Littleville Lake, with its dam located in Huntington and Chester, Massachusetts, is a cornerstone of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) comprehensive plan for the Connecticut River Valley. Constructed between 1962 and 1965, its creation was driven by the dual needs for reliable flood control and a secure water supply. The dam was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1958, a legislative response to the catastrophic floods of 1955 that caused widespread devastation in downstream communities like Westfield and West Springfield. 

Littleville Lake works in concert with Knightville Dam to manage the flow of the Westfield River. Unlike its "dry" counterpart, Littleville is a permanent lake, designed to store water for both flood mitigation and as a crucial backup water source for the City of Springfield. This dual-purpose design makes it a unique and vital asset to the region, providing a defense against floods while ensuring water security for thousands of residents. Since it began operations, Littleville Dam has prevented approximately 150 million dollars of flood damage. 

The construction of the Littleville Dam project, like Knightville before it, required significant changes to the local topography. Land in the towns of Huntington and Chester was acquired and cleared to create the reservoir basin. This transformation, while impacting the immediate area, was deemed essential for the long-term protection and stability of the broader region. The project represents a major investment in infrastructure designed to safeguard communities from the recurring threat of river flooding. 

Littleville Dam rises 164 feet from the streambed and has a length of 1,360 feet. The total cost of the project was $7.6 million. The lake it forms can hold up to 21,200 acre-feet of water, which is equivalent to 7.2 billion gallons, with a surface area of 365 acres at its normal summer level, and a depth of 90 feet at the lake’s deepest point. The dam controls runoff from a drainage area covering 50 square miles, allowing for precise management of the river's flow. 

Beyond its essential functions of flood control and water supply, Littleville Lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. USACE manages the surrounding lands to provide a variety of recreational opportunities in a natural setting. 

• Water-Based Activities: The lake is a favorite for anglers, with MassWildlife stocking it annually with trout. Boating is also popular, with a public boat ramp providing access for non-gasoline powered craft to preserve water quality. 

• Trails and Scenery: The area is part of the Western Massachusetts Scenic Byways program, celebrated for its picturesque landscapes. Hiking trails, including those highlighted by groups like the Western Mass Hilltown Hikers, wind through the surrounding forests, offering scenic views of the lake and dam. 

• Wildlife and Environment: The undeveloped lands around the lake provide a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife. The clean, clear waters of the reservoir are a testament to the ongoing efforts to protect the environmental quality of the Westfield River watershed. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues its stewardship of Littleville Lake, diligently balancing the critical needs of flood risk management and water supply with the preservation of the area's natural beauty and recreational value for the public. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is updating the Littleville Lake 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 Littleville Lake Master Plan, last approved in 1976, 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 lake 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 (USACE) will host virtual public scoping from February 25 through March 27, 2026 to share details on a draft revision process of the Littleville Lake Master Plan, which is dated 1966.  Public comments will be received during this time.