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| Fish Passage in the Taunton River Watershed The Taunton River, now designated as a U.S. Wild and Scenic River along the main stem from Bridgewater to Fall River, provides critical habitat for 29 species of native fish, including native brook trout and the very rare Atlantic sturgeon, and includes the state's largest alewife run, on the Nemasket River. With so much at risk, allowing safe passage for fish to our smaller streams and the dozens of lakes and ponds where fish spawn is a priority in the watershed. TRWA is involved in a number of actions to promote removal of dams and culverts, the provision of new or improved fish ladders, responsible watershed management, and continuing improvements to water quality – all necessary for the survival of our native species. With our colleagues in the Watershed Action Alliance of Southeastern Massachusetts, we speak out in favor of fish passage in a number of venues. TRWA can bring the Watershed Action Alliance “Safe Passage” slide program to your community or organization. Please call (508) 828-1101 to schedule a showing. Below are some of our education materials on fish passage and dam removal issues: Restoring anadromous and catadromous fish runs How local dams threaten public health and safety, migratory fish and the vitality of our waterways What you can do to help remove obsolete dams and restore anadromous fish passage The Mill River, a major tributary of the Taunton, is currently the subject of a study to open miles of river for fish passage. You can find the Mill River Feasibility Study documents online at SRPEDD. The Executive Summary is a good place to start; it gives background on the project and the results, as well as some photo simulations. |