Dam Removal and Habitat Restoration on the Exeter/Squamscott River, New Hampshire

Exeter, New Hampshire

Endorsed by ACFHP in FY2013.

Through a partnership among the Town of Exeter, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, and the University of New Hampshire, this project removed the Great Dam and restored habitat on the Exeter/Squamscott River. The dam removal provided eight miles of free-flowing river, eliminated a barrier to fish passage, improved habitat and water quality, and provided for natural sediment movement through the system. Vegetation and woody material were also removed to improve access to potential spawning habitat for rainbow smelt and river herring.

 

Text and photo provided by the Town of Exeter.