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The 30-mile long Green River flows from its headwaters in Marlboro, Vermont to the confluence with the Deerfield River in Greenfield, Massachusetts –less than two miles from its confluence with the Connecticut River. The Green River is a cold water fishery and one of the most pristine river habitats in southern New England. The only barrier to fish migration between the Green River and the Long Island Sound is the dam on the Connecticut River in Holyoke, which provides fish passage via a fish lift. In 2007, the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) completed an
environmental assessment and feasibility study for the four dams owned by the Town of Greenfield. The study considered several alternatives for improving habitat and providing fish passage along the Green River. Based on the study’s findings and recommendations, the Town of Greenfield decided to move forward with removal of the lower dam – the Wiley and Russell Dam – and to provide fish passage around the upper three dams - Mill Street Dam, Green River Swim Area Dam, and the Water Supply Dam. Since then the Town of Greenfield has been working with the Connecticut River Watershed Council and American Rivers to secure grants for the design, permitting, and removal phases.
The Green River Ecosystem Restoration project provides multiple benefits:
- Financial Benefits: Eliminate the Town’s long-term liability and maintenance costs; access more funding sources for removal vs. repair of the dams; and alleviate the Town’s responsibility to address dam safety deficiencies and hazards at the two lower dams.
- Public Benefits: Provide improved passive recreational opportunities, including fishing, paddling, and pathway connections to the downtown; revitalize a waterfront close to the downtown business district and generate economic potential for new businesses in the area.
- Ecological Benefits: Restore a migratory fish run all the way to Long Island Sound for Atlantic salmon, American shad, blueback herring, sea lamprey and American eel; benefit cold water resident species such as trout and white sucker by lowering water temperatures; improve water quality and stream health.
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