The Sandy River was dammed quite early –in 1913–by Portland General Electric. The Marmot Dam diverted water from the Sandy to the Little Sandy River, where a smaller dam created a lake for hydroelectric power. The Marmot Dam had a fish ladder, but fish were stopped at the Little Sandy Dam. Before water-flow regulations for dams began in the 1970s, the Sandy River was often too low for fish to go upstream.

Portland General Electric removed the two dams in 2007 and 2008, and dismantled the old hydroelectric powerhouse. After the dams were dynamited, the rivers quickly washed through, clearing tons of sediment.

The Sandy River is now running freely again, after almost a century. Planners hope that salmon and steelhead runs will improve as a result.

Community members can craft a vision for a sustainable future. Consider water issues in Confluence Project communities and your own. . .

Each region has its own critical planning issues for water use, and the health of its streams, lakes, coastline or wetlands.

• Along the Lower Columbia River, the desire to reduce toxins entering the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean has led to restructuring of boat yards and port facilities, and an effort to educate citizens about the chemical contaminants in some personal care products and fragrances.
• In the City of Vancouver, Washington, an interest in reducing the amount of water used to maintain ornamental plants led to a provision in the city plan for using native plants for landscaping public places. Also in Vancouver, Jones and Jones Architects designed a system for the Land Bridge to reduce run-off and collect rain water for irrigation.
• Near Troutdale, Oregon, the Marmot Dam on the Sandy River was removed in the effort to restore fish runs.