The Berkshire Eagle is reporting a new Massachusetts state program is providing financial support to restore rivers and wetlands in the Hoosic, Housatonic and Farmington River watersheds. The Housatonic Valley Association, a nonprofit citizen’s environmental group, has received a grant of $59,085 to restore aquatic ecosystems and boost climate change resiliency in those watersheds. The funds come via a new program under the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game's Division of Ecological Restoration intended to expand local and regional planning capacities, according to a press release. Another Berkshire County project is one of 12 new projects designated as a priority, meaning they become eligible to receive technical assistance from the Division of Ecological Restoration staff and/or direct funding. Bard College at Simon's Rock in Great Barrington is named as the partner for the Long Brook Pond Restoration and Dam Removals project. That project will reconnect Long Pond Brook with Seekonk Brook and Green River, thereby expanding the coldwater habitat and improving the movement of aquatic organisms into the brook. Read more in The Berkshire Eagle.