Visit to The North River Restoration Project

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Join us on May 13th (time and location TBD) for an exciting opportunity to learn about the ecological restoration of the East Branch North River along the Dornbusch/Standish and Cromack parcels in Colrain, MA.

Completed in November 2020 following several design iterations and four-plus years of permitting review, this unique project uses nature-based design and flow deflection principles to enhance the instream and riparian habitat while protecting agricultural resources. The restoration included the stabilization of 1,150 linear feet of eroding stream banks, the establishment and/or enhancement of 2.1 acres of forested and herbaceous riparian buffer habitat, relocation of 325 linear feet of farm road away from the stream bank, removal of two failing tributary culverts, and restoration and stabilization of the lower reach of the tributary just above its confluence with the East Branch North River.

Hosted by the Franklin Land Trust, Trout Unlimited, Connecticut River Conservancy, and Nicolas Miller of Field Geology Services, this event is a unique opportunity to learn about this fascinating project and its impact on the local environment.

The restoration was undertaken as described in the East Branch North River Restoration Project, Dornbusch and Cromack Parcels, Colrain, Franklin County, Massachusetts plan set developed by Field Geology Services and approved by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection on August 4, 2020

This project was first identified in the Franklin Regional Council of Governments’ Fluvial Geomorphic Assessment project completed by Field Geology Services in 2015.  FRCOG secured competitive grant funding from the MassDEP’s 604b Water Quality Management Grant program for the work. 

The Deerfield River Watershed Association played a crucial administrative role in this project, serving as the money-holder and paperwork signer for the Cromack portion of the project, as well as helping with on-site inspections.