SAVE PICKPOCKET DAM

I am a resident of Exeter, living above the Pickpocket Dam. My life is deeply intertwined with this beautiful piece of nature. If they remove the dam, it's not just water that would be lost; it’s the natural environment, our peace, and tranquility. Locals and people from all around fish, canoe, kayak, paddleboard, and even jet-ski here from spring through fall.  In the winter, people snowshoe, skate, cross-country ski, and snowmobile this river and enjoy themselves in nature.

In September, the Town of Exeter voted to secure a NOAA grant to remove the dam due to the State of NH re-classifying the dam from low-risk to high-risk, based on a VHB of Bedford feasibility study for dam removal or modification. VHB determined that the dam needs repairs, and if it rained 2.5 times the amount of a 100-year flood, one house would flood to its first floor downriver.

Note: A low-risk classification is based on a 100-year flood or 8+ inches of rain in one event. A high-risk classification is based on 2.5 times a 100-year flood. 

Alarmingly, The Town of Exeter applied for a $2MM “Complete Dam Removal” NOAA grant without alerting any stakeholders, abutters, or the communities of Exeter and Brentwood* beforehand. While a feasibility study was partially completed by VHB of NH, all studies have not been completed to determine how dam removal would impact wildlife upstream or affect abutters, stakeholders, and the community which depends heavily on this natural resource. I have a home on a cliff on the river and don’t know how the erosion will affect me, as well as other abutters. These are real concerns.

This petition calls for an immediate halt to any plans related to removing Pickpocket Dam until comprehensive environmental impact studies are conducted and all stakeholders are given proper notice about any future meetings or decisions related thereto. Let’s protect our communities and preserve our piece of peace! Please sign this petition today!

*Town of Exeter River Advisory Committee. RAC)

Update:

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association) declined to grant Exeter the grant remove the dam. This means Exeter can reapply next year. This puts the dam removal off another year. There is still hope! Keep this petition going and I will keep putting it in front of the town. Thank you all!

 PLEASE ATTEND THE SELECT BOARD MEETING On Tuesday, June 24th at 7 PM! The Select Board will address the Pickpocket Dam as a special agenda item with the RAC members present - (River Advisory Committee) and RAC will recommend the Select Board do a final vote on DAM Removal. 

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