Mashpee River

Mashpee, MA

The Mashpee River Restoration Project aims to revitalize the river’s ecosystem by enhancing fish habitat and migration corridors. This collaborative effort with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe will not only restore critical habitats but also empower the Tribe to lead future conservation initiatives. The project area spans from the river’s headwaters at Mashpee-Wakeby Pond to the area south of Route 28.

The project will focus on three key areas. The upper section will see improvements to fish passage at the pond outlet, Route 130 crossing, and fish ladder. The middle section, extending from Collins Lane to Great Neck Road North, will involve restoring the cranberry bog near Washburn Pond and enhancing fish passage. In the lower section, a comprehensive hydrological assessment, including the Ashers Path and Route 28 crossings, will be conducted to identify and prioritize restoration needs.

By involving both Tribal and non-Tribal communities in planning and visioning, the project ensures a holistic approach that respects cultural heritage and ecological integrity. Tribal staff will play a crucial role in project management and monitoring, fostering long-term stewardship of the river.

Additional Resources

Project Funding

This project received funding from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the town of Mashpee, and private foundation funding secured by APCC. Most recently, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod secured Federal funds under award NA25NMFX463C0020-T1-01 from the NOAA Restoration Center, U.S. Department of Commerce.

Partners

Association to Preserve Cape Cod
Cape Cod Conservation District
Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Partnership
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe
NOAA Restoration Center
Tighe & Bond
The Trustees of Reservations
Town of Mashpee
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve