You will need Javascript turned on and the Flash Player ver 8 or better to view these alerts.
| CR Program |
|---|
| Water Division |
|---|
| The Department |
|---|
The Gonic Sawmill Dam and the Gonic Dam are the third and fourth dams on the main stem of the Cocheco River. Both dams block fish passage, have letters of deficiency from the DES Dam Bureau, and no longer serve a functional purpose.
A comprehensive study conducted in 2005 deemed removal of the Gonic and Gonic Sawmill dams as technically and financially feasible. Removal of both dams would restore approximately four miles of free-flowing river for purposes including improving water quality, restoring habitat connectivity, allowing for natural sediment transport and flow of nutrients, restoring aesthetic values, and improving fish passage.
Removal of the Gonic and Gonic Sawmill dams would specifically aid with the passage of American eel and resident coldwater species including the Eastern brook trout. Although American eel have proven to negotiate these dams, their passage would be drastically improved and they would also greatly benefit from the expected improvement in water quality. American eel populations are in decline and they are listed as a “species of special concern” with both the National Marine Fisheries Service and the N.H. Fish and Game Department. This project would expand and improve American eel habitat.
Publications
[29 MB] Related Programs
Partnerships
Contact Us
Adobe Acrobat Reader format. Download a free reader from Adobe.