Since 2001, Plymouth Department of Energy and Environment has worked to restore and promote fish passage and migration throughout Town Brook. Here are just a few of the many projects completed on this waterway over this 24-year period.

Brewster Gardens Restoration- 2004 & 2015

In 2004, this project consisted of lowering the weir, cutting a V- notch, constructing gravel bar, riffle and riparian wetland. In 2015, the obstruction beneath the Water Street bridge was removed and replaced with a rock ramp that allows for fish passage across all tides. This work was crucial in permitting park improvements in the future as it provided important data for fish passage.

Plymco Dam removal/restoration- 2015

The Plymco Dam and associated mill building was removed in 2015, drastically improving habitat conditions for fisheries and wildlife species found throughout the Town Brook system. The removal included the construction of a new bridge for access to nearby homes, relocation of utilities, and an overall site cleanup resulting from the previous mill history at the site.  

Holmes Dam Removal & Restoration- 2019

This high hazard dam removal would consist of implementing a rock ramp, riffles, and pools in order to enhance fish passage and migration to Billington. Significant park and trail improvement will also be completed as part of this project, including walking trails, basketball court, sitting areas, and a skatepark. Click here to see more photos of the Holmes Dam Removal Project.

For a more in-depth look at the restoration of Town Brook, visit NOAA’s Town Brook Story Map “Swimming Upstream”!

For a deep dive into river herring and complete list of all the projects, big and small, the Department has taken to help diadromous fish on Town Brook, visit the Department’s Town Brook Page!