Author: Karen Porter

• We are excited to offer the River Stewardship Grant program to assist watershed communities in addressing woody obstructions in our rivers. Large fallen trees and branches prevent recreational access, hinder fish passage and can lead to additional flooding concerns. The grant funding supports towns who are looking to improve river access.
• Our first recipient, the Town of East Bridgewater, was awarded $4,500 to address obstructions on the Satucket River.
• To discuss a project idea, email our Coordinator Gloria Bancroft (link: director@savethetaunton.org)

The Council is pleased to award the following recipients with a Community Grant award in support of their projects to enhance the Taunton River’s outstanding natural resources.

• $9,500, Town of Middleborough to survey invasive aquatic vegetation in the Tispaquin Pond
• $5,000, Town of Easton to survey invasive aquatic vegetation in New Pond, Old Pond, Ames Long Pond and Longwater (Easton pond)
• $25,000, Division of Marine Fisheries & Town of Halifax to evaluate two Stump Brook culverts for improved fish passage
• $11,891, Bridgewater State University to repeat a surface water resource study at the Assawompsett/Long Pond Complex which was last conducted in 2004
• $10,065, Mass Audubon to conduct two Waterways Outreach and Education programs for Taunton youth
• $3,310, Walker-Blake Graveyard Restoration Project for much needed cemetery conservation work to preserve Taunton’s unique history

• Community Grants are available up to $25,000/year. To discuss a project idea, email our Coordinator Gloria Bancroft (link: director@savethetaunton.org)

The Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded $1.25 Million to the town of Middleborough and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) for the Fort Hill Conservation Project. This project will protect 278 acres that extend protection to 2.25 miles of the Taunton River in Middleborough. In addition to conserving important agricultural lands, mitigating future flood impacts, and creating new opportunities for recreation, these lands are of important archaeological and cultural significance. 

https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-awards-75-million-for-landscape-conservation-projects

We currently have one Council Member openings in the community of Fall River. We welcome interested parties to contact Gloria Bancroft at director@savethetaunton.org.

The NRTB, in partnership with the Town of Bridgewater, the MA Dept. of Corrections, the Taunton River Stewardship Council, and others, was awarded a National Park Foundation grant to construct a 1.8-mile, natural surface pedestrian trail along the banks of the Wild and Scenic Taunton River and other land. The trail will provide public access to this portion of the Taunton River and all its benefits; additional public access is envisioned in the near future. NPF Grants Over $1 Million to National Rivers and Trails (nationalparks.org)

Bridgewater’s High Street Dam, which stood across the Town River for more than 100 years, has been removed. The removal of the 12.5-foot-high, 80-foot-wide hazardous dam opens 10 miles of river to migratory fish. Further upstream, the upcoming replacement of the High Street Bridge will reduce flooding by better accommodating peak river flows and is designed to withstand a 500-year storm and climate change projections through 2070. 

 https://www.fws.gov/story/2023-07/high-street-dam-removal