Dam mitigation benefits everyone

To the editor:

The letter concerning the Department of Natural Resources low head dam mitigation efforts contained incorrect and incomplete information ('Deer cause more harm than dams,” Feb. 7).

The DNR has completed 12 low head dam mitigation projects of which nine have no white water aspects. The 'millions of dollars” spent on the mitigation projects have been primarily financed by private donors, corporate entities and industry grants. The DNR's financial contribution is typically less than 10 percent of any individual mitigation project costs. The low head dam mitigation projects provide enormous benefit by improving water quality, improving river fisheries/habitat, re-establishing native riverbank flora, eliminating deadly water hydraulics and stimulating economic community benefits.

The letter conveniently omitted the estimated annual economic benefit of $746,000 cited by Charles City officials and the rural water supply stability established by the Klondike low head dam mitigation in Northwest Iowa.

The comparison of drowning in a low head dam hydraulic to a deer/vehicle collision was extremely poor and insensitive to Iowa families who have lost loved ones to low head dam dangers.

Dave Hillman

Cedar Rapids