Project Description
The Moosup River currently supports one of the most important cold water fisheries within the Quinebaug River and the larger Thames River Basin as well as the State of Connecticut.The Moosup River originates in Rhode Island and flows south and then west through the Connecticut towns of Sterling and Plainfield where it meets the Quinebaug River. The 16 mile Moosup River is one of five main tributaries to the Quinebaug River which joins the Shetucket River and eventually drains into Long Island Sound. The riparian corridor and the larger watershed of the Moosup River remain relatively intact with some notable exceptions around the few town centers.
The proposed project is designed to remove the first barrier (Moosup River Pipe) to fish and aquatic organism along the Moosup River just upstream from its confluence with the Quinebaug River. The barrier is a partially embedded cast iron pipe that was used as a water main around the turn of the last century. The removal of this barrier will add approximately 5,000 ft of reconnected riverine habitat on the Moosup River and more than 4 miles of habitat on two important tributaries: Angell Brook (1.62 miles) and Apple Tree Brook (2.43 miles). We also propose to restore and stabilize the riparian corridor with native shrub and tree species both within and immediately upstream from the pipe removal project site. In addition to habitat improvement, free flowing river conditions, and greater access for fish, this project may catalyze further dam removal efforts along the Moosup River. The project also has the opportunity to enhance the overall ecological integrity and viability of the Quinebaug River.
DOI Project Representatives
Fish and Wildlife Service