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  • Stacey Lennard

    slennard at ctriver.org 413-325-5995 She/Her < Back Stacey Lennard Events Manager & Source to Sea Cleanup Coordinator Stacey’s passion for the Connecticut River began in the spring of 1996 when, after moving to the valley from NYC, she and her husband embarked on their first paddle in celebration of his birthday. They have created a ritual of the event, bringing friends and family along for this annual birthday flotilla. Stacey began volunteering with CRC in the winter of 2015 and currently organizes our public events. She loves to combine her creativity and community-building skills to share the important work of CRC and inspire others to engage with their rivers. Stacey holds an M.F.A. in photography from UMass Amherst, an M.A. in Art Education from City College of New York and a B.F.A. from University of Michigan. She was the Executive Director of Youth Action Coalition—a community-based youth arts and social justice organization—for nearly 20 years, and has been an arts educator and facilitator in rural and urban schools and out-of-school settings. She lives in Leverett, MA with her husband, sons and new puppy, loves canoeing, backpacking, playing the cello, reading, and cooking. At her first Source to Sea Cleanup, Stacey and son Ethan dragged nine tires out of the river! Stacey hopes to be a Source to Sea Through-Paddler in the near future. slennard at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 211 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

  • Fritz Gerhardt

    fgerhardt at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 219 He/Him < Back Fritz Gerhardt Conservation Scientist Fritz joined CRC as Conservation Scientist in January 2019 but has been working as an ecologist and conservation scientist since 1987. He completed his B.A. in Religious Studies at Grinnell College, his M.F.S. in Forest Ecology at Harvard University, and his Ph.D. in Community Ecology at the University of Colorado. He has worked, studied, and taught with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Harvard Forest, Dartmouth and Middlebury Colleges, University of Colorado, Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, Vermont Institute of Natural Science, and NorthWoods Stewardship Center. For the past eleven years, he owned and operated an environmental consulting firm that specialized in conducting scientific research that furthered our understanding and conservation of the natural environment in northern New England and adjacent Canada. When not working, Fritz and his family enjoy living, walking, paddling, and gardening in the hills and valleys of the northern Connecticut River watershed. fgerhardt at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 219 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

  • Aquatic Invasive Species | Connecticut River Conservancy

    The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Aquatic Invasive Species Aquatic invasive species in the Connecticut River watershed can cause significant harm to local plants, animals, and ecosystems. Their aggressive growth and spread can lower biodiversity by reducing the availability of natural resources for beneficial native species and negatively impact recreational opportunities in rivers, lakes, and ponds. Water Chestnut and Hydrilla are the two aquatic invasive species that CRC focuses on managing through community science and regional coalitions. Water Chestnut The water chestnut is a rooted, floating aquatic plant. It is an annual plant that is not native to the United States and is categorized as an invasive species in the Connecticut River watershed. It is fast growing and quickly reproducing. If left unattended it will easily cover an entire waterbody. Water chestnut infestations have been found in most of the watershed – in NH, VT, MA, and CT – that the Connecticut River travels through. Click below to learn more about the origins of water chestnut and removal efforts along the Connecticut River. All About Water Chestnut Hydrilla Hydrilla (hydrilla verticillata) is an aquatic invasive species that was first identified in the Connecticut River in 2016 in Glastonbury, CT. Scientists discovered that the Connecticut River strain of hydrilla is genetically distinct from all other hydrilla. Since then, the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station (CAES) surveyed the Connecticut River from Agawam, MA to the Long Island Sound, reporting at least 774 acres of hydrilla. In 2023, the Connecticut River strain was documented in several lakes and ponds in both Connecticut and Massachusetts, which indicates that it continues to spread. Hydrilla can outcompete native species and replace habitat for sensitive species, including migratory fish . In recent years, thick mats of hydrilla have crowded out boaters, anglers and those who come to recreate on the Connecticut River. All About Hydrilla Human activity has been linked to the spread of aquatic invasive species. Boats that aren’t properly washed and dried can carry invasive species from one water body to another. It’s easy to help prevent the spread of these species by following three easy steps: CLEAN Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from all equipment before leaving water access. DRAIN Drain motor, bilge, livewell, and other water containing devices before leaving water access. DRY Dry everything for at least five days OR wipe with a towel before reuse. Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species starts with all of us. It’s an easy process that can help protect the important ecosystems of our watershed and keep our waterways clear for recreation for years to come. Learn more about how to stop aquatic hitchhikers. As another resource, the Connecticut River Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) has recently launched the new CT AIS Web App , where you can find information about aquatic invasive species threatening Connecticut’s freshwater systems. The web application is in a beta phase and over the next few months they will make improvements as needed and upload additional data to the Survey Data page (i.e., water quality data, transect data, plant collection data, 2004-2010 survey data, and invasive species survey data). Please use the form on the “Report AIS & Update Database” page to provide feedback and submit updated waterbody information. Volunteer for Invasive Species Removal and Monitoring Water chestnut can easily be identified and managed by trained volunteers pulling the plants from kayaks and canoes. CRC and partners organize weekly water chestnut pulls across the watershed! Plus, it’s a great opportunity to get on the water and have some fun… all for a good cause! Pulling events are part of a multi-organizational collaboration united in the goal of removing this invasive plant from all parts of the Connecticut River watershed. If you attend an organized pull, we will provide supplies and instruction on how to pull the plants. It’s easy to do, but the technique is important. You are welcome to bring your own boat, or borrow one of our foldable kayaks. While this is generally a paddle event, shallow motorboats, such as Jon boats, are helpful to shuttle loads of plants back to land. Our volunteer events run from June through August. Click here to find upcoming volunteer opportunities and sign up for our newsletter to get notifications for upcoming pulls! Want to get involved with hydrilla work? CRC also organizes quarterly hydrilla stakeholder meetings – if you are interested in attending, reach out to Kelly at kbeerman - at - ctriver.org. It's a messy job, but somebody's got to do it! Thanks to our incredible volunteers who help with water chestnut pulls. Our Volunteers in Action Special Thanks to Our Partners Aquatic invasive species in the Connecticut River watershed have long been a priority for organizations, groups, and individuals throughout the region. We are incredibly grateful to CRC’s network of partners and funders that help to collectively address the challenge of aquatic invasive species in our waters. Athletic Brewing Company Capitol Region Council of Governments Chicopee4Rivers City of East Hartford City of Middletown Community Foundation of Middlesex County - Janvrin Fund Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Watershed Farmington River Watershed Association Friends of Whalebone Cove Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, Sestero Fund Jonah Center for Earth and Art Laurie Callahan Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments MA Department of Conservation and Recreation NH DES Aquatic Invasives Species Program NH EAWSC Northeast Aquatic Nuisance Species Panel Office of Aquatic Invasive Species Robert F. Schumann Foundation Town of Glastonbury US Army Corps of Engineers US Fish and Wildlife Service VT AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES (AIS) PREVENTION, MANAGEMENT, AND REGULATION Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District For questions related to CRC’s Aquatic Invasive Species work, or to connect about volunteering, contact us at volunteer - at - ctriver.org or 413.772.2020 x207.

  • Donate to Connecticut River Conservancy

    Support the Connecticut River by making a contribution for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities. Please use the form below to make your contribution. Other Ways to Give Donate by Mail Please mail your check, made out to Connecticut River Conservancy, to: 15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA 01301 Donate by Phone To donate by phone or to get assistance with your donation, please contact us at 413-772-2020 More Ways to Give Learn about legacy and workplace giving, sponsorships, stock donations and more with more ways to give. For questions about making your gift to support Connecticut River Conservancy, contact Brett at bmorrison - at - ctriver.org or call 413.772.2020 x218.

  • Tony Judge | ctriver.org

    < Back Tony Judge Trustee Tony grew up on the Connecticut River in South Hadley Falls. For many years, he’s worked as a broadcasting executive and radio, television and film producer. He served as board vice-chair for the National Wildlife Refuge Association. Now returned from the Midwest to the Valley and its great river, Tony’s eager to help the Connecticut River Conservancy in its vital, exciting work.

  • Janki Darity | ctriver.org

    < Back Janki Darity Trustee With over 15 years of dedicated experience in the ethics and compliance profession, Janki has cultivated a strong foundation in fostering integrity and transparency across various sectors. She has been at the forefront of integrating programmatic frameworks into healthcare, consumer products, and technology organizations. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to advancing strategies that emphasize the importance of regulatory compliance and ethical responsibility with ongoing development improvements. Recently, she has chosen to pivot from the corporate sector to focus on nonprofit environmental sustainability programs, specifically in the area of watershed protection and conservation. This shift reflects a deep commitment to addressing global environmental challenges and leveraging her expertise to support sustainable initiatives. Moreover, Janki has a deep passion for the Connecticut River, a natural treasure she has cherished since moving with her family to Amherst at the age of seven. A lifelong traveler, Janki loves cycling and hiking with her partner Brian, as well as getting cozy with a good bourbon and the works of two of her favorite authors, Octavia Butler and Barbara Kingsolver.

  • Donate to Connecticut River Conservancy

    Support the Connecticut River by making a contribution for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities. DOUBLE Your Impact! Make your fall gift by Nov. 17th to help earn the full $60,000 challenge Challenge donors have generously agreed to extend their MATCH until 11/17 to give the community more time to earn the full $60,000 Upper Valley Challenge. Join this opportunity for your generosity to do twice as much with CRC. Donate before 11:59PM on 11/17/2024 to DOUBLE your impact for clean water, healthy habitat, and resilient communities. Other Ways to Give Donate by Mail Please mail your check, made out to Connecticut River Conservancy, to: 15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA 01301 Donate by Phone To donate by phone or to get assistance with your donation, please contact us at 413-772-2020 More Ways to Give Learn about legacy and workplace giving, sponsorships, stock donations and more with more ways to give. For questions about making your gift to support Connecticut River Conservancy, contact Brett at bmorrison - at - ctriver.org or call 413.772.2020 x218.

  • Amanda Major

    amajor at ctriver.org 413-253-6855 She/They < Back Amanda Major Outreach & Events Coordinator Amanda joined CRC as the Outreach and Events Coordinator in 2024. She brings an enthusiasm for community-building and social change. Prior to working at CRC, Amanda's role was an outdoor educator, teaching kayaking and canoeing on the Deerfield River. During this time, they developed a deep gratitude and connection to nature along with a love for the rivers and forests of Western Massachusetts. With a background in reproductive justice and leadership development, Amanda is driven by the intersection of health, social change, and the power of gathering. They are particularly intrigued by the whats and whys behind our moments of connection. Amanda believes in the transformative power of community and strives to build spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Amanda holds both a BA and MA in International Development and Social Change from Clark University. In her free time, she enjoys paddling and participating any and all aquatic activities. amajor at ctriver.org 413-253-6855 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

  • Tim Lewis | ctriver.org

    < Back Tim Lewis Trustee, Secretary Tim retired from a long career in manufacturing, working at three different companies, each one smaller than the one before. The last was a family-owned business with 10 employees that made OEM Babbitt Bearings. It was a relationship made in heaven, and he managed it for 24 years. He served as Chairman of the Board of Education in Rocky Hill, CT, where he grew up and still lives. An avid paddler, and a former whitewater canoe racer, Tim enjoys multi-day canoe camping trips, preferably off the grid, and has paddled the Connecticut River source to sea. He is President of Great Meadows Conservation Trust, protecting and preserving vital flood plain wetlands and farmland along the Connecticut River in Wethersfield, Rocky Hill, and Glastonbury. Tim also works to protect and promote the river he knows and loves so well. CRC@ctriver.org

  • Hydropower Relicensing | 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. Thank you for supporting our mission. Photo courtesy of Al Braden Hydropower Relicensing 5 hydroelectric facilities on the Connecticut River are in the process of relicensing. This page includes background and historical information, along with updates as they develop. The most recent milestone as of May 2025 is that the Connecticut River Conservancy and co-appellant partners are challenging the Water Quality Certifications in NH, VT, and MA for all 5 hydropower projects undergoing relicensing on the Connecticut River. We have been involved in the relicensing process for over a decade with the aim of getting the best possible outcome for our rivers, wildlife, and communities. The process is not complete until there is a new license in place. Read on for all the details. Hydroelectric facilities use a public trust resource – your river – to produce power. In exchange for this privilege and to mitigate for impacts of the dams, FERC (the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) r equires that hydropower operators provide direct benefits to the public and be protective of the ecological health of the river. The license serves as a public contract that we revisit periodically to examine the impact of the facility on our public trust resource. Latest Hydro News Comments Submitted for Draft Environmental Impact Statements in Hydropower Relicensing FERC Publishes Draft Environmental Impact Statements for Five Hydropower Facilities Environmental Nonprofits File Appeal of VT and NH Water Quality Certifications for Hydropower Facilities The Connecticut River Advocacy Fund CRC has appealed the Clean Water Act §401 Water Quality Certifications in VT, NH, and MA to make sure that the state agencies do their job and protect our river for the next several decades. Your contribution is critical for the Connecticut River’s future. Wins in this court process will result in specific requirements that are written into the federal licenses impacting 175 miles of the river. Support the Advocacy Fund Submit Public Comments Read the Draft Env. Impact Statements & submit YOUR COMMENTS! Learn More 401 Water Quality Certification Details about the Water Quality Certifications issues by MA, VT, and NH. Learn More Relicensing Overview Get the key details to understand what's at stake for our rivers. Start Here Hydro Resources Learn more about hydropower and related state & federal processes. Learn More Sign Up for Hydro Email Updates We have a hydropower-specific email list to notify you as milestones happen or new resources become available. If you're not already on it, take a moment to sign up here and then return to this page. Five Hydro Facilities Now! The heart of the Connecticut River’s next 50 years. Since late 2012, five hydroelectric facilities in the heart of the Connecticut River have been in the process of renewing their operating licenses in a process known as relicensing. The licenses for two facilities in northern MA and three dams in southern VT and NH will endure for the next 30-50 years and impact more than 175 miles of the Connecticut River. It’s critical that we all speak up NOW in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to influence these operating licenses. The three dams at Wilder, Bellows Falls and Vernon in New Hampshire and Vermont are owned by Great River Hydro (formerly TransCanada), a subsidiary of Hydro-Québec whose sole shareholder is the Government of Quebec. The two Massachusetts facilities, Turners Falls Dam and Northfield Mountain Pump Storage Project, are now separate LLCs under FirstLight Power Services LLC , owned by PSP Investments, one of Canada’s largest pension investment managers. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) last issued licenses for these facilities over forty years ago and all five licenses initially expired in April, 2018. Comments by local communities, the states, individuals, and other stakeholders provide a rare opportunity to improve the health of our river. The current relicensing process for these five hydropower facilities will dramatically affect the health of the river and watershed for generations to come. The public has had numerous opportunities to formally submit comments to the the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), however the deadline for this has since passed as of May 22nd, 2024. CRC River Stewards Kathy Urffer (VT), Kate Buckman (NH through 2024), Marilla Harris-Vincent (NH starting 2025), and Nina Gordon-Kirsch (MA) are participating in all the formal proceedings related to this relicensing effort. They review reports, prepare CRC comments, and are working to engage the public in the process. They are glad to answer any of your questions or speak to your group about the relicensing. Both Great River Hydro and FirstLight submitted amended final license applications (AFLAs) in December 2020. And on February 22nd, 2024, FERC released a public notice indicating that the Turner’s Falls , Northfield Mountain , Vernon , Bellows Falls , and Wilder hydroelectric project applications have been accepted and are ready for environmental analysis. Link on the project name to see their respective notice. This opened a 60-day comment period through April 22nd, which was then further extended to May 22nd, 2025. This also initiated the Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification clock and gave the companies 60 days to file an application with the state to apply for a water quality certificate. Next Steps: This process is not complete until new licenses are in place, which means there is still more to do. We are now in the next phase of the relicensing, which are the state 401 Water Quality Certifications + federal Draft Environmental Statements. Read more about the 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC) here. Read CRC's announcements about appeals to state WQCs in Massachusetts , and Vermont/New Hampshire. Read the Draft Environmental Impact Statements issued by FERC and submit your public comments by August 28th, 2025! Support the Connecticut River Advocacy Fund to empower CRC in the courtroom. A Public Trust Resource Refers to the public trust doctrine that recognizes the public right to many natural resources including "the air, running water, the sea and it's shore." The doctrine requires a state to hold in trust designated resources for the benefit of the people, regardless or private property ownership. Connecticut River Conservancy's Role: CRC’s desired outcomes and priority areas where we are actively advocating for change include: Safe, timely, and effective upstream and downstream fish passage Operational changes at the dams to minimize both upstream and downstream surface water fluctuations to reduce bank erosion and impacts to rare and threatened species Healthy aquatic habitat for river critters Seasonally appropriate minimum flows in the river channel Ecologically compatible and accessible recreational facilities Protection and interpretation of historic and archeological resources Equal consideration of Indigenous People’s traditional cultural properties Hydro Relicensing and the 401 Water Quality Certification: States & Federal Have a Parallel Process All hydroelectric facilities must also apply for and receive within 12 months a Water Quality Certification (WQC) from the state that that facility is located in. Anything the states require in this certificate will automatically be included in the final FERC license. Great River Hydro and FirstLight applied for their 401 WQ Certifications in April 2024, so the states used the following year to conduct public information sessions, issue a draft WQ Certification, and in most cases held a formal public comment period to receive comments on the draft. Read CRC's latest hydropower eblasts: 7/14/25 6/13/25 5/28/25 401 Water Quality Certification This refers to the Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) in which a federal agency (in this case the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - FERC) may not issue a license to hydro facilities for a discharge from the hydro plant into public waters unless the state or authorized tribe issues a Section 401 water quality certification verifying that the discharge will comply with existing water quality requirements, or waives the certification requirement. After the states issued Water Quality Certifications in April 2025, the Connecticut River Conservancy and co-appellant partners have filed appeals in Massachusetts , Vermont, and New Hampshire challenging the WQCs for not going far enough to protect the Connecticut River. Links to the 2025 WQC's can be found here: New Hampshire: Read the Final 401 WQC for Wilder Dam Read the Final 401 WQC for Bellows Falls Dam Read the Final 401 WQC for Vernon Dam Read NHDES' Responses to Comments and Substantive and Minor Revisions Vermont: Read the Final 401 WQC for Wilder Dam Read the Final 401 WQC for Vernon Dam Read the Final 401 WQC for Bellows Falls Dam Massachusetts: Read the Final 401 for the Turners Falls Dam & Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Station CRC's previously submitted comments on the state 401 Water Quality Certifications are below: For GRH Projects in Vermont: Comments on the application for the VT 401 Water Quality Certification for Wilder, Bellows Falls and Vernon (submitted on 10/1/24) can be found here. Comments on the VT draft 401 Water Quality Certification for Wilder (submitted on 2/6/25) can be found here. Comments on the VT draft 401 Water Quality Certification for Bellows Falls (submitted on 2/26/25) can be found here. Comments on the VT draft 401 Water Quality Certification for Vernon (submitted on 3/16/25) can be found here. For GRH Projects in New Hampshire: Comments on the application for the NH 401 Water Quality Certification for Wilder, Bellows Falls, and Vernon (submitted on 1/31/25) can be found here. Final comments on NH 401 Water Quality Certification for Wilder, Bellows Falls, and Vernon (submitted on 4/11/25) can be found here. For FirstLight Projects in Massachusetts: Comments on the application for the MA 401 Water Quality Certification (submitted on 6/3/24) can be found here. Letter to MassDEP regarding shortnose sturgeon and hydropower (sent on 12/5/24) Read the MA draft 401 Water Quality Certification (issued by MA DEP 1/24/25) here. Comments on the MassDEP 401 Water Quality Certification draft (submitted on 2/24/25). CRC has also made dedicated brochures for each state, which you can find here for Vermont , New Hampshire , and Massachusetts . Public comments submitted to the state during this process can have a positive impact on the long-term benefits for the river! You can learn more about this process in each state here: Vermont New Hampshire Massachusetts CRC's 2024 Livestream about the Water Quality Certification Process We have a hydropower-specific email list to notify you as milestones happen or new resources become available. If you're not already on it, take a moment to sign up here. Video Summary of the VT/NH Se ction of the River The LiveStream below with CRC's Director of Policy and Advocacy, Kathy Urffer, was recorded prior to the comment periods or issuance of Water Quality Certifications, the Fish Passage Settlement Agreement, and the sale of Great River Hydro to HydroQuebec, however the key details remain accurate and it describes the proposed operational change agreed to in 2020. Videos About Our Concerns Recreation Erosion Hydropower Resources Full License Applications submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC): Great River Hydro : Open “80-Amended-Final-License-Applications-AFLA” folder. Most information is in “Exhibit E.” CRC was concerned with information lacking in the AFLA so we submitted comments to FERC in January 2021. FirstLight : Executive Summary Table ES-1 shows inflated cost amounts that include a hidden expected energy revenue loss, whereas Exhibit D for the two facilities show lower costs. Otherwise, the Executive Summary is a concise summary of what the application package includes. CRC was concerned with information lacking in the AFLA so we submitted comments to FERC in January 2021. Stay informed! Subscribe to the FERC docket using the project number (eg. Northfield Mountain Pump Station is P-2485) so you receive updates whenever comments are filed, or FERC issues a determination. Research! Search the FERC eLibrary using the project number (eg. Northfield Mountain Pump Station is P-2485) for previously submitted comments, issuance, and documents. CRC and Appalachian Mountain Club’s recreation recommendations submitted to FERC. Recordings: CRC has been holding a number of virtual events to share information and answer questions. Visit CRC’s YouTube channel to see all past recordings. Background: Hydropower in the Connecticut River Watershed River A large natural stream of water flowing into a channel. Dams undo many of the very features that distinguish a river ecosystem, such as: Variations in flow rate, river bottom sediments, and movement of soil and rocks. Migratory fish runs that bring economic opportunity, sustenance, and nutrients inland. All power generation has impacts on the environment. Hydropower has large impacts on a river. The Connecticut River watershed has dozens of active hydropower dams and two pumped storage projects that are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Their individual and cumulative impacts to our rivers are massive. The Connecticut River is one of the most extensively dammed rivers in the nation. CRC has advocated for removing dams in our watershed that no longer serve a purpose. Thus far, we have aimed to minimize the impacts of operating hydropower dams rather than removal. However, we evaluate each facility on a case by case basis. Dams on the main stem of the Connecticut River alter flows and water levels on more than 324 miles of the river’s 410 mile total length, from the headwaters region all the way down to Holyoke Dam 86 miles upstream from Long Island Sound. They block the movement of migratory and resident fish and other aquatic animals. The dams turn New England’s longest river into a series of warm water reservoirs. They impede natural river flows and cause the accumulation of sediment behind the dams, burying important river bottom habitat. Paddlers have to portage around the dams to continue traveling on the river. Historical uses and artifacts along the river are changed or submerged. It is important to remember the companies aren’t just managing their facilities, nor merely impacting just the water “at” the dams or nearby habitat. Through their presence and operations, hydro facilities manage the whole river. Most hydropower facilities have a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license with a term of 40-50 years. When these operating licenses come up for renewal during the relicensing process, it is our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change how these hydro facilities affect our rivers. With such lengthy terms, the licenses lock-in impacts to the river for generations to come. Therefore, advocating for the river during relicensing is critical! It is a chance to improve access, habitat, and the river’s overall health as an ecosystem. Working with state and federal agencies, municipalities, nonprofits, and local residents, CRC examines the impacts of each facility’s operations on our local waterways and submits formal comments to ensure a balance between hydro operations and protection of the river. YOUR ROLE: You Have A Say! It is important for the public and municipalities to submit comments to make sure that local concerns and desires are voiced during the relicensing process and are responded to as part of the new license. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is interested in maintaining these energy facilities and they are in constant communication with the companies in the course of their relationship as regulators. FERC needs to hear from the public in order to understand and balance local ecological and public access concerns with power production To submit comments on a particular dam or hydro project you first need to know the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) project number. There are many hydroelectric projects in the watershed. Click on the project in the map below to get more details. Comments can be in response to a particular filing or can be a complaint about project operations, safety, or recreation issues in the project areas. You can see comment examples and a way to see all submitted comments here. Project numbers for the five large hydro facilities on the main stem Connecticut River undergoing relicensing now: Wilder Dam, P-1892-030 Bellows Falls Dam, P-1855-050 Vernon Dam, P-1904-078 Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Project, P-2485-071 Turners Falls Dam, P-1889-085 There are two options for submitting comments to FERC: For a comment up to 10,000 characters, you can submit an e-comment . This DOES NOT require creating an account with FERC. For a longer comment, or to post a comment on your letterhead, you will need to eRegister with FERC to create an account, and then eFile . Please see our Comment Guide for extended comment details. Comments submitted so far can also be found here . CRC's FERC Comment Guide Tributary Facilities Undergoing Relicensing P-10934 Sugar River II ; Newport, NH on the Sugar River P-9648 Fellows Dam, P-9649 Lovejoy, P-9650 Gilman and P-7888 Comtu Fall; Springfield, VT on the Black River P-8615 Fiske Mill ; Hinsdale, NH on the Ashuelot River P-7887 Minnewawa Brook; Marlborough, NH on the Ashuelot River P-7883 Weston; Groveton, NH on the Upper Ammonoosuc River P-2490 Taftsville ; Woodstock, VT on the Ottauquechee River P-2489 Cavendish ; Cavendish, VT on the Black River P-2816 North Hartland; Hartland, VT on the Ottauquechee River P-2839 Great Falls ; Lyndonville, VT on the Passumpsic River P-5261 Newbury ; Newbury, VT on the Wells River P-2392 Gilman ; Lunenberg, VT and Dalton, NH on the Connecticut River P-2669 Bear Swamp ; Rowe and Florida, MA on the Deerfield River CRC's Other Hydro Work For questions about hydropower relicensing, contact the following: Kathy Urffer for Vermont: kurffer at ctriver.org | 802-258-0413 Marilla Harris-Vincent for New Hampshire: mharrisvincent at ctriver.org | 603-503-0419 Nina Gordon-Kirsch for Massachusetts: ngordonkirsch at ctriver.org | 413-772-2020 ext. 216

  • Melissa Langley

    mlangley at ctriver.org 413-450-8739 She/Her < Back Melissa Langley Lab and Monitoring Coordinator Melissa joined CRC part-time in 2022 as a lab technician and now works full-time to help coordinate volunteer and lab work for seasonal monitoring programs for bacteria, nutrients, and microplastics. She previously worked at Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc., Association to Preserve Cape Cod, and Buzzards Bay Coalition doing water quality and salt marsh restoration field, lab, grant, and permitting work. Melissa holds a M.S. in Environmental Conservation from the University of Massachusetts - Amherst, where she looked at the successes and shortcomings of tidal restoration projects in salt marshes on Cape Cod. She also holds a B.A. in Linguistics from McGill University. In her free time, Melissa loves to cook, spend time at the river, and do arts and crafts. mlangley at ctriver.org 413-450-8739 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

  • Mallory Strider

    mstrider at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 201 She/Her < Back Mallory Strider Assistant Director of Finance Mallory joined CRC in August 2019. Originally a native of Maryland from the Potomac River Watershed, she moved to the valley in 2014 to attend Smith College. Mallory earned her B.A. in History as a part of the Ada Comstock Scholars Program. As a history major, her capstone project for her archives concentration was a digital narrative and history of the Mill River. Prior to her relocation, Mallory volunteered with the Muddy Branch Alliance doing stream sampling as a part of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Stream Waders Program. Mallory enjoys riding her bicycle, spending time outside, and exploring – sometimes guided by maps and sometimes guided only with a sense of adventure. mstrider at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 201 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

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