For many years, the former mill industry along the Monatiquot River impacted historic herring runs and disconnected species from their spawning grounds. Now, the Armstrong Dam is the primary barrier to fish passage on the river. The dam no longer serves its original purpose and is also a public safety hazard. This project, led by the Town of Braintree, will remove the Armstrong Dam. There is also a concurrent project to remove the downstream Ames Pond Dam and install a pool-and-weir fishway around Rock Falls. When these projects are completed, 36 miles of unimpeded upstream access to 180 acres of river herring spawning habitat will be restored.

This project, led by the Town of Braintree, will remove the Armstrong Dam. There is also a concurrent project to remove the downstream Ames Pond Dam and install a pool-and-weir fishway around Rock Falls. When these projects are completed, 36 miles of unimpeded upstream access to 180 acres of river herring spawning habitat will be restored.

This project will provide river herring access to spawning grounds, which have been blocked for centuries by dams. The subsequent increase in these forage fish should benefit recreational species such as striped bass and bluefish. The removal of the dam will also improve public safety by removing a flooding hazard.

Project Timeline:

Construction completed September 2022

Project Partners:

Town of Braintree
NOAA Restoration Center
Hollingsworth Pond LLC
MA EEA MVP Program
MA Div. of Ecological Restoration
MA Div. of Marine Fisheries
Fore River Watershed Association
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
MA EEA Dam & Seawall Repair or Removal Grant Program