By signing up for updates, you'll receive:

✅ Important news and developments about the dam’s future
✅ Opportunities to take action and make your voice heard
✅ Ways to get involved and support efforts to keep the dam intact
 Elkhart County Gives a Dam 

Preserving Our River's Future

The Elkhart County Gives A Dam campaign is a community-led effort to protect the Johnson Street Dam on the St. Joseph River. This initiative brings together local residents, businesses, and leaders to advocate for solutions that ensure the dam remains a vital asset for the region’s environmental, economic, and recreational future.

With potential changes in ownership, we are committed to working collaboratively with policymakers and actively engaging with AEP to explore responsible solutions that maintain the dam’s role in our community. Our group is actively involved at the statehouse, ensuring decision-makers understand the importance of keeping the dam in place and navigating the legislative process to support this effort.

Additionally, we have connected with AEP and are closely monitoring their decision regarding potential relinquishment of the dam. Staying informed on their intentions is critical to determining next steps and ensuring that any transition is handled responsibly.
​
By standing together, we can protect this vital resource for future generations.​

Share Your Love for the St. Joseph River!
The St. Joseph River is more than just water—it’s part of our community’s identity. Whether you’ve spent time fishing, boating, kayaking, or simply enjoying the view, we want to hear what the river means to you!

📢 Join the movement! Share your favorite memory or activity on the Upper St. Joe on your own social media and use the hashtag #ElkhartCountyGivesADam to show your support for protecting this vital resource.

Your story can help raise awareness and remind others why keeping the Johnson Street Dam in place matters. Let’s flood social media with our love for the Upper St. Joe! 🌊💙

Post today and tag #ElkhartCountyGivesADam!

#ElkhartCountyGivesADam

Why the Johnson Street Dam Matters to Elkhart County

The Johnson Street Dam is more than just a structure—it plays a vital role in maintaining the St. Joseph River’s ecosystem, economy, and recreational opportunities. If removed, the negative impacts would be severe and far-reaching.​​
Protecting Our
​Environment & Wildlife
  • The dam helps stabilize water levels, preserving habitats for fish, turtles, otters, deer, and even endangered species.
  • Without it, aquatic ecosystems would be disrupted, harming biodiversity and leading to increased erosion.
  • The loss of natural habitats would threaten the river’s delicate balance and the wildlife that depends on it.
Safeguarding Our Community & Economy​
  • Property values would drop, especially for waterfront homes, reducing the local tax base and funding for public services.
  • The town of Bristol and city of Elkhart rely on a vibrant riverfront. Losing the dam could derail economic growth and quality-of-life improvements.
  • Many riverfront residents are major supporters of local nonprofits. A decline in property values and residency could reduce charitable giving, impacting the county’s 3,000+ nonprofits.
Preserving Recreation & Tourism
  • The St. Joseph River is a hub for fishing, kayaking, and boating. Removing the dam would diminish these activities, impacting both residents and visitors.
  • Millions of dollars have been invested in boat launches, kayak docks, and park spaces—all of which rely on the dam’s presence.
  • The river serves as a gathering space for community events, concerts, and festivals. Without it, Elkhart County loses a key piece of its identity.

Why We
Need to Act

The Elkhart County Gives A Dam campaign is fighting to protect the Johnson Street Dam and everything it supports—from local wildlife to economic vitality. The future of the St. Joseph River depends on community action.
PARCELS OF LAND IMPACTED IN ELKHART COUNTY
NONPROFITS DEPEND ON DONATIONS FROM RIVERFRONT OWNERS
YEARS OF HISTORY
Website designed by RJL Solutions.