11/26/2025
Here is an update about progress made by Preserve Amherst Lake Vermont (PALVT). Thanks for all of your support!
PAL-VT Partners with DuBois & King
for Critical Engineering Study
of Amherst Lake Dam
Plymouth, VT – November 11, 2025 --Preserve Amherst Lake - Vermont (PAL-VT) is pleased to announce a partnership with DuBois & King, Inc., a leading regional engineering firm, to conduct an engineering study of Amherst Lake Dam (Dam No. 156.05). This critical assessment represents a major milestone in PAL-VT's ongoing efforts to restore and preserve this vital community resource.
Moving Forward with Community Support
Following notification of a federal grant award from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in late 2024, PAL-VT's Board made the strategic decision to proceed using funds raised through the organization's successful 2023 community fundraising campaign rather than waiting for federal funding.
"While we're grateful for the federal recognition and support, the government timeline and administrative requirements would have significantly delayed this critical work," explained PAL-VT spokesperson Adam Zakarian. "Our community has already waited long enough. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we're able to move forward now and get the answers we need to plan effectively for the dam's future."
This decision reflects PAL-VT's commitment to efficient stewardship of both community resources and the timeline for addressing the dam's repair.
Ongoing Partnership with Vermont Dam Safety
PAL-VT continues to work closely with the Vermont Dam Safety Program throughout this process. The organization is currently awaiting results from a recent state inspection, which will provide updated information on the dam's current condition. This collaboration ensures that all engineering work will align with state requirements and anticipated regulatory changes expected to be adopted by the Vermont Legislature in 2025.
What the Study Will Accomplish
The Phase I engineering study, scheduled for completion by late November 2025, includes three key components:
1. Dam Inspection -- DuBois & King engineers will conduct a detailed on-site inspection to document current conditions of the concrete structure, including the concrete deterioration and outlet-training wall concerns identified in previous state inspections.
2. Hydrology and Hydraulic Analysis -- The study will recreate and expand upon previous modeling to determine how the dam performs under various flood scenarios, including the critical 1,000-year flood event required under anticipated new Vermont Dam Safety regulations. This analysis will consider the 19.1 square mile watershed that flows into 80-acre Amherst Lake and downstream Echo Lake.
3. Breach Analysis and Hazard Classification -- Using advanced 2D HEC-RAS modeling, engineers will confirm the dam's hazard classification by analyzing potential failure scenarios and their downstream impacts. This analysis will produce inundation maps, which provide crucial data for understanding the risk to areas affected by potential flooding.
"DuBois & King has extensive experience in dam engineering and hydraulic analysis throughout Vermont and the region," said Michael P. Hildenbrand, P.E., Senior Project Manager at DuBois & King. "We're pleased to partner with PAL-VT on this important project. Our assessment and analysis will provide the community with the technical data needed to make informed decisions about the future of Amherst Lake Dam. This type of thorough engineering study is essential for ensuring both public safety and the long-term preservation of this valuable community resource."
Understanding the Options and Next Steps
The engineering study will provide PAL-VT with the technical information needed to make informed decisions about the dam's future. The study will evaluate the dam's ability to meet anticipated new state engineering standards and identify necessary corrective actions.
Following completion of Phase I, potential next steps may include:
Phase II: Conceptual Design and Alternatives Analysis -- Detailed evaluation of rehabilitation options, each with conceptual opinions of probable construction cost estimates.
Phase III: Design and Permitting -- Development of detailed engineering designs and securing necessary regulatory approvals.
Phase IV: Construction -- Implementation of the selected alternative.
Comprehensive Funding Strategy
Once the scope of rehabilitation is confirmed through this engineering study, PAL-VT will pursue a comprehensive funding strategy that includes both private donations and public funding sources. The organization's track record of successful grassroots fundraising, combined with demonstrated support from federal agencies, positions PAL-VT well to secure the resources needed for the dam's restoration.
"This study will give us an idea on construction schedule and costs that will be essential for grant applications and fundraising campaigns," Zakarian noted. "Understanding exactly what needs to be done and what it will cost is the critical first step toward securing the full funding needed."
A Community Effort with Broader Impact
The summer 2023 flooding that affected the region has drawn increased attention from federal, state, and local stakeholders seeking long-term solutions. PAL-VT's efforts align with broader watershed management initiatives, including work on the downstream Jewell Brook dams in Ludlow and the investigation of Money Brook, which has been a source of continued siltation in the lake system.
"The growing coalition of stakeholders working on watershed resilience throughout our region demonstrates that this isn't just about one dam -- it's about thoughtful, responsible stewardship of our shared water resources," Zakarian stated.
How Supporters Can Help
PAL-VT continues to need community support as the project advances through each phase. While the 2023 fundraising campaign successfully funded this initial engineering study, additional resources will be needed as the scope of rehabilitation becomes clear.
Supporters can contribute through the PAL-VT website at www.palvt.org or by mailing checks made out to PAL-VT at: P.O. Box 412, Ludlow, VT 05149. All donations are tax-deductible.
Looking Ahead
PAL-VT will provide regular updates as the engineering study progresses. The Board remains committed to transparency and community engagement throughout this process.
"We're taking decisive action at a pivotal moment," Zakarian stated. "This study will give us the facts we need to chart the best course forward for Amherst Lake. We're grateful to DuBois & King for their expertise, to Vermont Dam Safety for their ongoing partnership, to our federal partners for their support, and most importantly, to our community members whose donations and dedication make this work possible."
For more information or questions about the project, contact PAL-VT at [email protected].
About PAL-VT
The Preserve Amherst Lake -- Vermont (PAL-VT) is a community organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of Amherst Lake Dam and the lake system it supports. Through responsible stewardship, community engagement, and collaboration with government agencies, PAL-VT works to find sustainable solutions that benefit property owners, the environment, and future generations.
About DuBois & King
Established in 1962, DuBois & King is an employee-owned, multidisciplinary consulting engineering firm providing planning, permitting, design, and survey services for federal and state agencies, municipalities, health care and education facilities, industrial and commercial building projects, energy producers, and the telecommunication industry. With offices in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and New York, the firm's professionals are dedicated to seeking results that contribute to the health, safety, and well-being of the communities they serve. For more information, visit www.dubois-king.com.
For more information, contact: [email protected]
Preserve Amherst Lake is a non-profit community organization committed to preserving Amherst Lake in Plymouth, VT, starting with saving its dam. You can find us at www.PALVT.org.
