A well-planned approach to initiating dam removal projects is critical to long-term success, particularly in states like North Carolina where this form of restoration is still relatively new. This talk will compare initiation of two high-priority dam removal projects in NC by considering the following issues: securing landowner support, identifying partners and project managers, obtaining preliminary engineering input on key issues, and acquiring funding. We will focus on key lessons learned and suggestions for how to improve project initiation in the future.