Ware River Restoration Benefits Wildlife, Creates Recreational Opportunities
The removal of the Wheelwright Pond Dam is restoring a scenic, undeveloped section of the Ware River, benefiting ecological communities, state-listed special concern species, recreation, and public safety. Our firm performed data collection and evaluation of potential impacts and worked with stakeholders to develop an approach to remove the dam without significant adverse impacts. We are currently performing construction engineering services.
The dam removal has lowered the water level of the river by approximately 10 feet, while a newly constructed side channel maintains water supply to a local gravel washing facility. The design supports planned future recreational enhancements, including a rail trail crossing that connects the towns of Hardwick and Braintree and is a critical connection of the larger Northampton to Boston MassCentral Rail Trail.
The project required complex coordination across stakeholder groups, involving four property owners, permits in three towns, two MassDEP regions, and construction over three years. The project is the largest in Massachusetts in terms of dam length and one of the largest in river miles connected. The dam removal is in the final stages of construction.
