Ward Mill Dam Removal

The Ward family, with a legacy of environmental stewardship, recently agreed to remove a 120 year old dam on the Watauga and return the river back to its natural state. The removal of the the Wards Mill Dam has reconnected 35 miles of aquatic habitat in the mainstem of the Watauga River.

This project was a partnership between the Ward family, American Rivers, MountainTrue, USFWS, Blue Ridge RC&D, and the Watauga Soil and Water Conservation District.

Project funding was provided by the North Carolina Division of Water Resources, Patagonia, Doublewood Farm, the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Beech Mountain Resort, Hunter Banks of Asheville and Boone’s Fly Shop.