Thanks for your thoughtful review of prospects for dam removal. Although long for a BB post, I found your argument concise. The issues are complicated and serpentine; traditional economics versus "new" economics. I am not sure I am ready to agree that we may be closer to dam removal than popular opinion would indicate. I think the understanding will need to more fully integrate economic externalities. How do we quantify the value of cultural heritage, sense of place or the recreational value of a healthy resource? I think making that shift in economic understanding may be necessary to propel the ultimate decision to free the river. Until then I fear we will continue to grow watermelons in the desert and air condition the tropics with our rivers.