Paine Site No. 1, located in Barton, Vermont, along the Willoughby River, is a privately owned recreational dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1969. This earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet, with a structural height of 33 feet and a length of 334 feet. It provides a storage capacity of 163 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 10 acres, serving primarily for recreation purposes. The dam is regulated by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.

Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, Paine Site No. 1 is assessed to be in fair condition as of July 2017. The dam has an inspection frequency of 3 years, with the last inspection conducted in July 2017. In case of emergencies, a detailed Emergency Action Plan (EAP) has not been prepared, but the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk (3 out of 5). The dam is not under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers, and no specific risk management measures have been reported.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Paine Site No. 1 presents an interesting case study of a privately owned recreational dam in Vermont. The dam's construction by the USDA NRCS and its regulation by the state highlight the collaborative efforts to manage water resources for recreational purposes while ensuring safety and compliance. The dam's condition assessment, hazard potential, and risk assessment provide valuable insights into the challenges and considerations involved in maintaining and managing dams in a changing climate. Further research and monitoring of Paine Site No. 1 could contribute to a better understanding of the intersection between water resource management, climate change, and recreational infrastructure.