The Stump Pond Dam in Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown, NY was constructed as a mill 227 years ago on the Nissequogue River, creating a 100-acre pond behind it. In August 2024, an unnamed thunderstorm breached the dam, unleashing the dam material and a flood wave from the impounded water to the downstream reaches of the river, through Caleb Smith State Park.
This photo, taken within a year of the dam breach, embodies how nature restores itself if given the chance. In just one growing season, vegetation on the floodplain is abundant and vibrant, providing habitat for wildlife and resilience for future flooding. Once again, the Nissequogue River is free flowing within Blydenburgh County Park, improving water quality and allowing the movement of native brook trout and transfer of nutrients necessary for the health of aquatic critters.
Stump Pond was a famous viewshed and important for bass anglers. After the dam breached, Suffolk County allocated $6.6 million to rebuild the dam and bring back this recreational resource. However, the Free the Nissequogue River Coalition, led by Seatuck Environmental and Save the Sound, and including eight other local and national environmental and interest groups are advocating for keeping the river in its natural state to protect the habitat and environmental benefits that have already begun to take place. A free-flowing Nissequogue means a healthier park, native brook trout, and new hiking opportunities.
To learn more, visit Seatuck’s website page about the Nissequogue.
