Housatonic River Natural Resource Restoration
            --Implementation--

USFWS

Mass EOEEA
 

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Rare Species Recovery on the Housatonic River

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) has completed a two-year study of state-listed species and priority natural communities within the Housatonic River Watershed. The results of this work are described in the document "Rare Species and Natural Community Surveys in the Housatonic River Watershed of Western Massachusetts".  The field studies described in this document, combined with existing natural resource data, formed the basis for development of a biodiversity conservation plan that identifies priorities and recommendations for habitat protection in the Housatonic River Watershed.  The biodiversity conservation plan consists of individual reports for each of the 19 towns located in the critical supporting watershed. 

Housatonic River Walk
The Great Barrington Land Conservancy led efforts to enhance biodiversity by improving degraded riparian conditions while increasing public access and awareness through an improved trailway along the Housatonic River as a part of its Housatonic River Walk project. The restoration of the riparian buffer contributes to improvements in groundwater quality and surface water quality, wildlife habitat enhancement, and improvement of the aesthetic value of the river environment.

Housatonic Environmental Literacy Program
Led by the Massachusetts Audubon Society (Mass Audubon) and Housatonic Valley Association (HVA), the Housatonic Environmental Literacy Program (HELP) offers a multi-tiered educational program to the people of the Housatonic River watershed by providing educational programs at the elementary, middle and high school levels, and by offering free public canoeing programs. Additionally, HELP has developed a Housatonic River Curriculum that is available to educators in the watershed in both a printed form as well as online.

Old Mill Trail

The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) led efforts to create the Old Mill Trail  which extends along approximately 1½ miles of scenic and historic riverfront along the East Branch of the Housatonic River. The project involved construction of a 65-foot pedestrian bridge to span the river, a 16-foot pedestrian bridge to cross an intermittent stream, and elevated boardwalks over sensitive wetlands. Educational kiosks have been installed on both sections of the trail thereby contributing to improved resource stewardship through a more informed citizenry

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