Conservationists have observed an increase in the presence of alewife and blueback herring in the St. Croix River following the dismantling of a hydroelectric dam two years ago. The river, also known as Skutik, meanders through the southwest New Brunswick town of St. Stephen and was formerly occupied by the Milltown Dam.
Efforts spearheaded by conservationists led to the successful removal of the dam. Alexa Meyer from the Passamaquoddy Recognition Group, a group advocating for the Peskotomuhkati Nation, expressed the revitalization of the river, stating that the river now feels vibrant and rejuvenated.
Meyer highlighted a rise in the fish population to over one million from approximately 800,000 in the last documented count. However, she emphasized that the river could ideally sustain between 50 to 100 million fish. The removal of the Milltown Dam, which had stood for around 140 years, symbolizes a significant cultural restoration for the Peskotomuhkati Nation.
Matt Abbott, representing the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, has been facilitating discussions at the river to encourage people to share personal stories and reconnect with the river’s history. Abbott underscored the cultural and social damage caused by the dam’s impact on the river and its inhabitants.
During a storytelling session, Peter Brown, a resident of St. Stephen, recounted his memories of navigating the river in warmer months. The sessions aim to foster a renewed sense of belonging and connection to the river post-dam removal, addressing concerns raised by some individuals regarding the loss of heritage associated with the dam.
Abbott stressed the importance of preserving the love for the river and continuing efforts to protect its ecosystem. The increased presence of fish in the St. Croix River signifies a positive step toward ecological and cultural rejuvenation.