Press Releases
What do the communities of Ripton, Barre Town, Tunbridge, Newport Town, Berkshire, West Dover, Springfield, Barre, and West Rutland all have in common? Each town has removed a derelict dam this summer, restoring a river to its natural state. In fact, nine dams were removed this summer, which is the most planned dam removals ever completed in Vermont in a single year.
These newly free-flowing rivers have their own stories to tell — Brandy Brook, Stevens Branch, First Branch of the White River, Tributary of the North Branch of the Deerfield River, Mudd Creek, Trout Brook, Mile Brook, and Youngs Brook — all had dams that blocked flow for decades and, in some cases, centuries. Now they can find new paths that provide better habitat for fish, birds, and wildlife living in and along the rivers, and reduce flood risks for homes, businesses, and infrastructure. These projects contribute to the local economy by engaging excavation contractors in almost $4 million worth of work, as well as enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities by making Vermont’s waters cleaner, safer, and more accessible.
Each river and its specific design prescription for planned dam removal is unique. Some dam removals are important for the passage of aquatic organisms to allow native fish and other aquatic species to move freely up and down the river and access critical spawning habitat. In 2025, over 125 river miles were reconnected with the planned, physical removal of these dams.
“Simply put, removing a dam and re-establishing natural stream dynamics is restoring the lifeblood of our planet — our rivers sustain us,” said Karina Dailey, science and restoration director at the Vermont Natural Resources Council.
Several dams removed in 2025 were selected to improve water quality and restore the natural movement of sediment in the river. The flow of rivers is a critical part of the water cycle and is essential to replenishing freshwater sources and removing conditions for bacteria to thrive. Reconnecting these tributaries can reduce water temperatures and increase dissolved oxygen by reconnecting groundwater with surface water. These projects reconnected and restored a combined total of 6,100 linear feet of stream channel for the rivers to meander through.
