In Massachusetts, obsolete dam demolition begins after 14-year effort

A century-old dam in Duxbury, Massachusetts, known as the Temple Street Dam, finally began demolition after years of effort. Built to support a mill that no longer exists, the dam has long outlived its purpose, blocking fish migration, trapping sediment, and requiring maintenance. In 2012, conservationists started the effort to remove the dam, which was completed in 2026.

The removal will reconnect over 7 miles of stream, restore 6 acres of wetland, and reconnect the South River to its natural hydrology. The project, a collaboration between multiple partners, is a model for river restoration across the state.