Bloede Dam essentially created a wall in the river that blocked fish (including shad and river herring) and other aquatic organisms from moving to spawning grounds, growth habitat, temperature refuge, and other important habitat upstream. Most animals were simply not successful at negotiating the labyrinth of a fish ladder to move upstream.  

Furthermore, this 34-foot high by 220-foot long dam created a serious public safety hazard within Patapsco Valley State Park. Injuries and deaths repeatedly occurred, with at least nine dam-related deaths since the 1980s, the most recent of which occurred in June 2015. The dangerous currents at the base of the dam were a death trap for individuals recreating on and around the dam. 

Rivers, flowing freely, have a remarkable ability to heal themselves. As the Patapsco finds its natural course once again, it will flush out sediment and other debris, build sandbars, and create the habitat fish and wildlife need to thrive. Visitors are now able to swim, boat, and potentially float nearly 17 miles of the Patapsco from below Daniels Dam to near the mouth of the river, largely unencumbered. Just watch out for those boulders!