North Branch, Hoosic River, Clarksburg, MA

American Rivers contributed vital financial and technical support to remove the Briggsville Dam from the North Branch Hoosic River in Clarksburg, Massachusetts. The dam was no longer used and in poor condition and its removal has significant economic importance for the surrounding rural community. Dam removal has helped its owner, Cascade School Supplies, avoid abandoning the facility, laying off employees, and leaving the community without one of its largest employers. Cascade School Supplies has been in business for 78 years and seasonally employs more than 150 people in Berkshire County, including their facility in Clarksburg.

The North Branch of the Hoosic River is a high quality coldwater river in northwestern Massachusetts. 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.

The project construction included removing the dam, stabilizing the banks and planting trees, protecting an upstream bridge, and restoring river habitat. Dam removal construction began in mid October 2010 and was completed by mid-December. Additional planting work will be completed in Spring 2011.

American Rivers partnered with a diverse group of public and private partners to remove the Briggsville Dam and restore the North Branch of the Hoosic River. In addition to American Rivers and the dam owner, Cascade School Supplies, project partners included USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Town of Clarksburg, the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture, the Wildlife Conservation Society, through its Wildlife Action Opportunities Fund with support provided by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Trout Unlimited, Congressman Olver and the Hoosic River Watershed Association.

Dam Stats

Briggsville Dam
Size:  15-foot high by 200-foot long
Owner:  Cascade School Supplies
Current Use: No current use

For more information, contact Brian Graber with American Rivers at 413-585-5896.