I didn't see any shad or herring in the Rapidan at Germanna during the shad run (miles below the dam). Water is very clear also. Seem like a specious reason to knock down the damn.
How can removal of the dam open 500 miles of habitat? On the Rapidan they will only get to Orange where a structure that may not be called a dam but looks like a dam will still be there? The Robinson is frequently no more than a few inches deep.
How will removal of the dam "improve public access?"
In warm weather there are always fishermen below the dam and families with small children on the tiny sandy beach on the Culpeper side.
Removal of the dam would destroy the beach. Real "public access" would require acquisition of property and some structure and supervision from the county
Fishing for food?
For 30 years I have chatted with the people who fish in the river. Only one ever told me he would eat the fish. He also told me that baby squirrels are delicious. He was from a different generation.
Fishing opportunities?
Fishermen seem to prefer the shallow water below the dam so removing it does not seem to being in their best interest.
What will happen to all the charming critters who live above the dam? The otters, the muskrats etc.
Great article, Hillary, I did not know all this history and will now pay much more attention to Rapidan issues.
I didn't see any shad or herring in the Rapidan at Germanna during the shad run (miles below the dam). Water is very clear also. Seem like a specious reason to knock down the damn.
Paul, Keep an eye out for the public meetings to discuss the project. As noted in the article, the first will likely take place this fall.
How can removal of the dam open 500 miles of habitat? On the Rapidan they will only get to Orange where a structure that may not be called a dam but looks like a dam will still be there? The Robinson is frequently no more than a few inches deep.
How will removal of the dam "improve public access?"
In warm weather there are always fishermen below the dam and families with small children on the tiny sandy beach on the Culpeper side.
Removal of the dam would destroy the beach. Real "public access" would require acquisition of property and some structure and supervision from the county
Fishing for food?
For 30 years I have chatted with the people who fish in the river. Only one ever told me he would eat the fish. He also told me that baby squirrels are delicious. He was from a different generation.
Fishing opportunities?
Fishermen seem to prefer the shallow water below the dam so removing it does not seem to being in their best interest.
What will happen to all the charming critters who live above the dam? The otters, the muskrats etc.
Lucy, Thanks for asking these good questions. I'm eager to learn more about the project during ACP's public information sessions.