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Scantic River at Rt 190 in Connecticut. [Press Release: July 30th, 2025] A group of nonprofit organizations are embarking on watershed-based planning for the Scantic River watershed. The Connecticut River Conservancy, Scantic River Watershed Association, University of Saint Joseph, and Save the Sound are teaming up to study the river’s sources of pollution and make recommendations to improve its health.       The Scantic River watershed spans approx. 90,000 acres in northern Connecticut and southern Massachusetts. The towns that are part of this watershed in CT include East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Hampden, Somers, Stafford, and South Windsor. The towns in MA are East Longmeadow, Hampden, Monson, and Wilbraham.    A community event was held at the Somers Public Library on August 6th, 2025, in which community members attended to learn more about the project, ask questions, and share any concerns, river uses, and hopes for positive change. Those who were not able able to attend the public meeting can still take an online survey  to submit their input virtually.    “We’re excited to finally kick off this regionally important project” said Rhea Drozdenko, River Steward in CT at the Connecticut River Conservancy. “The Scantic River is an incredible resource for the communities in the area, as well as the fish, wildlife and plants who call it home. This project will help us identify improvements for a healthy and resilient Scantic River watershed for years to come.”   The Scantic River basin has experienced water quality issues for years due to stormwater runoff, bacteria, and other nutrient pollution that have resulted in algae blooms, degraded habitat for fish, and reduced potential for community recreation. Project partners will work closely with municipalities to spread the word about the timeline and purpose of the planning process, and solicit feedback from landowners, nonprofit groups, member towns and communities within the watershed.    This project was funded, in part, by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The funding is administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.  The goal is to fully support the designated uses of swimming, fishing, and aquatic life in the Scantic River and reduce nitrogen loading to the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. The process will provide scientific understanding of nutrient and sediment loads, identify pollutant source areas, establish quantitative water quality goals, and provide recommendations for specific restoration actions and best management practices (BMPs) to protect and improve water quality.      “When I first moved back to the area, I started volunteering on Scantic River cleanups and quickly fell in love with the watershed” said Dr. Kirsten Martin, Professor of Biology at University of Saint Joseph.  “I began the Scantic River Water Monitoring Program in 2010 to bring more attention to this beautiful but often overlooked river.  The Scantic River has an incredible history and is ecologically diverse, but it has lot of issues in terms of water quality. The Scantic project represents an opportunity for individuals and organizations in the watershed to engage in designing a plan that will support improving the water quality of the river and help maintain the ecological benefits of the watershed.”        Community members in the Scantic River watershed are invited to take an online survey  to submit their input virtually.    Save the Sound staff will also coordinate and lead volunteer streamwalks  of river segments to obtain a current assessment of river health. Data collected will include physical characteristics of the stream, visual assessments of water clarity and riparian vegetation, presence and attributes of outfalls, presence and severity of barriers, location of dumping sites, and special areas of concern.      More information will be made available through Scantic River watershed towns. For questions related to this announcement, contact:    Rhea Drozdenko  River Steward in CT for the Connecticut River Conservancy  Rdrozdenko@ctriver.org  | (860) 929-8021

Wood Turtle in the Connecticut River watershed. Photo by Kiley Briggs/Orianne Society. Let’s talk about turtles!  The Connecticut River watershed is home to 7 species of turtles, 4 of which are listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern in at least one state in the watershed—New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. These include the eastern box turtle, wood turtle, spotted turtle, and northern diamondback terrapin. Among them, the wood turtle stands out as a species of special concern and is recognized as a high-priority species of greatest conservation need in all four states, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated conservation efforts across the region. Turtles have survived since the age of dinosaurs. They have evolved to survive by being very long-lived. It takes years for a turtle to reach sexual maturity. Turtle eggs are often sought by predators, so turtles must mate and lay eggs many times before they are able to successfully replace themselves in the environment.  Unfortunately, turtle populations are plummeting due to collisions with cars, habitat loss, and illegal pet collection. Conflicts with cars and human development are causing them to perish faster than they can reproduce, with devastating impacts. Even the loss of one mature adult can cause a local population to collapse.  CRC’s Current Project for Wood Turtle Habitat Restoration   The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) has been working with The Orianne Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of reptiles, amphibians and the ecosystems they inhabit, on supporting turtle habitat since 2021. This collaboration involves outreach, habitat identification and site assessment, and delivery of on-the-ground conservation programs designed specifically to benefit Northeast turtles. Additional project components including water quality improvement through reductions in sediment and nutrients, riparian buffer plantings to improve habitat for rare freshwater turtles—especially wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) and spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata). Added benefits of such restoration projects implemented for turtles will also help many other species including blue-spotted salamander, New England cottontail, American bittern, wood duck, American woodcock, American black duck, moose, bob cat and brook trout.    Connecticut River Conservancy, The Orianne Society, and CT DEEP Wildlife Division will be hosting a public program on wood turtles at The Sessions Woods Conservation Education Center (341 Milford Street, Burlington, CT) at 6:30 PM on Thursday, September 25, 2025. This free program will cover wood turtle ecology, conservation concerns, and how you can help! Please fill out this form  to register.    How to Support Turtles You May Encounter   Turtles can be found crossing roads from late April through early November (depending on location and climate conditions). May-mid to July is turtle nesting season, but turtles continue to move around to find new habitats and food sources. In the fall, they seek out a place to brumate (hibernate).  CRC's Staff Accountant Laura Herbert is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who works with turtles as well as small mammals. Here is some advice she has to offer on how to help our chelonian friends:  If you see a turtle in your yard, just let it be. Turtles that are unbothered will not harm people (including children) or pets.  Due to shrinking habitats, more turtles are being found nesting in yards and along driveways. If you encounter a turtle laying eggs, do not attempt to move her or the eggs once they are laid. If you think the eggs are in a dangerous location, please reach out to a wildlife rehabilitator. Only under the most serious circumstances should a nest be moved, and it must be done by an experienced wildlife professional to ensure that the eggs are not damaged.  If you see a turtle in the road , and if you can safely do so, please help it across the road in the direction it is going. If you see a turtle that has been hit, please contain it and call a wildlife rehabilitator (resource links below). If you leave it there and call someone to tell them where it is, it will be gone by the time help arrives. Make a note of exactly where you found it. Don’t assume it’s dead or dying. Turtles can survive severe injuries with proper medical care and attention.    If you find a dead turtle in the road  during nesting season, contain it! Eggs are viable inside dead turtles for up to a week and can be extracted and incubated by a wildlife rehabilitator. Every turtle saved will help contribute to the health and vitality of our remarkable turtle populations and our watershed as a whole.    Above are some photos of the turtles Laura has supported, including the beloved snapping turtle, Oliver, who was hit by a car by the main stem in Northfield, MA and has since recovered and been released, as well as two beautiful wood turtles, one of which was a gravid female (containing eggs) which has since been released by MA Fish & Wildlife. Most of these turtles were hit by cars. Please slow down and keep an eye out for wildlife!     Links for wildlife rehabilitators in the Connecticut River watershed:  New Hampshire   Vermont    Massachusetts   Connecticut

Vernon Dam on the Connecticut River in VT/NH. The Comment Period for Draft Environmental Impact Statements Are Open! The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has released two separate Draft Environmental Impact Statements (DEIS) for the five hydropower facilities on the Connecticut River that are currently undergoing relicensing. This process is unfolding as the Connecticut River Conservancy has filed legal challenges for the Water Quality Certifications issued by Massachusetts , Vermont, and New Hampshire.   Environmental Impact Statements are required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA was signed into law on January 1, 1970 and requires federal agencies to assess and evaluate the environmental and related social and economic effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions.   The DEIS contains FERC’s analysis of Great River Hydro and FirstLight's proposals and the alternatives for relicensing the Wilder (P-1892), Bellows Falls (P-1855), Vernon (P-1904), Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage (P-2485), and Turners Falls (P-1889) projects. The DEIS documents the views of governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, affected Native-American tribes, the public, the license applicant(s), and Commission staff. The Environmental Impact Statement is the last major step in the relicensing process.  Here is a webinar recording from 7/3/25 to share more about this. Please note, the comment deadline has since been extended to August 28th, 2025. This DEIS reviews the effects of continued project operation and recommends conditions for any licenses that may be issued for the projects. In addition to the applicant’s proposal, the draft EIS considers three alternatives for each project: (1) no action, meaning the project would continue to be operated as it currently is with no changes; (2) the applicant’s proposal with staff modifications (staff alternative); and (3) the staff alternative with all mandatory conditions.   In the DEIS, Commission staff recommend relicensing the projects under the Staff Alternative , which includes most of the applicants’ proposed measures, as well as certain mandatory conditions and recommendations made by state and federal agencies and some staff-recommended modifications to further minimize project-related effects on shoreline erosion, aquatic and terrestrial resources, threatened and endangered species, recreation, and cultural resources. Draft DEIS for Great River Hydro Projects Historic Sign at the Bellows Falls Dam. FERC released a DEIS which examines the environmental impact of Wilder, Bellows Falls and Vernon facilities in VT and NH. In this DEIS, FERC staff identify the primary issues to be:  Shoreline erosion along the Connecticut River Water quantity, including how the volume of peaking flows and magnitude of water surface fluctuations in the Connecticut River affect aquatic habitat and recreation access Fish passage Protection of threatened and endangered species Protection of cultural resources   In addition to or in lieu of sending written comments, you can attend an in-person public comment session that will be held to receive comments on the draft EIS.  The primary goal of these comment sessions is to have you identify the specific environmental issues and concerns with the DEIS . Although there will not be a formal presentation, Commission staff will be available throughout the comment session to answer your questions about the environmental review process.     In-Person Public Comment Sessions July 17, 2025 Session A: 1pm - 3pm Session B:  6pm - 8pm   Bellows Falls Opera House 7 Village Square Bellows Falls, VT 05101 You can read the Great River Hydro DEIS here. Draft DEIS for FirstLight Projects Turners Falls Dam in Turners Falls, MA. FERC released a draft EIS which examines the environmental impact of Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage and Turners Falls facilities in MA, NH and VT. In this draft EIS, FERC staff identify the primary issues to be:  Shoreline erosion along the Connecticut River Water quantity, including how the volume of peaking flows and magnitude of water surface fluctuations in the Connecticut River affect aquatic habitat and recreation access Fish passage Protection of threatened and endangered species Protection of cultural resources   In addition to or in lieu of sending written comments, you can attend an in-person public comment session that will be held to receive comments on the draft EIS.  The primary goal of these comment sessions is to have you identify the specific environmental issues and concerns with the draft EIS . Although there will not be a formal presentation, Commission staff will be available throughout the comment session to answer your questions about the environmental review process.    In-Person Public Comment Sessions July 16, 2025 Session A:  9am - 11am Session B: 6pm - 8pm   Greenfield Community College One College Drive Greenfield, MA 01301 You can read the FirstLight DEIS here. How to Submit Online Comments Bellows Falls Dam in North Walpole, NH. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filing.  Please file comments using the Commission’s eComment  or eFiling  system.   eComment Option:  Limited to individuals filing up to 10,000 characters of text-only comments on their own behalf.   eFiling Option:  You must have or create an account and use this system if you are filing: On behalf of a company, agency, organization, association, or other non-individual Comments exceeding 10,000 characters Non-text material (exhibits, photos) or file attachments CRC's FERC Comment Guide for all facilities. CRC's Comment Guidelines for Great River Hydro dEIS. CRC's Comment Template for FirstLight dEIS.   All comments must be filed on or before 5:00pm EST on August 28th, 2025. Support 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 Connecticut River Advocacy Fund here.

Ava Gandhi, CRC's Education and Outreach Assistant, with a group of kids from STEAM Train Inc. on a boat on the Connecticut River. Ahoy! The Connecticut River Conservancy has officially set sail in the state of Connecticut – on the Connecticut River that is. Rhea Drozdenko, CRC's River Steward in Connecticut, and Ava Gandhi, Environmental Education and Outreach Assistant, have launched a new program this summer to provide educational boat trips for youth groups and students in Connecticut. Thanks to the Neag Foundation, we were awarded a $20,000 grant to provide this educational opportunity to children in environmental justice areas such as East Hartford and Middletown. Environmental justice areas are communities that are subjected to a disproportionate burden of environmental hazards and/or experience a significantly reduced quality of life relative to surrounding or comparative communities. By providing this opportunity, we are educating youth within these communities about how to take care of the river, assist them in developing a relationship with their local environment, and guiding them into becoming informed environmental decision-makers in the future.  So far, Rhea and Ava have worked with 5 organizations and groups including Compass Youth Collaborative, Middletown Public Schools, and Manchester Youth Services Bureau. We partnered with Slipaway River Tours owner Bill Keyt to captain these trips, and we launch out of the Connecticut River Academy in East Hartford, and Wethersfield Cove in Wethersfield. With these locations, the children have a chance to see an array of diverse wildlife and visualize how it interacts with urban settings. The boat trips are not only a chance to sightsee, but the children also get to play River Bingo, write in River Reflection Journals, see an Enviroscape presentation, and learn from informational talks about non-point source pollution and aquatic invasive species. On our most recent boat trip with Steam Train Inc., we were joined by National Park Service members Jennifer Lapis and Valeria Diaz to share a fishing activity! These boat trips have been an enriching experience for CRC staff and the youth alike; we are looking forward to hosting more boat trips as the summer continues.

Turners Falls Dam photo by Al Braden. [Greenfield, MA, May 14th, 2025]  Two environmental non-profit organizations, the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) and American Rivers, have filed an appeal of the Clean Water Act §401 Water Quality Certification issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) for two hydropower facilities on the Connecticut River: the Turners Falls Dam and the Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Station–one of the largest energy generating projects in the state at 1,100 megawatts. Similar appeals have also been filed in Vermont and New Hampshire. Any conditions set in the state’s Water Quality Certification (WQC) will be included in the 30 to 50 yearlong licenses granted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). It has been 13 years since the hydropower relicensing process began, and once issued, the new licenses will regulate facility actions for a generation. MassDEP’s WQC falls short in the following significant ways: by not requiring adequate flows below the Turners Falls Dam to support a community of aquatic life and recreational uses; by failing to require timely and sufficient upstream and downstream fish passage; by failing to sufficiently address erosion impacts from the Projects; by failing to sufficiently protect the state and federally listed endangered shortnose sturgeon; by not ensuring the river in the vicinity of the Projects exhibits good aesthetic quality; and by largely ignoring the current and worsening impacts of climate change. “The new license will be in place for the next 30-50 years or more” said Nina Gordon-Kirsch, River Steward in Massachusetts at the Connecticut River Conservancy. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ensure that appropriate safeguards are put in place to protect the Connecticut River, a shared public trust resource that is the lifeblood of our habitats and communities.” After over a decade of research, documentation, submission of public comments, and most recently, a thorough review of the state water quality standards, the Connecticut River Conservancy and American Rivers contend that conditions proposed by MassDEP in their final Water Quality Certification do not protect the water quality, ecosystems, and recreational resources for the approximately 22 miles of the Connecticut River affected by these two projects, and as required by law. CRC and American Rivers, among others, commented on the application, the draft §401 WQC, and reviewed the final WQC. After determining that the water quality standards would not be met by the provisions in the final certificate, CRC and American Rivers filed a request for an adjudicatory hearing. “The issues raised in this appeal have national significance for how a state ensures that its responsibilities to the public and their rivers are met. While there are many improvements included in the state’s water quality certificate, there are significant shortcomings that favor the financial interests of the applicant over the requirements of the Clean Water Act” says Andrew Fisk, Ph.D., Northeast Regional Director at American Rivers.   As required by the Federal Clean Water Act and the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards, water quality in rivers must support designated and existing uses, which in this case include “aquatic life and its habitat, water related recreation (e.g., boating, swimming) and consistently good aesthetic value.” With the Connecticut River already being challenged with habitat loss, severe flooding, bank erosion, and compromised recreation, it is imperative that the Commonwealth exercises its authority to protect water quality and designated uses from adverse impacts from the Projects.    CRC has been advocating since 2013 for the strongest possible license to support a healthier river over the coming decades. The conditions that the Commonwealth of MA places in this Water Quality Certification are the one way that the Commonwealth can protect this shared resource.  Without that, the Commonwealth is failing to “take all action necessary or appropriate to secure to the Commonwealth the benefits of the federal Clean Water Act” as mandated by their own regulations. “The Connecticut River is a resource for all of us, not just for those who profit from it. We expect that the Commonwealth will preserve and protect the River for all” said Kathy Urffer, the Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Connecticut River Conservancy.  The notice of appeal can be found here.   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! Contacts for questions about this announcement: Nina Gordon-Kirsch River Steward in Massachusetts Connecticut River Conservancy 413-772-2020 ext. 216 | ngordonkirsch@ctriver.org   Kathy Urffer Director of Policy & Advocacy Connecticut River Conservancy 802-258-0413 | kurffer@ctriver.org   Andrew Fisk, Ph.D.  Northeast Regional Director  American Rivers 413-407-6484 | afisk@americanrivers.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 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 .

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.