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Photo of Appomattox River, on a partially cloudy day.

Harvell Dam Removal, Appomattox River, Virginia

Updated November 4, 2026

The Positive Impact of the Harvell Dam Removal

The Harvell dam had blocked migration of river herring and other migratory fishes for over 70 years. There is even historical evidence of a dam structure near the site dating back to the mid-1700s. 

Together, these structures impounded the river’s flow, and blocked upstream movement of American shad, river herring, hickory shad, striped bass and American eel for centuries.

In 2014, the dam was removed and fish gained access to nearly 130 miles of great spawning and nursery habitat upstream. Since then, state biologists and local anglers continually report seeing American shad, hickory shad, American eel, river herring, and other fish species migrating throughout the river.

Partnerships that made this Project Happen

The project was the result of a collaborative effort between the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, American Rivers, the Harvell Dam Corporation, and the City of Petersburg, Virginia.

Photo looking upstream on Appamatoox River after Harvell Dam removed. Remnants of dam visible on river banks
Harvell Dam removal looking upstream from river right below dam.jpg
Appomattox River after Harvell Dam removed.
Over 127 miles of the Appomattox River has been opened to fish now that the Harvell Dam has been removed. Credit_ Alan Weaver, VDGIF
Photo of Appomattox River, on a partially cloudy day.
The removal of the Harvell Dam on the Appomattox River in 2014 opened over 120 miles of river for migrating and resident fishes.
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