ESS Group, Inc. worked in partnership with the Housatonic Valley Association and community members to screen over 40 sites along the Housatonic River in Western Massachusetts for enhanced public access. The screening was based on land availability and physical, hydrological, and natural resources. The list of potential sites was refined and five access points have been nominated for improvements. Moving forward, ESS will develop conceptual designs for each site, coordinate a round of watershed stakeholder review, and obtain necessary permits.

New canoe launch sites will be constructed under this project and a range of launch designs will be considered spanning from low impact or "primitive" canoe access to handicap accessible launches. A monitoring program will be designed and implemented to minimize the potential for invasive species to become established at new access points. In addition, educational information will be available at each access facility.