1.need statement:removal of an old earthen DAM will reconnect four miles of pristine brook trout habitat in kimball brook, a direct tributary to the upper connecticut river, in north stratford, new…

The Connecticut River Watershed Council, Inc. was awarded a $100,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 5 under the Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance federal grant program (CFDA 15.608). The grant will support the removal of an old earthen dam and pump house on Kimball Brook in North Stratford, New Hampshire. This project aims to reconnect four miles of pristine brook trout habitat in Kimball Brook, a direct tributary to the Upper Connecticut River, by removing the dam and hazardous pump house with open wells. Key deliverables include engineering design plans, permit applications, dam and infrastructure removal work in summer 2023, and follow-up restoration plantings through spring 2024. The project is expected to benefit native species by opening additional river miles and correcting downstream sediment transport issues while decreasing stream temperatures and removing flood risks. Work will be completed by December 2025 under the oversight of Ron Rhodes and Andy Fiske.

1.need statement:removal of an old earthen DAM will reconnect four miles of pristine brook trout habitat in kimball brook, a direct tributary to the upper connecticut river, in north stratford, new hampshire. This project will also removal a hazardous pump house with open wells.2.objectives: removal of the DAM and pumphouse, place stream back to its original channel, removal of flooding threat, open up 4 miles of a connectcut river direct tributary.3.approach / methods:final engineering designs are complete, and have been submitted to the USACE and state of NH forpermitting. Removal activities will begin in summer 2023 and wrap up by october 1, 2023. Restorationwork will continue through spring 2024 to ensure tree/shrub survival after spring high water and ICE out.removal will open 6 migratory miles of cold water habitat for native brook trout.4.expected results, benefits, outcomes: open 4 miles river for brrok tout and of native species, removal flood threat, removal pumphouse hazard, correct deiment transport downstream, and decrease stream temp by removal of pond.5.project location:kimball brook, north startford, new hampshire - DAM site @ 44.7416, -71.59946.timeline / milestones:spring 2022 - engineering design plans completed and submitted for permitting.summer 2022 - permits to be obtained.winter 2022 - secure local contractor via RFP bid process.spring 2023 - preconstruction site visit with all agency partners and contractors.summer 2023 - removal of DAM and related work.fall 2023 - restoration plantings.spring 2024 - follow up restoration plantings as needed.summer/fall 2024 - monitoring site as required by permits.-7.key personnel (PI/PD): RON rhodes, andy fiske