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The Connecticut River Conservancy Unveils Strategic Plan to Protect Our Living Watershed Through 2030 

Collage of photos related to rivers, restoration, conservation, and community engagement outdoors.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

[Greenfield, MA, December 8, 2025] The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) today announced their new strategic plan, Protecting Our Living Watershed, which will guide the organization’s work from 2026 through 2030. The plan sets a clear and ambitious course to address the challenges facing the Connecticut River and its tributaries, supporting a healthier, more resilient watershed for generations to come. 


“Strategic planning allows us to focus our resources where they will have the greatest impact,” said Rebecca Todd, Executive Director of CRC. “This new plan reflects months of visioning and stakeholder input, and we’re excited to share it with our partners, supporters, and the entire watershed community.” 

The plan outlines four primary goals: 


  • Promote a shared agenda for protecting and restoring the watershed 

  • Improve ecological health of riparian and aquatic habitats 

  • Deliver CRC’s full mix of strategies across the entire watershed 

  • Build a strong foundation for growth 


Key initiatives include launching a State of the Watershed report, pursuing strategic litigation to strengthen protections, and celebrating CRC’s 75-year legacy of river stewardship. 


Originally formed in 1952 as the Connecticut River Watershed Council and later rebranded to the Connecticut River Conservancy in 2017, the organization has made many contributions

towards clean water and healthy habitats in the region. To date, they have removed 26 obsolete dams by working with local, state, and federal partners, restoring 431 miles of river habitat for fish passage and connectivity. In 2025, they planted their 100,000th tree in the Connecticut River watershed, a milestone in ongoing restoration along riparian buffers and in floodplain forests. CRC also conducts environmental advocacy and policy work, organizes aquatic invasive species removals, engages in migratory fish research and water quality monitoring, and leads the annual Source to Sea Cleanup which has removed over 1,182 tons (2.4 million lbs.) of trash from local waterways by mobilizing thousands of volunteers. 


Get Involved:

 

CRC invites the public to read the strategic plan and join upcoming events, including a LiveStream on December 10th at 12pm, where staff will share highlights from 2025 and answer questions. Supporters can also participate in the Free the Fish Challenge, with donations matched through December 15th to advance fish passage and habitat connectivity. 


To read the full strategic plan, visit: ctriver.org/strategic-plan  


About the Connecticut River Conservancy: The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. CRC has been a steward of the Connecticut River and tributary streams since 1952. Their programs include advocacy, aquatic invasive species management, dam removal, habitat restoration, migratory fish surveys, recreation, trash cleanups, and water quality monitoring. Together through community engagement and education, they’re dedicated to ensuring equitable access and healthy rivers for all. Learn more at ctriver.org. 


Contact: 

Diana Chaplin | Director of Communications Connecticut River Conservancy dchaplin@ctriver.org | (413) 834-0079 


Rebecca Todd | Executive Director Connecticut River Conservancy 

rtodd@ctriver.org | (413) 834-9457 

 

 
 
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