Two Videos Tell The Story Of The Pawcatuck River

In this video series, US Fish and Wildlife Service tells the story of the Pawcatuck River from formation to restoration. The Pawcatuck River forms the entire northern border of Charlestown. The river, with its abundant wildlife and clean water, has been a bountiful resource for generations of people. But dams, pollution, and overfishing pushed fish populations dangerously low, creating a ripple effect that weakened the entire ecosystem. Fish passage projects supported by the Service and other conservation partners have now begun to restore that ecosystem by repairing fish ladders and removing dams, returning much of the river to a natural flow and improving the safety of the watershed for all.

Part One | A vibrant ecosystem that has supported human settlements for thousands of years, the Pawcatuck River comes under threat from dams and pollution. As the Industrial Revolution ramps up, migratory fish find it harder and harder to pass dams and other obstructions, leading to declining wildlife throughout the watershed.

Part Two | After a long downward spiral, fish passage projects on the Pawcatuck begin to revive the ailing ecosystem. In just a few years, dam removals on the river lead to vastly improved runs of essential species like alewife, blueback herring, and shad, providing hope for the recovery of the ecosystem.

Update: Since these videos were made in 2017, the removal of the Bradford Dam has been completed.