Conservationists have observed a resurgence of alewife and blueback herring in the St. Croix River following the removal of a hydroelectric dam two years ago. The river, also known as the Skutik, meanders through the southwest New Brunswick town of St. Stephen and was previously home to the Milltown Dam, which was dismantled through collaborative conservation efforts.
Alexa Meyer, representing the Passamaquoddy Recognition Group, an Indigenous-led organization advocating for the Peskotomuhkati Nation, expressed delight at the river’s renewed vitality. Meyer noted a significant increase in fish population, estimating over one million fish currently inhabiting the river compared to around 800,000 in the last recorded count. However, she highlighted that the ideal fish count should range between 50 to 100 million.
Reflecting on the historical significance of the river, Meyer emphasized its importance as the core of the Peskotomuhkati Nation before the construction of the Milltown Dam, which stood for approximately 140 years. Families would gather at the river for fishing activities, making it a cherished location for the community.
Matt Abbott from the Conservation Council of New Brunswick has been facilitating discussions at the river to encourage sharing of its heritage and personal connections. He underscored the cultural and social repercussions of the dam’s presence, noting that the river’s environmental degradation had eroded people’s bonds with it over time.
During a storytelling session at the river, St. Stephen resident Peter Brown reminisced about his experiences paddling on the river during the summer. While some individuals expressed concerns about losing a heritage symbol with the dam’s removal, Abbott highlighted the importance of the storytelling sessions in reaffirming people’s connection to the river sans the dam.
The restoration of the river not only signifies a revival of aquatic life but also serves as a symbolic return to cultural roots, fostering a renewed appreciation for the St. Croix River.
