Priority Projects

Project Name: Eel River Headwaters Restoration

Site Location and Description:
Located in southeastern Massachusetts, the Eel River is a small, spring-fed system that runs past historic Plimouth Plantation before entering Plymouth Harbor. The project has restored the headwaters and associated wetlands of the Eel River, and represents a precedent-setting effort to convert former cranberry bogs (~40 acres) into high-quality cold-water stream and wetland habitat. The project included the restoration of seven former cranberry bog cells and the highly modified river channel, removal of six small earthen dams and flow control structures, construction of 2-miles of restored sinuous stream channel and re-connected floodplain, installation of 500+ pieces of woody habitat, extensive native wetland plantings (e.g. 17,000+ Atlantic white cedar trees), replacement of two road culverts, and the partial removal of a stone dam and related stream channel improvements in the former impoundment.

Goals of the project include improved fish passage and habitat for diadromous and resident fish; improved water quality; establishment of rare Atlantic White Cedar swamp habitat; public education; and enhanced recreation along an existing trail system. The project will take place on conservation land owned by the Town of Plymouth. Additional information is available on the Town of Plymouth's web site.

Species to benefit:
As the name implies, the Eel River was historically an important resource for diadromous organisms, and the primary populations within the stream system thought to benefit from this project include American Eel and River Herring (alewife and blueback herring). Aside from helping to reconnect the ocean to the headwaters, this project will also benefit a number of freshwater resident fish, including Eastern Brook Trout, Bridle Shinner, and Slimy Sculpin.

Status:
Construction is complete and monitoring has been initiated.

Project Needs:
Monitoring of the maturation of the plantings and response of aquatic organisms will continue for several years. Parties interested in providing non-financial support - including assistance in wetland planting or long-term ecological monitoring - are encouraged to contact DER project manager Alex Hackman (617-626-1548; alex.hackman@state.ma.us).