Nature Conservancy Lists Vermont Dams For Removal
The Nature Conservancy of Vermont, a nonprofit organization, is looking at about 200 ‘deadbeat dams’ with an ultimate goal of removing them. The Nature Conservancy and the State of Vermont have partnered and created a detailed, data-supported map, that ranks and prioritizes the most destructive dams.
Swanton Dam on Missisquoi River
“We use things like the length of river that can be opened up for fish spawning, the presence of rare fish such as lake sturgeon and the conditions of river shore habitat to prioritize which dams, if removed, could have the most positive impact for our communities and for our rivers,” – Heather Furman, The Nature Conservancy of Vermont state director
‘Useless’ Dams Targeted For Removal
Vermont has more than 1,200 dams that hold up rivers, creeks and streams – some over 100 years old. There are additional dams that have not been inventoried, making the actual total even higher. At this time, only 80 of Vermont’s dams are actively used – either for hydro-power or flood control.
Many of the others no longer serve a purpose. It is these dams that no longer serve a useful purpose, that create legal and financial burdens for their owners, cause potential safety hazards and impact the ecology of the waterways – that have been targeted for removal and have been the focus of Vermont’s dam removal efforts.
Before (left) and after (right) photos from of the Dufrense Dam on the Battenkill River| © Amy Singler
Critics say about 200 of these deadbeat dams are deteriorating and reducing habitat for fish as well as impeding recreational activities for humans. These derelict dams cost communities money for upkeep, and block water flow creating problems for fish and other aquatic species. The illustration below shows how a dam affects a river and the resulting problems for fish, especially migratory species.
How a Dam Affects a River
Building a dam can affect a river in many ways because it is a barrier that interrupts the river’s natural dynamics.
The impoundment formed behind the dam loses many of its riverine characteristics; this impacts species depending on river habitat for their survival.
“They don’t manage floodwaters,” Furman said, in speaking about these ‘useless’ dams. “They don’t produce any hydropower. And today these dams are posing safety hazards.”
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