Montpelier, VT — At the end of August, Vermont Natural Resources Council officially completed work on the removal of the Breadloaf Dam and restoration of a section of Brandy Brook and its floodplain. Project partners were Middlebury College, SLR Consulting, Goodhue Excavating, Vermont Emergency Management through the Flood Resilience Community Fund, NEIWPCC in partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin Program, and the US Fish & Wildlife Service.
The dam removal and stream restoration took 23 days, and the restoration of the river channel and floodplain will continue as the free-flowing brook now has the space to adjust its size and pattern as flows, sediment, and large wood can naturally move through the area. Using the original blueprints for the dam recorded by Middlebury College in 1937, VNRC and partners were able to infer the natural topography of Brandy Brook and its floodplain before the dam was constructed. This information provided a unique opportunity to restore the historic landscape contours and guide the future rewilding of the river.
Photo 1. Breadloaf dam removal implementation, August 13, 2025.
The restoration plans included placing boulders and river cobble found on site, adding rootwads and fallen trees along the riverbanks, enhancing roughness in the floodplain, and providing space for the river to shape its own path as it evolves over time.
“After 88 years, it’s exciting to see Brandy Brook flowing freely once again – we are excited to give the river the room it needs to move and the materials it needs to begin to heal itself. Time and weather should do the rest,” said Karina Dailey, Restoration Ecologist with VNRC.
Project Engineer Roy Schiff stated on a recent site visit, “Brandy Brook is starting to adjust with cobble and gravel moving into the site and the river meanders growing.” Reducing downstream flood risk, improving water quality, and enhancing instream habitat through the removal of another obsolete, deteriorated dam is exciting for VNRC and its partners.
The project has been stabilized with seeding of native species, biodegradable erosion control fabric on the steep slopes, and straw mulch on shallower slopes. Just last week, Middlebury College professor Marc Lapin and a local resident added seed and straw-mulch to the edge of Brandy Brook and floodplain to enhance wildlife habitat and jump start native vegetation growth. The custom seed mix was designed to mimic pioneer species that establish in newly drained beaver meadows.
Photo 2. Brandy Brook reconnected and flowing freely, September 5, 2025.
While initially concerned that the project might disrupt beavers in the vicinity of the project site, after careful observation during the dam removal process the beavers were able to adjust their habitat patterns to the noise and activities. “By taking down the dam and restoring the natural stream flow and connectivity it will facilitate travel for dispersing beavers looking for new homes and improved access to habitat,” said co-founder of the Vermont Beaver Association.
Next up for this project is the observation phase. Restoration Ecologists will now tread lightly on the newly planted seeds and give the river time to restore on its own terms. Then in the spring, tree and shrub plantings will be led by Middlebury College students to ensure riparian habitat structure and long-term soil stability. Monitoring the recovery of Brandy Brook will be an ongoing effort and starting now, the future is a free flow for Brandy Brook. This project helps Middlebury College and Vermont Land Trust advance their goals for allowing natural processes to function on the conserved Bread Loaf lands.
Should you have any questions, concerns or comments, please contact Karina Dailey, Restoration Ecologist at VNRC (kdailey@vnrc.org).
About VNRC:
Through research, education, collaboration and advocacy, VNRC protects and enhances Vermont’s natural environments, vibrant communities, productive working landscapes, rural character and unique sense of place, and prepares the state for future challenges and opportunities.