Friday, June 26, 2026
TARR IN THE NEWS | 6.17.26
'Local, state officials celebrate Larkin Dam's removal'
By Dave Rogers | Daily News of Newburyport
EXCERPT BELOW:
"'The celebration Thursday brought together project partners, including the town, the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, the Ipswich River Watershed Association, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Officials cut a ceremonial ribbon and provided guided walks to view the newly restored river channel.
The project reflects years of planning, engineering and partnership among local, state, federal and nonprofit organizations. In addition to removing the dam, they have planted thousands of native shrubs and trees to stabilize riverbanks, improve habitat and support long-term ecological recovery.
With the dam removed, and the section of the river flowing freely for the first time in more than a century, the Parker River is already showing signs of recovery. Native vegetation is taking hold, sediment is moving naturally through the system, and fish are returning to upstream habitat, according to state officials.
“Dam removal is a powerful tool for river and habitat stewardship, and the elimination of the Larkin Dam is a prime example of the effective use of that tool,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester.
“The removal project enhanced fish habitat, increased spawning potential, improved public safety and will support flood control. All of these benefits are important, and all have been secured with the action taken to dismantle the dam.”"
Read the full article ⬇
🔗 https://www.gloucestertimes.com/news/north_of_boston/local-state-officials-celebrate-larkin-dams-removal/article_0fdec2f4-d866-5f04-ac24-3e925f1fe567.html
#TarrInTheNews #NDN #NewburyMA #LarkinDam #StateSenatorBruceTarr
