River Continuity

Project Name: Bronson Brook Habitat Restoration, Worthington

The Bronson Brook restoration project is a pilot river continuity project working with multiple project partners to restore a stream crossing and habitat for Atlantic salmon, brook trout and other coldwater species. A failing stream bank and road crossing badly damaged during a storm in August 2003 provided an opportunity to upgrade infrastructure that reconnects stream continuity for successful fish and wildlife passage. The restoration project is the result of collaboration between citizens, watershed groups, the Town of Worthington, and state and federal agencies. The partners agreed to restore Bronson Brook after a shoreline survey conducted by volunteers identified the two culverts as limiting fish and wildlife passage and the Town had also found structural problems with one of the culverts.

Site Location and Description:
Bronson Brook is a high quality coldwater tributary to the East Branch Westfield River, supporting habitat for Atlantic salmon and resident coldwater species such as Eastern brook trout and blacknose dace. Project work will occur over a stretch from Pleasant Street to Cudworth Road in Worthington.

Community Involvement:
Members of the town selectboard, conservation commission, and public works department have been closely involved in project decisionmaking.

Status:
Final engineering plans and permits completed for Dingle Road, Cummington Road and woody habitat installation. Grant funding awarded from USFWS, American Rivers, NRCS and NOAA. Dingle Road construction currently underway.

Project Needs:

• Seeking funding for woody habitat installation

Page last updated November 2006