CANTON — Chairman Malcolm Ray told the Dam Advisory Committee that an archeological survey is the next hurdle in obtaining the Community Block Development Grant to rebuild the dam on Whitney Brook. The dam controls the level of Lake Anasagunticook, which is in the towns of Canton and Hartford.

Archeological surveys are required on projects that use federal funds. One survey will look for pre-historic Native American material, the other will look for important traces of early settlers and pioneers, according to Ray. He indicated the interest was in not disturbing or destroying artifacts rather than recovery. The dam project only requires a small amount of excavation and the site is largely covered with fill from off site, and is unlikely to have any archeological significance.

The committee has spent most of the funds supplied by the towns so will ask the Lake Association to supply funds for the survey. Ray says the funds should be reimbursed through grants. Specifications for the study can be obtained from the Canton Town Office.

Lake Association representative Judy Hamilton praised the numerous volunteers contributing to the project. She said that Hartford resident Larry Givoux had prepared a $22,000 grant application for the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund. Representatives of the committee will attend the review of the application by the fund on Nov. 4.

Professional engineer Kevin Chamberlain has offered to develop a site plan for use in fundraising. Chamberlain, who resides in Connecticut, says his family has owned property in the area for decades and he frequently visits their camp in Hartford. Chamberlain will also design a snowmobile bridge to be placed on the old bridge piers in the brook. Ray says the bridge will not be constructed until the new dam is completed and the temporary dam is removed. The temporary dam incorporates the bridge abutments in its structure.

The site will also include a boat ramp and a small park.