This project will remove the Ipswich Mills Dam, restoring and improving fish passage fish passage
Fish passage is the ability of fish or other aquatic species to move freely throughout their life to find food, reproduce, and complete their natural migration cycles. Millions of barriers to fish passage across the country are fragmenting habitat and leading to species declines. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Fish Passage Program is working to reconnect watersheds to benefit both wildlife and people.
Learn more about fish passage and habitat connectivity to approximately 186 miles of upstream mainstem river and tributary habitat, plus 343 acres of spawning habitat. In addition to improved fish passage/habitat, the project will also result in improved water quality, flood reduction, liability removal, and recreational improvements. Elements of the project include dam removal, stabilization and in-stream adjustments, as well as structural mitigation for key infrastructure expected to be impacted by the dam removal. This project will complete three on-going upstream fish passage projects by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and removal of this final head of tide dam will open almost the entire Ipswich watershed.
Project Quick Facts:
| Location | Massachusetts |
| NFPP Project Funding | $1,230,000 |
| Restoration Techniques | Dam Removal |
| Partner Project Lead | Ipswich River Watershed Association |
The National Fish Passage Program: Leaders in Building Bridges and Fostering Connections
The National Fish Passage Program is a national leader connecting watersheds and people. The program has decades of experience implementing infrastructure projects with partners. Fish passage project proposals can be initiated by any individual, organization, government, or agency. However, proposals must be submitted and completed in cooperation with a Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office. (Please note that fish passage projects being used for federal or state compensatory mitigation or required by existing federal or state regulatory programs are not eligible for funding through the National Fish Passage Program.)
CONTACT A FISH PASSAGE COORDINATOR IN YOUR AREA TO GET STARTED.
200 Million Dollar Investment in Rivers, Wildlife, and Communities
Clean free-flowing waterways are vital to wildlife, people, and ecosystems. But across the country, millions of barriers fragment rivers, block fish migration, and put communities at higher risk to flooding. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) is a once-in-a-generation investment in the nation’s infrastructure and economic competitiveness. We were directly appropriated $455 million over five years in BIL funds for programs related to the President’s America the Beautiful initiative.
Learn more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law , signed in November 2021, included $200 million for restoring fish and wildlife passage by removing in-stream barriers and providing technical assistance under the National Fish Passage Program.
