Hudson watershed map
The Hudson River Watershed of Massachusetts includes three distinct drainage basins covering a total of about 240 square miles. The three sub-watersheds are the Hoosic River Basin in the northern tier of the region, Kinderhook Brook at the west central edge of the region, and Bash Bish Brook in the southwestern corner of the region, each ultimately draining in a westerly direction to the Hudson River. The Massachusetts portion of the Hoosic Watershed encompasses approximately 166 square miles, all in Berkshire County, and includes all or part of eight municipalities.

This watershed contains old growth forest, sustains native wild trout, and has the highest natural pond in the state - Berry Pond. Flowing northward, the watershed is bound on the east by the Hoosac Range and on the west by the Taconic Hills. The river flows from Mt. Greylock, the highest mountain in the state (3,491 ft.), to the lowest point in Berkshire County, Williamstown.

Cultural attractions in the watershed include the Williamstown Theater, the Clark Art Institute, and the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in North Adams. Outdoor attractions include hiking and camping in Mount Greylock Reservation and Clarksburg State Forest, as well as fishing and hunting in the Stafford Hill Management Area.

Watershed Priorities

  • Implement habitat restoration in the 2.3 miles of Army Corps of Engineers flood control chutes in the Town of Adams
  • Implementation of stormwater mitigation projects throughout the watershed
  • Provide technical assistance to specialized decision making groups in the watershed through the continued implementation of Non-point source pollution Education for Municipal Officials Program
  • Continue the biological monitoring of thermal, bacteriological pollution levels and benthic macro-invertebrate communities within the watershed

Watershed Success

Scenic view of Hudson River
The Hoosic River Watershed Association and the Center for Ecological Technology have worked together to identify historic mills that can be reused and redeveloped. The results of this study will be made available to Chambers of Commerce, municipalities, and other business organizations. Once the environmental restoration opportunities have been identified, grants will be sought for reuse and redevelopment.

Watershed Publications

Watershed Links

Hoosic River Watershed Association
Water Resources Page (USGS)
Massachusetts Water Watch Partnership



This information is provided by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Office of Water Policy