The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of the Army have recently announced a proposed rule that would change the definition of "waters of the United States." Among other eliminations of protections, the proposed rule would significantly decrease wetland protection, exclude protections for rivers that only flow part of the year, and suggest that any artificial or natural break in flow (ex. a human made culvert or stormwater channel) cuts off upstream protection.    This rule change would reduce protections for wetlands, vernal pools, and other waterbodies with groundwater connections—all of which are abundant in the Connecticut River watershed and important for flood resiliency and aquatic habitat.     You can find the full text of the proposed rule, their press release, and other information on the EPA’s website here, and submit your public comment here . Read on for more details and a comment template. _____________________________________________________________________________  The proposed change follows a 2023 Supreme Court decision ( Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency)  in which a key distinction from previous Clean Water Act language includes a new necessity for "continuous surface connection. " Here ’s the exact language from the Sackett v. EPA decision:  “We hold that the CWA extends to only those wetlands with a continuous surface connection to bodies that are ‘waters of the United States’ in their own right, so that they are ‘indistinguishable’ from those waters.” These waterways are vital for a healthy watershed in the following ways:  Creating habitats for fish, amphibians, birds, and other wildlife   Replenishing groundwater that communities rely on   Absorbing floodwaters to reduce flood damage and erosion    Supporting diverse food chains important for fishing   Creating climate resilience by storing and releasing water   Filtering pollution to reduce pollutants in nearby rivers   Sequestering carbon   Supporting healthier forests and cleaner air   Providing ecosystem services that lead to economic benefits such as water treatment cost savings and increased property values  The Clean Water Act has already been amended by the Supreme Court’s decision, but any further weakening will create more significant negative consequences for clean water, healthy habitats, and communities. It may result in habitat destruction, more flooding, and increased costs for local communities. Some estimates highlight the potential loss of up to 80% of wetlands nationwide, stripping away some of the most effective natural infrastructure we have for preventing floods.  The EPA is accepting public comments through January 5 th , 2026. The Connecticut River Conservancy will be submitting comments and encourage the public to do the same.   Your comment can help sway the EPA! Share your expertise, be specific, and share your personal story.  This is the link to submit your comments.   Please send your personalized version of the following message:    I am writing to express my strong OPPOSITION to the proposed rule change related to “Waters of the United States.” I urge the EPA to retain protections for our waterways and wetlands instead of eliminating them.   Robust clean water protections are critical to prevent industrial pollution and development from threatening the health and safety of people and wildlife. They also help to reduce the impact of flooding, which is becoming more frequent, severe, and expensive. After recent federal rollbacks, a strong definition of the “Waters of the United States” rule is even more essential for protecting wetlands and waterways, and they are incredibly popular across the country and here in [YOUR STATE] where we have abundant wetlands and other non-continuous surface connection waters.   [IF POSSIBLE, PROVIDE AN EXAMPLE OF A WATERWAY OR WETLAND THAT MAY BE PLACED AT RISK DUE TO THIS PROPOSED RULE]   Unfortunately, the EPA’s proposed rule favors polluters and fails to listen to Americans who are demanding strong water protections. The proposed rule fails to meet the needs of communities, ecosystems, and waterways across the United States.   Sincerely,    [SIGNER'S NAME]

This end-of-year livestream highlighted the significant accomplishments achieved throughout the Connecticut River watershed in 2025. The virtual program featured remarks from Connecticut River Conservancy Executive Director Rebecca Todd, as well as presentations from staff representing our core initiatives dedicated to clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities. The event included a series of presentations on topics such as invasive species management, dam removal efforts, and ongoing restoration projects. Attendees were also given the opportunity to ask questions, including inquiries about migratory fish and the volume of plastic bottles collected during this year’s Source to Sea Cleanup. Thank you for another wonderful year! Resources mentioned in the presentation: Explore our programs  to learn about the projects we are working on. Read  the latest river news and updates.  If you'd like to make a gift to CRC, our current Free the Fish MATCH Challenge  will double your donation  through December 15th . You can also contribute to the Legal Advocacy Fund  mentioned by Kathy (this does not currently have a match). Get involved   with our work and give back to your watershed.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   [Greenfield, MA, December 8, 2025] The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) today announced their new strategic plan, Protecting Our Living Watershed , which will guide the organization’s work from 2026 through 2030. The plan sets a clear and ambitious course to address the challenges facing the Connecticut River and its tributaries, supporting a healthier, more resilient watershed for generations to come.  “Strategic planning allows us to focus our resources where they will have the greatest impact,” said Rebecca Todd, Executive Director of CRC. “This new plan reflects months of visioning and stakeholder input, and we’re excited to share it with our partners, supporters, and the entire watershed community.”  The plan outlines four primary goals:  Promote a shared agenda for protecting and restoring the watershed  Improve ecological health of riparian and aquatic habitats  Deliver CRC’s full mix of strategies across the entire watershed  Build a strong foundation for growth   Key initiatives include launching a State of the Watershed report, pursuing strategic litigation to strengthen protections, and celebrating CRC’s 75-year legacy of river stewardship.  Originally formed in 1952 as the Connecticut River Watershed Council and later rebranded to the Connecticut River Conservancy in 2017, the organization has made many contributions towards clean water and healthy habitats in the region. To date, they have removed 26 obsolete dams by working with local, state, and federal partners, restoring 431 miles of river habitat for fish passage and connectivity. In 2025, they planted their 100,000 th tree in the Connecticut River watershed, a milestone in ongoing restoration along riparian buffers and in floodplain forests. CRC also conducts environmental advocacy and policy work, organizes aquatic invasive species removals, engages in migratory fish research and water quality monitoring, and leads the annual Source to Sea Cleanup which has removed over 1,182 tons (2.4 million lbs.) of trash from local waterways by mobilizing thousands of volunteers.  Get Involved:   CRC invites the public to read the strategic plan and join upcoming events, including a LiveStream on December 10th at 12pm, where staff will share highlights from 2025 and answer questions. Supporters can also participate in the Free the Fish Challenge , with donations matched through December 15th to advance fish passage and habitat connectivity.  To read the full strategic plan, visit: ctriver.org/strategic-plan   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 .  Contact:   Diana Chaplin | Director of Communications Connecticut River Conservancy dchaplin@ctriver.org | (413) 834-0079  Rebecca Todd | Executive Director Connecticut River Conservancy  rtodd@ctriver.org | (413) 834-9457

CRC Executive Director, Rebecca Todd, presenting the Restoration Partner of the Year award to Erin Rodgers of Trout Unlimited. Additional staff from both organizations joined a recent walk-through of the site of the former Jack's Brook dam in Dover, VT. The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) is proud to recognize the Trout Unlimited Northeast Coldwater Habitat Restoration Program , based in Brattleboro, VT, as the 2025 Restoration Partner of the Year.     The Restoration Partner of the Year award is a celebration of collaboration for positive ecological impact within the Connecticut River watershed. River restoration projects include dam removal, culvert upgrades, buffer plantings, biostabilization, floodplain forest enhancements, and more. All projects contribute to improving water quality, expanding fish passage and habitat for aquatic organisms, and supporting flood resiliency.       "Trout Unlimited staff like Erin Rodgers and her team have been critical partners for our restoration work over the years” said Ron Rhodes, Director of Programs at Connecticut River Conservancy. “Without their help this year we wouldn’t have been able to complete the dam removal on Jack’s Brook in Dover, VT.”    Trout Unlimited's (TU) Northeast Coldwater Habitat Restoration Program—headed by Erin Rodgers, Program Manager for VT and MA—focuses on improving coldwater fisheries by restoring natural stream functions. Most projects entail removing barriers to aquatic life, stabilizing streambanks, and re-establishing natural stream-floodplain connections. These efforts, often achieved through partnerships such as the one with CRC, aim to make river systems more resilient to drought and flooding and protect aquatic habitats for species like brook trout.      Jack's Brook dam removal project before removal (left), partners on site during removal (center), and after removal (right).  This year’s collaborative restoration project was the removal of Jack’s Brook dam in Dover, VT.   The concrete dam built in 1913 on Jack’s Brook, a tributary of the North Branch of the Deerfield River, was removed to restore natural stream flow and improve aquatic habitat in Southern VT. The project was also in partnership with the private dam owner, and with funding from The Nature Conservancy of Vermont and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s Watershed Grant.    The Deerfield River has been identified as among the “priority waters” at Trout Unlimited after a wild brown trout population was proven to reproduce  below Fife Brook dam. It is also a river in the process of Wild & Scenic designation  by the Deerfield River Watershed Association. The removal of the upstream Jack’s Brook dam will support these broader conservation efforts, improve water quality and sediment transport, and expand critical cold-water habitat for brook trout and other native aquatic species.    “We’ve been able to partner with CRC on several projects over the years, from dam removals to stream bank erosion and in-stream habitat. You need strong partnerships in this line of work and it’s great to know I can call on Ron and his folks with new ideas and ventures,” said Erin Rodgers, Trout Unlimited Program Manager for VT and MA.    CRC and TU have collaborated on several projects in previous years, including a dam removal in Wilmington, VT; a culvert replacement project in Haverhill, NH; and a stream crossing/riparian buffer planting in Bath, NH.    CRC began recognizing a Restoration Partner of the Year in 2022 with the Northwoods Stewardship Center, followed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in 2023, and Redstart, Inc. in 2024. These awards come with a small gift such as a framed certificate, a joint project walk-through and gathering of different staff, and a friendly group lunch.    Meaningful partnerships such as these provide the know-how, labor, and technical resources to execute large-scale restoration projects. CRC and Trout Unlimited look forward to continuing to build strong networks for both environmental and community impact in the years to come.      Sign up for our newsletters  to get more river news and Connecticut River watershed updates directly in your inbox.

Jack's Brook dam in Dover, VT, pior to removal. A concrete dam built in 1913 on Jack’s Brook—a tributary of the North Branch of the Deerfield River—has been removed in a collaborative effort to restore natural stream flow and improve aquatic habitat in southern Vermont. The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC), in partnership with the private dam owner and Trout Unlimited, and with funding from The Nature Conservancy of Vermont and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s Watershed Grant (through Vermont conservation license plates), led the project to return Jack’s Brook to a free-flowing stream.  The small but ecologically significant structure, measuring 6 feet high by 25 feet wide, once served as a water source for a nearby home. After not being maintained for many years, it became full of sediment and no longer had any functional use. Its removal will expand critical cold-water habitat for brook trout and other native aquatic species in Windham County.   Construction occurred in June 2025, following years of planning and permitting initiated by CRC and the state of Vermont in 2021.  “Removing obsolete dams like this one improves water quality, reconnects habitats for fish and wildlife, and reduces flood risk in the area” said Ron Rhodes, Director of Programs at the Connecticut River Conservancy. “Thanks to the private dam owner and our project partners this removal will help wild brook trout thrive in this sub-watershed.”  Dam removal brings a range of ecological benefits to the Connecticut River watershed including restoring natural sediment flow and stream function, reconnecting habitat for aquatic organisms, improving water quality and reducing stream temperatures, improving flood resiliency, and reducing the risks associated with aging, non-functioning infrastructure.  This was the 25th dam removed by CRC since 2014, most of which have occurred in Vermont and New Hampshire alongside dedicated partners and critical funders. Photos throughout the process of dam removal and strategic wood addition. Before and after photos at the site of Jack's Brook dam. Large wood additions (also referred to as post-assisted log jams) were also installed downstream prior to dam removal in order to slow the flow of sediment and create habitat for fish and wildlife. These wood additions are secured in place with wooden posts and have a planned longevity of 2-5 years after which nature will take over. Jack's Brook after dam removal (left); strategic wood addition (right). Learn more about dam removal.    Media coverage in Vermont Public. Contact:  Ron Rhodes, Director of Programs   Connecticut River Conservancy  Rrhodes@ctriver.org  | (413) 768-4994    For general inquiries:  Diana Chaplin, Director of Communications  Connecticut River Conservancy  Dchaplin@ctriver.org  | (413) 834-0079

The Connecticut River Conservancy's print newsletter, Currents & Eddies Fall 2025 edition, has recently been mailed to members, volunteers, and event attendees. If you did not receive a physical copy there could be a variety of reasons, so we're providing the full digital version here to ensure that anyone interested has access! Having trouble with the digital flipbook above? You can also get it as a PDF here .

New viewing platform along the Connecticut River on Jones Ferry Rd. in Holyoke, MA. Holyoke Rows and the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) are proud to announce the successful completion of major improvements and program expansions at the Jones Ferry River Access Facility in Holyoke, MA, made possible through $324,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.  The investment has contributed to making the Jones Ferry site a safer, more accessible, and more inclusive community hub for recreation and environmental engagement. All construction should be complete in time for next summer’s season on the Connecticut River.  Photos: (left) John Hooks Davis with new safety signage; (center) new downstream dock; (right) new upstream dock. Here are some of the benefits and outcomes of these efforts: Expanding Opportunities for Community and Youth: With ARPA support, Holyoke Rows expanded its free and low-cost youth and family programming by offsetting the cost of hiring new seasonal staff and a boathouse manager through these funds.   Infrastructure Upgrades for Safety and Accessibility: The project included a redesign and installation of a multi-use dock system, new channel and no-wake markers, installation of new safety signage and the removal of derelict stairs that had long presented safety hazards. The new docks support rowing, paddling, and motorized uses with clearly designated areas, improving safety for all users. In addition to increasing the footprint of the downstream rowing docks, this project paid for the installation of a new upstream dock used only for kayak and hand carry access. While we couldn’t fully replace the city owned boat ramp, new Mobi-Mat technology was installed to create a more accessible landing and launch pad for recreational users.   As part of the site improvements, the project included the installation of a new ADA-accessible river viewing platform, designed to ensure that all residents, regardless of age or ability, can safely and comfortably enjoy the Connecticut River. The platform provides stable, barrier-free space for observation, expanding opportunities for recreation beyond paddling and boating. Providing access to multiple types of recreation is central to the project’s mission, recognizing that not everyone engages with the river in the same way. Whether through paddling, rowing, fishing, or quiet observation, these improvements ensure that every member of the Holyoke community can connect meaningfully with the river environment.  Bilingual signage was installed throughout the facility, making information and safety guidance accessible to both English- and Spanish-speaking residents. The purchase and installation of new signage and signage boxes will have a long-term impact on use of the space.   Additional site enhancements supported by ARPA funds will include the installation of a public drinking fountain as well as the purchase of a new motor for Holyoke Rows’ boat fleet. These improvements are estimated to be implemented by Spring of 2026.     Photos: (left) Gabriél and Maggie planting trees; (center) new deck cantilevered out above slope; (right) in-progress work being done on the new viewing platform. Riparian Restoration: In addition to the facility and program upgrades, a major habitat restoration effort was completed at the Jones Ferry site this fall. On October 15th, Holyoke Rows, CRC, and 17 community volunteers planted 130 native trees to help stabilize the riverbank and improve long-term ecological health. This planting followed an extensive invasive species removal effort that cleared the area of aggressive plants such as poison ivy and bittersweet, which had overgrown large portions of the shoreline. The new native trees, including species selected for flood resilience and wildlife value, will help prevent erosion, provide shade for river users, and enhance habitat along the Connecticut River for years to come.  Community Impact and Collaboration: The improvements were driven by unprecedented demand for outdoor recreation and safe youth programming following the COVID-19 pandemic. Holyoke Rows and the Connecticut River Conservancy partnered closely with the City of Holyoke to ensure the project addressed both community and infrastructure needs, leveraging each organization’s expertise in program delivery and project management.  Looking Ahead: Holyoke Rows and the Connecticut River Conservancy hope this project serves as the leading edge of continued improvements at the state-owned Jones Ferry River Access site. Building on the momentum of these upgrades, partners envision further investments to enhance both recreation and public enjoyment of the river. Future goals include the complete replacement of the existing ramp system to ensure long-term durability and accessibility, and the creation of a small pocket park to provide shaded gathering areas, green space, and expanded opportunities for families and visitors to connect with the riverfront. These efforts will continue to make the Jones Ferry site a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant destination for the community.  About the Partners:   Holyoke Rows is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to the Connecticut River through rowing, paddling, and equipment rental. The organization provides affordable programs for youth, adults, and families, with a focus on inclusion, health, and empowerment.  The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to protect and restore the Connecticut River and its tributaries through advocacy, restoration, and community engagement.  This project is supported in part by the American Rescue Plan Act.

During the 2025 field season, the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) launched a watershed-wide series of community paddles designed to connect people with the river and inspire stewardship. Across all paddle experiences, CRC brought 167 participants  together to paddle on the Connecticut River for experiential fun and education. 42% of participants borrowed kayaks, highlighting the need for increased access to paddling recreation opportunities, equipment, and venues. Each event brought people closer to the water and to one another.  CRC staff were thrilled to engage a range of paddlers at many levels – from beginners learning to kayak for the first time to cultural and historical paddles that deepened our collective understanding of our watershed. We cherished all of our time on the water together during this summer series. Below are some of the highlights from the different paddles. Connecticut Trails Day CRC kicked off the season on June 1st with two paddles celebrating Connecticut Trails Day . A Beginner Paddle introduced 12 participants to kayaking fundamentals, from paddle strokes to water safety, while the Intermediate Paddle brought 14 participants together to explore and appreciate Wethersfield Cove from some different viewpoints.  There was a great turnout for both of our Trails Day paddling events despite the threatening skies and rising water on the Connecticut River. The river registered well below flood stage after some persistent spring rains leading to swifter currents. Both groups stayed within Wethersfield Cove for their explorations. The higher water levels presented the groups with a terrific silver-lining opportunity: participants had the ability to paddle into areas not normally accessible, including the flood plain forest along Folly Brook. Both events led to paddlers experiencing the joy of the river and building confidence early in the paddling season. Community Connections at the Hartford Kayak & Connect The Hartford Kayak & Connect  event was held on a Friday evening, July 18th. A group of intrepid participants joined CRC to learn how to kayak and paddle around Wethersfield Cove . All participants received a paddling skills lesson to build their technical skills before heading out for a scenic sunset paddle. CRC staff were delighted to have Board of Trustees member and Great Meadows Conservation Trust  President, Tim Lewis, join the event as the location expert. Tim shared an overview of Wethersfield Cove’s history along with some information about the flora and fauna in the area. The group reveled in the abundant wildlife and nature viewing opportunities, including beaver, eagles, and osprey sightings. They were also in awe of the Connecticut River’s tidal forces at play with their kayaks. One participant captured the spirit of the event perfectly:  “I love that CRC creates these experiences to get on the water together because they want you to fall in love with the Connecticut River.” Advocacy & Awareness at Herricks & Roundy’s Coves The paddling continued north with two memorable Vermont outings. On July 19th, paddlers gathered at Herricks Cove , a designated Important Bird Area, for a morning paddle outing. Eight participants joined CRC staff. Participants shared stories, connected with neighbors, and learned about local conservation work. Kathy Urffer, CRC’s Director of Policy and Advocacy/Vermont River Steward, and Marilla Harris-Vincent, CRC’s New Hampshire River Steward, detailed CRC’s partnership work petitioning the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources to have the area be considered Outstanding Resource Waters  under the Vermont Water Quality Standards. One attendee noted:  “These are really great people doing great work. I appreciate the chance to learn about these important natural resources and the upcoming opportunities to protect them while having fun and meeting neighbors!” Later in the season, CRC returned to Rockingham for another Community Paddle event on August 16th at Roundy’s Cove . Eleven people came to join CRC staff and Windham Regional Conservation Commission’s Natural Resources Planner, Margo Ghia, for a group paddle upstream to Roundy’s Cove. This paddle provided another opportunity to explore Vermont’s natural beauty while deepening understanding of this area of the Connecticut River as Outstanding Resource Waters. There were also some birthday celebrations and wildlife sightings.  Photo credit: Nancy Nutile-McMenemy Learn to Kayak in Springfield CRC hosted several Learn to Kayak sessions in Springfield, MA on July 20th and August 15th for 21 participants. The Learn to Kayak sessions were designed in partnership with Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club and Andy's Kayak Rental to help participants gain comfort and confidence on the water. CRC staff gave an overview of gear and safety information on land before launching kayaks and facilitating an introduction to key kayak strokes . Once the lesson was complete, staff and participants paddled a section of the Connecticut River in Springfield and spotted Great blue heron, osprey, and multiple short-nosed sturgeon . These sessions were designed to empower new paddlers and foster excitement for continued exploration and recreation along our waterways. “The instructors were so patient and provided great info for the group. I learned the actual strokes to effectively turn and move the kayak forward and backward. I am so pleased to know these skills.” Peskeompskut Paddle The  Peskeompskut Paddle  brought together Northeastern tribal members, The Nolumbeka Project , Connecticut River Conservancy, and Adventure East to celebrate Indigenous communities with a round-trip mishoonash (dugout canoes) , canoe, and kayak paddle on the Connecticut River. The community paddle drew over 80 participants together for time spent on the water. This powerful event intertwined culture, history, and ecology, and featured Indigenous leaders paddling traditional mishoonash while sharing songs and stories. As one attendee reflected: “It was moving to witness younger members of the tribal community learning to paddle a mishoon (dug out canoe) as their ancestors did for thousands of years.” Many attendees continued on after the paddle event to attend the Pocumtuck Homelands Festival  for the rest of the weekend.   “It was amazing to see so many people across both native and non-native backgrounds and across multiple generations who care about the river and recognize its cultural and ecological importance. I appreciated the acknowledgement that even if our ancestors came from outside the river valley, it is our responsibility as residents of it now to uplift native voices and interests to keep their cultures and ecological knowledge alive.” Looking Ahead These paddles represent more than just recreational outings. They are steps taken along the journey toward a shared vision of a living watershed, where communities, wildlife, and ecosystems can thrive together. CRC will continue to expand river recreation opportunities, build partnerships, and inspire stewardship throughout our Connecticut River watershed.  Join us in 2026 as we continue paddling with the purpose of learning, connecting, and advocating for a vibrant and resilient Connecticut River.

Valley Street Dam in Springfield, VT, before removal. Photo by Alix Kaplan. The Mount Ascutney Regional Commission (MARC) and Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC), in partnership with the Town of Springfield, began the process of removing an old dam on Valley Street on September 3 rd .    The removal of the 14’ high by 33’ wide concrete structure will improve flood safety, water quality, and fish passage on a tributary (locally known as Mile Brook) of the Black River. CRC and MARC began working with the Town and State of Vermont on this project in 2018, and after 8 years of grant writing, engineering design, and permitting, the removal of this old dam will begin and run through the end of September 2025.     The Town originally built the dam in 1938 to create a swimming area but closed the pool in 1953 due to “contamination and unhygienic conditions.” For the past 72 years the dam has been slowly degrading and trapping sediment upstream, resulting in significant water quality impacts.    “We are excited to get this old dam removed and the stream restored. Removing the dam lowers the flood elevation level in this area and allows native brook trout to move freely.”   -Ron Rhodes, Director of Programs at CRC    “These cold headwater streams are critical habitat for our native brook trout. Removing this dam will open 3.8 miles of stream for spawning and thermal refuge.”  -Chris Yurek, Senior Planner at MARC.     Funding for design, permitting and construction has been provided by the State of Vermont Ecosystem Restoration Program (ERP), a Dam Removal Design and Implementation Block Grant (DRDIBG) administered by Watersheds United Vermont (WUV) and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Fish Passage Program. Local contractors hired for this project include Ripple Natural Resources LLC of Randolph, VT, Paula Sagerman, a historic preservation consultant based out of Brattleboro, VT, and Crown Point Excavation LLC of Springfield, VT.   Photos above show closeups of the Valley Street dam before removal. Historic photos above show the Valley Street Dam in 1938 after it was built (left) and in 1950 shortly before it was closed (right). Before and after dam removal. 160 trucks full of sediment were removed and 4 miles of upstream habitat was restored for native brook trout. 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 the Mount Ascutney Regional Commission:     Mount Ascutney Regional Commission advocates for the needs of our member towns and seeks collaborative strategies to address local, regional, and state opportunities and concerns. One of our primary purposes is to provide technical services to town officials and to act as a resource for local governments. We help mediate inter-jurisdictional planning and development issues arising between member communities; facilitate discussion and understanding between local and state entities; and develop plans, policies, strategies, and procedures for addressing issues that are regional in scope.

Testing strip for chloride in the Connecticut River Interested in getting outside and learning about our rivers?  The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) is seeking volunteers in the Connecticut River watershed (in NH, VT, MA, and CT) for a water quality monitoring program testing for chloride. The watershed-wide chloride monitoring program is in partnership with the Izaak Walton League of America and aims to provide data about chloride levels in our waterways.  Volunteers can sign up here. Chloride sampling has begun as of October 2025 and will go through April 1, 2026. Why Chloride? New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut are all part of the Northeastern "salt belt" that employs various strategies to de-ice roads in winter, including pre-wetting with salt brine, using snow-fighting vehicles with calibrated spreaders, and applying different types of salt based on temperature and storm conditions. Chloride is the main ingredient in road salt. As rain or snowmelt flows into our waterways, this chloride goes with it. Unfortunately, this can harm plants and animals in the water that are not used to elevated chloride levels. Testing chloride levels can help raise awareness of the impacts of road salt and provide information on the types and extents of impacts on our aquatic wildlife.  Volunteers will receive testing kits in the mail and will upload their results onto the Izaak Walton League of America’s Clean Water Hub. Anyone will be able to see and use the data from their testing site. The data will also be uploaded to CRC’s Is It Clean  website .  This website is the best place to see data from CRC’s other water quality monitoring efforts, including E. coli results for many locations throughout the watershed. CRC staff will help volunteers participating in the new chloride program to choose a monitoring site and will answer any questions.  “Road salt is a major water quality issue in the northeastern US. Many people have asked over the years if we can monitor the impacts of road salt, and this is a really great way to get that started. Since it's not limited by needing to get samples to a lab, volunteers throughout the entire watershed can easily participate and contribute to this community science effort,”  says Ryan O’Donnell, Water Quality Program Manager at CRC.    Interested volunteers can sign up on VOMO:  https://ctriver.vomo.org/opportunity/road-salt-monitoring-2025-2026   Contact:   Melissa Langley, CRC Lab and Monitoring Coordinator  mlangley@ctriver.org

The PERMIT Act is a dangerous bill moving through Congress that would significantly weaken the Clean Water Act and silence local voices. If passed, it would expand opportunities for industrial pollution, give federal agencies the authority to exclude waterways from Clean Water Act protections, take rights away from states to protect their waters, make it easier to discharge emerging pollutants such as PFAS, and create loopholes for pesticides to be discharged without specialized permits.   Harmful projects would be able to proceed without safeguards for clean water—putting our rivers, wetlands, drinking water, and communities at risk.   Here in the Connecticut River watershed, we rely on clean, healthy rivers for drinking water, recreation, tourism, wildlife, and flood protection. The Clean Water Act has protected these waters for more than 50 years. Now those protections are under threat.   We need your help!  Contact your representative and urge them to VOTE NO on the PERMIT Act (H.R. 3898).    Together, we can stop this bill and protect clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities for generations to come.    You can find your Representative by entering your zip code here . You can read the full text of the PERMIT Act here.   Please send your personalized version of the following message:  “I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today Act (PERMIT Act, H.R. 3898). This bill would gut core protections under the Clean Water Act and put the health of our rivers, wetlands, drinking water supplies - and the people who depend on them - at serious risk.  The Clean Water Act (CWA) is one of our nation’s bedrock environmental laws that acts to protect and restore water resources. For over 50 years, the CWA has empowered states, tribes, and communities to safeguard their waters from harmful discharges and destructive development. The PERMIT Act as currently envisioned would fast-track projects and strip away state authority to review and condition federally permitted projects under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. These reviews are critical tools for ensuring that large-scale projects - such as hydropower dams - do not cause irreversible harm to rivers, wetlands, aquatic habitats, or local communities.  The PERMIT Act would not only weaken water quality protections by rushing projects through without proper oversight but also silence the voices of local communities and tribes that are most directly affected by these major infrastructure projects. The PERMIT Act reduces public participation as well as accountability for developers, and jeopardizes progress toward climate resilience, clean water, and thriving ecosystems. The PERMIT Act forces communities to shoulder the financial and public health burden of increased pollution.  We urge you to reject the PERMIT Act (H.R. 3898). The Clean Water Act must be strengthened—not dismantled—to meet today’s environmental challenges and protect future generations. Clean water should not be a partisan issue, but rather a shared goal and a fundamental right.”  Thank you!

Greenfield Light and Power Dam. Photo by Alix Kaplan/Connecticut River Conservancy. The Healey-Driscoll Administration in Massachusetts has announced over $10.9 million in grants  to repair or remove aging dams, seawalls, levees, and other critical infrastructure across the state. This funding, provided through the Dam and Seaw all Repair or Removal Program , will support twenty-three municipalities and nonprofit organizations in making long-overdue repairs and taking down outdated structures that put homes, roads, and neighborhoods at risk.     The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) is among the recipients, with an award of $180,000 for the first phase of engineering design to alter the Greenfield Electric Light & Power (GELP) Dam and include a Nature Like Fishway (NLF). This design plan would incorporate permanent stabilization of the dam base, including surrounding infrastructure such as sewer lines; address the safety, liability, and maintenance concerns of the deteriorating dam for the City of Greenfield; and provide the ecological benefits of a more natural river system such as fish passage, improved water quality, and greater flood resilience. CRC is collaborating with the City of Greenfield and The Nature Conservancy to advance this project, with the nonprofits contributing $20,000 in matching funds. Additional local tribal groups and state and federal agencies have supported the proposal and are expected to participate in the implementation. Engineering groups will include Fuss & O’Neil and Princeton Hydro, each having extensive experience in dam improvement and removal projects.  A Phased Approach This project will develop engineering design plans to lower the crest of the existing dam, repair walls and support structures needed to maintain the integrity of the Mill Street Bridge, shore up the structural deficiencies in the base of the existing dam that have been temporarily repaired, and stabilize the river channel and banks to protect town utilities while restoring fish passage and a more natural river flow.  Additional funding will be pursued for the remainder of the engineering design costs and necessary permits. Construction will also require further grant funding.  Green River Restoration Projects The CRC and the City of Greenfield (the owners of the Wiley Russell and Greenfield Electric Light and Power Dams) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to advance the Green River restoration projects which will include partial removal of the Greenfield Electric Light and Power Dam and full removal of the Wiley Russell Dam.  CRC has met with the Mayor’s Office, Department of Public Works, and Historical Commission to discuss the projects, and has received a letter of support from the Conservation Commission.  We have also met with local indigenous leaders and groups to discuss the projects and indigenous sites and cultural history associated with the Green River. Community awareness about the projects has been elevated through a series of recent news articles in the Greenfield Recorder and public meetings. We will continue to engage the community around ecological benefits of dam removal and plan to commemorate history as part of the design/permitting process. Initial data collection tasks have already been completed as part of emergency repairs in December 2024, including an updated topographic survey and wetland delineation. “The City of Greenfield is thrilled to see this project moving forward,” said Greenfield Mayor Virginia Desorgher. “The health of our community and region is closely linked to the health of our rivers, and completing a partial removal of the Greenfield Electric Light & Power Dam will yield significant benefits for the river’s ecology.” Ecological Benefits The Green River is mapped as BioMap Aquatic Core and Rare Species Habitat and is designated as Cold Water Fisheries Resources (CFR) by Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Many species will benefit from barrier removal, as well as from post-removal improvement in water and habitat quality, including both migratory and non-migratory freshwater species.  Partial removal of the dam will benefit migratory species restoration efforts for American shad, Blueback herring, sea lamprey, and American eel, and cold-water resident species such as Eastern brook trout, white sucker, and other riparian-dependent Species of Greatest Conservation Need identified in the Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan. This project in conjunction with the planned removal of the Wiley Russell Dam downstream will open approximately 60 miles of mainstem and tributary streams improving and enhancing access to growth and spawning areas by facilitating seasonal movements upstream and downstream, including the ability to move to seek more ideal conditions as temperatures change (climate resilience), enhancing survival and reproductive success. The project aligns closely with state and federal management and habitat restoration plans for migratory fish in this ecologically important tributary and the Connecticut River watershed.  A further timeline is not yet available, but receipt of the Dam and Seaw all Repair or Removal Program award will serve as a catalyst for moving forward.