The Removal of Dana Dam at Merwin Meadows
Also known as Strong Pond Dam, Dana Dam is one of the final barriers to migratory fish passage on the Norwalk River. Once removed, nearly 10 upstream miles will be reopened for fish passage, reconnecting a 14 mile stretch of free-flowing river with Long Island Sound. Fish will once again be able to swim upriver to their historic spawning grounds, and an integral part of Long Island Sound’s foodweb and ecosystem will be restored.
The project will also mitigate flood risks and eliminate safety hazards posed by the dam, while restoring 1,400 feet of river channel for river herring, eel, sea lamprey, brook trout and other popular sport fish, along with 1.5 acres of riparian buffer for birds, mammals, amphibians and other wildlife. Click here to read more about the project and how it will benefit your local wildlife and community.
A free-flowing, healthy Norwalk River benefits each and every one of us, as well as the fish and wildlife who depend on it just as much as we do.
We Need Your Help!
We have already raised nearly $2.7M from federal grants and private foundations for this project. We need your help to raise the last $100,000 by May 31, 2022. Help us close this gap and free the river! For more information contact Matt O’Brien at MObrien@savethesound.org. Also, as part of May’s Orvis Giveback Days, a donation of $10 on each purchase over $10 at the Orvis Darien store is matched by Orvis, and goes to support our project. Customer’s who donate $10 will receive $10 towards their in-store purchase that day.
Save the Sound is a 501c3 tax exempt organization