Estabrook Dam Removal

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Picture taken by Chelsey Lewis and Mark de Sisti / Milwaukee Journal SentinelIn 2018, after more than ten years of contentious public meetings and several lawsuits, the 80-year old Estabrook Dam has been removed. Removal of the Estabrook Dam is a win-win for the Milwaukee River and the community, as well as for many of our supporters that have attended countless meetings, sent many emails, and made many calls over the years. Dam removal will improve water quality and fish passage, and restore natural ecological function to this portion of the Milwaukee River.


Project Overview

The Estabrook Dam was removed in May 2019. Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District (MMSD) led the demolition efforts and committed an additional $1 million to engineering, design, and planning around restoration of the streambanks and former impoundment area created by the dam. In addition, efforts are also underway to envision and design fish passages for Estabrook and Kletzsch Park Falls. MMSD received a total of $2.3 million in grants that fully covered the costs of removal.

Please see Milwaukee Riverkeeper project page here, Estabrook Dam Removal | Milwaukee Riverkeeper

Project Benefits

  • Increase in water quality
  • Improved recreational activities
  • Restoration of natural water levels
  • Stopping of sediment buildup caused by the dam
  • Restoration of fish passage

Picture taken by Chelsey Lewis and Mark de Sisti / Milwaukee Journal SentinelIn 2018, after more than ten years of contentious public meetings and several lawsuits, the 80-year old Estabrook Dam has been removed. Removal of the Estabrook Dam is a win-win for the Milwaukee River and the community, as well as for many of our supporters that have attended countless meetings, sent many emails, and made many calls over the years. Dam removal will improve water quality and fish passage, and restore natural ecological function to this portion of the Milwaukee River.


Project Overview

The Estabrook Dam was removed in May 2019. Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District (MMSD) led the demolition efforts and committed an additional $1 million to engineering, design, and planning around restoration of the streambanks and former impoundment area created by the dam. In addition, efforts are also underway to envision and design fish passages for Estabrook and Kletzsch Park Falls. MMSD received a total of $2.3 million in grants that fully covered the costs of removal.

Please see Milwaukee Riverkeeper project page here, Estabrook Dam Removal | Milwaukee Riverkeeper

Project Benefits

  • Increase in water quality
  • Improved recreational activities
  • Restoration of natural water levels
  • Stopping of sediment buildup caused by the dam
  • Restoration of fish passage
Page last updated: 18 Jun 2024, 12:08 PM