The Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) has awarded HVA a grant of $12,554 to help improve flow management below dams that in turn will save fish habitat.

More than $1.5 million in MET grant money is generated annually by the sale of license plates across the state. By purchasing one of three special MET license plates, drivers help protect our water resources and environment -- and one-half of the two-year registration fee is tax-deductible! 

This grant provides crucial funds aimed at improving water releases at certain dams to restore the water flow and ecological health of rivers in our watershed. We are working with lake associations, conservation commissions and dam managers to assess and help improve dam management at 4 selected dams: 

• Ashmere Lake dam in Hinsdale

• Stockbridge Bowl dam in Stockbridge

• Pontoosuc Lake dam in Pittsfield, and

• Onota Lake dam in Pittsfield.

With flow observation data collected by our volunteers over the last year, and information from the state and USGS, we are comparing what the actual flow is below these dams to the desired flow levels at these sites that would sustain ecological health, and then balancing that with the desired lake levels above the dams. This pilot project has huge positive implications as the struggle to balance society's water uses with ecological needs intensifies across our region.

This project would not be possible without the MET license plate program and Massachusetts drivers who participate. MET funds support river and water protection programs like this, as well as endangered species programs, children and community education projects and programs that connect human health and the environment. 

So if you haven't already ordered your MET license plate, please do so today by going to

http://mass.gov/rmv or www.massenvironmentaltrust.org