Future of Green River Reservoir secure for now

However, the Friends of Green River Reservoir, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the wildlife habitat and natural beauty of Green River Reservoir State Park, does not believe that the decommissioning of the hydro facility, or any potential changes in ownership of the dam, pose a threat to the immediate future of the reservoir.

Green River Reservoir State Park is a special place that is beloved by paddlers, campers and everyone who loves wilderness and wildlife. We have been following the dam relicensing process closely and do not believe that this latest proposal by Morrisville Water & Light to stop generating hydroelectricity at the dam is a cause for concern.

The dam can still operate and maintain water levels on the reservoir whether it is generating electricity or not.

In a statement, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, which regulates Vermont’s dams and owns and operates the state park, reaffirmed its commitment to the value of the reservoir, stating it has “every intention of maintaining Green River Reservoir State Park and access to this remarkable land.”

The agency is awaiting the results of a safety study on the Green River Dam that was commissioned by the Legislature, with a final report anticipated this autumn.

The reservoir became a state park in 1999 when The Nature Conservancy purchased 5,503 acres from Morrisville Water & Light and transferred the property to the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation.

The 653-acre reservoir is one of the largest bodies of water in Vermont with an undeveloped shoreline and provides crucial habitat for a variety of wildlife. The reservoir hosts a thriving population of nesting loons, along with songbirds, moose, otters, yellow perch and many other species that Vermonters and visitors enjoy.

Sally Laughlin

Board chair

Friends of Green River Reservoir