Relicensing of Hydroelectric Dams
The Council played an active role in the federal relicensing of two major hydroelectric generating facilities on the Connecticut River, the 15-Mile Falls Project (FERC Project No. 2007-016) and the Holyoke Dam (FERC Project No. 2007-073).

The 15-Mile Falls Project is a series of three dams near Littleton, NH -- the Moore, Comerford and McIndoes Falls dams -- that represent the largest hydroelectric generating capacity in New England. Their operation directly effects water levels and flows from the Connecticut lakes near the headwaters to the hydroelectric dam at Wilder, VT. We are a signatory to a landmark settlement agreement guaranteeing increased river flows, protecting over 9,000 acres, and creating a $15 million Mitigation and Enhancement Fund.

The Holyoke Dam is the lowermost dam on the River, controlling fish access to 85% of the watershed's spawning habitat. It directly affects the effort to restore Atlantic salmon to the Connecticut, as well as populations of American shad, shortnose sturgeon and other species. CRWC was an important citizen voice for increased habitat flows in the bypass reach below the dam and improved fish passage facilities in the new license and the 401 Water Quality Certificate.

Detailed information on the new operating licenses for both projects can be found at the Web site for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Go to "Links of Interest"). Use the FERC project numbers above to search for information.

For other information contact: Tom Miner, Executive Director (Holyoke Dam) or David Deen, River Steward (15 Mile Falls Project).

American Heritage River Initiative
The Connecticut is one of just 14 rivers that were designated "American Heritage Rivers" by President Clinton on July 30, 1998.

The AHR Initiative was created as a new, creative approach to river restoration and protection. Instead of relying solely on regulations and mandates, federal agencies will work with communities and support local projects focused on community revitalization, historic preservation, natural resource protection, river restoration, and sustainable development. Each designated river will have a "River Navigator" -- ours is Dan Burke, an EPA employee -- who serves as the river's ombudsman with all of the involved federal agencies.

CRWC lead the successful effort to get the Connecticut designated. We brought together over 53 co-sponsors to develop the Action Plan required for nomination. Following designation, the focus shifted to carrying out the AHR Action Plan and its projects to conserve and enhance the economic, cultural heritage and environmental resources of the River and its watershed.

Continuing our leadership role, we have been endorsed as "convenor" by our AHR co-sponsors. CRWC provides an all-important single point of local contact for everyone -- the Council on Environmental Quality, individual project sponsors, communities wanting to become involved, and the federal River Navigator.

As convenor, CRWC also plays a vital "glue" role. We insure the watershed-wide cooperative partnership -- the foundation of the Connecticut's designation -- is maintained by keeping in regular contact with the many, diverse AHR interests in the Valley. Our goal is to keep everyone focused on securing American Heritage River benefits for the Connecticut River as a whole.