Fells Reservoir (above) is an MWRA emergency reservoir located in the Middlesex Fells Reservation in Stoneham, MA. It is accessible by a gated gravel fire road off Woodland Road, Stoneham and by several local trails. It is a highly visited area by the public.
In 2023, large infestation of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) -- referred to herein as Phragmites – had colonized several areas on the upstream reservoir shoreline, particularly on the dams impounding the reservoir (Figure 1). This presented a concern not only for the invasive nature of the plant but also for regulatory dam safety inspections; the plant had spread and obscured clear view of dam conditions on the upstream slope and riprap armoring.
In 2024, a large-scale removal of the Phragmites was undertaken, with the application of tarps across numerous shoreline areas to solarize and smother the areas to prevent return of the plants (Figure 2.). This proved successful in that very few plants were found to return.
In 2025, a pilot project was undertaken to remove selected tarp areas and revegetate with native dogwood and willow live stakes and wetlands seeding to recover the area (Figure 3). After one growing season, this proved successful in close to 100% growth response as well as lack of Phragmites returning to the area, thus warranting a full revegetation effort.
Beginning in early June 2026, MWRA’s contractor, Davey Resource Group, will deploy to the reservoir and remove all the black tarps. They will follow this with revegetation by live stakes of native dogwood and willow, as well as wetland seed mix across all of the control zones. Updated signs will be posted around the reservoir.