate and refine

Lisa Hollingsworth-Segedy, AICPlh-segedy@americanrivers.orgwww.americanrivers.org