Brewster River dams will be removed to save fish populations

The Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) says they will be removing three dams from the Brewster River starting next year.

Two of the dams are located near the Smugglers’ Notch Resort and another can be found near the old Grist Mill in Jeffersonville.

The project is being funded by the VNRC, Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife and other local partners, to promote more environmentally friendly habitats for aquatic life. This means reducing phosphorus and freeing up paths for Vermont’s fishy friends.

Peter Danforth, the district manager for the Lamoille County Natural Resources Conservation District and a project partner, says the dams create a barrier for Eastern Brook Trout headed upstream to breed.

“With the production of dams, as well as undersized culverts, their habitats have been restricted quite a bit,” said Danforth.

Smugglers’ Notch says it is in full support of the project. The Morse Mill Dam, which is near the Smugglers’ Notch operations building, and the Smugglers’ Notch Access Dam, located near the resort entrance, both pose flood risks. Director of Communications Kelly Mohr says, without the restrictions of the dams, chances flooding would be reduced.

“This [Notch Access Dam] in particular during heavy rains, has the potential to flood the roads behind us. But it’s not as much of a concern as doing what’s right for the environment.”

Danforth says all dam projects are in their final design phase, although plans for the Morse Mill Dam may be delayed to allow for more public input. The district manager also says that, with the removal of the dams, some nearby swimming holes may be impacted.

The physical removal of the dams is not expected to begin until 2025 or 2026.

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