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

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

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

The Connecticut River in New Hampshire, by Al Braden. [Press Release: Claremont, NH, 3/20/25]  The Connecticut River Conservancy’s (CRC) 11.5M federal award from the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), implemented through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), has been stalled due to the federal funding freeze with no clear path for starting work that was slated to begin this spring.   The objectives are to restore degraded stream and forest ecosystems in parts of New Hampshire in order to improve water quality, ecosystem health, and climate resiliency. This award, which was funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), has been frozen due to ongoing federal administration deliberations over IRA-related funding allocations. It is titled Improving Water Quality and Climate Resiliency in NH through Ecosystem Restoration and   was first announced in November 2024  as the largest award in the nonprofit’s history.   CRC has been at the forefront of conservation and restoration in the Connecticut River watershed for over 70 years. We believe that our work is critical to New Hampshire’s economy and health, by providing jobs in local communities and implementing projects that improve water quality and species biodiversity, restore aquatic ecosystems and critical fish habitat, enhance climate and flood resiliency, and contribute to economic sustainability, particularly in rural areas.   “By restoring floodplains, reconnecting rivers to their natural channels, and improving habitat for migratory fish and other wildlife, we not only enhance our shared natural resources but also buffer communities from the increased frequency and severity of storms and flooding” says Rebecca Todd, Executive Director at the Connecticut River Conservancy.   Like many environmental non-profits, our conservation work is heavily reliant on grants, of which federal funding is an important part. Federal funds allow us to conduct outreach, engage with local landowners, hire local consultants and contractors, and implement restoration projects across the Connecticut River watershed. They also allow us to hire more staff members in NH, who contribute to our towns and local economies. Having been awarded the RCPP  in November 2024 and signed a programmatic partnership agreement in December 2024, we were shocked when our award was put on “temporary pause.” This pause has now lasted over 6 weeks, leading to uncertainties for CRC, our partners, landowners, and other stakeholders.   On January 21st, NRCS administrators were delivered a notice to cease all work funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) due to Executive Order 14154  issued by the Trump administration and Memorandums to the Head of Departments and Agencies ( M-25-11 ; M-25-13 ). The delay in funding presents a significant challenge for CRC and directly impacts farmers, communities, and the environment across the state. Without the timely release of the RCPP funds, we are unable to initiate many of the planned restoration projects that would have begun in Spring 2025. Halting these projects risks missing key seasonal windows for certain restoration activities, leading to prolonged degradation of habitats and further delaying the economic and environmental benefits to the state. CRC has sent a letter  to Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Senator Maggie Hassan, Representative Maggie Goodlander, Representative Chris Pappas, Governor Kelly Ayotte, select members of the US House and Senate Agriculture Committees, and other state officials  to make them aware of how federal decisions are affecting local communities and respectfully asking for their support to ensure this funding is promptly released so that we can continue our essential work for New Hampshire’s ecosystems and communities, and private landowners. The freeze on this $11.5 million is a major setback, and we are asking for legislative leadership to help release these important grant monies in support of our economy, clean water, flood safety, and habitat diversity projects .   If there are actions that New Hampshire’s delegation can take, whether through advocacy within the administration or legislative means, we urge them to do so. Additionally, we ask for support in ensuring that appropriations for migratory fish conservation   are included in upcoming federal legislation, as these resources are critical to many of our projects aimed at restoring fish populations and aquatic health in New Hampshire. For questions about this announcement:   Marilla Harris-Vincent River Steward for New Hampshire Connecticut River Conservancy (603) 503-0419 mharrisvincent@ctriver.org   Lauren Zielinski Stream Restoration Specialist, RCPP Project Manager Connecticut River Conservancy (603) 325-7022 lzielinski@ctriver.org Rebecca Todd Executive Director Connecticut River Conservancy (413) 834-9457 rtodd@ctriver.org   For general inquiries: Diana Chaplin Communications Director Connecticut River Conservancy (413) 834-0079 dchaplin@ctriver.org   About the Connecticut River Conservancy: The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed.   CRC has been a steward of the Connecticut River and tributary streams since 1952. Their programs include advocacy, aquatic invasive species management, dam removal, habitat restoration, migratory fish surveys, recreation, trash cleanups, and water quality monitoring. Together through community engagement and education, they’re dedicated to ensuring equitable access and healthy rivers for all. Learn more at ctriver.org .

A great deal has happened in a short amount of time in the political arena with the new Congress and federal administration. In this livestream we try to better understand what has transpired in 2025 so far, what indicators experts are watching for, and what you can expect from the new administration in regard to water and environmental policy.  Hear from Scott Berry , the Policy Director for the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit and technical assistance provider, as we delve into this real time federal policy landscape.  Kathy Urffer , Connecticut River Conservancy’s (CRC) Director of Policy and Advocacy and Vermont River Steward tied Scott’s policy landscape to CRC’s current work throughout the watershed.  Recorded 3/12/2025 _____________________ About Live Stream :  CRC brings your rivers to you! Join CRC staff and partners for a series of live lunchtime presentations, on select Wednesdays from Noon-1pm. You get to learn more about the rivers you love, ask questions, and interact with a river-loving community all from the comfort and safety of your home (or wherever you may be). Live Stream  will be hosted via Zoom. Please register for each presentation to receive meeting information.    See past, present and future events in our Live Stream  playlist  on YouTube. Check out CRC's Events Calendar  to learn about other upcoming events.

The annual Source to Sea Cleanup is a watershed-wide initiative organized by Connecticut River Conservancy in NH, VT, MA, and CT to remove as much trash as possible from the Connecticut River's tributaries, riverbanks, parks, and communities. 2024 was the 28th year in a row of this cleanup, and once again there was an incredible turnout by over 120 different groups consisting of communities, families, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and diverse volunteers united in their commitment to cleaner, healthier rivers.    While most events happened on September 27-28th, there were also groups that went out as early as August, and some still scheduled to have their cleanups in October, which means the overall cleanup is not yet complete! And it will be some time before Connecticut River Conservancy receives everyone’s stories, photos, and the results of all the trash tallies  – including details of exactly how much trash was collected, what kind of items were common this year, and unusual items found.     We will provide a much more detailed summary of activities in this year’s Cleanup Chronicle ( here  is last year’s for reference) later this fall, but in the meantime, we’ve compiled some of the highlights that have come in. If you have participated this year and have any questions or would like to send us your photos, please contact us at cleanup@ctriver.org .    Here are just a few of the incredible groups that participated this year:  The Franklin County Rivers Cleanup/Green River Cleanup  in Greenfield, MA, was a mega-group consisting of 25 separate events celebrated their 21st year of being part of the Source to Sea Cleanup. Once again there was incredible leadership from David Boles, Michael Pattavina, and Charlie Olchowski who organized the cleanup and made sure that all trash items - thousands of pounds of trash! - were tallied in detail.   Hypertherm North America employees joined forces with the Black River Action Team (BRAT)  to collect a full 15-cubic-yard dumpster worth of trash from the Black River in Springfield, VT! The Town of Springfield supported the effort by coordinating the dumpster - by the end of the cleanup, it contained an estimated 295 pounds of rusted scrap metal, 108 tires (many were decades old), and a range of items from electronics to children's yard furniture, strips of plastic hundreds of feet long, shopping carts, and more. Hypertherm also had a cleanup group in West Lebanon, NH, a few weeks after the VT group.   The Farmington River Watershed Association in CT had 5 different cleanup groups including in  Avon Fisher Meadows, Collinsville, Tunxsis Mead, Windsor Boat Ramp, and Tariffville Park. This quote from group leader Heather Geist is a great reminder of how trash travels: “ Although our recreationists and residents love their river, and they work hard to use responsible practices, accidents can happen when stormwater washes litter and debris from floodplains into streams and rivers. We must remember that floodplains are part of our rivers - they transport vital nutrients and materials to aquatic ecosystems, but they can also transport unwanted pollution.”     The Ashuelot River and Beaver Brook River Cleanup  in Keene, NH with Cheshire County Conservation District group leader Amanda Littleton had a wonderful group of local residents removing trash from Ashuelot River Park.     The Fort River Watershed Association  led by Brian Yellen had over 120 volunteers in Groff Park in Amherst, MA, including kids of all ages. Among the items found were a toilet seat, tires, bikes, and a seemingly endless assortment of bottles, cans, nips, and plastic food packaging.     Several legislators once again joined cleanups in Massachusetts , including Senator Jo Comerford, Lindsay Sabadosa (State Representative, 1st Hampshire District), Natalie M. Blais (State Representative, 1st Franklin District), and Mindy Domb (State Representative, 3rd Hampshire District). We greatly appreciate the involvement of local leaders who not only support legislation that helps keep our rivers clean, but who roll up their own sleeves to get involved!      Cleanup groups with Eversource employees in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire  made a huge impact removing dozens of bags of trash and large debris from our rivers.   "At Eversource, we take great pride in our employees' dedication to environmental stewardship, and the Source to Sea Cleanup exemplifies that commitment in action," said Corporate Citizenship Manager, Hayley Dunn.  "This impactful event allows our team to contribute directly to the preservation of our natural heritage, ensuring cleaner, safer waterways for future generations. Each year, our employees enthusiastically participate, knowing that their efforts play a vital role in safeguarding the environment and strengthening the communities we serve."     New Source to Sea Cleanup lead sponsors, The Walker Group , held a cleanup in Ferry Park Boat Launch in Rocky Hill, CT, with CRC Board of Trustees member Tim Lewis and CRC River Steward in CT, Rhea Drozdenko. Walker Group employees used CRC's foldable kayaks to remove litter along the shore of the Connecticut River. Among the items found were a tiny shovel, and a mystery glass bowl covered in mud and algae found on the shore.  Youth groups including South Hadley High School and Cub Scouts, Holyoke Public Schools, Choate Environmental Club, Dover Elementary School, Deer Paths Nature School, and the Academy of Charlemont  participated with students ready to make a positive impact for their communities and environment. In Brattleboro, VT, 5th grade student Julius spoke for his classmates and many other annual cleanup participants when asked what he’d hope to see different next year: “I don’t want to see dog poop bags.” We agree!  The First Hampshire Green Team with State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa and WRSI The River co-organized a fantastic group of volunteers in Northampton. Among the items collected were a whopping 5 TV sets, 1 computer, 3 long-discarded mattresses, a tire, rusty car parts and a full/adult car seat, construction waste, and lots of plastic items. After departure we got a tip that another waste area was found that we'll need to return to. The Essex 3-villages cleanup group in Essex, CT, had dozens of volunteers came together at the Connecticut River Museum before spreading out to a handful of trash sites where they collected and hauled all sorts of debris, both small and large. Community members of all ages found plenty of cans and bottles, tires, large foam dock pieces, and more! They cleaned up Essex's Great Meadow and the newly acquired Turtle Creek Preserve, which were a target of this year's efforts. Several Land Trust members joined as well as Valley Regional High School Environmental Club members.  “In years past, with the support of the Connecticut River Conservancy, The Connecticut River Museum and the Essex Land Trust, our Essex 3-Villages Source to Sea Cleanups have been a huge success. This will be the fourth year our local community has come out for the cleanup effort. We are always amazed at the amount of trash we collect, the enthusiasm and multi-generational participation."   -Tanya Cutolo, Sustainable Essex Cleanup leader    The River Roads Cleanup in Millside Park in Easthampton, MA, had 39 volunteers including music artist Dar Williams and the band High Tea who performed at the previous day’s River Roads Festival, and was led by Easthampton City Councilor Owen Zaret. The group collected over 240 pounds of trash that included 610 nip bottles, another 600+ beverage containers, clothing, cigarette butts and all manner of plastic and Styrofoam debris.    The Wethersfield Cove Dad’s Club  in Wethersfield Cove, CT, came out strong once again with joyous volunteers ready to lend a hand and keep their favorite recreation area clean and healthy. Equipped with kayaks, canoes, and plenty of cleanup supplies, the group of dads and their young children paddled across the cove as they demonstrated the importance of keeping our rivers clean.  Special thanks to our Lead, River, and Tributary sponsors for making this event possible. Additional sponsors can be found on the Source to Sea Cleanup website here.  There were so many more groups not included here due to limited space, but that’s what the upcoming Cleanup Chronicle is for! If you participated in this event, THANK YOU so much for your dedication and we look forward to recognizing all groups soon.     Looking for a next step? Sign up for Connecticut River Conservancy’s email newsletters  if you’re not receiving those already. Our River Stewards send regular emails and action alerts for ways you can support healthy rivers in your state. You can also learn about our advocacy  and all programs  supporting clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities.

First Franklin County Courthouse, now headquarters to the Connecticut River Conservancy in Greenfield, MA. The Greenfield Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is seeking public input on 12 projects under review to help determine which will receive funding this year. One of the projects is the First Franklin County Courthouse Rehabilitation, an application submitted by the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) as occupants of this historic building at 15 Bank Row in Greenfield. CRC’s staff and water quality monitoring lab are both housed in this building.  The CPC will meet on Thursday, February 27, at 5:30 p.m. at the John Zon Community Center specifically to collect public input on the proposals. The public may also provide feedback at any CPC meeting during the public comment period. In addition, the committee has developed an online survey to gather comments until the end of February ,  with more information on all applicants here (the survey is not exclusive to Greenfield residents).  The Connecticut River Conservancy’s application is #1 on the survey.     About the Connecticut River Conservancy’s proposal for the First Franklin County Courthouse rehabilitation:     Funds will be used for historic rehabilitation projects in the First Franklin County Courthouse, a historic 1813 building owned and occupied by CRC. The first phase includes important restoration on the building exterior, including: repairing the bell tower; restoring and waterproofing the original granite block entry stairs, repointing of brickwork on the façade and chimney; removal of crawling ivy to protect bricks and mortar, and replacing the wide-plank oak entry thresholds with modern replicas made from locally sourced white oak.    The second phase will fully renovate and daylight a 1,000 square foot room into a modern meeting room and kitchen suitable for public education events and large gatherings. This room has a separate entry and will be made accessible to other community organizations, helping meet the need for affordable indoor meeting spaces for Greenfield residents and groups. Phase 2 includes restoration of seven long-since bricked in windows and one exterior door, providing daylight and access to an outdoor area as an extension of the meeting space.      CRC takes very seriously our role as a steward of this historic property and the significance it holds in the greater community. The goal is to maintain and restore as much of the historic nature of this building as possible while creating a functional and energy efficient office building with a community meeting space that is fully ADA-accessible, affordable, and conveniently located near downtown amenities and parking. We are proud of the role CRC has played in maintaining the prominence of this building in the overall historic downtown, and we look forward to continuing that stewardship for many more years.    “CRC welcomes community support to help preserve this community treasure. Thank you for your input, and please come by to visit soon!”  says Rebecca Todd, Executive Director at the Connecticut River Conservancy.    About the Community Preservation Committee Process:     Applications were received for six affordable housing, three historical preservation, and three outdoor recreation projects, totaling $298,523 in requested funding. Over the last few months, the CPC has met with applicants to delve deeper into their proposals. All applications are available for review on the Community Preservation Committee’s page on the city website at https://greenfield-ma.gov/cpcfunding .     This year, the committee has approximately $200,000 to allocate to Community Preservation Act projects. The CPA funds were generated through the City’s participation in a state program that allows a 1 percent surcharge on property taxes to be dedicated to these priorities. A percentage of local revenues are matched by the state each year. Greenfield voters approved the program in November 2020.     Following the public input process, the Community Preservation Committee will meet on March 13 to discuss the community feedback that was received and which projects to recommend to the City Council for funding. All upcoming meetings will have a hybrid format to allow the public to join remotely via Zoom.  The public is also welcome to make their voice heard through a survey established by the CPC. Responses are due on Monday, March 3: http://bit.ly/cpcfy25 .     Those interested in learning more about the process are encouraged to attend an upcoming meeting or contact Community Development Assistant Christian LaPlante at 413-772-1548, ext. 4 or cpc@greenfield-ma.gov .    For any questions to the Connecticut River Conservancy  about the rehabilitation of the First Franklin County Courthouse Rehabilitation project, contact Sam Stegeman at 413-834-0781 and sstegeman@ctriver.org .

Connecticut River Conservancy joined Nolumbeka Project  and Western Mass Rights of Nature  at Greenfield Community College on February 7-8th, for a very insightful evening titled “From the Ridge to the River: What It Means to Be a Citizen of the Watershed." Keynote speakers included Hartman Deetz, Mashpee Wampanoag artist-activist and environmental and cultural steward, and Rebecca Todd, Executive Director at CRC, facilitated by David Brule from the Nolumbeka Project, with an introduction by Sarah Mathews and poetry read by JuPong Lin, an interdisciplinary artist-researcher, writer and educator. The full recording of the presentation is available here . On Saturday, we gathered at the same location for a rare opportunity to participate in a Full Snow Moon Gathering and Eastern Woodlands Social Dance led by the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers.  Connecticut River Conservancy is proud to partner with local organizations that further conservation of the region's vital natural resources. The Nolumbeka Project envisions a Connecticut River Valley where the histories, cultures, and persistence of Northeastern Indigenous Peoples are recognized and celebrated, and where all beings are acknowledged as kin. They host annual gatherings and educational events featuring Indigenous presenters sharing their knowledge, cultures, and histories. We work to protect and preserve the land, especially the ancient multi-tribal villages of which Wissatinnewag is an integral part. Western Mass Rights of Nature is a grassroots organization in Western Massachusetts working to bring about legal and cultural changes to recognize the rights of the natural world to exist, thrive, evolve and be restored.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is having a public comment period from January 24th – February 24th, 2025. Help us advocate for a healthier Connecticut River! This recording was from February 5, 2025 and provides an opportunity to learn about, and take action towards, a new license for the Turners Falls Dam and the Northfield Mountain Pump Storage Facility. Nina Gordon-Kirsch, Connecticut River Conservancy’s (CRC) River Steward in MA, gives an overview of the hydropower relicensing process that CRC has been engaged in for over a decade, with focus on the current Massachusetts 401 Water Quality Certification process, which you can get involved in. Background: The permits for five hydropower facilities on the Connecticut River that impact 175 miles of the river are going through a relicensing process that will last for the next 30-50 years. Two of the facilities are in MA (the Turners Falls Dam and Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Station) and are currently being examined by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) for their 401 Water Quality Certificates. This certification ensures that the operation of the hydro facilities will comply with state-level water quality standards and not adversely impact or diminish water quality and designated uses of the river. On January 24, 2025, MassDEP released their draft certificate . There is an open comment period from January 24th – February 24th, for us to weigh in on how their draft does or does not protect the Connecticut River. MassDEP is required to read every comment that is submitted and take them into consideration as they write the conditions for the new license, so this is an opportunity to have your voice heard! Additional background information can be found at ctriver.org/hydropower

The Connecticut River offers rich recreational resources, allowing people to exercise, enjoy nature, and release stress. When practiced with safety and awareness, these activities promote human well-being. One popular activity along the Connecticut River is fishing—for leisure and subsistence. Unfortunately, pollution threatens access to fishing—especially for subsistence fisherfolk—because of its negative effects on human and ecosystem health. This is an environmental justice issue; in addition to restricting river access, the effects of pollution most directly and negatively impact vulnerable human populations. States are responsible for promoting environmental justice to ensure all people have access to natural resources that improve their well-being. Implementing robust and in-depth fish consumption advisories to inform the public of best practices for minimizing exposure to harmful substances while consuming fish is essential to promote environmental justice. Several pollutants have made their way into our water bodies, altering relationships across the ecosystem—including our relationship with fish as food. Fish in contaminated waters take up some pollutants from sediments and plankton. When we catch and eat these fish, their accumulated contaminants are included in our meal. These contaminants linger in our systems, too. Like fish, they can accumulate in our bodies. The three contaminants most commonly found in freshwater fish tissues—based on fish consumption advisories from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont—are per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) , polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and mercury. PCBs and PFAS—often referred to as forever chemicals—along with mercury linger and then build up in the environment, animals, and humans. PFAS   comprise thousands of manufactured chemicals used for industry and consumer products since the 1940s. They can be found in drinking water, everyday items, food and its packaging, and personal care products. Research on the health impacts of PFAS is ongoing. Still, it indicates that exposure may lead to several adverse health impacts, including reproductive complications, developmental delays in children, metabolic issues, and increased risk of cancer. PCBs  are manufactured chemicals, used in building materials and electrical equipment before being banned in the United States in 1978. They are now often found in food as a result of their persistence in the environment. In addition to being listed as a probable human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the agency also reports that PCBs are linked to several health issues, including neurological underdevelopment in infants, thyroid hormone imbalances, pregnancy complications, and reduced immune system responses. Mercury  is a naturally occurring element found in rock in the Earth’s crust. While its release can occur naturally, the process has been expedited by burning fossil fuels and mercury-containing wastes. Its toxicity to humans is most potent in its organic form—methylmercury. Methylmercury in sediments and plankton are consumed and taken up by smaller fish. These fish are consumed in high quantities by larger fish— the fish we are most likely to put on our plates . Exposure to high levels of methylmercury is associated with harmful impacts on the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system. Children may develop neurological issues affecting their ability to think and learn from in vitro exposure. To minimize the negative impacts of pollutants on human health, states implement fish consumption advisories. Consumption advisories inform the public of the presence of pollutants and can therefore reduce exposure to contaminants known to accumulate in fish tissues at levels that will have negative health effects for humans who consume them. Limiting how often we consume certain fish reduces our exposure to harmful contaminants. The chart above refers to general state-wide guidelines and there are more stringent regulations for specific water bodies that can be viewed on state websites. Fish consumption advisories are informed by sampling fish to determine their concentration of contaminants. The EPA does not recommend a set frequency for updating consumption advisories. It encourages states to update advisories as needed based on new data. The EPA’s main concern is that fish consumption advisories are accurate and up-to-date based on available data. The variations between consumption advisories in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont are stark. Massachusetts  has the most consumption advisories of the four states, listing restrictions and recommendations for over 250 waterbodies that are updated yearly. Connecticut’s  consumption advisories are broader—including just over 20 sites— but the state updates its consumption advisories yearly and includes additional information about fish consumption from markets and restaurants. CRC’s River Steward in CT, Rhea Drozdenko, observed advisories posted at recreational access sites in Connecticut. At one access point, signs were posted in English and Spanish. New Hampshire  last updated its advisories for just over 20 sites in 2021. Vermont   updated its consumption advisory in early January 2025, providing general statewide guidelines to minimize mercury exposure. Its advisory includes site-specific guidelines for Lake Champlain and the Hoosic River due to PCBs and site-specific guidelines for reservoirs in the Connecticut River and Deerfield River with higher levels of mercury in fish.    There is no “catch-all” recommendation for fishing in the Connecticut River Watershed. Wherever possible, fisherfolk can exercise safe fish consumption by checking consumption advisories for where they plan to fish. It is up to the individual to determine how exposure to contaminants may impact their health, and exercise caution when consuming the fish they catch. Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible to prevent exposure to contamination. Subsistence and recreational fishing occurs throughout New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. People who rely on fishing to access nutritious food increase their exposure to harmful pollutants and thus their risk of negative health consequences. Subsistence fishing broadens the conversation around water pollution and environmental justice, indicating a need to include pollution reduction in our efforts to promote fishers’ health. While proper signage and accurate consumption advisories are important in educating the public, they are irrelevant in the face of hunger. Thus, fish advisories alone are insufficient in achieving environmental justice unless they are used to complement effective pollution reduction measures and more robust food security programs. Example of Fish Consumption Advisory in CT States have a responsibility to maintain and update thorough fish consumption advisories while also actively reducing pollutants in our environment to ensure subsistence fishing does not come at the expense of people’s health and well-being. These advisories promote public health—implementing advisories with depth and breadth are necessary to minimize the risks associated with contaminants, including mercury, PCBs, and PFAS. It is our responsibility to hold our state governments accountable for their obligations to the environment and more vulnerable populations. We can do this by supporting food accessibility and demanding in-depth sampling in all our waterways to ensure public health information is accurate and up to date. Fish consumption advisories are also an essential component of ensuring environmental justice; when utilized in tandem with food accessibility programs and pollution reduction measures, they protect people from the harmful effects of water pollutants and encourage fishing mindfully. These advisories give the public the tools they need to enjoy fishing and maintain access to nutritious food without concern for the health implications of their consumption.     CRC's Director of Policy and Advocacy is very grateful for extensive research support from Clare Wangard – ECO AmeriCorps Service Member. Want to stay updated on the latest river news? Sign up for Connecticut River Conservancy's newsletters  to get more river stories and updates directly in your inbox. You can also learn more about CRC's advocacy & policy work or explore all the ways we support healthy rivers.

Illegally dumped tires pulled from the Connecticut River. On Friday, January 31st, the CT General Assembly's Environment Committee heard about an important bill related to the health of the Connecticut River. HB 5017 An Act Concerning Participation in the Tire Stewardship Program by Tire Retailers  would close a loophole in the recently enacted EPR for tires bill .   While tire producers in CT are now required to join a tire stewardship organization as a result of the bill that passed in 2023 – tire RETAILERS are not currently required. Therefore, they will continue to charge consumers for tire disposal rather than participate in the EPR program, leading to further illegal tire dumping that harms our waters, habitats, and communities. HB 5017 is the bill that would close this crucial loophole and ensure both producers and retailers participate to eliminate this cost burden from consumers.   Every year, Source to Sea Cleanup volunteers pull hundreds of illegally dumped tires out of Connecticut's rivers. This is a serious issue. CRC has been at the front lines of advocating for strong Tire Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)  for years, and will continue to be vigilant until sensible and legally bound programs are in place throughout the entire Connecticut River watershed.   You can see a copy of CRC’s testimony letter in support of HB 5017 and read the full text below:   To: Honored Co-Chairs, Sen. Lopes and Rep. Parker, and distinguished Members of the Environment Committee   From: Rhea Drozdenko, River Steward at the Connecticut River Conservancy I am writing on behalf of the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC); we are an environmental nonprofit dedicated to protecting the entire Connecticut River watershed through initiatives that support clean waters, healthy habitats and resilient communities. I am writing in support of HB 5017 as it will close a loophole which allows tire retailers to avoid participation in Connecticut’s Tire Stewardship Program. CRC has long been an advocate for Extended Producer Responsibility for tires – and we are so proud that Connecticut was the first state to enact an Extended Producer Responsibility for tires bill in 2023. Since then, other states in the region have been inspired to start looking at the possibilities for their own states. However, we are missing a crucial piece of the puzzle as tire retailers are currently not required to participate. Therefore, we may see the status quo continue, and unfortunately illegal tire dumping will likely continue in our state.   Connecticut drivers produce roughly 3.5 million scrap tires per year and each year, volunteers in our Source to Sea cleanup take to their rivers to remove many of these illegally dumped tires; to-date, volunteers have retrieved over 14,000 tires from the Connecticut River Watershed. In recent years, volunteers have pulled hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of tires out of rivers during this event, signaling an ongoing problem with the management of scrap tires. Not only is our environment bearing the costs of the scrap tire crisis, but these costs are also forced on taxpayers via municipalities and state agencies that must pay for the retrieval and disposal of illegally dumped tires. We ask you to support HB 5017 to protect the health of our environment and eliminate unfair costs for taxpayers and municipalities across Connecticut by requiring tire retailers to participate in the Tire Stewardship Program.   This article will be updated with the CT General Assembly's decision once it is known. Want to stay updated on the latest river news? Sign up for Connecticut River Conservancy's newsletters  to get more river stories and updates directly in your inbox. You can also learn more about CRC's advocacy & policy work  or explore all the ways we support healthy rivers.

Flaster floodplain restoration at Pinney Hollow Brook in Plymouth, VT. The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) is happy to share the completion of 21 river restoration projects in 14 towns throughout the watershed in NH, VT, MA, & CT in 2024.   These river restoration projects have helped increase flood resiliency in local communities, and improved water quality and access to spawning grounds for native fish and other organisms. Funding for the projects came from federal and state agencies, foundations, and CRC donors, and were implemented with the support of dedicated project partners listed below. Completed Restoration Projects:   3 old dam removals in N. Stratford (NH), Westminster (VT), and Shutesbury (MA) 1 culvert replacement in the Nulhegan Wildlife Refuge, Brunswick (VT) 1 floodplain restoration project in Plymouth (VT) 2 strategic wood addition projects with Redstart Inc. in Corinth (VT) and Topsham (VT) 14 riparian buffer plantings with 7,331 trees planted over 13.8 acres in NH, VT, and CT   “ These restoration projects require significant planning and funding, as well as an understanding of ecological principles and cooperating landowners” said Rebecca Todd, Executive Director at CRC. “We’re grateful for the collaboration it takes to make this happen and are thrilled to see meaningful restoration in our shared watershed.”   River restoration projects play a vital role in the ongoing stewardship of the Connecticut River and tributaries. New events such as flooding, coupled with historic challenges such as old dams, fragmented habitats, and erosion lead to a range of environmental strategies implemented by CRC and partners to continue fostering cleaner, healthier, more resilient rivers. In addition to CRC’s other work related to advocacy, water quality monitoring, and community science , these projects help make a tangible difference for expanded fish habitat and safer river communities.   Dam Removal & Culvert Upgrades   There are over 3,000 dams in the Connecticut River watershed, many of which are obsolete. An additional 44,000 stream crossings (bridges and culverts) are undersized. Not only are these obstructions no longer serving their intended purpose or being maintained, but they also prevent fish passage and habitat connectivity for wildlife, and result in lower water quality downstream.   In 2024 CRC worked with local, state and federal partners to remove three old dams that were blocking fish passage for native species (brook trout and sea lamprey) in three states (NH, VT & MA). These projects will restore water quality, reconnect native fish habitat, and lower flood elevation levels to protect local communities from the risks of severe flooding. You can read more about the Blake Higgins dam removal project in Vermont.  An old culvert on the Yellow Branch of the Nulhegan River, within the Nulhegan Basin Division of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, was also replaced with a new bridge. The new bridge connects road access while restoring natural stream function for fish passage and improving flood resiliency.   Floodplain Restoration   The Flaster floodplain restoration at Pinney Hollow Brook in Plymouth, VT, included removing an artificial berm so that future high flows can spread out and slow down. By increasing flood storage capacity during storm events, the resulting floodplain will reduce potential damage to infrastructure, help limit sedimentation of aquatic habitat and improve natural river functions. Strategic Wood Addition   CRC works with Redstart Inc. and landowners in the greater Upper Valley area (VT/NH) to create habitat and improve water quality in small headwater streams in the Connecticut River watershed. Felled trees are secured in place at specific intervals and groupings based on state and federal guidelines. Previous projects have resulted in a three-fold increase in brook trout populations!   In 2024, CRC and Redstart finished implementing two strategic wood addition projects on 1.39 miles of the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc River in Corinth VT, and 5.25 miles in Topsham VT, to create habitat for native brook trout and other aquatic organisms.   Riparian Buffer Plantings   Buffer projects involve planting native trees and shrubs to create a vegetation zone between developed land and waterways, thereby helping to control erosion and slow the flow of water during flood events. CRC’s riparian buffer planting projects in 2024 resulted in 7,331 native trees and shrubs being planted in 14 towns in VT, NH, and CT; bringing CRC's total trees planted since 2011 to 97,186. We look forward to planting our 100,000’th tree in 2025!   Here is a summary of just one of these planting projects:   In November 2024, 695 native trees and shrubs were planted in Newfane, VT, at Green Mountain Conservancy's Deer Run Nature Preserve with 13 volunteers, 2 AmeriCorps members, and 3 crew members from Long View Forest Inc. The trees were planted in a 50-foot-wide buffer along the West River at an old hayfield where we attempted to replicate the species occurring in a sugar maple floodplain forest (species included sugar maple, river birch, red oak, white oak, sycamore, box elder, and others). We also planted a 35-foot-wide buffer of lower growing shrubs in the utility right of way with high wildlife value (spice bush, northern arrowwood, American cranberry bush, wild raisin, witch hazel, and dogwoods). We wanted to increase habitat diversity in both composition and structure and chose species to enhance the variety and abundance of food sources for birds and insects. Buffer planting will also improve water quality, wildlife habitat, and help bank stability over time! We worked with VELCO and Green Mountain Power to make sure the planting wouldn't interfere with their powerline maintenance needs. Thanks to funding from the Watersheds United Vermont Woody Buffer Block Grant, and to PUR Project for helping to make these plantings happen.   River Restoration Partnerships   CRC’s work would not be possible without the help of many federal, state and local agencies, local businesses and landowners, and other non-profit organizations who help make these projects a success.   In 2024, these partners include American Rivers, Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust, Ashuelot River Local Advisory Committee, City of Greenfield, Green Mountain Conservancy, Intervale Conservation Nursery, Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, New England Wetland Plants, Northwoods Stewardship Center, Passumpsic Valley Land Trust, Redstart Inc., Shutesbury Conservation Commission, Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge/Nulhegan Basin, The Nature Conservancy, The Orianne Society, Trout Unlimited, Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Planning Commission, Vermont Agency of Transportation, and Vermont River Conservancy, as well as private landowners, local businesses, and project contractors.   In addition, our funders include our generous CRC donors, Bingham Trust, Conservation Alliance, Davis Conservation Foundation, Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service NH, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, PUR Project, The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service/National Fish Passage Program, U.S. Forest Service, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, Watersheds United Vermont, and the Wiederhold Foundation.   To learn more, you can visit our river restoration  and dam removal   pages, or sign up for email updates  to hear about new projects in the upcoming field season!