In late August 2024, Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) and numerous local and national partners helped celebrate the successful removal of the Blake Higgins Dam from the Saxtons River, a tributary of the Connecticut River in Vermont. This 90 foot long and seven foot high structure was listed as a high priority for removal by the State since it blocked aquatic wildlife passage and altered the natural flow of the river and sediment.
Although this area has been a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and other aquatic recreation, there were no formal public access points. With the removal of the dam, a wider path will be created to allow for easier access for recreation. The dam’s removal will also allow migratory fish, such as the sea lamprey, to expand their spawning habitat to include upstream areas, increasing their chance of survival. Dam removal will also improve water quality for the local ecosystem and reduce the threat of flooding.
CRC worked closely with Vermont Fish & Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Vermont River Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, Darn Tough, American Rivers, and numerous other partners to move this project forward. CRC, its partners, and local community members are excited to plan for the next phases of this work. CRC will integrate native plants and trees into the landscape this coming spring while Vermont River Conservancy will continue to improve public access during the summer of 2025.
