Small Dam Removal, East Branch North River, Whitingham, VT
Applicant: Trout Unlimited
Amount funded: $50,000
Other contributions: $167,000
Summary:
The purpose of this project is to restore fish passage, improve stream function, and increase riparian shading in the headwaters of the East Branch North River. Deliverables will include removing 1 dam and associated infrastructure, replanting up to 1 acre of riparian habitat, upsize 1 private driveway culvert.
Biological implications:
The main stem of the East Branch North River is highly connected until Whitingham, VT, when fish passage is obstructed by a small private dam. Removing this barrier will reconnect the final 0.6mi of upstream habitat on the East Branch North River and result in a fully connected river. The goals of this project are in line with those outlined in The Vermont Management Plan for Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout and Vermont’s Wildlife Action Plan and will greatly benefit wild brook trout in this important stream in southern Vermont.
The East Branch of the North River and its watershed contain robust populations of wild brook trout. Stocking of cultured trout no longer occurs in the East Branch of the North River and there is no known concern that this project will allow invasive species to expand through the watershed.
Increasing water temperatures is one of the greatest threats to wild brook trout populations in the East Branch of the North River and other streams in southern Vermont. This project will help reduce water temperatures in the East Branch of the North River by reducing the solar gain in the area impounded behind the dam and by restoring native vegetation along the streambanks. Additionally, the project will further improve the ability of brook trout to move freely through the watershed to seek thermal refuge and will compliment other ongoing habitat projects in the area.
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