The Ramsar Convention's resources on Wetland Restoration

The STRP Expert Working Group on Wetland Restoration

Restoration Approach: Small Dams

Wetland type: Potentially all types in limited circumstances

Background: Dams have been widely and correctly condemned for their negative influence on the environment. However, small dams built specifically to restore or create wetland habitat have been used successfully in a number of circumstances. In the Northern Territory, Australia, small dams have been used to halt saltwater intrusion. Where wetlands have been drained, drainage ditches can be plugged with small dams. Where natural drainage ways exist, dams can be installed to hold water in place and create small wetlands.

Advantages: Small dams can be used to reestablish or create wetland hydrology. Small earthen dams can be built at very low costs using standard farming equipment.

Disadvantages: Even dams intended for wetland restoration and creation can have negative impacts. Potential impacts to downstream areas and to areas that might be flooded should be carefully considered. Also, dams will require maintenance and in general should not be thought of as permanent structures.

Further information: Applegate, R.J. 1999. Saltwater intrusion and the Mary River Wetlands of the Northern Territory. Pp. 113-120 In W.J. Streever (ed.) An International Perspective on Wetland Rehabilitation. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, The Netherlands.

Heede, B.H. 1977. Case study of a watershed rehabilitation project: Alkali Creek, Colorado. U.S. Forest Service Research Paper RM-189. 18 pp.

Pritchett, D.A. 1987. Creation, restoration, and enhancement of vernal pools. Restoration and Management Notes 5(2):
92.

Dams are sometimes used to restore prairie pothole wetlands in North Dakota, USA.

Return to STRP Wetland Restoration index page

For further information about the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, please contact the Ramsar Convention Bureau, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail ). Posted 8 January 2001, updated 15 February 2002, Bill Streever and Dwight Peck.