News

News  Jones River Restoration Activities

A new fish ladder and a dam removal help fish on the Jones River
8/26/2019
  • Division of Ecological Restoration

Jones River - New Fish Ladder

Three images of the fish ladder
The fish ladder on the Jones River to help fish passage, installed by DMF.

DER has been collecting streamflow data downstream of the Forge Pond Dam on the Jones River in Kingston for many years to document and understand flow stress. The river historically supported prolific runs of diadromous fish, which spawned in Silver Lake at the river’s headwaters, but dams and water management have prevented fish from spawning here in recent history. As dams have been removed downstream, diadromous fish have started to reach up to the Forge Pond dam but have been unable to enter Silver Lake due to the dam and lack of a fish ladder. In late spring this all changed when the MA Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) installed a temporary fish ladder at the dam to enable passage. The fish ladder was identified as part of a feasibility study done by DMF in 2012 in partnership with DER, the Jones River Watershed Association (JRWA), NOAA, and the City of Brockton to study options to provide fish passage to Silver Lake. Shortly after installation, herring were observed using the ladder and entering Silver Lake. We look forward to our continued work with DMF, JRWA, and other partners to help ensure there is sufficient streamflow to continue to allow passage and sufficient habitat.

Jones River - the Head-of-tide Elm Street Dam Comes Down

Two images one two people in field, the other excavator removing dam
Left: DFG Commissioner Ron Amidon & JRWA Director Pine DuBois check out the dam removal. Right: Removal of the dam in progress.

Removal of the Elm Street Dam on the Jones River in Kingston is underway. Located at the head of tide (first dam from the ocean), removal of the dam will restore connectivity to over 24 miles of river habitat and restore habitat and passage for target species including: alewife, blueback herring and rainbow smelt. DER has been working with the Jones River Watershed Association (JRWA), the Town of Kingston, Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), DMF, MassWildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA and other project partners on this removal. Work started in mid-August and is targeted for completion by the end of September. This is the second dam removal DER has been a part of on the Jones River -  the first was Wapping Road Dam removed in 2011. DER also has been working through its Streamflow Restoration Program to improve streamflow along this river.

  • Division of Ecological Restoration 

    DER restores and protects rivers, wetlands, and watersheds in Massachusetts for the benefit of people and the environment.
  • Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

    Please do not include personal or contact information.
    Feedback