News  Jones River Flowing Freely (Kingston)

After 300 years of being dammed, the Jones River in Kingston is now flowing freely at Elm Street. Removal of this dam began in the summer and wrapped up in October. Located at the head of tide (first dam from the ocean), removal of the dam will restore habitat and improve connectivity to over 24 miles of river habitat for target species including: alewife, blueback herring, and rainbow smelt. DER was excited to gather with partners in November to celebrate. Several partners marked the occasion by kayaking through the former dam site. Thanks to all the partners who contributed to this effort including the Jones River Watershed Association, the Town of Kingston, DMF, MassWildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, MassDEP and other project partners on this removal.

Image: Jones River before and after removal of the Elm Street Dam