News  Coonamessett River Restoration (Falmouth)

The Town of Falmouth along with DER, NOAA, the Coonamessett River Trust, the 300 Committee and other partners continue to move forward with the Coonamessett River Restoration Project. Phase 1 of the project, which kicked off in October, is substantially complete, and includes removal of the first dam from the ocean on the Coonamessett River, as well as restoration of wetlands and riverine habitat in an 11-acre former cranberry bog just upstream of the dam.

Phase 2 is currently in the design and permitting phase, and will include removal of the next dam upstream, replacement of a failing culvert carrying John Parker Road over the Coonamessett River, and restoration of wetlands and riverine habitat within the remaining 26 acres of former cranberry bog held by the Town. Construction is anticipated to kick off in the fall/early winter of 2018. The Coonamessett River Trust is conducting a citizen science monitoring effort in parallel with the restoration effort, to compare pre- and post-restoration conditions. 

This project brings together many local, state and federal agencies and organizations, as well as teachers, students and community volunteers. Funding for the project comes from the NOAA Restoration Center, NFWF, DER, the Massachusetts Environmental Trust, the Falmouth Community Preservation Fund, and the Falmouth Rod and Gun Club, and others with matching funds and in-kind contributions from the Town of Falmouth.  ​