Removing Briggsville Dam restores North Branch Hoosic River (MA)
Brian Graber, Director, River Restoration Program, Northeast Region
April 30, 2012 | Dams & Dam Removal
The North Branch of the Hoosic River is a high quality cold water river in northwestern Massachusetts.
The Briggsville Dam was no longer used and in poor condition. Its removal was particularly important for the owner, a large employer in the rural community, as it helped them avoid abandoning the facility and laying off employees.
The project restored habitat, passage, and water quality for the state-listed longnosed sucker, in addition to populations of brook trout and slimy sculpin. Dam removal restored access to over 30 miles of high quality headwater streams and exemplary trout habitat.
American Rivers raised critical grant funds and funds from NRCS to complete the project.
Construction completed Fall 2010.
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