LCI has learned of many potential benefits to removing the Swanton Dam, and thus supports the initiative to restore Missisquoi River fish passage. While ecological benefits are considerable, we believe no decision such as this should be made in a vacuum.

See Video: Removal of the Swanton Dam
Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife
Information and documentary on the Removal of the Swanton Dam to restore fish passages on the Missisquoi River.

Please review our list below, and if you feel we have not given due consideration to any particular issue, please advise James Ehlers, Executive Director, at james@mychamplain.net. Thank you for your consideration. Here is our list so far:

Improvements in Fish and Wildlife Habitat

• Restoration of walleye, sturgeon and maybe even salmon runs
• Breeding habitat for walleye in the Missisquoi River increase at least 65 times and perhaps more than one thousand times if the fish have access above the dam. Breeding area for Lake Sturgeon will increase by more than 300 times[1].
• Increase in potential spawning habitat for salmon and muskie
• Increase in potential nesting habitat for state threatened spiny softshell turtles
• Habitat improvements would benefit not only the Missisquoi River, but Lake Champlain too.

Eliminate Liabilities that the Dam Poses
Financial: need to maintain the dam as all structures deteriorate over time
Legal: liability issues related to the dam as a hazard for boaters and others

Social and Economic Benefits

• A very “high profile” project, to generate media interest in Swanton’s history, culture, and recreational opportunities, even beyond Vermont.
• Enhanced historic preservation/interpretation opportunities: Before removal is approved all historic resources would be assessed during the permitting phase. This would generate new research in Swanton.
• Opportunity to capitalize on the history of the river and its industries before and after the first dam and produce new interpretive exhibits and other materials.
• Enhance Swanton’s ability to attract angling-related tourism with a vibrant fishery

Little or No Expense to the Town or Village
Many grant and federal funding sources exist that could help fund a dam removal project.

No dam removal project will be rushed through, against the Village’s wishes. Removal would be a long public process with ample opportunity for citizen comment and many points at which the Village can opt out.

[1] Spawning habitat Suitability for Walleye and Lake Sturgeon. USFWS/Lake Champlain Fish Tech Committee