A century-old dam across Black Brook created an impoundment called Maxwell Pond, which was a site for ice harvesting, fishing, swimming and other recreation. Over time, sediment accumulated in the pond, which became stagnant and shallow. As a result, Maxwell Pond was added to the 303(d) list of impaired waters. Stakeholders collaborated for seven years to remove the dam in 2009. Once Black Brook returned to its free-flowing condition, the dissolved oxygen level rebounded and the brook could once again support its aquatic life designated use.

Funds for this $685,000 restoration project were derived from a diverse portfolio of stakeholders that included the City of Manchester, EPA, DES, NH Fish & Game, NH State Conservation Committee, NH Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership, American Rivers/NOAA, Gulf of Maine Council, Fairpoint Communications, National Grid, Aggregate Industries, Amoskeag Fishways, Dubois & King, Inc., Sumco Ecological Services, and Trout Unlimited. Thanks to the incredible collaboration and innovative funding strategies to restore Black Brook, this project was accepted as a Section 319 Nonpoint Source Program Success Story by EPA in 2011.

In addition to the local community accolades for flood relief and elimination of a public safety hazard, the project also garnered national attention. American Rivers selected this project as one of three in the United States to be featured in their Restoring America's Rivers — Preparing for the Future DVD that focused upon flooding, community decision makers, and restoration of vital habitats for fish and wildlife.

This presentation will provide attendees with an overview of the dam removal process on Black Brook, the project partnerships and funding collaborations that led to success, pre and post-dam removal data, the return of state and federally listed fish species to Black Brook, and an opportunity to view the nine minute chapter from the American Rivers DVD.

A graduate of the University of Massachusetts with an Environmental Science degree, Steve started his professional career with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services in the Limnology Center managing diagnostic feasibility studies, and coordinating paleolimnological and bioassessment projects for lakes. Steve transitioned to the Watershed Assistance Section to manage U.S EPA Section 319 funded Watershed Assistance Grant projects for high quality and impaired waters. Currently, Steve is the Watershed Assistance Section Supervisor where he works with the best Nonpoint Source Pollution staff on the planet. He prides himself on working with stakeholders to complete environmental legacy projects including river restoration through selective dam removal. Steve volunteers on the Upper Merrimack River Local Advisory Committee, and with the New Hampshire Volunteer Lake Assessment Program. Free time is spent training for the Boston Marathon, enjoying the outdoors with his wife, or fulfilling the needs of their four cats.