Class III Westfield River, MA

From its origins in the Berkshire Hills in western Massachusetts, the Westfield River links together historic villages, prime farmland, pristine wilderness areas, and waterfalls and gorges of remarkable quality. The river features native trout fishing, rugged mountain scenery and a historical mill town settlement. The Westfield River provides over 50 miles of the Northeast's finest whitewater canoeing and kayaking. The river corridor also contains one of the largest roadless wilderness areas remaining in the state and is home to several endangered species. The Westfield is a state and locally managed river. Through the locally initiated designation, community members, municipal officials, conservation organizations, and federal and state agencies have come together to manage and protect this national treasure. Members of the Westfield River Wild & Scenic Advisory Committee lend their eyes, ears and voices for the river. Serving as liaisons to their respective communities and organizations, committee members raise awareness about the Westfield River and its resources and advocate for their preservation and protection. The Westfield River designation stretches over 78 miles along the river's main stem and its East, Middle and West Branches. The corridor width is 200 feet wide from mean high water, corresponding to the width of the Massachusetts River Protection Act. (www.rivers.gov) rivers.gov