Controversy Surrounds Ball Mt. Dam Water Release

As reported in today's issue of the Brattleboro Reformer (4.22), many people are not happy with the ANR's and USACE's decision to change the way water is released from Ball Mt. Dam this spring. What had become an annual tradition on a late April weekend of releasing water for whitewater enthusiasts has essentially been scrapped. Many boaters and local businesses are among those that are upset because of the loss of revenue and drastically changing the experience.

Apparently the decision to change how and when water is released from the dam was made to better accommodate migrating salmon smolt. The Reformer seems to have painted a picture of salmon and ecological concerns vs. economical and recreational concerns.

I've only included a few pieces of info. here; the full story is certainly more complicated. I think it would be interesting to hear people's comments on the matter...

cs

Salmon Stocking Volunteers needed

It's that time of year again! Pull on some waders or boots and spend a few hours on one of your local rivers stocking Atlantic salmon fry.

The VT Fish and Wildlife Dept. is planning to stock more than a million fry (babies) in southern Vermont tributaries to the Connectict River this spring. This is an annual component of the salmon restoration program, and the Department relies on volunteers to help with much of this task.

Stocking generally involves walking several stream sections (totaling 1-3 miles. It begins about 9 a.m. and ends mid to late afternoon.

I've stocked several times over the years and it's a fantastic experience. Spend the day outside, get to know some stream sections up close and personal (find those good fishing and swimming holes!), and feel satisfied that you've done something helpful.

For more info. conact Jay McMenemy at 802.885.8829 or jay.mcmenemy@state.vt.us.

Dates and locations include:

Tue. 4/28 Wardsboro Branch, Wardsboro
Sat. 5/2 Rock River, Newfane
Tue. 5/5 Ball Mt. Brook, Jamaica
Sat. 5/9 Williams R., Chester
Mon. 5/11 West R., Londonderry
Sat. 5/16 Saxtons R., Grafton
Thu. 5/21 Black R., Ludlow

cs

Mud, Road Maintenance, and Run-off

I live on a dirt road which becomes mucky pools of soft quivering mud in some sections, mud that that suck cars into the pools depths. Thursday evening as I was coming home from work, I stopped and took pictures of Smith Brook's muddy raging water. I also noted the new run-off of water crossing the road and tearing out another pathway which will lead to a rut until the road crew can repair the damage. I wonder if there are ways to allow water its "natural" runoff while keeping it from tearing apart our dirt roads. Any suggestions? Paving isn't really the answer. How can we get ditches in that don't dump pollutants into the waterways?

gjc

Grassroots Retreat Oct. 3

SAVE THE DATE!

The 2009 Grassroots Retreat will be Saturday, October 3rd in Eliot, Maine.

This year NEGEF is partnering with the Toxics Action Center to offer valuable workshops and networking experiences. Open to all of NEGEF's grantees. Stay Tuned - Lots more information will follow in the upcoming months!