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Katharine Beckett Winship's avatar

On another topic…

American Rivers presented the 2025 dam removal results. The Catawba has 11 hydropower Duke dams that prevent passage or make mincemeat out of aquatic creatures.

Almost every other state, particularly in the NE, had good removal numbers. North Carolina including the Catawba had nothing to show.

Do you have any intel on this? (I’m finishing up my essay on why Helene landed so hard in my area- Black Mountain.)

Sam Harrelson's avatar

Yes! Have been working on dams in the Carolinas and will be posting soon. I’ve been waiting for some feedback from certain energy companies but it’s been slow going, so will probably just put out some pieces here and my longer academic paper soon. So glad you brought that up.

Katharine Beckett Winship's avatar

Thank you for your work!!

May I dm you my email address? My work centers on ecosystems in my home place-the Blue Ridge of the Catawba Watershed. Your work seems to focus on the Piedmont of the Catawba Watershed (please correct me if I’m wrong). It might be interesting to compare notes from time to time.

Sam Harrelson's avatar

Yes, of course! That's an awesome connection. I lived in East Asheville for years near the headwaters of the Catawba and absolutely love that watershed.

Katharine Beckett Winship's avatar

So well observed and expressed 🌱🌿💚