In July, the Healey‑Driscoll Administration in Massachusetts announced over $1 million in grants to six regional restoration partnerships that help communities restore rivers and wetlands, reduce flooding, improve water quality, and strengthen climate resilience across the state. This includes over $225,000 to the Housatonic Valley Association-facilitated Berkshire Clean, Cold & Connected Partnership (BCCC). Through the Department of Fish & Game’s (DFG) Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) Partnerships Program, the funding supports partnerships that work directly with cities, towns, and local organizations to develop and advance locally led projects.
“Communities across Massachusetts are leading important restoration projects, and we’re proud to give them the tools and support they need to succeed,” says Governor Maura Healey. “These partnerships will help protect neighborhoods from flooding, restore wildlife habitat and create healthier rivers and wetlands across our state.”
About BCCC
Led by the Housatonic Valley Association, the Berkshire Clean, Cold & Connected Restoration Partnership helps advance critical river projects in Berkshire County’s Hoosic, Housatonic, and Farmington River watersheds. Core partners of the initiative include the Berkshire Environmental Action Team, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Farmington River Watershed Association, Hoosic River Watershed Association, The Nature Conservancy, and Trout Unlimited.
This award will expand regional capacity to deliver nature-based climate solutions, accelerate the removal of aquatic barriers, and restore connected cold-water habitat for native fish.
Recent BCCC Successes
In the Berkshires, the Konkapot River Restoration Project led by BCCC and Trout Unlimited used nature-based engineering to reconnect the river to its floodplain and improve cold‑water habitat. Using log jams and regrading techniques, the river was reconnected with its natural floodplain, slowing water flows during storm events and lowering flood risks by dispersing water into the adjacent wetlands. The result is a healthier stream corridor, protection from erosion, and enhanced habitat quality.
“The Konkapot River is one of the Berkshires’ great natural resources, and this investment will help ensure it remains healthy and resilient,” says Senator Park Mark (D-Peru). “Restoring natural river systems improves wildlife habitat, reduces flood risks, and strengthens our communities. I’m grateful to the Berkshire Clean, Cold & Connected Partnership, Trout Unlimited, and all of the partners whose dedication made this project possible.”
BCCC has more than 25 active projects across the three watersheds, and the 2025 Konkapot River Restoration Project in New Marlborough marked the partnership’s first major construction project. Read more about this project here.
Support for the Regional Restoration Partnerships Program
DER’s Regional Restoration Partnerships Program expands regional capacity by providing support, technical expertise, and project development assistance to nonprofit organizations and Regional Planning Agencies across the state. These regional partners help municipalities identify high‑priority restoration projects, secure funding, navigate permitting, and restore rivers, wetlands, and floodplains in ways that improve habitat for wildlife, protect clean water, and reduce flood risks. By investing in regional capacity, the program helps communities complete restoration projects, build long-term local capacity, and ensures every region of Massachusetts has the support needed to protect and restore its rivers, wetlands, and coastal systems.
“Healthy rivers and wetlands protect our communities from flooding, improve water quality, and make Massachusetts more resilient to climate change,” says Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These investments will help local partners restore critical natural resources while making communities safer and stronger for years to come.”
“Healthy rivers and wetlands are among our best defenses against climate change,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “These partnerships give communities the tools and expertise they need to restore these natural resources that protect people, infrastructure, and ecosystems across Massachusetts.”
Learn more about the six regional organizations that received funding for river and wetland restoration projects across Massachusetts here.
