- Division of Ecological Restoration
In July, DER awarded grants totaling $727,000 to river and wetland restoration projects in Truro and Wellfleet, Chilmark, and Duxbury and Marshfield through our Priority Projects Program. You can read the full press release for more information. Projects receiving program funds are:
Herring River Estuary Restoration, Truro and Wellfleet - One of the largest ecological restoration projects in the Northeast, this project will rebuild the main dike at the river’s mouth, install new structures with the ability to increase tidal flow, and make other improvements across the estuary, allowing carefully controlled restoration of tidal flow to the ecosystem while protecting low-lying roads and other structures from flooding. Reconnecting the estuary to the ocean will improve water quality, increase habitat productivity for fisheries and other wildlife, restore large areas of shellfish beds, and enhance boating, fishing, and other commercial and recreational opportunities.
Mill Brook Headwaters Restoration, Chilmark - The upper portions of Mill Brook support wild brook trout as well as American brook lamprey, a rare species that has been designated Threatened by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. The Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation will replace two undersized culverts that block fish passage and impair water quality with a larger structure that provides passage for fish and wildlife and contributes to a safer road.
South River Restoration, Duxbury and Marshfield - The Towns of Duxbury and Marshfield are working with the North and South Rivers Watershed Association and DER on design and permitting to remove two river barriers: Veteran’s Pond Dam, located at the mouth of the river, and owned by the Town of Marshfield, and Temple Street Dam, owned by the Town of Duxbury. Both dam removal projects will increase municipal resilience to climate change, improve water quality, and benefit migratory fish such as river herring and American eel.
Photo: State, federal and local partners gather at the Herring River Estuary Restoration site to announce grants. Photo Courtesy of Laurie Warner.
