CONCORD, Mass. – Controlled releases of water will be made by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, from East Brimfield Dam in Sturbridge, Mass., on April 27, 2014 to provide adequate river flows for recreational canoeing, kayaking and rafting, according to Corps of Engineers officials.

The Corps of Engineers will provide water release flows from East Brimfield Dam of approximately 350 cubic feet per second (cfs) starting on Sunday, April 27 about 5 a.m. and continuing until about 3 p.m., according to Project Manager Keith Beecher of East Brimfield Dam in Sturbridge, Mass.

Depending on the weather, the Corps anticipates approximately 150 participants in about 120 crafts taking advantage of the water releases for recreational purposes. The water release supports the annual Sturbridge Lions All American River Race.  

East Brimfield Lake Dam on the Quinebaug River in Sturbridge was constructed at a cost of $7.1 million.  The 520-foot-long, 55-foot-high dam can impound a 29,900-acre-foot reservoir, which is equivalent to 9.7 billion gallons of water. Since it was placed in operation in 1960, it has prevented flood damages of $129.6 million ($223.2 million adjusted for inflation).

The reservoir area offers recreational opportunities, including swimming, picnicking, fishing, hunting, canoeing, boating, and nature study, and attracts more than 124,000 visitors annually.

The water releases that support these recreational activities are subject to an adequate volume of water being available for release and could be cancelled during low flow or high flow events, or storm events.  

For details on East Brimfield Lake contact the Park Ranger staff at 508-347-3705 or visit the website at:

http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/EastBrimfieldLake.aspx