In 1999, the Edwards Dam on the Kennebec River in Maine was taken down, representing a major change in how humans interact with natural environments. The dam, constructed in 1837, was 280 meters long and 7.3 meters high. For over 160 years, it blocked the natural movement of fish up the river. In 1997, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) decided to remove the dam, allowing 27 kilometers of the river to flow freely again. This action led to a dramatic increase in fish migration, with alewives—small fish important to the ecosystem—returning in large numbers. Their annual upstream migration rose from zero to about five million per year. Other species, such as striped bass and sturgeon, also benefited from the removal. The removal of the Edwards Dam sparked a movement across the United States, inspiring the removal of 1,605 dams, according to the American Rivers organization. One example is the Fort Halifax Dam, dismantled in 2008, which allowed 27 million alewives to reach their spawning grounds. The decision to remove the Edwards Dam was significant because it showed that ecological benefits could be more important than the industrial and energy benefits of an aging dam. This event set a federal precedent and encouraged similar projects in other parts of the country. The removal of the Edwards Dam also had ripple effects beyond the United States. It influenced dam removal efforts in other countries, including France, where similar projects have been initiated. These efforts reflect a growing awareness of the importance of restoring natural river systems and the ecosystems they support. By removing dams, environmentalists and policymakers aim to restore habitats, improve water quality, and support biodiversity. This shift in approach highlights a broader trend toward environmental restoration and sustainable management of natural resources. The success of the Edwards Dam removal demonstrates that sometimes, letting nature take its course can lead to long-term ecological and environmental benefits. As more regions consider the removal of outdated dams, the lessons learned from Maine continue to shape conservation efforts worldwide.