AUTHORS: Jessica Louisos, Roy Schiff - Milone & MacBroom; Madeleine Lyttle, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
ABSTRACT. Construction was completed for improvements to an existing jump pool to allow Lake Champlain Steelhead and Atlantic salmon to jump over the Scott Pond Dam, while maintaining the barrier to the Sea Lamprey on Lewis Creek. This poster will highlight the innovative approach followed to improve fish passage, minimize cost, improve safety, and meet landowner goals to maintain the natural aesthetic. The project was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and included project partners of the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Lewis Creek Association. Design criteria were set to establish pool hydraulics conducive to fish jumping and hydraulic modeling was use to confirm that design parameters were met. Careful specification of the construction methods was required to minimize the potential for damage to the dam during construction. Construction of the project was completed in September 2014. Landowners and local anglers are extremely pleased in the natural aesthetics of the project. The enhancement of this important Lake Champlain fishery provides social and economic benefits, specifically to recreation fishing and the inherent environmental benefits of connecting fish to their native spawning grounds. The jump pool is a first of its kind project in the region that will likely serve as a model for other fish passage projects.
