“The Mad River Fish Hatchery is no longer providing much, if any, conservation benefit to the species nor the intended recreation or sport fishing benefits in the Mad River,” said Roberts.

The largest tributary to Lake Champlain, the Winooski River snakes 90 miles from Cabot in the east, connecting to seven brooks and streams on the way. Those waters are home to some of the ...

The Mad River Hatchery fish ladder is viewed by visitors. (Mad River Hatchery/Contributed) “We’re looking at a facility that needs tens of millions of dollars in repair.