Green River, MA

American Rivers is partnering with the Town of Greenfield, Connecticut River Watershed Council, Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, NOAA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Deerfield Watershed Association on this Green River Ecosystem Restoration Project.

The Green River, the Deerfield River 's second largest tributary, drains over 88.9 square miles. It begins its journey in Vermont, twisting southeast into Massachusetts. The Green passes through the towns of Colrain and Leyden before reaching the Town of Greenfield where the gradient becomes less steep. The river meanders through an area of open fields and agriculture and continues on its sinuous course to the “Greenfield Municipal Pool” and onto the more urbanized sections of Greenfield.

The Green River, like many rivers throughout New England, was once home to several thriving mills that helped drive this nation’s Industrial Revolution. Today, the Green River remains fragmented by four dams in Greenfield, MA. This outdated infrastructure blocks passage for migratory fish like Atlantic salmon, American shad, blueback herring, and American eel. Also, at least one of the dams, classified as a Significant Hazard structure, was found to be in need of extensive repair work.

The overall goal of the Green River Ecosystem Restoration Project is to remove the Wiley & Russell and Mill Street Dams and install fishways at the Greenfield Swimming Pool and Water Supply Dams. Removal of the lower two dams will open up 2.5 miles of migratory fisheries habitat. However, this project is in the context of the whole Green River Ecosystem Restoration Project which will provide fish passage at the upper two dams as well, resulting in 19.1 miles of mainstream Green River plus additional tributary spawning habitat for an estimated total of 94 miles.

In addition to restoring the ecological integrity of the stream, the removals will allow for new recreational opportunities, particularly for paddlers in canoes and kayaks. There are also discussions underway to link downtown Greenfield with the river through proposed pathways and a river walk.

Dam Stats

Wiley & Russell Dam

Size:  14-foot high by 165-foot long
Owner:  Town of Greenfield
Year Built:  1936
Current Use: No current use

Mill Street Dam

Size: 12-foot high by 170-foot long
Owner: Town of Greenfield
Year Built: Unknown
Current Use: No current use

• Green River Factsheet

For more information, contact Amy Singler, American Rivers, 413-584-2183.