Two things: Two things: This week, we’re celebrating the completion of the Wainwright Dam removal and sharing a final reminder to vote on or before next Tuesday, November 5th!

Stay informed, stay connected – two things. 

For the first time in 219 years, Tributary 10 is flowing freely into Otter Creek! Alongside our project partners, we completed the removal of the Wainwright Dam on Oct. 9th, which reconnected the tributary with the Otter Creek watershed. Originally constructed as a sawmill in 1805 and later used as an ice pond, the dam is responsible for centuries of river fragmentation. 

“When we reconnect a river then the river can begin to heal itself, we are proud that this project has restored passage for native brook trout and other wildlife, restored natural sediment and nutrient transport, reduced flood elevations in the project vicinity and vegetated the natural floodplain,” says Karina Dailey, project manager with VNRC.

Following the removal of the concrete dam structure, our contractors built eight habitat features (beaver dam analogs and post-assisted log jams) along the restored floodplain. They then planted native trees and shrubs transplanted from the adjacent riparian habitat and spread a local wetland seed mix. Tree planting is planned for next year and will be coordinated by Trout Unlimited.

Election Day is next Tuesday, November 5th! Do you have a plan to vote?

 If you’ve already filled out an absentee ballot, find a drop box near you or bring it to your local clerk between now and Monday, November 4th. For those voting in person next Tuesday, Election Day, all polling locations across the state close at 7 pm. Find hours for your specific polling place here.

Haven’t received your ballot yet? Make sure your voter registration is up to date  – check your status here. Same-day registration is also available at all local polling places on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th.