Trout Brook Reservoir Dam was removed in the summer of 2025 by the Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District (FCNRCD). The dam was originally built on the Trout Brook in 1924 to create a water supply reservoir for the Village of Enosburg Falls. Twenty-two years later, the water system was condemned by the town, as the water was no longer safe to drink. The Village continued to maintain the dam for several decades after it was condemned, but over time it fell into disrepair, highlighting the need for removal. 

Deconstruction of the 16-foot-high by 128-foot-long concrete dam started on August 11th, and continued into the early fall. The structure was blocking 4.8 miles of brook trout habitat and the increased water temperatures in the impoundment made the waters unsuitable for cold water-loving species like trout. The restoration project involved removing 15,700 cubic yards of sediment, and the river channel and floodplain were restored. The floodplain will be further stabilized in the spring and planted with native species. Woody debris was placed along the river to help the channel develop and find equilibrium as it adjusts to its new, natural flow regime. Twelve beaver dam analogs were installed along the stream to mimic natural beaver dams. This practice helps slow the water down, and allows the channel to adjust and develop, along with creating instream habitat for wildlife.

Thank you to the FCNRCD, the engineering firm SLR Consulting, and the construction contractors Sloan’s Excavating of East Fairfield for making this project possible. We would also like to acknowledge the UVM Consulting Archaeology Program, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources staff, and the Trustees with the Village of Enosburg Falls for their work on the project. Special thanks to the Northwest Regional Planning Commission serving as the Missisquoi Bay Basin Clean Water Service Provider for funding this project.