Taking a Watershed-Approach to Aging Dams and Competing Priorities at Merrill Ponds

Date: Thursday, November 20th, 2025
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm EDT
Online Webinar
Register HERE.

Webinar Description:

Learn how Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) accomplished the first dam removals in modern Blackstone Watershed history. Out of the six deteriorating and interdependent dams, four were removed and others rehabilitated in a balance to improve public safety, aquatic connectivity, community recreation, and preservation of a rare plant species. Speakers will explore the history, decision making process, and lessons learned around this project – including design and public engagement considerations. Speakers include Tighe & Bond, MassWildlife, and the Town of Sutton, in partnership with the Blackstone Watershed Collaborative.

Presenters:

Dan Buttrick P.E., Tighe & Bond
Dan Hammerberg, Tighe and Bond
Steven Mattocks, MassWildlife
Bill Wence, Chair, Sutton Conservation Commission
Stefanie Covino, Executive Director, Blackstone Watershed Collaborative