Monatiquot River Restoration Project

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Town of Braintree is proud to be a part of the Monatiquot River Restoration Project, a historical ecological restoration project which marks the first time in over 200 years that River Herring are able to pass through Braintree.

The project restored in-stream habitat, enabled fish and wildlife passage from the Fore River estuary to the Great Pond Reservoir, reduced flood risks, and will soon enhance public river access and recreation by creation of a patch of open space in an urban part of Braintree.

The project involved the following:

• Removal of the Armstrong Dam;
• Management of the contaminated sediment within Hollingsworth Pond;
• Reconstruction of the Monatiquot River channel upstream on the Armstrong Dam;
• Removal of the Ames Pond Dam and completion of associated channel modifications for fish passage;
• Construction of a fishway bypass channel to facilitate fish passage around the Rock Falls downstream of Ames Pond Dam;
• Construction of a multiuse trail and boardwalk along the west side of the Monatiquot River.

The project resulted in significant improvement in riparian habitat and fish passage. Rock Fall is located downstream of the former Ames Pond Dam and upstream of the MBTA railroad bridge. This area consists of a vertical drop of 4 feet over approximately 10-ft of ledge. The installation of the fish bypass channel allowed migratory fish to overcome this barrier. The removal of the 2 dams also alleviated a barrier for fish passage.

What is a fish ladder or a fish bypass channel?

A fish ladder (also called a fishway or fish pass) is a structure built to help fish navigate around obstacles like dams, weirs, or waterfalls while migrating upstream to spawn. It typically consists of a series of small steps or pools that fish can jump or swim through, gradually making their way up past the barrier.

PROJECT SITE

🔹   Former Armstrong Cork Factory – Demolished.
🛠️  Armstrong Dam – Removed, improving fish passage.
💧    Ames Pond Dam – Removed, restoring natural river flow.
🐟  Rock Falls – Fish ladder installed to aid migratory species.
🌿  Hollingsworth Pond – Drained after Armstrong Dam removal, restoring the river to a natural channel similar to downstream sections.

Site features prior to construction

First "bites" out of the Armstrong Dam, August 29, 2023

PROJECT BENEFITS

🌊 Fisheries Restoration: Improved access for migratory fish, such as river herring, which support New England’s fisheries.
💧 Water Quality: Cooler, free-flowing water with higher oxygen levels benefits aquatic life.
🌿 Climate Resilience: Dam removal reduces the risk of failure during severe storms.
🚶 Public Access: A new pedestrian walkway and viewing platform will connect Plain Street to Rock Falls, enhancing recreational opportunities.

Restored Channel of the Monatiquot River through the Project Site

Picture of fish bypass and viewing platform, Photo credit: Ray MacDonald 

PROJECT PARTNERS

✅ Massachusetts Fish and Game – Division of Ecological Restoration & Division of Marine Fisheries
✅ Town of Braintree/Community Preservation Committee 
✅ Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs – Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program & Dam and Seawall Grant Program
✅ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
✅ National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
✅ Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership 
✅ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – National Fish Passage Program 
✅ FX Messina/Hollingsworth Pond, LLC – Property owner

CURRENT STATUS

Following years of feasibility studies, design, permitting, and collaboration, construction began in summer 2023. For the first time in approximately 200 years, river herring will reach the Great Pond Reservoir, marking a significant ecological achievement.

The pedestrian walkway and viewing platform are under construction. The project will be completed June, 2025.

Virtual Tour of Access Points on the Monatiquot River   Come along on a virtual tour of existing and planned access points along Braintree's Monatiquot River.