Don’t remove the beautiful Littleton Dam

The Littleton Dam is a beautiful place. I was there just recently, and 15 kayaks were put in, several children enjoyed a sand beach and many fishermen enjoyed success. Keep the Littleton Dam as is.

Why not hire an engineer to determine if repairs are necessary rather than hire an engineer to estimate the cost of dam removal, which the Iowa Department of Natural Resources did? From the May 13 meeting I attended at Fontana Park, the DNR wants to remove the dam for two basic reasons: Nine people have died there in 80-plus years, and fish, namely darter minnows and walleye, cannot migrate because of the dam.

My reply: The dam should not be held responsible for the actions of people, and darter minnows and walleye already are above and below the dam and can migrate via the two spillways, particularly in high water.

Other concerns: With dam removal, even the DNR options offered, the water table would drop, leaving only 2 feet or lower during dry spells. This would jeopardize fire protection as water for fires is pumped from above the existing dam. It could dry up the wells of many Littleton residents.

If the dam is removed, the water below would become a mere small stream for several hundred feet, jeopardizing the popular recreational spot. The people of Littleton and the numerous people who visit are more important than the fish, aren't they?

Marcia Henderson

Independence