Anglers who fish Wachusett Reservoir will have something new to get excited about, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is in the process of removing the dam on the Quinapoxet River in West Boylston. The Quinapoxet is one of the two main tributaries of Mass’s second largest reservoir (the other being the Stillwater River) and the removal of this dam will provide many angling benefits.
The earthen embankment dam, which is 250 feet long and 18 feet high, with a concrete and stone spillway spanning the river, was constructed in 1905 to support the creation of the Wachusett Reservoir. It has outlived its usefulness due to significant upgrades the MWRA has made to its water monitoring, treatment, and transfer systems.
Anglers will appreciate this project because it will provide upstream fish access to the Wachusett Reservoir where existing populations of brook trout and landlocked salmon are considered to be genetically isolated as the dam restricts vital migratory patterns. Most notably, the dam removal will open up miles of spawning habitat for both the brook trout and the landlocked salmon. Additionally, an ADA compliant path and platform will also be constructed on the riverbank and interpretive signage will be installed.
Other associated benefits include:
- Restoring natural riverine hydrologic processes;
- Restoring bordering vegetated wetlands and riverine habitat;
- Enabling 35 miles of river accessible to fish;
- Eliminating safety concerns related to the deteriorating dam; and,
- Enhancing public access to a popular fishing and recreation area.
The project is supported by both the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Department of Fish & Game (DFG), including the Division of Ecological Restoration (DER), who have provided technical expertise and financial assistance to enable the project planning and site preparation.
The major construction components of the project have a time-of-year requirement for in-channel work from November 2024 through April 2025 so as not to interfere with seasonal Quabbin Aqueduct transfers to Wachusett Reservoir to enhance Wachusett Reservoir water quality. As of early December, most of the dam was already removed. Project crews will now focus on other river site components, such as habitat restoration work. Total project completion is anticipated for either summer or fall 2025, with post-construction monitoring to continue for two years.
