The Carmel river provides essential habitat

"Since 1921 ... the Carmel River and its wildlife resources have been impacted by San Clemente Dam. As a result of the dam, the Carmel River suffers accelerated erosion, the once vibrant steelhead run has dramatically decreased, and lives and property below the dam are threatened with collapse of the unsafe structure. Today, there is an extraordinary opportunity to remove the antiquated dam and initiate a watershed restoration process that will bring this river back to life.

The river provides essential habitat for many important species, including steelhead trout and California red-legged frog, both listed as threatened under the Federal Endangered Species Act."

From San Clemente Dam Removal Project: http://www.scc.ca.gov/webmaster/ftp/pdf/sanclemente/san_clemente_large.pdf
Photo from Fritz Liess' photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fritzliess/sets/72157616162123797/