CT River Cribbing Removal Support.pdf
January 22, 2019
Northampton Historical Commission
210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
RE: Connecticut River at Shepherd’s Island: Northampton, MA. MHX #RC.52601
Dear Northampton Historical Commission
We are exploring a partial demolition of a rock and log crib in the Connecticut River off Shepherd’s
Island, Northampton. The crib is a hazard to boating and we have had several boat crashes onto the
rocks, even with our channel marking program. With climate change, we are seeing more high water
periods that damage or displace our channel markers, which means that even during the period when
we have markers on the river (Memorial Day to Labor Day) there are times when the crib is not marked.
We would like your agreement that you do not object to the work.
Rock and wood crib and its role in the history of Northampton and the logging industry
There are two rock and log cribs in Northampton, one located on the southerly tip of Shepherd’s Island
(which will not be disturbed in anyway by this project) and one located off shore from Shepherd’s Island,
which is the subject of this request. The cribs were installed circa 1880.
Each log driving season, from when the cribs were installed until 1915, there was a log and cable barrier
between the two cribs to catch logs during log drives. Logs were stored and then, as needed, pulled by
steam powered tugboat to a saw mill in the former Connecticut River Oxbow downstream or else they
were released to feed Holyoke saw mills. Northampton and Holyoke served as the southerly‐most
terminus of the great log drives from 1870 to 1915. (Source: Ed Klekowski, lead producer. 2005.
Dynamite, Whiskey and Wood: Connecticut River Log Drives 1870‐1915. WGBY video.)
Description of Proposed work
We are not doing anything to the structure on Shepherd’s Island. The project will remove up to the
upper six feet of rock and log crib that is located in the Connecticut River off Shepherd’s island to
remove its ongoing risk to navigation. The remainder of the crib and the entire log, rock, and log‐drive
metal debris field on the base of cribbing in the river will remain untouched. Because the crib is located
in the river, much of the work will take place below water level. Work will be done during low water
conditions. Work will take place from a barge. All logs and rocks will be picked up from the crib by crane
or by a power shovel of some kind by picking them up, so as not disturb the base of the crib.
Current condition of the rock and wood crib: The crib is suffering from ongoing deterioration. There is
rot and deteriorating wood, especially in the logs that undergo a wet dry cycle each year due to
fluctuating water conditions. There is a debris field of rock that has fallen off the structure already.
Since the cribbing no longer needs to support a cable and the weight of logs, the biggest risk is the
ongoing log deterioration and the risk that floating debris during a large storm event could damage the
upper part of the crib.
Current photographs of rock and log crib
Underwater‐ rock debris field around crib
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Wayne Feiden, FAICP
Director of Planning and Sustainability