Published: October 10, 2007 09:26 am         

Breaking The Barrier

Equipment operator Erin Clark of Pyramid Equipment, Frostburg, uses a trackhoe as work begins to remove the former PPG rubble dam in Mexico Farms, which forms a barrier to fish passage, preventing fish from moving upstream in the Potomac River to spawn.

Approximately five miles of fish habitat will be reopened from the dam upstream to the city of Cumberland. Utilizing rock removed from the dam, six boulder clusters will be created as part of the habitat restoration.

The removal will enhance boating opportunities in the upper Potomac River and is a result of the partnership of American Rivers, Allegany County commissioners, Allegany Soil Conservation District, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Mexico Farms LLC is allowing the disposal of some of the rock from the dam onto its property.