For Immediate Release: February 22, 2010
Contact: Terri Edwards, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 413-253-8324 or 413-244-4235 (mobile); [email protected]
Stuart Beckley, City of Easthampton; 413-529-1406; [email protected]
FFS #R5EA
Easthampton, Mass. – The City of Easthampton has received $750,000 under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to provide fish passage at the Manhan River Dam. A new fish ladder at the site will allow blueback herring, American shad, sea lamprey and Atlantic salmon to reach and inhabit historical upstream spawning and nursery areas in the main stem and north branches of the Manhan River and its tributaries. The project will provide migratory fish access to approximately 11 river miles on both branches of the river.
Through a cooperative agreement with the Service, the City of Easthampton will oversee the construction of a denil-style fish ladder at the dam. The ladder will run up the left side of the dam and extend about 150 feet downstream serving as a ramp for migrating fish to move up and over the impediment. The fish will navigate two turns while swimming upstream to reach their destination. There will also be passage for the fish to swim back downstream.
Information, photos and a video about this project can be found on Recovery.gov at the New England Ecological Services Field Office Recovery Act project page.
According to Easthampton Mayor Michael A. Tautznik, “The fish ladder is an important habitat access project that will return important fish species to a significant portion of the Manhan River. It will be both an attraction in the community and an ecological improvement to the river.”
“With it a decade in the making, I can’t tell you how pleased I am that Recovery Act funds will allow this project to move forward this summer,” Congressman Olver (1st District) said. “This fish passage will boost propagation and the river’s ecosystem. Access to eleven more miles of spawning and nursery habitat will make big a difference.”
The fish passage project has been in the planning stages for more than 10 years, but has remained unfunded until now. The project will benefit the ecology of the Manhan River and complement ongoing interagency efforts to restore migratory fish to the Connecticut River watershed. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed in 2009 gave $3 billion to the Department of the Interior. Of that amount, $280 million in funding goes to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service nationally. The Service will invest approximately $3.1 million of these funds in six projects throughout Massachusetts. More information on these projects can be found on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Act Projects in Massachusetts page.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.