Just saw this. Given that some of us fish the Quinapoxet, thought it would be of interest (also, our river guides here and here).
The Quinapoxet River is a well-loved coldwater fishery, and removing the dam will open up an estimated 35 miles (upstream, including main stem and tributary) of coldwater habitat for landlocked salmon and other species. Nice! @MassEcoRestore@MWRA_updatehttps://t.co/DR0vtg3OsW
— MA. Fish & Game (@MassDFG) March 6, 2018
There’s good news, and GREAT… This is GREAT. Really hope this happens, this time!!!
The grant indicates it will pay to create engineered plans for the eventual removal which in all likelihood will allow the project to go out to bid. The article you posted states “The grant will assist MWRA to develop permit-ready plans for the removal.” One step closer, but the project to remove the dam still needs to be funded.
I’m not familiar with this river and “Landlocked Salmon” caught my eye. Can someone educate me? Thanks
The Quinapoxet flows into the Wachusett Reservoir, which has wild landlocked salmon. So far, they can only use the low gradient Stillwater river to reproduce. Once the dam is removed, it’s hoped that the salmon will utilize the Quinapoxet river as well…
Thanks. That is really exciting!