Historical vs. Modern Uses of Low-Head Dams and Modern Potential Effects on Hellbender Populations
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
11-4-2025 12:00 PM
End Date
11-4-2025 12:50 PM
Abstract
Historic low-head dams, once used for milling, farming, or mining industries, have been abandoned and left to naturally decay within countless waterways in the eastern portion of the United States. Dams and other impoundments have been known to cause a variety of geomorphological changes to streams and rivers that impact the water quality via the reduced flow and potential upstream ponding. Impounded waterways have increased levels of suspended sediments, increased levels of suspended solids, and lower biodiversity overall. The affected waterways have exhibited an inability to support indicator species, like hellbender salamanders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis). These salamanders require specific habitat requirements of clear, unpolluted water with swiftly-running riffle habitats and an abundance of large flat rocks or logs in cold, permanent streams and rivers. Current hellbender populations occupy only a small portion of their historic range which has been attributed to habitat deterioration. In order to enhance the probability of successful repatriation of historic hellbender sites, we must examine water quality and dispersal restrictions caused by structures like low-head dams. That said, low-head dams are often hard to remove. Dams may be privately-owned, in an area where demolition may be difficult, owned by a city that does not want to remove the dam, or abandoned and unrecorded. The removal of low-head dams within the historic range of hellbender salamanders may provide a significant conservation contribution, and the hellbender can serve as a charismatic creature to bring attention to concerns of low-head dam persistence.
Recommended Citation
Wonderly, Jacey; Riley, Leslie Dr.; and Krynak, Katherine Dr., "Historical vs. Modern Uses of Low-Head Dams and Modern Potential Effects on Hellbender Populations" (2025). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 71.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2025/Posters/71
Open Access
Available to all.
Historical vs. Modern Uses of Low-Head Dams and Modern Potential Effects on Hellbender Populations
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Historic low-head dams, once used for milling, farming, or mining industries, have been abandoned and left to naturally decay within countless waterways in the eastern portion of the United States. Dams and other impoundments have been known to cause a variety of geomorphological changes to streams and rivers that impact the water quality via the reduced flow and potential upstream ponding. Impounded waterways have increased levels of suspended sediments, increased levels of suspended solids, and lower biodiversity overall. The affected waterways have exhibited an inability to support indicator species, like hellbender salamanders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis). These salamanders require specific habitat requirements of clear, unpolluted water with swiftly-running riffle habitats and an abundance of large flat rocks or logs in cold, permanent streams and rivers. Current hellbender populations occupy only a small portion of their historic range which has been attributed to habitat deterioration. In order to enhance the probability of successful repatriation of historic hellbender sites, we must examine water quality and dispersal restrictions caused by structures like low-head dams. That said, low-head dams are often hard to remove. Dams may be privately-owned, in an area where demolition may be difficult, owned by a city that does not want to remove the dam, or abandoned and unrecorded. The removal of low-head dams within the historic range of hellbender salamanders may provide a significant conservation contribution, and the hellbender can serve as a charismatic creature to bring attention to concerns of low-head dam persistence.