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Vernon Dam photo by Al Braden. [Brattleboro, VT, May 19th, 2025]  Five environmental non-profit organizations filed an appeal of the Clean Water Act §401 Water Quality Certification (WQC) issued by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC) and three of them appealed the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) for three hydropower facilities on the Connecticut River: the Wilder Dam, Vernon Dam, and Bellows Falls Dam.     The organizations include the Connecticut River Conservancy, American Whitewater, Conservation Law Foundation, Vermont Natural Resources Council, and American Rivers. This follows a similar announcement just a few days ago in Massachusetts  regarding the appeal of WQCs for two other hydropower facilities. The WQCs for all five hydropower facilities undergoing relicensing on the mainstem of the Connecticut River—in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts—are now being challenged.    The Water Quality Certification refers to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act in which a federal agency (in this case the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - FERC) may not issue a license to hydropower facilities with a discharge into public waters unless the state waives the certification requirement or issues a WQC certifying that the operation of the facility will comply with and be protective of existing water quality standards.  “The states have a responsibility to uphold water quality and protect the public trust resource that is the Connecticut River,” said Kathy Urffer, Director of Policy and Advocacy and Vermont River Steward at the Connecticut River Conservancy. “Given that these licenses will last for the next 30 to 50 years, we’re taking this action to ensure they take that responsibility seriously.”   The non-profits claim that the WQCs fall short in the following significant ways: by not requiring an enforceable and detailed plan to require recreational access; by failing to require timely and sufficient upstream and downstream fish passage; by failing to sufficiently address erosion impacts from the dams; by failing to address invasive species; by failing to sufficiently protect the state and federally listed endangered shortnose sturgeon; by largely ignoring the current and worsening impacts of climate change; and, in the case of NH, by failing to provide for meaningful public comment.  “New Hampshire has an obligation under the Clean Water Act to make sure that these hydropower dams will not diminish the public’s ability to use and enjoy the Connecticut River for recreation,” said Bob Nasdor, American Whitewater Northeast Stewardship & Legal Director. “The state has utterly failed to do that here.” After over a decade of research, documentation, submission of public comments, and a thorough review of both the application and draft WQCs, the non-profits contend that conditions proposed by VTDEC and NHDES in their final Water Quality Certifications are not sufficiently protective of the water quality, ecosystems, and recreational resources spanning over 150 miles of the Connecticut River affected by these three dams, as required by law. The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) and co-appellant non-profits commented on the application, the draft §401 WQC, and reviewed the final WQC. After determining that the state agencies did not follow the law in both VT and NH, and that the water quality standards would not be met by the conditions in the final certifications, CRC and partners filed appeals in both states.    Any conditions required in the states’ WQCs will be included in the 30 to 50 yearlong licenses granted by FERC. It has been 13 years since the hydropower relicensing process began, and once issued, the new license will regulate facility actions for a generation. In Vermont, the state said that there was “reasonable assurance” that water quality standards would be met, rather than the “will comply” standard required by law.   “By applying a flawed standard in its certification, the State of Vermont fails to protect the Connecticut River and those who depend on it for clean water,” said Mason Overstreet, Conservation Law Foundation senior attorney. “Our region has experienced deadly and damaging floods in recent years and climate change will bring more intense storms, increased erosion, and heavier water flows. Yet, Vermont fails to take into account these critical impacts on water quality and river health. These licenses last for up to 40 years, making it even more vital that we get it right. We need to ensure dam operations can withstand a changing climate while safeguarding the river for generations to come.”    As required by the Federal Clean Water Act and the Vermont and New Hampshire Surface Water Quality Standards, water quality in rivers must support designated and existing uses, which include water quality parameters such as turbidity and nutrient loads, aquatic life and its habitat, and water related recreation (e.g., boating, swimming). With the Connecticut River already being challenged with habitat loss, severe flooding, excessive bank erosion, and outdated recreation amenities, it is imperative that the states exercise their authority to protect water quality and the public’s use of the river from adverse impacts from the dams.       CRC has been advocating since 2013 for the strongest possible license to support a healthier river over the coming decades. The conditions that Vermont and New Hampshire place in this WQC are the primary way for the states to protect this shared resource for many years to come. Without strong protective conditions in their WQCs, the states are failing to protect existing water quality, let alone enhance the quality of water as mandated by their own regulations.  "We all deserve healthy water, thriving aquatic ecosystems, and recreational access on our rivers," said Lauren Hierl, executive director of Vermont Natural Resources Council. "Today's action helps protect these vital resources for current and future generations by ensuring this project complies with state and federal water laws for decades to come." Update on 6/5/25: CRC filed our  Statement of Questions  with the State of Vermont Superior Court Environmental Division. As the appellant, these are the legal questions that we want the court to make a decision on. This filing was required within 21 days of filing our formal notice of appeal.  Update on 7/11/25 : CRC has created the Connecticut River Advocacy Fund to support these legal challenges. Donations are welcome to help cover the costs of legal fees and empower our ability to fight for the Connecticut River in court! Contact for questions about this announcement:   Kathy Urffer  Director of Policy & Advocacy & River Steward in Vermont  Connecticut River Conservancy  802-258-0413 | kurffer@ctriver.org     Rebecca Todd  Executive Director  Connecticut River Conservancy  413 834-9457 | rtodd@ctriver.org      Bob Nasdor Northeast Stewardship & Legal Director American Whitewater 617-584-4566 | bob@americanwhitewater.org     Louise Lintilhac Communications Director VNRC 802-238-9032 | llintilhac@vnrc.org      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 .     About Conservation Law Foundation   Conservation Law Foundation, a member-supported nonprofit, protects New England’s environment for the benefit of all people. We use the law, science, and the market to create solutions that preserve our natural resources, build healthy communities, and sustain a vibrant economy. Learn more at clf.org .     About American Rivers:   For more than a half century, American Rivers has combined evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard the 3.5 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and strength of our communities. We know the best outcomes for rivers happen when everyone involved wins. Our experts — from scientists to engineers to policy leaders — work both nationally and locally to find comprehensive, common-sense solutions to the many needs of a river and all who depend on it. Learn more at americanrivers.org .     About American Whitewater American Whitewater is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) river conservation and recreation organization founded in 1954. With approximately 7,000 members and 85 affiliate clubs, representing tens of thousands of whitewater paddlers across the nation, American Whitewater’s mission is to protect and restore our nation’s whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely. Our members are primarily conservation-oriented kayakers and canoeists, many of whom live and/or engage in recreational boating in the New England region within easy proximity of the Connecticut River. American Whitewater has long been involved with the FERC licensed hydropower projects in Vermont and New Hampshire, including hydropower projects located on the Connecticut, Green, Missisquoi, Mad, Wells, and Salmon Falls rivers.   About VNRC   Through research, education, collaboration and advocacy, VNRC protects and enhances Vermont’s natural environments, vibrant communities, productive working landscapes, rural character and unique sense of place, and prepares the state for future challenges and opportunities.

Silvio O. Conte Anadromous Fish Laboratory On June 4th, 2025, the Connecticut River Conservancy sent a letter of support for The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center's S.O. Conte Research Laboratory in Turners Falls, MA, to the Acting Director of the USGS National Center, Sarah Ryker. The full letter is shared below. Dear Dr. Ryker, We are writing to express our wholehearted support for the Silvio O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Laboratory (Conte Lab), a critical component of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Eastern Ecological Science Center. The Conte Lab is a national leader in applied research that strengthens our understanding of diadromous fish biology and drives innovation in fish passage technologies which are essential to balancing hydropower generation with healthy, sustainable river ecosystems. As conservation professionals who work closely with regulatory agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders in the Connecticut River watershed and beyond, we at the Connecticut River Conservancy rely on the data and insights produced by the Conte Lab. The peer-reviewed research has informed everything from the design of our own fish passage studies to the educational materials we share with the public. The work undertaken at the lab ultimately leads to more well-crafted plans and regulations designed to restore and manage anadromous fish populations. It also establishes guidance for the identification, conservation, and connectivity of migratory fish species such as American shad, sea lamprey, and the federally endangered shortnose sturgeon. The unique combination of hydraulic engineering and aquatic ecology facilities and expertise under one roof has led to the lab’s extraordinary professional excellence. It is not an exaggeration to say that many of the improvements to the Holyoke fishway—and planned enhancements at other facilities—would not be possible without the foundational science conducted at Conte. Importantly, because the Conte Lab is a non-regulatory research facility, its work is widely trusted as objective and credible. This impartiality is essential to crafting fair, effective policies and licensing agreements that are grounded in sound science. The contributions of the Conte Lab extend well beyond our region; its influence is national and international, helping governments and hydropower operators around the world improve fish passage and support resilient aquatic ecosystems. In an era when the need to balance renewable energy development with environmental stewardship is more urgent than ever, the role of the Conte Lab has never been more vital. Their research promotes both ecological restoration and economic sustainability by helping to ensure viable fish populations for future generations—benefiting recreational and commercial fisheries, cultural traditions, and river communities throughout the watershed. While this letter has focused broadly on the critically import work of the Conte Lab, that work is inextricable from the exceptional staff, those dedicated public servants whose expertise, professionalism, and commitment to science serve the public good every day. Their collaborative mindset and deep knowledge make them trusted partners across sectors and geographies. Investing in these individuals is also an investment in the health of our rivers, the strength of our communities, and the quality of our nation’s environmental stewardship. We are grateful for the expertise, integrity, and collaborative spirit of the Conte Lab’s staff and urge continued, robust support for this truly exceptional facility and its mission. Sincerely, Rebecca E. Todd Executive Director Connecticut River Conservancy cc: The Honorable Doug Burgum Secretary of the Interior.

Corina and Noah, Angler Survey Technicians with the Connecticut River Conservancy. Warming waters and increased river discharge from the spring freshet herald the beginning of spawning runs for the native anadromous fish in the Connecticut River, including shad, river herring (alewife and bluebacks), sea lamprey, shortnose sturgeon, and striped bass. There may still be snow on the ground in NH and VT when herring start moving into the tidal portion of the river in CT, on their way to spawning grounds. But the steady greening of the landscape as you drive south mirrors the increase in activity in, and on, the water. Fish passage facilities are getting inspected and ready for opening to assist fish on their journey around the barriers we humans have put in the river. As of the last week in April, fishways all the way to Vernon VT were open, awaiting the arrival of the first fishy travelers on their upstream journey, and scientists and managers in all states are getting out on the water to assess the status of fish populations.  Understanding the dynamics of how many fish, what species, and the timing of when migratory fish are showing up at different locations within the watershed helps resource agencies make better-informed decisions when considering what changes need to be made to meet population recovery goals set by species management plans. Not all factors affecting migratory fish populations are within our control, but some are, and good data on what’s happening currently and over longer timescales helps further restoration efforts.    CRC Angler Survey Technicians are contributing to this data collection effort as we speak. This spring, four technicians are once again out at locations in the Holyoke/Chicopee MA and Windsor/Enfield CT areas asking anglers about what, why, and how they’re fishing. Angler surveys are an important tool to understand recreational fishing pressures by allowing for estimates of catch and harvest rates, fishing effort, and angler preferences for specific fish species. These data can help evaluate the effectiveness of regulatory and management strategies and provide insight into fish population trends. Angler surveys also help illuminate the contribution of recreational fishing efforts to local and regional economies, as well as to understanding whether public use needs and preferences are being met.  CRC’s angler surveys take place from April through June . CRC shares the collected data with members of the Connecticut River Migratory Fish Restoration Cooperative who will analyze the data gathered over multiple years to get a more comprehensive picture of what people are fishing for, who is using the river, and how it is being used. The surveys are anonymous by design, but because CRC’s Angler Survey Techs visit the same spots over and over, they often meet folks who are out fishing regularly and form a connection around a shared interest in fish and fishing. We’re all excited to talk about fish! Forming a rapport with community members as the Techs visit with anglers also helps build trust in how this work will ultimately support healthy rivers and benefit both fish and fisherfolk, leading to better understanding and participation. Forming relationships and collecting data to support our River, that's exactly the outcome we aim for when conducting long-term collaborative science. So, if you’re out there fishing and see one of our awesome survey techs in their bright yellow vest, give them a friendly hello and tell them what you’ve been up to on the river. We’re grateful for their contributions this spring; one part of the many data gathering efforts to help continue migratory fish population restoration efforts in the Connecticut River.  Mac and Luis, Angler Survey Technicians with the Connecticut River Conservancy.

View of Blake Higgins dam removal site from Route 5 bridge (the dam is located to the lower left) Connecticut River Conservancy is working with multiple partners to remove the remnant 90-foot-long and 7-foot-high concrete Blake Higgins dam on the Saxtons River, a tributary of the Connecticut River, in Westminster/Bellows Falls, Vermont.      The goals of this river restoration project are the following:     Fish passage.  Removal of the dam will create access to upstream spawning habitat for the anadromous population of native sea lamprey, a migratory fish .  Currently, sea lamprey  spawn below the dam but not above. Nests are heavily concentrated below the dam which in some cases can reduce survival of incubating eggs if the fish spawn on an existing nest. The technical term is called redd superimposition . Dam removal will expand the sea lamprey habitat by a little over 1 mile, which may not sound like a long distance, but it is the quality of increased habitat that will make a difference. These efforts will allow the fish to spread out in the river and spawn in an expanded habitat at least up to the next barrier (Twin Falls).     Water quality. Removing the dam will improve water quality  by increasing the availability of dissolved oxygen which is vital for healthy habitats, wildlife, and overall cleanliness of water. Additional benefits include reduce d eutrophication, enhanced nutrient cycling, cooler river temperatures, and a decrease in the potential for harmful algae blooms.      Natural sediment transport. In addition to dam removal, approximately 750 cubic yards of trapped sediment will be removed. Given the lack of dam maintenance over many years, sediment has accumulated both above and below the dam, which can result in nutrient deficiencies downstream, loss of biodiversity, or riverbed erosion. The combined impact of sediment removal, and the natural sediment flow that will occur over time with the absence of the dam, a more natural sediment transport will be restored.       Community recreation. The swimming area will be preserved as a beloved community summer spot for swimming, river access, and enjoyment. It may be a little different after the project is completed, but community use/swimming very much factored into the details and the river access will be improved as a result. Prior to this project, there was a small, steep, and rocky trail to the river, and afterwards there will be a wider, more leveled path. Once dam removal is complete, Vermont River Conservancy will make further improvements for community access.       Flood resilience. Dam removal will lower the flood elevation in this section of the Saxtons River (about 800 feet from the confluence with the Connecticut River) by about 7ft. This will help reduce the potential for harming the surrounding infrastructure, causing erosion, and creating costly cleanup efforts after severe weather events. Partnership for River Restoration      Multiple partners came together to fund and implement this restoration project. CRC is working with Vermont Fish & Wildlife, Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Vermont River Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, Saxtons River Valley Trails Initiative, and the Westminster Conservation Commission. Vermont Clean Water Block grant funds, The Conservation Alliance, Darn Tough, Bingham Trust Foundation, and American Rivers also supported this dam removal. Additional partners and contractors include SLR Engineering, Adams Trucking & Excavation, ACME Heritage Consultants, KAS Environmental Science Consulting, and Moore Law firm in Bellows Falls.     Timeline       CRC held a tour of the dam removal site with local community members in August, 2024. Dam removal is estimated to be completed in early September 2024.  CRC will return to plant native shrubs and trees in the spring of 2025.  Vermont River Conservancy will make further improvements for public access in the summer of 2025.   Sea lamprey will have expanded habitat by the next fish migration season in May of 2025 – a great time to visit this area and see their nest-building! You can visit anytime along the Saxtons River Trail. You can see press about this project from WCAX Wildlife Watch.    Vermont Parcel Program Map - red arrow points to dam location, orange arrow points to Blake & Higgins mill Video of Blake Higgins dam on the Saxtons river in early phase of removal Historical Background The timber crib remains of the dam may date to as far back as the mid nineteenth century, and are scattered adjacent to and upstream from the remains of the 90-foot-wide concrete gravity dam, which may date to as far back as the 1910s. There is bedrock at river left, and the remains of a dam back wall and buttress columns at river right.      The dam was associated with mills north of the river that had a variety of uses and owners. Although the dam and the remaining mill structures are within the town of Westminster, they were historically associated with industries located in Bellows Falls Village in the town of Rockingham.      There were reportedly two industries near the mouth of the Saxtons River by the early nineteenth century: Sanford Granger’s sawmill and the S.S. Coolidge Pail Company. The 1856 McClellan atlas of Bellows Falls shows a cluster of buildings including a pail factory and tannery. A building labeled Granger is shown on the 1869 Beers atlas of Bellows Falls, as well as the Perry & Ellis Tannery. The 1885 Bellows Falls Sanborn Insurance Map shows that the Fall Mountain Paper Company – a large concern with a complex within Bellows Falls Village – had a saw and planing mill that likely utilized the water power from the dam, although the dam is out of range of the image on the map. This mill is no longer standing.      About 1895, the Westminster Paper Company built the extant brick complex on the plateau north of the river. It became the Blake & Higgins Company paper mill about 1905. The dam appears on the 1920 Sanborn map for the first time. The mill was sold to the Green Mountain Tissue Company in 1940, which remained in operation until the late 1960s. However, it is unlikely that the dam was being used for water power at this point.     Significance and Determination of Eligibility       The dam has not been utilized for many decades and both the timber crib and concrete sections are ruins and do not retain integrity. There is no remaining physical evidence that the dam was related to a nearby industrial operation, with the exception of the buildings once associated with the Blake & Higgins/Green Mountain Tissue paper mill. The dam does not appear eligible for the National Register of Historic Places due to the loss of integrity, lack of distinctive design, and absence of evidence of its original purpose and context. In 1979, the SHPO’s Project Review for the construction of the extant bridge found that the project would “not affect any properties that are included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places,” and that an “on-site inspection by Division staff found extensive previous ground disturbance on both sides of the river which precludes the need for any archeological investigation.”      The paper mill complex was determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places in anticipation of a Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit application, but the owners decided not to pursue the tax credits and the subsequent building renovation project was not reviewed for compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation . Also, the river banks adjacent to the dam have been substantially disturbed as a result of the bridge construction.   Gallery of postcards from 1905, 1928, and 1983. This project is 4 years in the making and we are thrilled to be nearing completion of the dam removal while looking ahead to continued improvements to the site. Thanks to all those who have participated in this effort. From here you can learn more about dam removal   migratory fish,  and river restoration.

Recorded on May 14, 2025 Ecologists seek to understand relationships between organisms and their environment, and central to this understanding is gathering information about who is living where, when, and what they are doing while there. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a relatively new tool that can help provide information to answer these questions and can complement, or in some cases, supplant traditional research techniques. In this Live Stream event, Dr. James Garner (University of Massachusetts Amherst) and Dr. Kate Buckman (Connecticut River Conservancy) provided an overview of eDNA. Along with explaining the benefits and challenges of implementing eDNA studies, James and Kate gave examples of how eDNA is being used in different applications. They review their eDNA study conducted in 2024 where they looked for evidence of shortnose sturgeon in the Connecticut River north of the Turner's Falls MA and Vernon VT dam. Spoiler alert: they found that evidence! _____________________ About LiveStream : 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. Check out ctriver.org/events to learn about other upcoming events.

Volunteers and staff from the Connecticut River Conservancy, Vermont River Conservancy, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service planting trees at the site of the Blake Higgins dam removal in Bellows Falls, VT. Photo by Jill DeVito. [Brattleboro, VT, May 2nd, 2025]  The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) is pleased to announce a special event commemorating the organization’s 100,000th tree planted in the Connecticut River watershed, to be held on Thursday, May 8th, 2025, in Bellows Falls, Vermont. RSVP here. Since launching the restoration program in 2012 after the environmental impacts of hurricane Irene the year prior, CRC has worked to plant native trees and shrubs throughout the Connecticut River watershed in NH, VT, MA, and CT. Planting trees helps to revegetate riparian buffers and floodplain forests after ecological disturbance and supports clean water and flood resiliency. This ceremony will feature the planting of a birch tree at the site of the 2024 Blake Higgins Dam removal project . During the event, CRC staff will highlight the program’s history, the environmental benefits of buffer planting, and the ongoing efforts to foster clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities throughout the watershed. Local partners at the Vermont River Conservancy will also be present to speak about the project site where the tree will be planted, and guests can see the current conditions of a site where a dam had been removed in 2024. A special guest will also be honored. “Planting native vegetation along riverbanks is one of the most effective ways we can protect and restore our rivers,” said Ron Rhodes, Director of Programs at the Connecticut River Conservancy. “These riparian buffers improve water quality, stabilize banks, capture carbon, reduce erosion, and create vital habitat for fish and wildlife. They also play a critical role in reducing the impacts of flooding.” “This planting marks an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to the health of the Connecticut River,” said Rebecca Todd, Executive Director at the Connecticut River Conservancy. “Every tree we plant is an investment in a healthier future—for our communities, our wildlife, and generations to come. We’re proud to work alongside fabulous partners and volunteers to continue stewarding the watershed’s lands and waters.” CRC and partners conduct planting projects every spring and fall along the Connecticut River and its tributaries to filter polluted runoff and protect waterways from adjacent land use impacts. Additional information about the restoration program can be found here . Event Details: Date:  Thursday, May 8, 2025 Time:  4 p.m. Location:  91 Paper Mill Road, Bellows Falls, VT RSVP:   100,000th Tree Planting Ceremony in Bellows Falls, VT 🌳 | ctriver.org/events The public is invited to join this celebration, participate in the planting, and learn about opportunities for future involvement. Shortly following the celebratory planting, CRC is hosting the Wild & Scenic Film Festival at the Bellows Falls Opera House   with doors opening at 6:30pm. 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 .   Contacts at the Connecticut River Conservancy: Ron Rhodes, Director of Programs rrhodes@ctriver.org  | (413) 768-4994   Diana Chaplin, Director of Communications dchaplin@ctriver.org  | (413) 834-0079

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.

[Brattleboro, VT, April 17th, 2025] The Connecticut River Conservancy is excited to host our inaugural Wild & Scenic Film Festival at the Bellows Falls Opera House on Thursday, May 8th.   The tour event will feature a range of river-focused environmental films from across the globe. Two films were made in our watershed. Rivers Cannot Defend Themselves details past river advocacy in the Connecticut River watershed as told by David Sinish, one of the principal activists involved in procuring the Farmington River’s Partnership Wild and Scenic River designation. Reconnected: Restoring the Rivers of Long Island Sound illustrates present-day restoration and advocacy in a short-form documentary featuring CRC’s River Restoration Network partners. Many other films highlight inspiring stories of resilience, research, and community. In addition to the films, the event will include speakers and raffle prizes.   "We are thrilled to bring the Wild & Scenic Film Festival to our watershed,” says Kathy Urffer, Director of Policy and Advocacy and Vermont River Steward, “it’s a great opportunity to bring our community together and feel inspired by our natural world and the work being done for cleaner, healthier rivers in and beyond our watershed.”    The festival is a natural extension of CRC’s work to restore and advocate for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. CRC is hosting the Wild & Scenic Film Festival event in hopes that attendees will leave with a renewed interest in the natural world just as spring begins to bloom.   Local area sponsors for the event include the Savings Bank of Walpole, 802 Credit Union, Chroma, Lawson’s Finest Liquors, and many others listed on the event page here .   The Connecticut River Conservancy is looking forward to seeing you at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival!   EVENT DETAILS: Date: Thursday, May 8th, 2025 Time: Doors open at 6:30pm and films start at 7:00pm  Ticket Prices: $10 for children, $12 for adults, $15 at the door   Tickets can be purchased in advance  or at the door. For more information, visit www.ctriver.org/wild-scenic-films .      Earlier on the same day and  in Bellows Falls, CRC will host a tree-planting ceremony in celebration of the 100,000th tree planted in the Connecticut River watershed. This planting will take place next to the Saxtons River, where the organization implemented a river restoration project in partnership with the Vermont River Conservancy last year. Guests are welcome to attend both events, with more information about the tree planting event here.

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

The Connecticut River in New Hampshire, by Al Braden. [Press Release: Claremont, NH, 3/20/25]  The Connecticut River Conservancy’s (CRC) 11.5M federal award from the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), implemented through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), has been stalled due to the federal funding freeze with no clear path for starting work that was slated to begin this spring.   The objectives are to restore degraded stream and forest ecosystems in parts of New Hampshire in order to improve water quality, ecosystem health, and climate resiliency. This award, which was funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), has been frozen due to ongoing federal administration deliberations over IRA-related funding allocations. It is titled Improving Water Quality and Climate Resiliency in NH through Ecosystem Restoration and   was first announced in November 2024  as the largest award in the nonprofit’s history.   CRC has been at the forefront of conservation and restoration in the Connecticut River watershed for over 70 years. We believe that our work is critical to New Hampshire’s economy and health, by providing jobs in local communities and implementing projects that improve water quality and species biodiversity, restore aquatic ecosystems and critical fish habitat, enhance climate and flood resiliency, and contribute to economic sustainability, particularly in rural areas.   “By restoring floodplains, reconnecting rivers to their natural channels, and improving habitat for migratory fish and other wildlife, we not only enhance our shared natural resources but also buffer communities from the increased frequency and severity of storms and flooding” says Rebecca Todd, Executive Director at the Connecticut River Conservancy.   Like many environmental non-profits, our conservation work is heavily reliant on grants, of which federal funding is an important part. Federal funds allow us to conduct outreach, engage with local landowners, hire local consultants and contractors, and implement restoration projects across the Connecticut River watershed. They also allow us to hire more staff members in NH, who contribute to our towns and local economies. Having been awarded the RCPP  in November 2024 and signed a programmatic partnership agreement in December 2024, we were shocked when our award was put on “temporary pause.” This pause has now lasted over 6 weeks, leading to uncertainties for CRC, our partners, landowners, and other stakeholders.   On January 21st, NRCS administrators were delivered a notice to cease all work funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) due to Executive Order 14154  issued by the Trump administration and Memorandums to the Head of Departments and Agencies ( M-25-11 ; M-25-13 ). The delay in funding presents a significant challenge for CRC and directly impacts farmers, communities, and the environment across the state. Without the timely release of the RCPP funds, we are unable to initiate many of the planned restoration projects that would have begun in Spring 2025. Halting these projects risks missing key seasonal windows for certain restoration activities, leading to prolonged degradation of habitats and further delaying the economic and environmental benefits to the state. CRC has sent a letter  to Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Senator Maggie Hassan, Representative Maggie Goodlander, Representative Chris Pappas, Governor Kelly Ayotte, select members of the US House and Senate Agriculture Committees, and other state officials  to make them aware of how federal decisions are affecting local communities and respectfully asking for their support to ensure this funding is promptly released so that we can continue our essential work for New Hampshire’s ecosystems and communities, and private landowners. The freeze on this $11.5 million is a major setback, and we are asking for legislative leadership to help release these important grant monies in support of our economy, clean water, flood safety, and habitat diversity projects .   If there are actions that New Hampshire’s delegation can take, whether through advocacy within the administration or legislative means, we urge them to do so. Additionally, we ask for support in ensuring that appropriations for migratory fish conservation   are included in upcoming federal legislation, as these resources are critical to many of our projects aimed at restoring fish populations and aquatic health in New Hampshire. For questions about this announcement:   Marilla Harris-Vincent River Steward for New Hampshire Connecticut River Conservancy (603) 503-0419 mharrisvincent@ctriver.org   Lauren Zielinski Stream Restoration Specialist, RCPP Project Manager Connecticut River Conservancy (603) 325-7022 lzielinski@ctriver.org Rebecca Todd Executive Director Connecticut River Conservancy (413) 834-9457 rtodd@ctriver.org   For general inquiries: Diana Chaplin Communications Director Connecticut River Conservancy (413) 834-0079 dchaplin@ctriver.org   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 .

A great deal has happened in a short amount of time in the political arena with the new Congress and federal administration. In this livestream we try to better understand what has transpired in 2025 so far, what indicators experts are watching for, and what you can expect from the new administration in regard to water and environmental policy.  Hear from Scott Berry , the Policy Director for the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit and technical assistance provider, as we delve into this real time federal policy landscape.  Kathy Urffer , Connecticut River Conservancy’s (CRC) Director of Policy and Advocacy and Vermont River Steward tied Scott’s policy landscape to CRC’s current work throughout the watershed.  Recorded 3/12/2025 _____________________ 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.