Completed in June of 2025, the long awaited Monatiquot River Restoration Project has provided Braintree residents a new boardwalk to appreciate the wildlife, a clear route for the river herring to commute through, and an overall enhancement of aquatic health.
Originally pitched by Braintree Town Officials and project planners via Zoom meeting on November 9th, 2020, the meeting outlined the project’s objectives and developments. Major river developments have been taken since then, such as the Ames Pond Dam and Armstrong Dam Removal, the return of the river herring, and the addition of a multiuse trail available to the public.
With financial aid from wildlife organizations like the NOAA Fisheries, the project was successfully put into motion in 2023. Under bipartisan infrastructure law, the NOAA Fisheries contributed $2 million dollars to the restoration project, effectively funding the restoration of 36 miles of aquatic habitat.
In order to open up the river and the migration route for the river herring, the project began with the demolition of the Armstrong Dam. This opened up the Monatiquot River to other waterways like the Fore River, and for the first time in 200 years, the river herring could finally migrate via the Monatiquot River.
Post demolition, construction crews removed 6,800 cubic yards of contaminated sediment, raising the river’s oxygen levels. With this, the river’s vitality has drastically increased.
This is incredible news, not only because this called for the return of the river herring, but the increased biodiversity within the river and its waterways itself.
When the project was finally finished in May of 2025, project officials explained that even though the restoration of the river heavily relied on the major renovations and developments like the dam demolition, the addition of a recreational boardwalk only promotes the effectiveness of the project.
Braintree Town Officials hope that the new boardwalk will attract more foot traffic and attention to the importance in maintaining and cleansing the environment in order to protect the wildlife and ecosystem within our communities. Officials often accredit the boardwalk’s presence to the growing recognition of the Monatiquot River and characterize it as an essential physical reminder of the ecosystems established in Braintree.
“A key step in restoring natural flow, reconnecting ecosystems, and improving public access.”
After taking an afterschool stroll there herself, senior Alia Omar commended the efforts of Braintree Town Officials.
“I checked it out after school when the weather was nice with a couple of friends. I was really impressed with the construction of the boardwalk. The trail treks along the river and it goes further back than expected, giving a full view of the river and the bridge, which was really a sight to see. I look forward to coming back in the spring. Who knows? Maybe I’ll see the river herring.”
Others like Alia can only wait in anticipation of the upcoming 2026 spring to see the river flourish, but until then, it’s safe to say the restoration project was an outstanding success for the river’s vitality and the business of local New England Fisheries.
