Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates the Restoration of the Quinapoxet River

West Boylston — Today, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper joined with Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) Executive Director Fred Laskey, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle, Department of Fish & Game (DFG) Commissioner Thomas O’Shea, state and local officials and other key stakeholders to celebrate the completion of the Quinapoxet River restoration project. The project, which included the removal of the defunct Quinapoxet River dam, highlights the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s ongoing efforts to improve water quality, support fish populations, and restore natural habitats for wildlife throughout Massachusetts. 

“Restoring waterways like the Quinapoxet has real, lasting benefits, including cleaner water, healthier wildlife, and more places for people to hike, paddle and fish,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This restoration project is a great example of the kind of dam removals we need across Massachusetts. That’s why we proposed the Mass Ready Act – to remove and replace aging infrastructure and protect the water and wildlife our communities depend on.” 

MWRA hosted the ribbon cutting event to commemorate the restoration of the river and increased access for the public. Attendees of the event included several partners who were essential in the development of the project, including DCR, DFG, including the Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Town of West Boylston, and others. 

“Restoring the Quinapoxet River and improving the immediate area around it had long been in development because of the many benefits the project had to offer,” said MWRA Executive Director Fred Laskey. “I am proud of the great work, expertise, and leadership by so many to advance this project and bring it to fruition. While we honor and appreciate the dam’s once critical function within the water system, I am excited to see this area gain in popularity with the increased access to the natural world.” 

The $3 million Quinapoxet River restoration project incorporated several components to improve river health, habitat for wildlife, and public access. A major element of the project was the removal of the Quinapoxet River Dam to provide upstream fish with access to the Wachusett Reservoir, where existing populations of brook trout and landlocked salmon are considered to be genetically isolated, as the dam restricted vital migratory patterns. The dam, originally constructed in 1905 to support the creation of the reservoir, had outlived its usefulness due to upgrades the MWRA had made to its water transfer systems, allowing the opportunity to remove it. 

“With every defunct dam removed and river mile restored, we lead the way towards a future where people and wildlife can thrive. By restoring a free-flowing Quinapoxet River, we have taken an important step to boost biodiversity, restore fish passage, build safer communities, and connect more people with the outdoors,” said DFG Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “Projects like this don’t happen overnight—they take tremendous partnership and collaboration. We are pleased to stand here today alongside our many partners across state government to celebrate this remarkable achievement. We eagerly await the fall migration of land-locked salmon from the Wachusett Reservoir!” 

“The work we do at DCR ensures our communities have access to open space while protecting these resources for the future,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “The removal of the Quinapoxet Dam, through our partnership with the Department of Fish and Game and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, advances this mission by restoring the river’s natural ecology and creating a healthier landscape for wildlife and visitors to enjoy for years to come.”

By removing the 250-foot-long and 18-foot-high earthen embankment and stone masonry dam, 35 additional miles of river was made accessible to fish, and approximately 1,000 feet of upstream habitat and one acre of riparian habitat was restored. Additionally, an ADA-compliant path and platform was constructed on the riverbank, and interpretive signage was installed to help educate visitors about the site. Other components of the project included: 

• The restoration of river processes for sediment and organic matter transport;
• The restoration of bordering vegetated wetlands and riverine habitat;
• The elimination of safety concerns related to the deteriorating dam; and,
• The enhancement of public access to a popular fishing and recreation area. 

The Quinapoxet River is part of the larger source drinking water supply, which includes the Quabbin Reservoir, Wachusett Reservoir, Ware River, and Sudbury Reservoir watersheds. These critical waterbodies supply water for over 3 million people working and residing in Massachusetts. 

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