News  Upcoming dam removals will benefit ecosystems and people

MassWildlife plans to remove seven dams that are in poor condition and have outlived their original purpose. All the dams are within Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and owned by MassWildlife. The dam removal projects are expected to reduce the risk of flooding and improve aquatic habitats and water quality.

Dams artificially hold back water and change the way a river functions by converting flowing water habitat to still water habitat. They trap sediment and create stagnant conditions with warmer water and lower dissolved oxygen than the rest of the river system. Dams also block the movement of fish and invertebrates, many of which need to access different areas of the watershed during different parts of their life cycle. Many of the dams are located on or are connected to waterways designated as Coldwater Fish Resources. These sensitive habitats are home to populations of reproducing coldwater fish species like brook trout.

Removing these dams will restore stream function which improves biodiversity. This is aligned with MassWildlife’s mission to conserve native fish, wildlife, and habitats across the Commonwealth. Removing aging dams also benefits the people of Massachusetts by reducing safety risks, eliminating the costs associated with ongoing repairs and maintenance, and providing WMA visitors with expanded access to natural landscapes.

The dam removal projects are funded by $5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Project planning has already begun; construction will start in 2025 and will be complete by June of 2026. Dams slated for removal are Arnold Pond Dam and Schoolhouse Pond Dam in Sutton, Cusky Pond Dam in New Braintree, Patrill Hollow Pond Dam in Hardwick, Salmon Pond Dam in Brookfield, Thousand Acre Reservoir Dam in Athol, and Weston Brook Dam in Windsor. Stay tuned for updates and results from these important restoration projects.