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The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. We protect, restore, and advocate for the Connecticut River Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate Connecticut River Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the Connecticut River watershed in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. We collaborate with regional partners to restore and advocate for your rivers, and educate and engage communities. We bring people together to prevent pollution, improve habitat, and promote enjoyment of the river and its tributary streams. Join us to support healthier rivers today! Clean Water Through advocacy to prevent pollution and water quality monitoring to track data. Healthy Habitats Through dam removal, tree planting, and migratory fish programs. Resilient Communities With river recreation access, community science, & Source to Sea Cleanups. Our Mission & Programs Sign Up for River News! Sign up to get emails about river news and events. Choose Your Newsletter Join us at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival! Details & Tickets 1,146 Tons of trash removed from rivers 30 Old dams & culverts removed 97,186 Trees planted in the watershed 150+ Sites annually tested for bacteria The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is Coming to Bellows Falls on May 8th, Hosted by the Connecticut River Conservancy The Wild and Scenic Film Festival will feature a range of river-focused environmental films from across the globe, with two films made in the Connecticut River watershed. Rivers in Flux: Navigating Climate Change Impacts in the Connecticut River Watershed LiveStream recording with four presenters speaking about the fundamentals of river dynamics and floodplain management. Connecticut River Conservancy Launches Study to Investigate Reports of the Connecticut River Serpent CRC is initiating an investigation of recent reports of the legendary Connecticut River Serpent, known as Connie. River Stories from Around the Watershed Latest News More River News We envision a future where people and wildlife can enjoy a clean, free-flowing Connecticut River. Upcoming Events Sat, Apr 26 Earth Day Fair / Congregational Church Learn more Apr 26, 2025, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Congregational Church, 949 Main St, South Glastonbury, CT 06073, USA Sat, Apr 26 Hanover Earth Week Fair: Optimism & Action / Richmond Middle School in Hanover, NH Learn More Apr 26, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Richmond Middle School in Hanover, NH, 63 Lyme Rd, Hanover, NH 03755, USA Sun, Apr 27 Brattleboro-Hinsdale Island Cleanup & Clearing / Riverfront Park Learn More Apr 27, 2025, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Riverfront Park, Bridge St, Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA Sat, May 03 Swap Meet & Craft Show - Hartford Power Squadron / West Marine, Old Saybrook Learn more May 03, 2025, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM West Marine, Old Saybrook, 1667 Boston Post Rd, Old Saybrook, CT 06475, USA Bring the kids and have a fun time at this outdoor event hosted by the Hartford Power Squadron! Sun, May 04 Herrick's Cove Wildlife Festival / Herrick's Cove Learn more May 04, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Herrick's Cove, 4 Herricks Cove Rd, Bellows Falls, VT 05101, USA Load More Learn About: Migratory Fish Migratory fish are essential to healthy river ecosystems. The Connecticut River hosts 8 species of migratory fish that travel thousands of ocean miles and over 200 miles upriver annually. CRC's migratory fish restoration efforts include advocating for and expanding fish passage and raising awareness through community science and education. Learn More

Connecticut River Conservancy invites you to join us for the Wild & Scenic Film Festival. Enjoy an evening of short films about environmental stewardship, adventure, and fellowship in the natural world at the Bellows Falls Opera House. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival at the Bellows Falls Opera House Hosted by the Connecticut River Conservancy on May 8th, 2025 Enjoy an evening of short films about environmental stewardship, adventure, and fellowship in the natural world at the Bellows Falls Opera House in Vermont on Thursday, May 8th. Festival-goers can expect family-friendly films handpicked by CRC and featuring people working around the globe to promote cleaner water, healthier habitats, and more resilient communities. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. There will also be refreshments, raffle prizes, and guest speakers! Proceeds from the event will benefit CRC’s programs in VT & NH. Raffle prizes have been generously donated by: Blake Hill Preserves, Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, Burrows Sports, Byway Books, and King Arthur Baking Company. Bellows Falls Opera House 7 Village Square, Bellows Falls, VT 05101 Doors will open at 6:30pm and films will begin at 7pm Here are some of the films you'll see! Mother River Devin pursues her dream to become the first Black woman to kayak the entire Mississippi River, listening to the river and following her guidance to navigate challenges such as the realities of being a minority in the paddling community and the nuances of being a single Mother. Reconnected Subtitle: Restoring the Rivers of Long Island Sound. This film highlights the importance of stream barrier removal through interviews with community members, environmental experts (including CRC), & river advocates. Rivers Cannot Defend Themselves 30 Years ago, the Farmington River became the first partnership wild and scenic river, setting a new precedent and path for rivers to be protected. David Sinish, one of the principal activists who led the fight, looks back at the events that made this unique designation possible. Judy’s Creek Subtitle: Discovering the Secret Life of the Streambed. Follow ecologist, educator, and author, Dr. Judy Li, into the world of caddisflies. Judy shares how her childhood curiosity led to a career in freshwater science, and how she has found ways to share the joys of science with audiences of all ages. Paddle Tribal Waters When the largest dam removal project in history begins, a group of indigenous youth learns to whitewater kayak, hoping to become the first people to paddle the restored Klamath River from source to sea. Healing Hiłsyaqƛis Hiłsyaqƛis (Tranquil Creek) is located within the traditional territory of the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla‐o‐qui‐aht) First Nation in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia. A desire to understand sharp declines in wild Pacific salmonoids sparked research, monitoring, and habitat restoration in hopes of helping wild fish populations recover. Mussel Grubbing Subtitle: A Citizen Science Treasure Hunt. Following a citizen scientist's journey of discovery, the film explores the treasure hunt for freshwater mussels in the upper Sangamon River. Finding a diverse collection of healthy mussels means a healthy river and a healthy community. On, In & Under the Sava Armed with a raft, snorkels, and flippers, this film follows the journey of four friends as they drift down Slovenia’s Sava River with one mission: find the elusive finned-monsters that dwell in the deep to help protect the river from dams. River Cowboys: Keepin’ it Wild This short film showcases the stunning landscapes of the internationally recognized Red River Gorge, and Kentucky’s only Wild & Scenic Red River. It highlights an ongoing environmental challenge: removing trash from our waterways. Get Your Tickets! Special Thanks to our Local Sponsors Presenting Sponsors: Watershed Sponsor: River Sponsors: GPI Construction Pinnacle Equipment, Inc. The Richards Group Terrigenous Landscape Architecture Vermont River Conservancy Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association Stream Sponsors: Bobolink Communications Brattleboro Area Realty Brattleboro Communiy Television Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center Connecticut River Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited Vermont Country Deli Interested in sponsoring this event? We'd love to add your business to the list above! See our sponsorship opportunities and get in touch today. Become a Sponsor Parking & Accessibility The Bellows Falls Opera House is ADA accessible. The wheelchair ramp into the building is on the side, not through the main doors out front. Once in the theater, there is seating available that is wheelchair accessible. Aisles in the theater are long ramps. Bathrooms are gendered & have wheelchair accessible stalls. There is some street parking directly outside of the Bellows Falls Opera House. You can also find plenty of free parking in nearby municipal lots. Here is an area map with parking options.

< Back Bob Sproull Trustee, Board Chair Bob is a computer scientist, retired from running a research lab for Sun Microsystems and Oracle. For over twenty years, he lived in Boston and rowed on the Charles River. He served on the board of directors of the Charles River Watershed Association for 15 years and helped them launch a capital campaign. Bob lives in Leeds, MA, is the coordinator of the Friends of Mineral Hills Conservation Area, and is a member of the Yankee Rowing Club. He tries to row on the Connecticut as often as possible and enters an occasional race. CRC@ctriver.org

Watch an insightful LiveStream webinar on Climate Change Impacts and Floodplain Resilience. We hear from two guest speakers as they explore the fundamentals of river dynamics and floodplain management, helping you better understand how rivers behave and respond to environmental shifts due to climate change. Michael Simpson , Antioch University Environmental Studies Department Professor Emeritus, dives into detailed projections and real-world examples of climate change impacts on the Connecticut River watershed. Staci Pomeroy , a River Scientist from the Vermont Department of Conservation’s Watershed Management Rivers Program, develops our understanding of rivers and river corridor dynamics as well as floodplain protection and management. Finally, two staff on Connecticut River Conservancy’s Restoration team, Becky Budd and Lauren Zielinski anchor into how communities are adapting through  CRC restoration efforts . Recorded 4/9/2025 _____________________ About Live Stream :  CRC brings your rivers to you! Join CRC staff and partners for a series of live lunchtime presentations, on select Wednesdays from Noon-1pm. You get to learn more about the rivers you love, ask questions, and interact with a river-loving community all from the comfort and safety of your home (or wherever you may be). Live Stream  will be hosted via Zoom. Please register for each presentation to receive meeting information.    See past, present and future events in our Live Stream  playlist  on YouTube. Check out CRC's Events Calendar  to learn about other upcoming events.

Connie, the Connecticut River Serpent. Illustration by Iris Gottlieb. [Middletown, CT – April 1, 2025] – This spring, the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) will initiate an investigation of recent reports of the legendary Connecticut River Serpent, known as Connie. This initiative follows a series of credible sightings reported to Rhea Drozdenko, River Steward in Connecticut.  For centuries, Connie has intrigued anglers, boaters, and historians alike, with early documented sightings appearing in The Boston Herald, The Hartford Courant, and the New York Times in the late 19th century . Though modern accounts have been scarce, a recent surge in reports has prompted renewed interest in understanding the behavior of the enigmatic Connie. Some eye-witnesses speculate that the Connecticut River serpent now spends her time in the dark underground tunnels of the Park River, a tributary of the Connecticut River in Hartford. “The ninja turtles loved dark underground areas, why not Connie?” posited an amateur cryptid investigator who has requested to remain anonymous to avoid receiving “bogus intel” that will disrupt their hours tracking down sightings.  “I was out on RiverQuest looking for eagles when a shadow crossed the bow of our boat,” recalled Captain Dan Thompson from the Connecticut River Museum. “No more than twenty feet away, there it was—its head emerging from the water, with a long, winding body trailing behind.”  Identifying elusive aquatic species presents significant challenges, but emerging technologies offer non-invasive and highly effective methods of detection. CRC has successfully utilized environmental DNA (eDNA )  testing to confirm the presence of endangered shortnose sturgeon above the Turners Falls Dam in Massachusetts, as far north as Bellows Falls, VT. Given these recent studies, CRC’s ecologists are confident in applying this and other technologies to further explore the mystery of Connie.  CRC will be adding drone footage during hypothesized peak river serpent breeding season, hiring a team of specialized cave divers to explore the Park River tunnels, and installing combined sonar and camera systems on boats like the RiverQuest  to increase the chances of getting hi-definition photographs of Connie along with eDNA analyses of water samples to establish presence and narrow down river serpent habitat usage.   "There are many challenges posed by this effort" says Dr. Kate Buckman, the Connecticut River Conservancy's Aquatic Ecologist, "since cryptids are known to be mysterious organisms and there is little known about their behavior to guide our sampling efforts. However, with at least five sightings over the past few centuries we are compelled to investigate this scientific curiosity to see where it may lead. The Holy Grail of course would be to tag Connie and track her movements with acoustic telemetry, but we have to start small."     This research will help to inform the creation of a potential Cryptid Protection Program at the Connecticut River Conservancy in 2025 and beyond.  The Connecticut River Serpent. Source: Strange New England Source: The Hartford Courant, 1897   For questions about this announcement:   Rhea Drozdenko  River Steward in Connecticut  Connecticut River Conservancy  (860) 929-8021 rdrozdenko@ctriver.org     For general inquiries:   Diana Chaplin  Communications Director  Connecticut River Conservancy  (413) 834-0079 dchaplin@ctriver.org   If you have read this far and are wondering whether this is real, the answer is no! This is a lighthearted April Fool's joke, but we hope you enjoyed it and hope you'll learn more about Connie the Connecticut River cryptid at the Connecticut River Museum in Essex, CT.

Vernon dam by Al Braden [Press Release: Claremont, NH, 3/27/25]  For over twelve years, the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) has been engaged in the relicensing of five hydropower facilities on the Connecticut River—three of which are in New Hampshire—to ensure the best possible outcome for our rivers, habitats, and communities.    The NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) has released the draft 401 Water Quality Certifications (WQC) for the Wilder , Bellows Falls , and Vernon  dams, owned by Great River Hydro (GRH). Public comments on all three draft 401 WQC are due by 4pm on April 11, 2025 .  This is the only opportunity for the public to comment on what NHDES will require as conditions in the federal licenses that will affect over 120 miles of the Connecticut River - between West Lebanon and Hinsdale, NH - for the next 30-50 years.   Connecticut River Conservancy has reviewed the draft 401s for Wilder , Bellows Falls , and Vernon  and are concerned that appropriate conditions to protect water quality and recreational access for the Connecticut River are not adequate as proposed. It is imperative that members of the community submit public comments on this process to make sure that NHDES protects this resource for the people of New Hampshire. The public comment period for Vermont and Massachusetts have passed, but all documents and comments submitted by CRC can be found in this hydropower update sent to subscribers on 3/25/25.   The 401 Water Quality Certification refers to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), and the 401 process is required for the relicensing of all hydroelectric facilities. A federal agency (in this case the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC) may not issue a license to hydro facilities unless the state or authorized tribe issues a Section 401 Water Quality Certification verifying that the discharge and hydro operations will comply with existing water quality standards. In New Hampshire, the purpose of the Water Quality Certification program is to protect surface water quality and designated uses (such as swimming and aquatic life) by ensuring compliance with New Hampshire surface water quality standards .   States can deny, waive, or issue a 401 Water Quality Certification with or without required conditions. Anything the states require as a condition in this certification will automatically be included in the final FERC license. Because of this, the 401 Water Quality Certification can provide conditions to ensure Great River Hydro’s operations will be protective of the Connecticut River. Ideally, the Water Quality Certification would include water quality and sediment transport monitoring efforts, enhanced recreation access, timely migratory fish passage, land management plans (which include aquatic and terrestrial invasive species management), and mitigation and relief efforts for erosion caused by facilities operations.   The NHDES Water Quality Certification website , provides citizens with public notices and information about applications under review. One essential part of the certification process is the public comment period , which allows the public to comment on NHDES’s draft Water Quality Certifications. Anyone can provide written comments by mail or email (preferred).   Instructions for writing comments: Comments will be accepted until 4pm on Friday April 11, 2025. Only written comments will be accepted. Please include the Project name, certification number, your name, organization, mailing address, email address, and telephone number with your submittal.   By Mail: Water Quality Certification Program (Attention: Daniel Demers) NHDES Watershed Management Bureau   P.O. Box 95 Concord, NH 03301-0095   By email (preferred): Send to wqc@des.nh.gov   *If you have questions about the draft certification or have difficulties accessing the files, please contact Daniel Demers, Supervisor of the NHDES Water Quality Certification program at (603) 271-0699 or by email at daniel.j.demers@des.nh.gov .     Anyone who uses and enjoys the Connecticut River has a vested interest in how this resource is affected by the hydroelectric facilities. Commenting allows residents to illustrate the importance of protecting the Connecticut River. The Connecticut River Conservancy encourages you to read the draft 401 Water Quality Certifications and use your voice to advocate for a clean, healthy Connecticut River. You can reference CRC’s initial comments on GRH’s application  to understand our concerns . CRC encourages you to support restoration and protection efforts on the Connecticut River through public comment.   The notification of public comment period, draft 401 Water Quality Certification, and other information can be accessed through the NHDES Water Quality Certification page .   Additional background information on the hydropower relicensing process can be found on CRC’s Hydropower Relicensing page . For questions about hydropower relicensing in NH: Marilla Harris-Vincent, NH River Steward    mharrisvincent@ctriver.org ; 603-503-0419      For all other inquiries: Diana Chaplin, Director of Communications   dchaplin@ctriver.org ; 413-834-0079