The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced over $87M of federal grant funding dedicated to critical fish passage restoration projects across the country. Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA), in association with partners Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) and the Division of Ecological Restoration (DER), will be granted $2.3M as part of this grant opportunity to fund projects which address priority fish passage barriers in the watersheds of the Ipswich and Parker Rivers. Additionally, an anonymous foundation has matched $1.14M to make this the largest project-based grant in IRWA’s history. As project lead, IRWA will use the $3.4M to fund the work of project partners in advancing critical restoration projects in our region over the next 3 years.
Restoration projects include:
- The Larkin Dam removal project
- The South Middleton Dam removal project
- The Howlett Brook fishway installation
- The Willowdale Dam natural fishway bypass project
- The Ipswich Mills Dam project
In total, the projects will make over 40 miles of mainstem and 198 miles of major tributary in the Ipswich and Parker Rivers accessible.
The Great Marsh Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) hosts some of the most pristine and protected habitat for migratory fish species such as alewives and smelt, which use the Ipswich and Parker Rivers to reproduce and rear their young. In-stream barriers such as dams segment the migratory pathways for these fish and restrict them from accessing critical portions of the watersheds.
“We are extremely excited to bring this transformational grant funding to the watersheds of the Great Marsh. We’re grateful for our partners on this proposal as we continue to work together across and between the Parker and Ipswich River watersheds to address the region’s highest priority stream barriers.” – Neil Shea, Restoration Program Director, IRWA
These projects also provide social and economic benefits as well, including:
- Reducing flood risk upstream of the barriers
- Mitigating the public safety risk that aging dam infrastructure imposes
- Enhancing historically important commercial and recreational fisheries
- Enhancing recreation opportunities
- Increase community and ecological resilience
Local partners for the projects include:
- Bostik – Owner of the South Middleton Dam
- Town of Newbury – Owner of the Larkin Dam
- Town of Ipswich – Owner of the Ipswich Mills Dam
- Foote Brothers – Owner of the Willowdale Dam
- Essex County Greenbelt Association – Willowdale Mill Reservation site
Learn more:
NOAA Press Release: https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-announces-historic-funding-for-fish-habitats-across-us
NOAA Fisheries website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/nearly-105-million-fish-passage-funding-recommended-under-bipartisan-infrastructure
NOAA Bipartisan Infrastructure Law webpage (all the way at the bottom): https://www.noaa.gov/infrastructure-law
Congratulations Wayne and staff!
Jim Mc
what a difference these projects will make. ongratulations to IRWA for your work! I’m intrigued that most of the listed benefits address human needs and advantages that will be achieved by the dam removals. probably necessary PR to gain public support. I’m most delighted to hear what fish species will be assisted by the projects. I’d like to hear more about the deep and profound impact on wildlife. we have a lot to repair.
Pingback: 2022: Setting the Stage for Even More Success in 2023 - Ipswich River Watershed Association