A century after concrete reinforcement reshaped the Cross Brothers Dam in Vermont, its removal has opened a new chapter for the Dog River, restoring a stretch of waterway that had been obstructed for generations.
The project, completed in October 2026, has reconnected approximately 24 miles of river and is expected to reduce flood levels around the former dam site. According to the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC), reporting by Vermont Business Magazine and coverage by local broadcaster WCAX, the restoration is intended to benefit aquatic wildlife while improving flood resilience and public access to the river. Scroll down to read more…
A dam with more than 200 years of history
Located in Northfield, the Cross Brothers Dam traces its origins to the early 19th century, when a timber structure was built to support industries that included wool processing, grain milling and slate work.
The site later became associated with granite processing, reflecting Northfield's industrial past.The structure was reinforced with concrete in 1924 and continued operating until 1952. Although its original industrial purpose eventually disappeared, the dam remained in the Dog River for decades. Over time, it deteriorated, accumulated sediment and restricted the movement of fish and other aquatic organisms.
The dam had also become a concern for the surrounding community. Its presence narrowed the river's effective flow and contributed to higher flood levels in the area. Northfield experienced damaging floods during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, adding to local concerns about the risks posed by ageing infrastructure and the river's behaviour during periods of heavy rainfall. 
How removing the dam could reduce flood risks
One of the project's most significant benefits is its potential to improve flood safety in Northfield.
Hydrological modelling indicated that removing the dam could lower water levels at the site by approximately seven feet during a 100-year flood event, a benchmark used to describe a flood with a 1% chance of occurring in any given year.The improvement is particularly relevant for parts of the town near Water Street, where elevated river levels have been a longstanding concern. Removing the structure also eliminates the risk of the deteriorating dam itself failing and causing additional damage downstream.The project forms part of a broader effort to make communities more resilient to flooding by allowing rivers to flow more naturally. However, the predicted reduction applies to the modelled conditions at the site and does not mean that Northfield is now free from flood risk.
Restoring fish passage and river habitat
Beyond flood management, the removal is expected to help restore the Dog River's ecological health. For decades, the dam interrupted the movement of fish and altered the river's natural flow, while sediment accumulated behind the structure.With the barrier gone, fish can move more freely through the connected river system and reach habitats that were previously difficult or impossible to access. The restored passage is particularly important for brook trout, which depend on suitable cold-water habitats and tributaries for their life cycle.The removal also exposed sections of underlying bedrock, creating a series of cascading falls along the river.
As the river adjusts to the changes, the site is expected to undergo further natural recovery.
A years in the making
The dam's removal was the result of years of planning, fundraising and coordination between the Town of Northfield, VNRC and several project partners. The initiative also involved engineering and construction specialists, with financial support from federal and state programmes and conservation organisations.Work began in July 2026, with crews dismantling the concrete structures and carrying out the associated restoration work.
The successful completion marks the end of a lengthy effort to address an ageing structure that had outlived its original purpose.The restored river corridor is also expected to offer safer opportunities for residents to access and enjoy the water. For Northfield, the project represents a shift from maintaining an obsolete industrial structure towards investing in river health, public safety and the surrounding community.The reconnection of 24 miles of river is a significant milestone, but the longer-term results will emerge as aquatic habitats recover and the Dog River adapts to its restored flow. What once served the town's industries has now given way to a project focused on protecting the river and the people who live alongside it.