Successful Dam Removal on South Fork of the Shenandoah River

October 2004- Officials, residents and sponsors rafted up the South Fork of the Shenandoah River through the breached McGaheysville Dam.  The successful trip marked one of the many ways the dam’s removal will profit the City of Harrisonburg—by attracting outdoor adventurers.  The celebration that took place in October recognized the efforts of both local and national sponsors who helped make the dam’s removal possible.  Two federal agencies, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, contributed approximately $150,000 in federal funding to assist with the project. 

About a year after the McGaheysville Dam was built, Hurricane Hazel plowed through the Shenandoah Valley in October 1954, nearly destroying it.  Unfortunately, repairs were not economically possible at that time.  The dam became a hazard, hindering fish migration and accumulating heavy metals and other pollutants.  It was unsafe for recreational activities and passage by canoeists.

NRCS provided $74,000 in federal funds through its Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) to assist in removing the dam.  WHIP is aimed at improving and restoring habitat for fish, waterfowl and other wildlife where habitat is declining or being threatened.  At the ceremony, NRCS State Conservationist, M. Denise Doetzer said, “I am pleased that NRCS could contribute funds to a project that will benefit the community economically while improving the natural resources of the river.”

Benefits of the dam’s removal include restoring the natural flow of the river.  It also serves to improve fish and wildlife habitat, safety and recreation for residents and visitors.  With the dam no longer in place, the City of Harrisonburg has started developing a new water intake that will be able to pump four millions gallons of water a day into the city without impounding water. 

Today, water quality continues to improve. As the water flows more rapidly through the river, nutrients are able to pass through, resulting in raised levels of dissolved oxygen and reduced turbidity.  In the near future, the river will develop a series of runs and drops that will help various aquatic species navigate the South Fork riverine ecosystem. 

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