New Boating Opportunities on West River (VT)
While the decades long struggle to secure releases on the West River in Vermont continues, the Army Corps of Engineers has modified its operating procedures for the Ball Mountain Dam in Jamaica, VT, resulting in new opportunities for boaters in the northeast to enjoy this whitewater treasure. Over the past two decades, releases have been largely eliminated due to the unsuccessful Atlantic Salmon restoration effort, extended ramping rates, and other factors that have resulted in only a single annual fall release. This year, the Corps has decided to modify how it releases water from the dam in order to provide boaters with new weekend boating opportunities following significant rainfall, and is hoping to be able to provide a second release day for the annual West Fest in September. The lack of a 2-day fall release has reduced by more than half the number of boaters at the West Fest, depriving the local community of a significant economic boost. We have a ways to go before the issues on the West are settled, but this is tremendous progress. AW recognizes the tireless efforts of many organizations and boaters who have worked on this issue over the decades long struggle, and in particular, wants to recognize the work of our affiliate, the Appalachian Mountain Club, for it's work with the Corps that has resulted in these changes.