Historic Dam On Watauga River Demolished

A historic dam on the Watauga River is no longer standing. Environmentalists say the removal will increase the overall health of the waterway.

The former Ward Mill Dam sat just outside of Boone. It was first built in the 1890s and was used to power nearby grist and sawmills. Over the years, the structure went through a lot of changes, but the hydroelectric dam was demolished earlier this month.

The massive project took about a week to complete.

It was a collaborative effort between several environmental organizations and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Andy Hill is with the group MountainTrue and serves as the Watauga Riverkeeper. He says the removal enables native fish and other aquatic life to move more freely, improves sediment flow and other conditions. 

“It will reconnect 35 miles of aquatic habitat on the main stem of the Watauga as well as over 140 miles over tributaries," says Hill. "And hopefully give the hellbenders and other threatened and endangered species a leg up during a difficult time in the environment.”

Researchers at Appalachian State University are currently studying pre- and post-dam removal data to measure the long-term impacts.

Hill says removing the barrier also opens up more recreational opportunities on the river.

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