![\"House](\"https:\/\/blog.richmond.edu\/james\/files\/2016\/10\/House-fishshack.jpg\" "\\"http:\/\/www.people.vcu.edu\/~rhambric\/Virtual%20Ride%20Down%20James%20River\/02rp.htm\\"")
<\/a>Huguenot Flatwater riparian area<\/p><\/div>\n
Although the area was teeming with life, there were also signs of human influence.\u00a0 The Huguenot bridge and the Willey\u00a0bridge were along our journey upstream and created an urbanized atmosphere, similar to our paddle on the Willamette River.\u00a0 When we reached Bosher Dam, we were able to take a closer look at the fish ladder.\u00a0 This ladder was built in 1999 to allow passage of shad, striped bass, yellow perch, and herring upstream.\u00a0 However, the structure<\/a> is only functioning during the fish mating season of March to June. \u00a0As Quinn<\/a> mentioned, we saw a single cormorant searching for vulnerable prey since the ladder was not operational during our visit.\u00a0 The behavior of the cormorant may demonstrate a need for the fish ladder to be operational year-round to provide passage for the few fish would may need to reach the area upstream.<\/p>\n Bosher Dam fish ladder<\/p><\/div>\n The dam itself serves no current environmental purpose \u2013 only to provide a peaceful boating territory for wealthy homeowners along the river. \u00a0If anything, the dam harms the local habitat due to a buildup of sediment at the base of the dam and the general disturbance of the aquatic area and its residents.\u00a0 Bosher dam is now solely a convenience for humans and this perfectly exemplifies man\u2019s dominance over nature just as the English colonists controlled it centuries ago.\u00a0 Does man have a right to change nature for his own pleasure?\u00a0 Anthropocentric advocates such as recreational users and some politicians may agree, but if all components of the surrounding environment are considered then the fish win.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" We set course from the Huguenot Flatwater access point on the James River towards Bosher Dam. \u00a0The air was showing signs of a chill and the water was murky due to the recent heavy rainfall.\u00a0 The riparian zone was saturated … Continue reading <\/a>