Workers today began a three-year project to tear down the San Clemente Dam, which has stood for 90 years on the Carmel River between Big Sure and Carmel:

In a project that will be watched by engineers and biologists across the nation, construction crews today will begin a three-year, $84 million project to tear down the hulking landmark -- California's largest dam-removal project ever. The work will open up 25 miles of upstream tributaries and creeks so endangered steelhead trout can return to their historical spawning grounds.

The riparian habitat restoration should also be great for songbirds, such as Warbling Vireos and Black-headed Grosbeaks.