Newport Center Dam Removal

Newport Center Dam Removal

Sleeper Pond Dam Removal Project

In October of 2025, the Missisquoi River Basin Association successfully completed the removal of the man-made Sleeper Pond Dam in Newport Center, after nearly ten years of dedicated effort by community members and the MRBA. This is a huge accomplishment for both the organizations and the greater watershed community!

Although record searches did not turn up a clear story of the original purpose of the Sleeper Pond Dam, we do know is that it had not been operational since before the 1940s.

Project Timeline:

Project Site Map:

In 2016, the MRBA had initial conversations about the failing dam in Newport Center. The dam had not been operated since before the 1940's and was at high risk of breaching.

In 2018, the MRBA contracted with Milone and MacBroom for an alternatives analysis to determine possible futures for the dam, and cost estimates.

In 2022, the MRBA began work with engineers from SLR Consulting to design the removal of the dam.

In 2023, the MRBA received grant funds for removal work through the Flood Resilient Community Fund.

In 2025, the MRBA received additional funds for the dam removal through the Clean Water Service Provider and Watersheds United Vermont.

Between August 25th and October 1st, 2025, sediment had been cleared from behind the dam, the concrete structure had been removed, and a stream channel was restored in the old dam impoundment.

Cross Road

Rt 105

Mud Creek

N

Dam Pre Removal

Dam Post Removal

Upstream of Dam Post Removal

Former Dam Location 5/11/26

Mud Creek Dam Removal Site_8 (1) (1).HEIC

Upstream of Dam Post Removal

Upstream of Dam Site 5/11/26

Stands of invasive phragmites were also removed from the area, and some in-stream structures (beaver dam analogs and post-assisted log structures) were built to slow flow and help restore the creek’s curves.

In the several months since the removal, MRBA staff have seen first-hand the stream and surrounding landscape slowly returning to its natural state.

In addition to the removal of the dam, new benches and picnic tables were installed at the adjacent town park, so community members and visitors can enjoy the restored site!

4/22/26

5/26/26

7/24/26

Why Remove Dams?

For humans, dams are important structures as they store drinking water, irrigate crops, and generate hydroelectric power. Failing dams, like the one at Sleeper Pond, are potentially dangerous and no longer provide any benefit. Additionally, because dams slow the natural flow of water and warm it, they can cause the potential spread of harmful algae and possibly even parasites. When a river is dammed, so are the nutrients and animals inside of it.

Removing dams improves the health of rivers, including water quality and wildlife habitat, while also improving flood resiliency and public safety for communities. Furthermore, dam removals can increase the access and recreational opportunities on rivers and streams by creating free flowing water and reclaiming flooded areas.

Former dam loaction

Tree Planting

In April of 2026, the MRBA returned to the dam removal site to plant trees on the river banks - 600 trees were planted! Species included red osier dogwood, speckled alder, and willows. During this tree planting, we had two special volunteer groups join us in addition to our fantastic staff and community volunteers.

One day, we were joined by the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students and teachers from Newport Town School. Another day, we were joined by the National Honors Society students from North Country Union High School. Both groups of students helped us plant trees and clean up the site. These trees will help hold the river bank in place, filter out pollutants, and provide habitat to wildlife.

MRBA staff will continue to visit the site to maintain the trees and check on their survival.

River Day

In June of 2026, we were once again joined by 4th and 5th grade students from Newport Town School at the dam removal site for a half day immersive field trip that MRBA calls a "River Day".

The dam removal site, including the improved town park, is just down the street from the school and we were thrilled to highlight this community space to the student. We hope they and their families will continue to enjoy it!

Students rotated through four stations run by MRBA staff and our Board President where they learned about how rain falls across different landscapes, deepened their understanding of maps and where they are in the watershed, collected bugs from the stream, and discovered all the wonderful things that live in dirt.

It was a fantastic morning of learning and we are looking forward to hosting more River Day's across the watershed!

Celebration Event

In July of 2026, we were fortunate enough to host a Sleeper Pond Dam Removal celebration event at the site of the dam removal, specifically at the adjacent park.

We had the opportunity to celebrate the success of the project with MRBA staff and board members, adjacent land owners, community members, and project partners. It was very much a full circle moment after so many years of hard work.

Throughout the evening we enjoyed a few words on the project from our Executive Director, tours of the dam site, yummy food, and good conversation.