Habitat Restoration & Protection Database

Two dams in the lower end of Anguilla Brook that are approximately 1 mile apart block access to the entire historic spawning range for diadromous species in this small watershed. Given the age of this dam (built ca. 1630), anadromous species have been unable to swim any further upstream than this point in over 375 years. The first dam, Wequetequock Pond Dam, is the oldest Gristmill dam in Connecticut, and most likely supported the oldest European settlement in the New London area. The dam is essentially nothing more elaborate than an huge boulder, about 6 feet high and 20 feet long, historically dubbed "Saddle Rock," that sits right in the middle of Anguilla Brook. It lies just above the current head of tide. Before it was dammed by adding smaller boulders and cobbles to both ends of Saddle Rock, Anguilla Brook flowed around both side this giant boulder. The remains of the original mill, as well as subsequent mills, are still on site, and the 7-acre impoundment created by damming Anguilla Brook is named Wequetequock Pond, The second dam, Rutan Dam, is about 1.1 miles upstream of Wequetequock Pond Dam. It is about 6 feet high and creates a 2-acre impoundment. The dam was constructed out of stone, is about 6 feet wide (front-to-back) and is approximately 140 feet long, with a 43-foot spillway. While anadromous species have been unable to reach this dam for hundreds of years, American eels (Anguilla rostrata) are able to wriggle over Wequetequock Pond Dam, but are unable to surmount Rutan Dam. Even though eels could only navigate the lower 1.5 - 2 miles of this waterway, ironically enough, the stream was named after them.