West Lebanon Greenway
powering improvements in the Upper valley
The current Wilder Hydroelectric Dam was built from 1947-1950, replacing the previous smaller electric plant that existed at the site of the former Wilder Brothers paper mill upstream at what is now Kilowatt Park in Wilder, VT. The new impoundment allowed a significant increase in electrical generation and flood management as part of a network of hydroelectric facilities on the Connecticut River.
These dams are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and must be re-licensed every 30-50 years as they are predominantly privately-owned facilities on publicly-owned waterways. The Wilder license was issued in 1944, renewed in 1979, and is up for relicensing again now.
The Wilder Dam (along with Bellows Falls and Vernon dams down-stream) are currently undergoing the relicensing process. Learn about the history and get in-depth information about the process at the Great River Hydro, LLC website.
In addition to environmental and ecological improvements (like the Fish Ladder that was added in 1985-87), public recreational improvements are a mandated consideration as the dams are on navigable waterways.
Boston Lot Improvements
Year-Round Access
what we’re asking for:
There are many stakeholders in the relicensing process, but West Lebanon is one of two “host communities” to the Wilder Dam and we believe should receive some additional benefits during the next 30-50 years of the facility’s operation in the community. Previous settlement agreements for the three Fifteen Mile Falls Dams on the Connecticut River set a precedent for requiring that a % of operating revenue to be directed towards a $16.5-million Mitigation and Enhancement Fund for environmental/recreational improvements in the impacted communities.
As FERC and Stakeholders work with Great River Hydro on their final application– which is expected to be submitted in early/mid 2021– we would expect that FERC will require a similar, proportionately appropriate, community profit-share agreement be included in the Final Agreement.
To that end, we have identified a number of opportunities for West Lebanon recreational improvements:
ideas:
Involvement in the West Lebanon Greenway efforts to connect existing and proposed trail networks, including property owned by the Dam. We’d welcome Great River as a Coalition Partner, and funds could go towards Greenway construction and/or ongoing maintenance.
Improved trails and facilities at Boston Lot, which is a well-utilized conservation area abutting the Wilder Dam property and served by a parking area maintained by the Dam owner. Boston Lot saw unprecedented usage numbers during the Covid-19 pandemic, and continues to be a popular local attraction.
Improved maintenance and plowing to ensure year-round access to the Boston Lot. The parking areas are not plowed, and the year-round desire for access is deterred by snowbanks and has lead to cars getting stuck if they try.