Dozens of concerned Vermont residents gathered at U-32 Middle and High School in East Montpelier to discuss the state’s dam problem. Vermont Fish and Wildlife highlighted the increasing frequency of severe storm events and the deteriorating condition of many dams in the state. With 80% of Vermont’s dams over 50 years old and 40% in poor or unsatisfactory condition, action is being taken to address the issue.
The Department of Environmental Conservation is working with VFW to ensure public safety and property are protected from the risks posed by stressed dams. The state is also looking to comply with a 2018 law that outlines requirements for managing dams on state-owned lands.
One contributing factor to the state of disrepair of many dams is beaver-human conflict, as beavers sometimes build their dams in problematic locations. The state is considering various options to mitigate these issues, including removing debris, dams, and beavers when necessary.
A second informational meeting is scheduled for Middlebury, and the law regulating dam management on state-owned lands is set to take effect on July 1st. The state is seeking input from residents, and invites questions and comments to be emailed to ANR.FWPublicComment@vermont.gov. It is clear that addressing the state’s dam problem is a top priority, with public safety and infrastructure at stake.
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