Barre Falls Dam in Barre, Massachusetts is located along the Ware River in the Lower Connecticut River Basin. The operation of Barre Falls Dam helps to reduce flooding along the Ware, Chicopee, and Connecticut rivers. The project was authorized by Congress in 1941 to reduce flood damage from storms like those that devastated New England in 1936 and 1938. Construction of the project began in May 1956 and was completed in July 1958 at a cost of $2 million. A portion of Route 62 was relocated to accommodate the project. The project has prevented $53.2 million in flood damages since it was built (as of September 2011). The project offers recreational opportunities compatible with the primary function of flood risk management.
While the main purpose of Barre Falls Dam is to provide flood risk management to the Lower Connecticut River Basin, over the years the project has become popular for recreation. Nestled within the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (MDCR) 22,000-acre scenic Ware River Watershed, the area offers many recreational opportunities such as canoeing, picnicking, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseshoes, sightseeing, mountain bike riding, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, 18-hole disc-golf course, volleyball and wildlife observation. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Picnicking is also a very popular activity at Barre Falls Dam.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the natural resources at Barre Falls Dam for multiple uses: flood risk management, wildlife habitat, forest production, watershed protection, and outdoor recreation. The outdoor sports enthusiast can hunt and fish according to state laws. All project lands and waters are under the jurisdiction of CFR Title 36 regulations, state, and local laws.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is updating the Barre Falls Dam Master Plan. The Master Plan is the strategic land use management document that guides the comprehensive management and development of all project resources throughout the life of a USACE project. The Master Plan guides efficient and cost-effective management, development, and use of project lands. It is a vital tool for the responsible stewardship and sustainability of project resources for the benefit of present and future generations. The Master Plan guides and articulates USACE responsibilities, pursuant to federal laws to preserve, conserve, restore, maintain, manage, and develop project lands and waters and associated resources. The intent of an updated Master Plan is to present a current inventory and assessment of resources, provide an analysis of resource use, and evaluate existing and future needs required to protect and improve the value of resources at a project.
The current Barre Falls Dam Master Plan, last approved in 1979, needs revision to address changes in regional land use, population, outdoor recreation trends, and the USACE management policy. Key topics to be discussed in the revised Master Plan include revised land use classifications, new natural and recreational resource management objectives, recreation facility needs, and special issues such as invasive species management and threatened and endangered species habitat. The Master Plan revision WILL NOT address the technical and operational aspects of the project related to flood risk management or the water conservation missions of the project. During the process, the team will collect data, conduct analysis, prepare a draft report (which will become available for public and agency comments), and ultimately finalize and adopt the new Master Plan.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is notifying the public and inviting a public comment period from February 27, through March 30, 2026, to share details on the draft revision process of the Barre Falls Master Plan, which is from 1979. Public comments must be in writing and submitted via email, mail, or in person to the project office.