Jack’s Brook Dam Removal: Restoring Native Trout Habitat in Dover, VT

Diana Chaplin
Jun 5
2 min read

Updated: Nov 24

Jack's Brook dam showing water flowing and a forest in the background. — Jack's Brook dam in Dover, VT, pior to removal.

A concrete dam built in 1913 on Jack’s Brook—a tributary of the North Branch of the Deerfield River—has been removed in a collaborative effort to restore natural stream flow and improve aquatic habitat in southern Vermont. The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC), in partnership with the private dam owner and Trout Unlimited, and with funding from The Nature Conservancy of Vermont and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s Watershed Grant (through Vermont conservation license plates), led the project to return Jack’s Brook to a free-flowing stream.

The small but ecologically significant structure, measuring 6 feet high by 25 feet wide, once served as a water source for a nearby home. After not being maintained for many years, it became full of sediment and no longer had any functional use. Its removal will expand critical cold-water habitat for brook trout and other native aquatic species in Windham County.

Construction occurred in June 2025, following years of planning and permitting initiated by CRC and the state of Vermont in 2021.

“Removing obsolete dams like this one improves water quality, reconnects habitats for fish and wildlife, and reduces flood risk in the area” said Ron Rhodes, Director of Programs at the Connecticut River Conservancy. “Thanks to the private dam owner and our project partners this removal will help wild brook trout thrive in this sub-watershed.”

Dam removal brings a range of ecological benefits to the Connecticut River watershed including restoring natural sediment flow and stream function, reconnecting habitat for aquatic organisms, improving water quality and reducing stream temperatures, improving flood resiliency, and reducing the risks associated with aging, non-functioning infrastructure.

This was the 25th dam removed by CRC since 2014, most of which have occurred in Vermont and New Hampshire alongside dedicated partners and critical funders.

Photos throughout the process of dam removal and strategic wood addition.

Before and after photos at the site of Jack's Brook dam.

Large wood additions (also referred to as post-assisted log jams) were also installed downstream prior to dam removal in order to slow the flow of sediment and create habitat for fish and wildlife. These wood additions are secured in place with wooden posts and have a planned longevity of 2-5 years after which nature will take over.