Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Over $3 Million to Herring River Restoration Project

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced a $3 million award to the Town of Wellfleet and the Friends of Herring River to support the Herring River Estuary Restoration Project in Wellfleet and Truro. The funding, provided by the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Ecological Restoration (DER), will help restore tidal flow to the estuary and improve habitat for fish and wildlife.  

“Massachusetts is home to some of the most beautiful and ecologically important coastal environments in the country, and projects like the Herring River restoration are critical to protecting them for future generations,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This investment will help restore hundreds of acres of wetlands and wildlife habitat, strengthen climate resilience on Cape Cod and support local communities, fisheries and outdoor recreation.” 

“The Herring River restoration project shows what is possible when state agencies, local communities and environmental partners come together around a shared vision,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Restoring tidal flow and rebuilding these ecosystems will create long-term environmental and economic benefits for the region while helping Massachusetts prepare for the impacts of climate change.” 

“This investment will help bring the Herring River back to life, creating better habitat for herring and other wildlife.” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We are proud to support one of the largest tidal estuary restoration projects in the Northeast, which will support local fisheries, outdoor recreation, and the communities that rely on a healthy estuary.”  

The Herring River Estuary Restoration project is one of the largest tidal estuary restorations ever undertaken in Massachusetts and the North Atlantic coastal region. It will restore up to 890 acres of degraded salt marsh and estuarine habitats, a significant area of shellfish habitat, and improve access for fish to hundreds of acres of spawning ponds. The project is currently in construction, and these grant awards will support construction and associated activities. The funding will go to two organizations supporting the restoration. The Town of Wellfleet will receive $1.47 million to support construction. Friends of the Herring River will receive $1.6 million to support project coordination and other construction-related activities. 

“This exceptional project simultaneously advances habitat restoration, species conservation, ecosystem connectivity, and climate resilience – all of which align with our nation-leading Biodiversity Goals,” said DFG Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “This project demonstrates how restoration pays big dividends: cleaner water, thriving fish and wildlife, and more opportunities for outdoor recreation.”  

“Ecological restoration is a powerful tool for addressing climate change and protecting nature and communities from predicted impacts like more intense storms and flooding,” said DER Director Beth Lambert. “The Herring River project is one of the most exciting restoration projects happening in the Northeast today. We’re pleased to be supporting construction and can’t wait to watch the estuary return to health.” 

These grant awards come from the Priority Projects Program, DER’s vehicle for funding wetland and river restoration projects that present the greatest benefit to the state ecologically, socially, and economically. Other projects underway include removal of aging, unsafe dams; restoration of freshwater wetlands in former cranberry farmlands; replacement and removal of undersized and degrading culverts; and restoration of tidal flow to degraded coastal habitats.  

“I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for this important investment in the Herring River Estuary Restoration Project. Healthy salt marshes are essential to the health and resilience of our coastal region, providing important habitat, improving water quality, and supporting biodiversity throughout the estuary,” said State Representative Hadley Luddy (D—Orleans). “This funding will be instrumental to the continued restoration of the Herring River and to preserving the Outer Cape’s unique natural character, ecological integrity, and historic fishing economy for generations to come.”

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