The Connecticut River is New England's largest river ecosystem and one of the Nation's 14 American Heritage Rivers American Heritage Rivers.

Its watershed encompasses over 11,000 square miles of wild, rural and urban lands in parts of four states -- Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. The River Valley's rich history, economic vitality, and renewed environmental integrity are at the heart of our quality of life and sense of place.

Known to Native Americans as Quenticut, "the long tidal river," the Connecticut carves a sinuous, shimmering pathway south from Fourth Connecticut Lake at the Canadian border -- past forested mountains and small hamlets, through rich farmlands and large cities -- to empty 410 miles later into Long Island Sound.

Dammed and dumped in over the past 150 years, the Connecticut gained the reputation by the mid-twentieth century of being the Nation's "best landscaped sewer." People and communities turned their backs to it. Spring runs of Atlantic salmon and American shad disappeared.

Following passage of the Federal Clean Water Act in 1972, communities and businesses stopped using the River as a dump. Through the hard work of the Connecticut River Watershed Council and others, water quality in the River and its tributaries is today dramatically improved. Salmon and shad are returning, and community riverfronts are being revitalized.

The rich natural diversity and special qualities of the Connecticut and its watershed have gained both national and international recognition. It was designated an American Heritage River in 1998, the entire watershed is a National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, and its tidal wetlands are of international importance.

Despite the gains of the past quarter century, there are still threats to the River that require vigilance and action by the Watershed Council and others, threats like... combined sewer overflows, nonpoint source pollution, increasing numbers of powerboats, and riverside development. Ironically, some of these threats are a result of more and more people wanting to get on or near the River as it has gotten cleaner.

This is just a hint of what the Connecticut River and its watershed represent. Other parts of this Web site will provide you with access to more information, with links to others and a searchable directory. If you cannot find the information you need or have suggestions, use the site email to contact the Watershed Council. Meanwhile, enjoy learning more about our remarkable River!