The dam at Hathaway Pond is here to stay—for now.

The Buzzards Bay Coalition and Beaton’s, Inc. have announced an agreement to preserve the dam and the surrounding area. Water levels will be restored and “ladders” added to bring back the herring.

The Coalition acquired the dam and the 10-acre parcel that it sits on in May 2011. In what the Coalition described as an effort to protect and open the land for public use, it planned to remove the dam to restore fish passage and the health of the Sippican River.

Beaton’s, Inc., which uses Hathaway Pond (created by the dam) as a water source for 55 acres of cranberry bogs, holds deeded property rights to maintain the dam.

“I am pleased that Hathaway Pond will be restored while we evaluate options for a long-term sustainable water source,” said Doug Beaton, of Beaton’s, Inc.

“Outside of the marketplace, the number one issue that will determine the future of the cranberry industry in Massachusetts is access to water.”

The decision comes after a year of back-and-forth arguments over the impact of removing the 200-year-old dam. Hathaway Pond’s water levels were significantly lowered in March of this year.

Upon completion of a new reservoir system for the bogs, which is anticipated to take more than a decade, the Coalition will have the option to reacquire the dam from Beaton’s and reactivate its plans for removal.

The Coalition has also requested the state Office of Dam Safety lower the hazard rating of the dam. A revised dam safety order given in July stated the lowered water levels must remain because of the dam’s structural deficiencies.

Coalition President Mark Rasmussen said the decision was a win-win for cranberry farming and the Sippican River.

“It lays out a clear path for how the water source for Beaton’s bogs can be improved, while at the same time advancing river restoration,” Rasmussen said. “We’re excited about moving this complex project forward in partnership with Beaton’s.”

Under the agreement:

• The Coalition will suspend its request to remove Hathaway Pond Dam and water will be returned to Hathaway Pond to a height sufficient to provide water for agricultural use at Beaton’s cranberry bogs.

•    The Coalition will convey the dam parcel to Beaton’s, Inc. and a permanent conservation restriction will be recorded on the property, ensuring that the land remains undeveloped and open to the public for walking and horseback riding.

•    A fish ladder will be designed and installed within the main sluiceway of the dam, improving the conditions for the migration of river herring upstream for spawning.

•    The Coalition and Beaton’s will collaborate on the construction of a new water supply reservoir system on Beaton’s property to provide a permanent and sustainable source of water for the bogs.

Woody Hartley, a local cranberry grower and partner in developing the Pines at Hathaway Pond—an over-55 community abutting the pond—said the news is a victory for the town.

“The entire town came together and made this happen,” said Hartley, who also started a petition against the dam removal that garnished around 500 signatures. “I’m just happy the whole thing is over. It’s a great Christmas present for Rochester.”