High Street Dam Removal | World Fish Migration Day Celebration

🌊✨ Removing the High Street Dam for a Healthier River System! ✨🌊
The High Street Dam, the most-downstream barrier to diadromous fish passage on the Town/Taunton River system in southeast Massachusetts, has been removed! This aging and obsolete structure posed a risk to public safety, and its removal marks a major step in restoring the river ecosystem. Now, the river flows freely to Narragansett Bay and the ocean, reconnecting 10 miles of river for the benefit of fish species like alewife, blueback herring, American eel, sea lamprey, and American shad. Plus, 354 acres of spawning habitat at Lake Nippenicket are now accessible! 🐟🏞️
🌟 Quick Facts:
Project Status: Complete ✅
Location: MA, Plymouth 📍
NFPP Project Funding: $1,550,000 💰
Restoration Techniques: Dam removal 🚧
Accomplishments: 10 Stream Miles Reopened 🌊
🤝 Project Partner Lead: Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration
🌿 Primary Species Benefited: Blueback Herring 🐟
Since 1999, the National Fish Passage Program (NFPP) has partnered with over 2,000 communities, Tribes, and private landowners to remove or bypass over 3,400 barriers to fish passage, reopening access to over 61,000 miles of upstream habitat! The NFPP provides financial and technical assistance to support these vital projects, leveraging expertise in fish migration, biology, engineering, and planning.
🌍 Why It Matters:
Millions of barriers fragment our rivers, block fish migration, and increase flood risks for communities. Improving fish passage is key to conserving vulnerable species, building safer infrastructure, and enhancing climate resilience. The National Fish Passage Program not only restores rivers and protects wildlife but also boosts local economies and safeguards communities.
🔗 Get Involved: Fish passage project proposals can be initiated by any individual, organization, government, or agency in collaboration with a Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office. Note: Projects used for federal or state compensatory mitigation or required by regulatory programs are not eligible for NFPP funding.
Join us in celebrating the significant achievement of removing the High Street Dam and replacing the bridge in Bridgewater, MA. This video covers the entire event, featuring speeches from key figures and highlighting the project's profound impact on environmental restoration, migratory fish, and community resilience in the Taunton River Watershed.
Introduction
[0:00] - Opening remarks and historical background of Iron Works Park.
Key Speakers
[1:45] - Representative Bill Keating discusses project challenges and successes.
[4:30] - Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife Shannon Estenoz speaks on the environmental benefits for migratory fish and climate resilience.
[12:20] - Deputy Administrator of NOAA Sunny Snider Centolella highlights NOAA's role and the project's impact on fish migration and public safety.
Project Highlights
[22:00] - Ellen Bolen from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation explains funding and community benefits.
[30:15] - Commissioner Tom O'Shea of Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game discusses the ecological importance and future impact.
[35:50] - Monique Bowman from The Nature Conservancy reflects on collaboration and long-term benefits.
Conclusion
[43:00] - Final acknowledgments and closing remarks.
[48:15] - Invitation to enjoy refreshments and further networking.
High Street Dam
Bridge Replacement
Environmental Restoration
Migratory Fish
Climate Resilience
NOAA
Fish and Wildlife
Community Engagement
Bridgewater, MA
Taunton River Watershed
Why Watch?
Discover the ecological and community benefits of the High Street Dam removal and bridge replacement.
Hear insights from key stakeholders and experts in environmental restoration.
Learn about the project's broader impacts on fish migration, flood risk reduction, and community resilience.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more updates on environmental restoration projects!
Join us in making a splash for a better environment! 🌊🐟🌍 #RiverRestoration #FishPassage #WildlifeConservation #CommunitySafety #ClimateResilience

[@DebbieJCGLP1]

I’m happy for Bridgewater. But do not welcome the speakers.