Save Dunham Reservoir: A Public Resource at Risk
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The Martin Dunham Reservoir, located within Grafton Lakes State Park in Grafton, New York, has been part of life in this community for generations. Though modest in size, it’s one of the most valued public spaces in Rensselaer County, a place where families fish, kids learn to paddle, and hikers walk the quiet trails that wrap around its edge. It’s where people of all ages come to find peace, watch wildlife, or simply spend time outdoors.

Though no longer used as a drinking water source, the reservoir remains one of the few accessible, flat-water recreation spots in the region. It’s not just scenic, it’s useful, familiar, and loved. It holds cultural, environmental, and practical value to the people who live here.

But that value is now at risk.

Recent safety assessments have found the earthen dam that holds the reservoir to be in poor condition. The concrete spillway is deteriorating, seepage has been observed at the base, and unchecked vegetation growth has made inspections more difficult. The dam has been classified as Class C – High Hazard, meaning that while failure is not imminent, the consequences could be severe if nothing is done.

No final decision has been made, but state-level trends are clear: dam removals now outpace repairs. In the past two decades, over 90 dams have been removed in New York. In 2022 alone, 13 dams were dismantled while fewer than half that number were rehabilitated. Without public engagement and advocacy, the Martin Dunham Reservoir could be next.

The impact of removal would go far beyond the loss of a local recreation site. It would drain more than 50 feet of water from the landscape, dramatically altering the area and potentially affecting nearby residential wells. In rural towns like Grafton, where most homes rely on private wells for drinking water, that kind of drop in the water table could have lasting effects. The reservoir also plays a critical role in fire protection, when hydrants are few and far between, volunteer fire departments rely on bodies of water like Dunham for emergency response. Its loss could mean slower access to water during fires, putting lives and homes at greater risk.

Ecologically, the reservoir supports a well-established ecosystem. Fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals depend on its shoreline and wetlands. Removing it would eliminate a rare, publicly accessible habitat within Grafton Lakes State Park, at a time when such environments are disappearing across the region.

Public input plays an essential role in determining what happens next. If we are going to save the reservoir, we need to advocate clearly, early, and effectively. This petition is the first step. It will be presented to relevant state agencies and decision-makers to demonstrate that the community supports preserving and repairing the reservoir, not dismantling it. We call for transparent dialogue, meaningful public engagement, and serious consideration of environmentally responsible, cost-effective alternatives that would maintain the reservoir’s function while addressing safety concerns.

By signing this petition, you are helping ensure that Martin Dunham Reservoir is not quietly lost. You are helping protect a vital local resource, within Grafton Lakes State Park in Grafton, New York, that supports recreation, safety, and quality of life, not just for today, but for generations to come.