--- title: How Dam Removals Sustain & Enhance Natural Capital - Part Two | Unique Places to Save description: Removing old dams revitalizes ecosystems, enhances biodiversity, and improves water quality, benefiting nature and the people who live near the rivers image: https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/photo%20of%20free%20flowing%20river%20after%20dam%20removal.jpg --- [![Unique Places to Save logo](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/logo%20horizontal-1.png?width=1254&height=380&name=logo%20horizontal-1.png "Unique Places to Save logo")](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/) - [PROJECTS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/projects) - SERVICES - [FOR MITIGATION BANKERS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/conservation-mitigation) - [FOR LAND MANAGERS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/land-planners-managers) - [FOR LANDOWNERS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/conservation-for-landowners) - [FOR RESTORATION PARTNERS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/dam-removals) - ABOUT - [OUR GOALS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/our-goals) - [OUR VALUES](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/our-values) - [OUR TEAM](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/team) - [CONTACT US](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/contact) - UPDATES - [CONSERVATION EASEMENTS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/conservation-easements) - [MITIGATION BANKING](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/mitigation-banking) - [WORKING LANDS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/working-lands) - [RIVERS, WETLANDS & DAMS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/rivers-wetlands-dams) - [CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/conservation-and-development) - [CONSERVATION STORIES](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/conservation-stories) - [ORGANIZATION NEWS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/organization-news) - [ALL POSTS](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news) [Donate](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/wetland-keepers) [Donate](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/wetland-keepers) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ![An aerial view of a river curving around a small wooded island, framed by green woodland.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/photo%20of%20free%20flowing%20river%20after%20dam%20removal.jpg) # How Dam Removals Sustain & Enhance Natural Capital - Part Two Sam Warnock - April 2025 ![](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/raw_assets/public/unique-places-theme/images/sep-1-0.png) In [the first part of our series](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/dam-removals-natural-capital-part-one), we explored the historical significance of dams and the myriad benefits they have provided over the centuries, from hydroelectric power to flood control. We also highlighted the serious environmental drawbacks, such as habitat loss and diminished water quality, as many of these structures age and become increasingly costly to maintain. In this second part of our series, we dive deeper into the concept of "**natural capital and ecosystem services**" related to dam removal. We'll examine how restoring rivers to their free-flowing state can rejuvenate aquatic habitats, improve water quality, and bolster biodiversity. Join us as we uncover the compelling reasons behind dam removal and its potential to create healthy ecosystems for future generations. ## How do Natural Capital & Ecosystem Services factor in? To understand the benefits of dam removals in the context of natural capital and ecosystem services, let’s first draw a distinction: - **Natural capital** refers to the rivers, forests, soil, and biodiversity that form the foundation of ecosystems. It’s the stock of natural assets. - **Ecosystem services** are the flows of benefits we derive from [natural capital](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/natural-capital-economic-value), like clean water, flood control, and healthy fisheries. When dams come down, both natural capital and ecosystem services can be revitalized primarily by reversing some of the negative effects that were covered earlier.  The next sections will elaborate on a few of the most notable of these, and provide a general overview of how they bring value to our society. ## How do dam removals help coastal wetlands? Rivers are the lifeblood of ecosystems, and dams are analogous to blockages in the circulatory system, but the connection that dams have to our **coastal wetlands** isn’t necessarily an obvious one at first glance. When a dam is removed and **natural flow is restored**, sediment and nutrients can move freely downstream again, eventually reaching estuaries and coastal areas. This renewed flow rejuvenates many natural processes, including the replenishment of [coastal wetlands](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/river-mouths-part-three-on-river-ecology-conservation). These **wetlands rely on a steady supply of sediment to stay healthy and productive**. Without it, they begin to erode, especially as sea levels rise. Over time, this can leave coastal communities more vulnerable and degrade the ecological value of the wetlands themselves. In order to give you an idea of just how much value wetland ecosystems can provide, [in 2019](https://www.publish.csiro.au/MF/MF18391), a research team estimated that the **planet’s wetlands have a value of $71 trillion per year** (in 2024 USD). This represents a pretty significant **43% of the total value of all the planet’s ecosystem services**. Similarly, a [2021 study](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959378021001072) estimated that coastal wetlands save the US approximately **$280 million per year from storm damages**. These studies highlight just how vital [wetlands](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/american-wetlands-report-2019) are to our society and planet. Imagine the financial and environmental impact if wetlands were to be completely cut-off from their resupply lines. Their immense value would literally erode away, hour-by-hour, year by year, leaving us all the more vulnerable. ## How do dam removals enhance biodiversity? **Connected waterways are essential for many species**, particularly migratory fish like salmon and shad, which need open rivers to reach their spawning grounds.  In 2017, [researchers](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212041616304119)determined that restoring the Columbia River in Oregon to pristine flow conditions could **increase the value of its pacific salmon fishery by almost $27 million per year**.  On a more local level, by taking part in dam removal projects, Unique Places to Save is helping endangered species such as the [Cape Fear shiner](https://www.ncwildlife.org/species/cape-fear-shiner) return to their native habitats.  **Freshwater mussels** are yet another major beneficiary. These diverse species are often overlooked yet are **critically important due to their ability to filter water**. Enhancing habitat for freshwater mussels could potentially save municipalities tens of millions of dollars in reduced water treatment costs. Mussels thrive in oxygen-rich, free-flowing rivers and **rely on specific "host fish" to reproduce** and expand their range. Dams disrupt both water flow and fish movement, cutting mussels off from the conditions they need to survive. Some of the key host fish include: - [Fantail darters,](https://ncfishes.com/freshwater-fishes-of-north-carolina/etheostoma-brevispinum/) - [White shiners,](https://www.fws.gov/species/white-shiner-luxilus-albeolus) and - Cape Fear shiners When rivers are reconnected, so are these essential relationships. By **restoring habitat and movement corridors**, dam removals support mussel recovery and make ecosystems more resilient to major change. While putting an exact dollar figure on the value of freshwater mussels remains a challenge for researchers, their ecological importance is clear. There is a solid case for giving them the conditions they need to thrive. ## How do dam removals improve water quality? One of the most immediate benefits of dam removal is improved water quality. Dams create often-stagnant reservoirs where water becomes oxygen-depleted and more prone to things like algae blooms. Removing a dam **restores a river's ability to self-clean**, improving conditions for the benefit of both nature and people. Water quality improvements are often difficult to quantify due to the complicated relationships between the sources of pollution and the myriad solutions. However, to provide some context, **waterborne illnesses in the US result in approximately 7.15 million cases annually**,[costing $3.33 billion](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33350905/) in healthcare expenses. Of these, [about 78%](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37347505/) are connected to recreational water exposure.  This includes recreation in lakes and reservoirs. With slow-moving water, warmer temperatures, and nutrient-rich conditions, man-made reservoirs are ideal breeding grounds for bacteria like *E. coli* and harmful algae such as Cyanobacteria. Climate change is expected to make these problems worse. As temperatures rise and extreme flooding becomes more common the risks associated with algae and bacterial blooms and water contamination will only increase, putting both public health at greater risk. ## Looking Downstream As we’ve explored in this second part of the series, dam removals offer a bit more than just a cost-effective means of dealing with outdated infrastructure. When properly done, dam removal projects can help sustain and even restore some of the natural systems our society depends on.  But there’s still more to the story... In the final part of our series, we’ll take a closer look at the social side of dam removals by exploring how restored rivers can strengthen communities, support recreation, and build resilience in the face of a changing climate.   --- *Restoring and conserving land and freshwater ecosystems are essential for protecting our planet’s natural capital, and you can help make a difference. By supporting* ***Unique Places to Save****, you’re directly contributing to the protection of natural resources that benefit all of us. Your efforts help ensure these natural systems continue to provide clean water, fertile soil, and habitats for countless species.* About the Author![Sam Warnock, Aquatic Resources Manager](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hs-fs/hubfs/samuel%20warnock.png?width=208&height=208&name=samuel%20warnock.png) Sam Warnock brings in-depth experience with ecosystem services, natural capital accounting, and environmental regulations based on his time spent in the private environmental sector and his education. His experience stems from projects related to regulatory permitting, chemical analysis, and EPA compliance.  He has overseen a broad range of projects across the globe with a focus on environmental sustainability. [Learn More](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/sam-warnock-aquatic-resources-manager) #### We are a trusted partner for dam removal projects to restore our rivers to their natural state   [Learn More](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/dam-removals) ![A slow stream winds through an open wetland meadow lined with cattails and shrubs, with a band of trees on the horizon under a golden evening sky.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/image%20of%20wetlands%20conservation.jpg) [Dam Removals](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/dam-removals), [Unique Places to Save](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/unique-places-to-save), [Rivers, Wetlands & Dams](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/rivers-wetlands-dams) Michael Scisco, September 2026 ### [What Happens After a Mitigation Bank is Complete?](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/mitigation-bank-long-term-management) Regulatory closeout is a major milestone for a mitigation bank. It confirms that the required restoration or enhancement work has been completed, performance standards have been met, and the formal monitoring and maintenance period can end.... ![Pink survey flagging tied to shrubs along a marsh-lined creek on the Point Farm conservation easement, with a weathered stump standing in the still water.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/point%20farm%20conservation%20mitigation%20easement.jpg) [Dam Removals](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/dam-removals), [Unique Places to Save](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/unique-places-to-save), [Rivers, Wetlands & Dams](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/rivers-wetlands-dams) Mandi Taylor, September 2026 ### [The Impossibility of Capturing Nature in a PDF](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/baseline-documentation-report) Every profession has the gap between what the job looks like on paper and what actually happens on the ground. In land conservation, that divide can be neatly summarized by one specific, legal document: the Baseline Documentation Report (BD... ![Mandi Taylor smiling beside a tree in bare winter woods, wearing a cap and a daypack, with pine needles covering the slope behind her.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/mandi%20in%20the%20field.jpg) [Dam Removals](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/dam-removals), [Unique Places to Save](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/unique-places-to-save), [Rivers, Wetlands & Dams](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/rivers-wetlands-dams) Mandi Taylor, September 2026 ### [Behind the Scenes of Land Stewardship](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/what-does-a-land-steward-do) When people think of land conservation wins, they usually picture all the work and coordination required to place land with rich ecological, historical, or cultural value into a conservation easement. And they are right to celebrate those e... ![A shallow rocky river running through summer woodland.](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/hubfs/photo%20of%20ramseur%20deep%20river.jpg) [Dam Removals](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/dam-removals), [Unique Places to Save](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/unique-places-to-save), [Rivers, Wetlands & Dams](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/tag/rivers-wetlands-dams) Sam Warnock, August 2026 ### [The River That Built a Town: Ramseur’s Past Shapes Future Conservation (Part Two)](https://uniqueplacestosave.org/news/the-river-that-built-a-town-ramseurs-past-shapes-future-conservation-part-two) This is the second installment in a two-part series on the Deep River restoration project in Ramseur, North Carolina. For this series, I sat down with Mayor Hampton Spivey and Town Clerk Carol Akers to hear how growing up alongside the Deep... 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