Housatonic River Initiative

The Housatonic River drains about 500 mi2 of western Massachusetts. The basin contains a few wetlands and, compared to other basins to the west of the Connecticut River, a relatively large number of lakes and ponds. There are 113 lakes and ponds, 70 of which are larger than 10 acres. Only one lake, Onota Lake in Pittsfield (617 acres), is larger than 500 acres.

The main stem of the Housatonic River is formed by the confluence of the East Branch and West Branch Housatonic Rivers at Pittsfield. The main river flows generally southward through Massachusetts and eventually empties into Long Island Sound. In Massachusetts, the Housatonic River has a moderate gradient, averaging 16.5 ft/mi from its headwaters to the USGS streamflow-gaging station near Great Barrington, a distance of almost 50 river mi.

Outdoor Recreation Map

This statewide map shows you all the Wildlife Management Areas, State Parks, State Boat Launches and Wildlife Viewing Sites. Hard copies of the map are available for free at MassWildlife offices, State Parks and at the Public Access Board office. The map is in a pdf file.

More data from the EPA:

Assessment Data for Housatonic Watershed, Year 2002

GE/Housatonic River Site in New England

• GE/Housatonic River Site E.P.A. homepage
• local E.P.A. Meetings and Events

real-time stream discharge data

Obtain real-time stream discharge data (updated every 4 hrs.) for the Housatonic River (links open new browser window):

• Pittsfield at Coltsville
• 2 mi. north of Gt. Barrington

Outdoor Recreation Map

This statewide map (map is in a pdf file) shows you all the Wildlife Management Areas, State Parks, State Boat Launches and Wildlife Viewing Sites. Hard copies of the map are available for free at MassWildlife offices, State Parks and at the Public Access Board office.

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