FREE THE NISSEQUOGUE RIVER

Start by raising your voice! Click here and let legislators know you don’t support the proposed new dam.

Since the dam failed, the river has found its historic course and a robust natural restoration has taken hold on the floodplain. Water is flowing freely, plants are growing (more than 120 species have already been documented) and native wildlife are returning to the improved habitat.

Yes. A free-flowing river will still provides safe, accessible fishing opportunities and the riparian meadows will improve chances to observe native plants, birds, pollinators and other wildlife (especially if new trails & boardwalks are installed!). 

We also strongly support the construction of a pedestrian bridge to reconnect the Greenbelt Trail, which will allow full resumption of the hiking, running, cycling, horseback riding and other recreational opportunities that people love about Blydenburgh County Park.

Fish ladders are expensive, require ongoing maintenance, only work for some species and are only successful in moving a percentage of the species they’re intended to help.

More problematic is that even with a fish ladder, the dam remains, which creates a shallow, warm-water pond that does not provide the right habitat for native fish to thrive.

A free-flowing river restores natural movement for all aquatic life and provides the habitat native fish require.

A new dam does not guarantee the return of bass, which are not native to the river. However, a free-flowing river is conducive to the iconic but increasingly uncommon native brook trout, and migratory fish species such as American eel and river herring.

Visit coalition partner Seatuck Environmental Association to learn more about the history of the Nissequogue River and many benefits of restoring its natural flow.