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WELCOME!
The Thames River basin is a management unit of the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers comprising of 6 multi-purpose flood
control dams. This basin lies principally in the eastern third of Connecticut with small sections extending into south-central Masachusetts and northwestern Rhode Island. It comprises an area of 1,474 square miles, with 1,162 in Connecticut, 251 in Massachusetts and 61 square miles in Rhode Island. The basin derives its name from the Thames River, a tidal estuary extending about 15 miles northward from Long Island Sound at New London, Connecticut to Norwich, Connecticut where it receives the freshwater discharge of its principal tributaries, the Yantic and Shetucket. The Quinebaug River, the largest tributary of the Shetucket, drains most of the eastern half of the basin. The headwaters of its principal tributary, The French River, arise about 5 miles west of Worcester, Massachusetts.
The watershed above Norwich is roughly oval in shape, with the basin having a maximum width of 38 miles and maximum length of 67 miles. The basin is bounded by the Connecticut River basin on the Northwest and west, The Blackstone River basin on the northeast, the Pawtuxet River Watershed of the Narragansett Bay drainage basin on the east, and the Pawcatuck River basin on the southeast. It narrows to a point as it bisects the eastern Connecticut coastal area at the seaport communities of New London and Groton.
The Blackstone River basin is managed from the office of the Thames River basin as well. The Blackstone River basin covers approximately 478 square miles. West Hill Dam is the only Corps facility in this basin and has a drainage area of about 27.5 square miles.
Conant Brook Dam is managed from the East Brimfield field office. It is part of the Lower Connecticut River Basin but is managed by the Thames River basin because of its close proximity.
The Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area is also managed by the Thames River basin office. It is a collection of 17 scattered wetlands located in the area of the upper and middle watershed of the Charles River. These wetlands cover a total of 12.6 square miles.
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers welcomes you to Buffumville Lake. For year-round outdoor recreation, visit Buffumville Lake and Park. The park has a 300-foot-long beach with an enclosed swimming area for your safety. Picnic tables and grills are located throughout the park, and two picnic shelters can be reserved along with a volleyball court and horseshoe.
From Interstate 395, take Exit 4B Oxford center. Continue straight for 3 miles to Buffumville Park. The Buffumville Lake office is on Old Oxford Road (Buffums Dam Road), 2 1/2 miles from the Interstate. From the Massachusetts Turnpike, take the Sturbridge exit and follow Route 20 to Charlton. Take a right
onto Route 31 and follow the signs to Buffumville Lake.
For more information, click here to visit the project's website.
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For year round outdoor recreation, visit Hodges Village Dam. US Army Corps of Engineers
Park Rangers are available to assist you during your visit. There are over 15 miles of trails available at Hodges Village Dam for many different activities.
Hodges Village Dam is located in Oxford, Massahcusetts, easily accessible from the Massachusetts Turnpike and Interstate 395. Take Exit 4B on I-395 to Oxford. Go through Oxford Center and continue straight for one-half mile to Howarth Road. Turn right. From the Massachusetts Turnpike, take the Sturbridge exit and follow Route 20 to Charlton. From here take a right on to Route 31 and follow the signs to Hodges Village Dam.
For more information,click
here to visit the project's website.
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West Thompson Dam is the last Corps dam on the Quinebaug River in the township of Thompson, Connecticut, about one quarter mile upstream from its confluence with the French River. West Thompson Dam has miles of hiking trails, a disc golf course, three picnic shelters, and a seasonal campground.
From I-395 to Exit 99. Take Rte. 200 East to Thompson Center, at the Red flashing light take a Right onto Rte. 193. At the next traffic light go straight across Rte. 12, cross the railroad tracks and go to the top of the hill, turn Right onto Reardon Rd. to go to the Park Office, Boat Launch, and Campground, or go straight to cross West Thompson Dam for the Overlook Shelter and Ramsdell Fields area.
For more information, click here to visit the project's website.
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Mansfield Hollow Lake Dam lies on the confluence of the Natchaug, Fenton, and Mt. Hope Rivers, in the township of Mansfield Center, Connecticut. Mansfield Hollow offers plenty of hiking trails with 2 of which being the paved dam tops on the South side of the dam with great elevated views of the surrounding area and the North side of the dam through fields and forests.
From I-395 take Exit 91 Route 6 west approximately 16 miles. Turn right onto Station Road, bear right onto Bates Road, bear left onto Bassetts Bridge Road, turn left onto Mansfield Hollow Road Extension, at stop sign go straight onto Mansfield Hollow Road, Continue to the Dam.
From Route 84 take U CONN exit onto Route 195. Go past U CONN, take a left onto Bassetts Bridge Road, turn right onto Mansfield Hollow Road Extension, at stop sign go straight onto Mansfield Hollow
Road, continue to the Dam.
For more information, click here to visit the project's website.
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There are many things you can do at East Brimfield Lake in every season. Spring
brings a renewed interest in fishing for trout stocked here by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and
Wildlife. Water is stored for a controlled release in April for canoe races on the Quinebaug River.
Take Interstate 90 to exit 9 and then Route 20 West or take Interstate 84 to exit 3 and then Route 20 West through Sturbridge, at 3 miles take a left onto Riverview Avenue. Follow signs to the office. Please drive carefully.
For more information,click here to visit the project's website.
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Westville Lake Recreation Area lies just outside downtown Southbridge, Massachusetts. The facility's easy access distinguishes Westville Lake as a popular outdoor recreation area. The developed park includes a three acre athletic field enjoyed by softball and soccer enthusiasts as well as the occasional kite flyer. Several picnic tables and grills are situated throughout the recreation area. Two large picnic shelters accommodate group gatherings and can be reserved for a fee. The picnic shelters have multiple tables, two large grills, electrical outlets, and a wonderful view of the lake and dam.
Westville Lake is located in Southbridge and Sturbridge, Massachusetts. From I-84 westbound take Exit 3B to Route 20 West, on to Route 131 East. Follow the signs to Recreation Area entrance.
From Connecticut and I-84 eastbound take Exit 1 to Mashapaug Road. Follow the signs to the Dam and Recreation Area.
For more information, click here to visit the project's website.
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There are many things you can do at Conant Brook Dam. Spring brings a renewed interest in fishing and for mountain biking. Conant Brook is part of the MBW Trail a trail that goes through the towns of Monson, Brimfield and Wales. During winter time cross country skiing and snowshoeing can be enjoyed by the family on the wide trails.
Conant Brook Dam is located in Monson, Massachusetts. Take State Route 32 to Wales Road in Monson, or take State Route 19 to Monson Road in Wales. Follow signs to the dam.
For more information, click here to visit the project's website.
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On a quiet back road and across an old fieldstone bridge lies West Hill Park where the West River widens to form a large, natural swimming hole, known locally as Harrington Pool. Tables and grills are available for picnicking in two areas of the park, one near a beach and one under a grove of pines. The park also offers two sandy beaches, a change house and modern rest rooms. Two picnic shelters on a wooded knoll, with electric are available to groups for a small fee. A sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits and accessible playground are nearby.
For more information, click here to visit the project's website.
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The lands and waters of the Charles River natural Valley Storage Area offer an important addition to public recreation in Eastern Massachusetts. The lands provide needed open space for passive recreation
activities such as bird watching, hiking, canoeing, fishing and cross-country skiing.
For more information, click here to visit the project's website.
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Thames River Basin
US Army Corps of Engineers
30 Howarth Rd
Oxford, Ma 01540
(508)987-0108
WEB PAGE POC: Jason Robinson
Last Updated: April 8th, 2009
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