Hudson Calls on Key Federal Officials to Save Historic High Falls Dam

Letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum & U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik details threats to endangered species, habitat, and Moore County's long-term water security.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) called on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) to stop the proposed removal of the High Falls Dam in Moore County. In a letter sent October 23 to USFWS Director Brian Nesvik, Rep. Hudson warned that dismantling the historic structure would devastate one of the most ecologically unique sections of the Deep River and ignore the will of the local community.

"The High Falls Dam has played a vital role in the Moore County community for hundreds of years, and its impending removal poses a significant threat to countless local species of fish and wildlife. Removal of the dam would unleash years of accumulated sediment downstream, suffocating spawning grounds and permanently destroying what remains of their limited habitat."

Hudson also emphasized that the reservoir supports a "rich community of migratory and semi-aquatic species - including Osprey, Great Blue Heron, Hooded Merganser, River Otter, and American Beaver - all of which rely on the High Falls impoundment for food, nesting, and denning."

He warned that "by removing the dam, we would be replacing a stable, thriving habitat with an unpredictable, degraded ecosystem where these species cannot survive."

Hudson's letter further notes the plan is "heavily backed by the Southern Environmental Law Center, which has a long track record of ignoring science and the negative impact dam removals have on local species of fish and wildlife."

He continued, "They are an outside organization with no ties to the local area, and in a short period of time will begin deconstruction on the dam despite universal condemnation from the local community. To put it simply, this plan comes at the direct expense of local fish and wildlife, public safety, water security, and the expressed will of the local community."

More than 2,200 residents have signed a petition opposing the dam's removal. Hudson wrote that "local leaders from both parties have unanimously voiced their opposition to the plan, and the community is united in its desire to preserve this historic structure."

"For these reasons, I respectfully urge you to prevent the current dam removal," Hudson concluded. "Protecting the High Falls ecosystem means protecting one of the last remaining refuges for multiple endangered species in the Cape Fear River Basin."

Background:

In July, Rep. Hudson visited the High Falls Dam with Moore County Commissioner Jim VonCannon to review the site and meet with local stakeholders. The dam has served Moore County families for more than two centuries as a vital piece of local infrastructure and habitat.

Next steps:

In the letter, Rep. Hudson urges Director Nesvik along with Secretary Burgum to prevent deconstruction from moving forward and to protect one of the last remaining refuges for multiple endangered species in the Cape Fear River Basin.

Read the full letter here: