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Board of Trustees at Connecticut River Conservancy Board of Trustees We are continually rewarded by the generous gifts of time and skill from members of the CRC Board of Trustees. All are seasoned experts in fields ranging from the environment and education, to legal, corporate business, and finance. The dedicated folks on our Board offer us the know-how and long-range thinking that helps keep CRC moving in the right direction. We cannot thank them enough. Board Members are listed in alphabetical order by first name. Bob Dryfoos Trustee Retired computer software architect & experienced in board leadership. Read More Christine Palm Trustee State Rep. in CT and legislative champion for the environment & working families. Read More Janki Darity Trustee 15+ years of experience in regulatory compliance and ethical responsibility. Read More Michael Simpson Trustee Environmental Scientist & Professor Emeritus at Antioch University New England. Read More Tim Lewis Trustee, Secretary Avid paddler and conservationist retired after a career in manufacturing. Read More Bob Sproull Trustee Computer scientist, rower, and experienced conservationist and board manager. Read More David Deen Trustee Former CRC River Steward + 30 years as a VT legislator advocating for river protections. Read More Leslie Harris Trustee, Board Chair Nonprofit administrator for 25+ years, orchard manager, and outdoor enthusiast. Read More Paul Detwiler Trustee Experienced in law, energy policy/research, and environmental remediation. Read More Tony Judge Trustee Former broadcasting executive and radio, television, & film producer, and wildlife nonprofit board vice-chair. Read More Candace Damon Trustee Creates sustainable urban redevelopment strategies in cities across North America. Read More Geoffrey Habron Trustee Former professor of Fisheries/Wildlife; current focus on equitable climate resilience. Read More Lucas McDiarmid Trustee Legislative staffer and firefighter dedicated to agriculture, public safety, and clean water. Read More Stephen Gephard Trustee, Vice Chair Fisheries biologist and consultant, formerly with CTDEEP for 42 years. Read More Honorary Trustees Raul de Brigard Land Use Consultant Higganum, CT Ed Gray Author Lyme, NH Susan Merrow Environmental Lobbyist East Haddam, CT Jim Okun Principal, O'Reilly, Talbot, and Okun Ellington, CT Ronald Poltak Retired, Executive Director, NEIWPCC Auburn, NH John Sinton Retired, Professor of Geography, Land-Use and Environmental Planning, Human Ecology Florence, MA Annette Spaulding Retired, Spaulding & Harris Tax Service Bellows Falls, VT Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

Staff at Connecticut River Conservancy CRC Staff We are very fortunate to have a talented staff stewarding CRC's work. Meet the people behind the mission. Executive Director Rebecca Todd She/Her, rtodd at ctriver.org, (413) 834-9457 For over 30 years Rebecca has advised organizations, individuals, and businesses in matters related to environmental, educational, contractual, employment, and non-profit management. Prior to joining Connecticut River Conservancy in October 2023, Rebecca served as General Counsel for Antioch University, as Associate Attorney General in the Office of the Attorney General in Washington in the Education and Ecology divisions, and litigated cases for the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund, Inc. (now Earthjustice) and the Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. related to the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and hazardous waste laws. Rebecca also teaches environmental law, legal advocacy, and other subjects nationally and internationally. In addition to these professional accomplishments, Rebecca grew up in the Connecticut River watershed, has raised a family while stewarding farmland along the river in New Hampshire, and is cultivating a new passion for the sport of rowing. Staff Members Alphabetical by first name Alix Kaplan Content Coordinator akaplan at ctriver.org 413-834-7953 They/Them Read More Amber Lively River Steward in Connecticut alively at ctriver.org 860-681-3194 She/Her Read More Bay Holmes AmeriCorps Member bholmes at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 She/They Read More Chris Riffenburg Director of Finance criffenburg at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 202 He/Him Read More Fritz Gerhardt Conservation Scientist fgerhardt at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 219 He/Him Read More Kelly Beerman AIS Program Manager kbeerman at ctriver.org 802-318-1390 She/Her Read More Mallory Strider Assistant Director of Finance mstrider at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 201 She/Her Read More Melissa Langley Water Quality Program Manager mlangley at ctriver.org 413-450-8739 She/Her Read More Rebecca Budd Restoration Program Manager rbudd at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 222 She/Her Read More Stacey Lennard Events Manager & Source to Sea Cleanup Coordinator slennard at ctriver.org 413-325-5995 She/Her Read More Amanda Major Outreach & Events Coordinator amajor at ctriver.org 413-253-6855 She/They Read More Angela Chaffee Grant Strategist & Writer achaffee at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 204 She/Her Read More Caitlin Maguire NH Restoration Project Manager cmaguire at ctriver.org 603-703-5192 She/Her Read More Diana Chaplin Director of Communications dchaplin at ctriver.org 413-834-0079 She/Her Read More Kate Buckman Aquatic Ecologist kbuckman at ctriver.org 603-931-2448 She/Her Read More Laura Herbert Staff Accountant lherbert at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 She/Her Read More Marilla Harris-Vincent River Steward in New Hampshire mharrisvincent at ctriver.org 603-503-0419 She/Her Read More Nicole Reigle Assistant Director of Development nreigle at ctriver.org 413-325-3737 She/Her Read More Ron Rhodes Director of Programs rrhodes at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 214 He/Him Read More Stefanie Farrington Aquatic Ecology Program Associate sfarrington at ctriver.org 603-703-5657 She/Her Read More Amara Cunningham Executive Assistant acunningham at ctriver.org 413-450-8785 She/Her Read More Ansel Appleton Staff Accountant aappleton at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 201 He/Him Read More Charles Soucy Stormwater Project Manager csoucy at ctriver.org 802-490-9701 He/Him Read More Donna "Lucky" Riggs Finance Assistant driggs at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 She/Her Read More Kathy Urffer Director of Policy and Advocacy kurffer at ctriver.org 802-258-0413 She/Her Read More Lauren Zielinski Stream Restoration Specialist lzielinski at ctriver.org 603 325-7022 She/Her Read More Mary McCaughey Development Coordinator mmccaughey at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 She/Her Read More Nina Gordon-Kirsch River Steward in Massachusetts ngordonkirsch at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 216 She/Her Read More Sam Stegeman Operations Manager sstegeman at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 200 He/Him Read More Susan Heitker Chief Development Officer sheitker at ctriver.org 413-490-9197 She/Her Read More Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Recreation At the Connecticut River Conservancy, we believe that protecting the river and enjoying it go hand in hand. That’s why CRC organizes a beginner and intermediate paddling series during the summer months, collaborates with partners for many other types of on-water/near-water activities, and advocates for river access improvements. We are dedicated to promoting recreation opportunities in the Connecticut River watershed. Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail CRC is a member of the collaborative that runs and maintains the Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail (CRPT). With over 100 access points and 50 campsites, the CRPT provides a unique experience for boaters to travel along the river from source to sea. Source to Sea Paddler Recognition We love to support and celebrate the adventurous folks who paddle the entire length of the 410-mile Connecticut River. You can see the names of those who have accomplished this feat or submit your story below, or read about Jesse's solo kayak experience. Maps & Guides of the Connecticut River From navigation maps to help you traverse the river, to informational guides related to river safety, flows, campsites, and places to visit by boat, we have a range of resources to support recreation access for all. Explore the Paddlers’ Trail Read the Paddler Story See Maps & Guides River Recreation Events Summer 2026 paddling events are in the works and will be listed soon! Coming up are beginner and intermediate learn-to-kayak events, the Peskeompskut Paddle in connection with the Pocumtuck Homelands Festival, and other activities that may be near the river but not on the water. All events will be listed here as they open for registration. Be sure to subscribe to CRC's newsletters to hear about them as they open since some events may have limited capacity. Connecticut River Paddler's Trail Interactive Map Download our app to access the 410-mile long Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail! Mostly meandering, but at times rushing forcefully, the Connecticut River flows past a diverse landscape of rich agricultural lands, rural communities, urban centers, and tidal marshes. Get the Map Source to Sea Journeys Each year, a handful of paddling enthusiasts complete the 410-mile journey of traversing the entire Connecticut River, from Source to Sea. CRC celebrates these kayakers, canoeists and swimmers (just one so far) by highlighting their section paddles or through journeys! If you have completed a journey of the Connecticut River and would like to share your story, contact us at the email below. The river provided me opportunities to practice letting go of misconceptions of myself, others and of the river, and being in the present moment more fully. I am extremely grateful to everyone who has been involved with Connecticut River Conservancy since its inception. Their persistent efforts and commitment through the years made this swim possible! Kari Kastango First person to swim the entire length of the Connecticut River, 2018 - 2023 Paddler Recognition Please review the list below to see who has made the incredible journey of traveling the 410-mile Connecticut River. Those who completed the Trail in one season are listed as “Through-Journey” paddlers. Those who completed the Trail in two or more seasons are called “Section-Journey” paddlers. Have you completed a Source to Sea paddle and want to see YOUR name added below? Send your story to dchaplin@ctriver.org or submit here. Through-Journeys Ben Jankowski & Phoebe Gelbard (2026) Brendan Walsh (2025) Andrew G. Edwards (2025) Frederick A. Peterson (2025) Joe Roman (2025) Jesse Strauch (2024) Wanda Kirker and Rick Bain (2022) Mary Anderson (2022) Gary Vollinger (2022) Sarah and Scott Lancaster (2022) Emily Nuckols (2021) Ben Lynch (2021) Mack Truax (2021) Trey McPherson (2020) Daniel Stevens (2020) Cathleen (Mumford) Brennan (2019) Andy Myers (2019) Timothy Bertch and Mark Alexander (2018) Ted & Ben Murray (2012) Ed Terlik, Lenny Desrochers & Kenny Bihler (2005) Nancy and Tom Condon (2002) Ted Jones (1982) Tim Brocket (1979) Dr. Joseph and Madeleine Davidson (1959) Section-Journeys Michael Fairchild (2018-2024) Lorraine Brisson (2018-2024) Nick Boatman (2023) John Rudmann (2023) Cheryl Fitch (2018-2022) Bridget Macdonald and Justin Fermann (2015-2022) Tim Walsh (2021-2022) Lucy Eyre (2018-2022) Susan and Peter Craig (2020-2021) Tim Lewis (2017-2020) Harvey Hill (2017-2019) Andrew and Karen Fisk’s JUMP IN JOURNEY (2017) Brian and Matthew Fogg (2011, 2015) Jeff Feldmann, Scott Larkham, Scott Stenberg, Ron Merriam and a dog name Abe (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010) Parker Lord and Jim Poole (2007, 2008) John Sinton, Elizabeth Farnsworth, Wendy Sinton (2005, 2006)

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing has triggered a rapid expansion of data centers across the United States. According to the industry database, Data Center Map, there are at least 4,000 data centers across the U.S., with already 126 in New England states.² These facilities “use or [are] able to use twenty megawatts or more of power and [are] engaged in providing data processing, hosting, and related services as described under code 518210 of the 2022 North American Industry Classification System.”⁵ They are also often framed as engines of economic growth. However, a largely overlooked cost is the strain on our water systems, especially rivers and local watersheds. Data centers run twenty-four hours a day, generating enormous heat that must be constantly managed.⁴ Most facilities rely on water-intensive cooling systems, consuming anywhere from 300,000 to 500,000 gallons per day.⁴ The largest “hyperscale” centers can use up to five million gallons daily, roughly equivalent to the water consumption of a small city such as Concord, NH.³ This water is often drawn from the same public supplies that serve residents, farmers, and local ecosystems, many of which are directly connected to nearby rivers and watersheds.⁴ In many cases, it is not returned to the watershed, as much of it evaporates during the cooling process.³ The impact does not stop there. A report from Ceres found that indirect water use, primarily from power generation to meet massive energy needs, has an even greater impact than data centers’ direct on-site water use.¹ Power plants (especially those fueled by coal, gas, or nuclear energy) require vast quantities of water for cooling and steam generation.⁴ In 2022 alone, 40% of total U.S. water withdrawals, or about 48.5 trillion gallons, were made by coal and gas power plants.⁴ As demand for data centers continues to surge, so too will the hidden water footprint tied to their electricity consumption. Equally concerning is water quality. Data centers often use chemical treatments such as biocides and corrosion inhibitors in their cooling systems.⁴ These substances, along with trace heavy metals, can enter water systems.⁴ Evaporative cooling can also release salt particles into the air, which eventually settle into nearby soils and waterways.⁴ This increases salinity and harms aquatic life. Impacts like these compound existing environmental stressors and threaten long-term ecosystem health. Ceres states, “[d]ata center growth could increase water stress in already strained basins by up to 17% annually, with even higher spikes in peak seasons.”¹ Some prominent bills regarding data centers have been introduced in a few New England states: In Connecticut, SB245 is an act that would eliminate certain tax incentives for data centers. Currently, Connecticut has in place a Data Center Tax Incentive Program that allows the State to provide tax exemptions to eligible data centers within the state and make a minimum investment.⁷ In New Hampshire, SB439 was passed by the Senate and would authorize municipalities to regulate data centers in commercial and industrial zones. In Maine, LD 307 is an act “to establish the Maine Data Center Coordination Council and place a temporary limitation on certain data centers.” This bill places a moratorium on data centers with a load of twenty megawatts or more. LD 307 passed in both the House and Senate. Maine has officially become the first state with a data center ban.⁶ In Massachusetts, H83 would establish a special legislative commission to investigate and study the increasing electricity load caused by AI and data centers. In Vermont, H.727 is an act relating to sustainable data center deployment. The purpose of the bill is “to establish a regulatory framework that ensures responsible growth of an emerging industry in a manner that protects existing electric ratepayers from unwarranted costs and promotes sustainable climate, environmental, community, and equity outcomes consistent with State policies.”⁵ The bill successfully passed out of the legislature, but was vetoed by the Governor. It then failed upon an attempted veto override. Nonprofit organizations like the Connecticut River Conservancy regularly advocate for water protections, however states across the Connecticut River region and beyond must adopt policies to reduce dire impacts to our waterways and environment. Without thoughtful planning and regulation, data center expansion risks quietly draining the very resources communities rely on most. Water is finite, local, and essential. As states compete to attract data centers, they must ensure that short-term economic gains do not come at the long-term expense of rivers, ecosystems, and public trust. ¹Ceres; ²Data Center Map; ³Lincoln Institute of Land Policy; ⁴Nature Forward; ⁵VT H.727 ⁶Maine Morning Star ⁷CT.gov Written by Ava Barlow, Vermont Law School student and Legal Intern for Connecticut River Conservancy.

Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) cohosted this online webinar focused on the top aquatic invasive plants impacting the region. Learn how these species spread, why early detection is critical, and explore new reporting and data collection opportunities that empower boaters, anglers, and community members to play an active role in prevention and response efforts. The webinar was led by Kelly Beerman, Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager at the Connecticut River Conservancy, who directs CRC’s watershed-wide work on aquatic invasive species including hydrilla and water chestnut. Kelly brings extensive experience in invasive species prevention, community education, and collaborative conservation, with a strong focus on working alongside river and lake communities to protect shared water resources. Participants also heard from Georgia Brunnell, Exotic Species Program Coordinator and Limnologist with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. Georgia holds a B.S. in Freshwater Biology and an M.S. in Geochemistry from the University of New Hampshire. Her work centers on understanding lake ecology and water chemistry, informed by graduate research on lake management impacts and hands on experience monitoring water quality across more than 60 New Hampshire lakes. Whether you’re on the water regularly or simply care about protecting New Hampshire and Connecticut River watershed lakes and rivers, this session provides practical tools, regional insights, and clear ways to get involved.

Sea Lamprey nest survey conducted with community science volunteers on the Ashuelot River in 2025, led by Dr. Kate Buckman. The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) is thrilled to have recently welcomed Dr. Stefanie Farrington as the Aquatic Ecology Program Associate, to support our Aquatic Ecologist and Program Manager, Dr. Kate Buckman in implementing and growing CRC’s ecology programming. Among the priorities is data analysis for the past 5 years (2020-2025) of sea lamprey nest surveys conducted with community science volunteers on different tributaries in the Connecticut River watershed. Stefanie jumped right into the work, putting her coding skills to use in creating mapping tools allowing us to visualize the data collected through last year. We have started looking for high-level patterns in the data (number of nests, types of nests, distance covered) and how these may have varied between years and between sites. The charts below represent some findings so far, but we’re not jumping to any conclusions just yet. We are planning to continue the nest surveys this year, and then release a more comprehensive analysis of findings and trends for 2020-2026 after this summer’s activities. This sites map shows all the locations where CRC has led or participated in a sea lamprey nest survey at least once from 2020-2025 (no surveys were conducted in 2023 due to flooding). This map shows where the Ashuelot River (NH) has been surveyed annually from 2020-2025, with nest occurrences being clustered in the same approximate areas in the river each year. The number of nest occurrences, relative numbers of nest types (single, cluster, and community), and survey distances varied by year for the Ashuelot River. This map shows where the Green River (MA) was surveyed in 2025, with nests distributed in patches of suitable habitat. This combined histogram map shows annual nest data for both sites above, with the majority of counted occurrences being single nests. We will be conducting more formal analyses following this year's sampling to examine trends in occurrence, density, and habitat associations across the Connecticut River watershed. Stay tuned for when community science events open up in June so you can join us in documenting more sea lamprey nests this year! P.S. In the meantime, you can hear Kate's recent interview about sea lamprey in our rivers on WHMP's Talk the Talk radio show (scroll down to see where you can jump right to Kate's portion of the show).