Comerford Reservoir, body of water
Comerford Reservoir is a large impoundment created by a concrete dam on the Connecticut River along the border between Vermont and New Hampshire. The water extends about 8 miles upstream from the dam and is surrounded by forests and hills that create an open, natural landscape.
The facility was created in 1930 when the Frank D. Comerford Dam was built to generate electricity and manage flood control along the Connecticut River. The project was part of a broader regional effort to harness the river's power for supplying energy to New England.
The dam is named after Frank D. Comerford, a regional business leader of the early 20th century. Today, the site serves as a gathering place where local fishers and boaters come regularly to spend their leisure time on the water.
The site has public boat ramps, picnic areas, and trails for visitors, with some areas accessible for people with disabilities. Keep in mind that water levels fluctuate seasonally and dam releases can happen suddenly, so pay attention to safety signs and respect the natural setting.
The dam operates as a run-of-river facility, meaning it uses the natural flow of the Connecticut River rather than storing large amounts of water like traditional reservoirs. Despite this more eco-friendly design, the structure has blocked fish migration and prevented Atlantic salmon from reaching their historic spawning grounds.
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