MONTPELIER, VT—After years of engineering design, a derelict dam is being  removed in the Brewster River Watershed with the goal of restoring and reconnecting 9.5 miles of high-quality brook trout habitat.  

Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) is partnering with Smugglers’ Notch Resort to remove this aging infrastructure, which has been both a flood safety and liability concern for the Resort. The removal of Morses Mill Dam on the west side of VT Route 108 is scheduled to start this week, followed by the removal of the Smugglers’ Notch Access Road Dam in 2027 

“Smuggs is very excited to see these stream restoration projects get to the final stages. It’s been a fun process working with the project team and we want to thank all of the many funding partners and project stakeholders,” said Jim Manley, Smuggs Planning and Permitting Manager.

 The dam removal will help improve the health and safety of the watershed in different ways. The Morses Mill dam is an old timber crib dam that is approximately 50 feet long and 6 feet tall. The dam was likely built between 1895-1906 and was used to support the Morse Lumber Mill until the late 1930s, when the mill was sold. The dam is currently blocking fish passage and disrupting sediment transportation along the Brewster River tributary. 

 “VNRC has really enjoyed collaborating with Smugglers’ Notch on this project,” said Karina Dailey, Project Manager and Science and Restoration Director at VNRC. “They have been an active partner that understands the value of a free-flowing river.”

VNRC is managing the project in collaboration with the landowner, Smugglers’ Notch Resort. The engineering firm that designed the dam removal is Fitzgerald Environmental Associates of Colchester and the construction firm completing the removal is Sloan’s Excavating of East Fairfield, VT.

Funding for design, permitting, and construction has been provided by Vermont Natural Resources Council, NEIWPCC in partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin Program, Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Should you have any questions, please contact Karina Dailey, at VNRC (kdailey@vnrc.org).