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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!

Becky the Brook Floater with the Flex Your Mussels slogan. Created by Henry Gustavson, 2024.  In the fall of 2024, the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) returned for its second year supporting Middlebury College (VT) students in their Community Engaged Environmental Studies Practicum. Over the course of a semester, student teams work with an environmental organization in Vermont to research and advise their community partner on action steps they can take to resolve an environmentally focused issue. The students’ work culminates in a report outlining the problem and their proposed actions, which is then presented to their class and community partners.   With consultation and support from Kathy Urffer, Director of Policy and Advocacy and Vermont River Steward, and Clare Wangard, an ECO AmeriCorps member serving with the CRC, the students—Jack Lundgren, Henry Gustavson, Elle Thompson, and Gray Thomas—focused on freshwater mussel restoration in the Connecticut River. The watershed is home to 12 native freshwater mussel species, eight of which are listed as threatened or endangered at the state and/or federal level. These freshwater mussels are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, changes to natural river processes, water pollution, and competition with non-native and invasive species.  The students' report includes proposals to expand and continue some of CRC’s current efforts—such as community science efforts, riparian buffer enhancements, and water quality monitoring—to conserve and restore freshwater mussel populations. Visual demonstration of the effects of freshwater mussels on water quality conducted for an interactive education program. Credit: Partnership for the Delaware Estuary.  The team also had creative ideas for promoting more fun and engaging images of mussels, including the slogan “Flex Your Mussels,” and a cartoon mussel named “Becky the Brook Floater,” who was very popular with the attendees of their presentation. Henry Gustavson, who conceptualized Becky, says, “We tried to build on CRC's wide-ranging strengths by taking a holistic approach to our research and recommendations. As for Becky the Brook Floater, finding a way to make mussels attractive and approachable for the general public wasn't easy, but it was the most rewarding part of the project for me.”  A sample bumper sticker using Becky the Brook Floater and the Flex Your Mussels slogan. Created by Henry Gustavson, 2024  The students employed broad and comprehensive perspectives—drawing from environmental studies, public policy, history, and biology—to create an in-depth and compelling report detailing tangible proposals for freshwater mussel restoration by the CRC. Gustavson, Lundgren, Thomas, and Thompson’s report is thoughtful, insightful, and incredibly well-researched. CRC is grateful for the opportunity to work with committed environmental stewards and hopes to continue its partnership with Middlebury College in ongoing and innovative environmental protection.   Thank you to Henry, Jack, Gray, and Elle for your hard work, insight, and innovations. Thank you to Kathryn Morse and Diane Munroe of the Environmental Studies Program of Middlebury College for their dedication to their students and community-engaged environmental education.   To see Becky the Brook Floater and learn more about their proposed action steps for the CRC, you can read the report here:   Want to stay updated on the latest river news? Sign up for our newsletters  to get more river stories and Connecticut River watershed updates directly in your inbox. 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. Our 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, we're dedicated to ensuring equitable access and healthy rivers for all. ECO AmeriCorps is a program administered by the VT Dept. Environmental Conservation. The program consists of 24 members serving statewide with partner organizations dedicated to improving Vermont’s water quality and climate resiliency, and minimizing the amount of waste entering landfills. For more information about ECO AmeriCorps, visit www.ecoamericorps.vermont.gov .    AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency for service and volunteering. CNCS annually engages more than five million citizens in service at more than 60,000 locations in 8,500 cities across the country through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and other programs. National service participants address the most pressing challenges facing our cities and nation, from educating students for the jobs of the 21st century and supporting veterans and military families to preserving the environment and helping communities recover from natural disasters. For more information on AmeriCorps, visit www.americorps.gov .    This material is based upon work supported by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Opinions or points of view expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of AmeriCorps or the Corporation for National Service.

ECO AmeriCorps Member Clare Wangard demonstrates the EnviroScape. Connecticut River Conservancy has continued their collaboration with the Water Way(s) Project for elementary school education in the Connecticut River watershed for the fourth year in a row. Conceptualized by Erin Maile O’Keefe–educator, designer and community activator–in collaboration with community members and teaching artists, Water Way(s) Project and Curriculum aims to combine experiential learning, creative movement, and Indigenous ways of knowing to connect children with their local waterways.   This November, the fourth-grade class at Green Street School participated in Water Way(s), spending two weeks exploring their relationships with the Connecticut River watershed. The residency culminated in an Expo where the students demonstrated the application of their learning experience to their loved ones and members of their community. Students presented maps, choreography, and reflections inspired and informed by the Whetstone Brook and a restored floodplain near the school. Student activities included the following:  Map-Making: Process and Exhibit   Mollie Burke, local legislator and art educator, encouraged students as they explained the process for creating individual maps of the Whetstone Brook, or Kitadowôganisibosis—the Abenaki name for the Whetstone that students learned and then taught the audience at the expo. The students outlined how they created precise maps of the Whetstone and its surrounding land, added details using markers, used watercolors to paint-wash their map, and glued them into detailed, hand-drawn covers. Each student’s unique map incorporated reflections, poems, and drawings inspired by what they had learned.  Exploring Water Pollution   Students—along with ECO AmeriCorps Member Clare Wangard—facilitated an interactive EnviroScape demonstration. The students used sprinkles and oatmeal to illustrate how everyday items like oil, trash, and pesticides can move from the land into waterways. After “making it rain,” Clare posed a question to the audience, “Would you like to swim here?” that was met with enthusiastic no’s. After the workshop, one student said they would make sure to pick up trash whenever they saw it to reduce pollution.  River Reflections   “So much depends upon a brook in the middle of nowhere giving life to everyone.”   On the first day of their residency, the fourth graders took a walking field trip to Kikitta Ahki , the recently restored floodplain of the Whetstone Brook. There, they spent time paying attention to the brook —its appearance, sounds, smells, and movements -- and learned how Vermont River Conservancy protected and restored this place. Students wrote letters to the Whetstone Brook on biodegradable paper and attached them to vines hanging from a nearby willow tree. The poems remain for students to revisit and community members to reflect on when they visit Kikitta Ahki. At the Expo, a few students shared their weathergrams.   Fluvial Geomorphology and Scarf Choreography    As part of their exploration of water, students used physical movement to imitate and explore how water moves. In groups of three, students depicted the movement of water using scarves. Some students used fluid movements to show the calm flow of water, while other students explored how water moves when it is disrupted, creating a splashing motion.   After that, the class came together in a choreographed performance to demonstrate how rivers moved historically and how they move today. Using blue fabric to represent water, pull ropes to represent currents, and push sticks to represent sediment, students first showed the formation of terraces, and then a flooding event. The students demonstrated how the shape of water—before and after glacial melt—has shaped the contours featured in Vermont’s landscape.  City Planning: Designing a Floodplain   After learning from Connecticut River Conservancy River Steward Kathy Urffer about how the landscape along waterways can support the river and the entire community—animals, plants, and people—students developed their own ideas for restoring a local floodplain. The students used colorful symbols on site maps to represent their ideas for improving the floodplain. Students’ designs proposed fish hatcheries, brick four-square courts, berry bushes, and sanctuaries for native fauna.   For more information: Water Way(s) - The Human Connection Project   Collaborations and Gratitude   Collaborating educators:   Erin Maile O’Keefe, Water Way(s) leader and educator  Mollie Burke, state legislator and educator  Hayley Kolding, Southern Vermont Conservation Manager, Vermont River Conservancy Kathy Urffer, Connecticut River Conservancy River Steward, Policy and Advocacy Director, and educator  Clare Wangard, ECO AmeriCorps Member   Special Thanks To   Gedakina  Vermont Arts Council  Vermont Humanities  Kelly Shifflette and Kjersten Cantillo – 4th Grade Teachers  The Fourth Grade Class

Recorded 12/11/2024 In this LiveStream we celebrated some of the accomplishments made throughout the Connecticut River watershed in 2024! During this virtual event we heard from Connecticut River Conservancy's Executive Director, Rebecca Todd, and many other staff representing our programmatic work for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities. There were brief presentations on everything from aquatic invasive species to dam removals and restoration projects. Watch this recording to gear up for another exciting year ahead! For more river updates throughout the year, be sure to sign up for our email updates. You can also access a PDF of all the slides from the LiveStream .

Turners Falls Dam in MA. Photo by Douglas L. Engel. Connecticut River Conservancy has been engaged in the 12-years-and-counting hydropower relicensing process for 5 facilities on the Connecticut River – the Vernon, Wilder, and Bellows Falls dams in VT/NH, and the Turners Falls dam and Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Station in MA. A few months ago, CRC shared a milestone update ,  and since then our focus has turned to the next phase in the process, which are the 401 Water Quality Certifications (WQC’s) .  Along the way in recent months an ongoing investigation led by the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) has for the first time detected DNA from the endangered shortnose sturgeon ( Acipenser brevirostrum ) in the Connecticut River between Turners Falls, MA, and Bellows Falls, VT/Walpole, NH. The study was initiated by CRC’s River Steward for New Hampshire, Dr. Kate Buckman, in partnership with James Garner, a PhD candidate at the University of Massachusetts with expertise in environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques. In light of this, and with a specific focus on the hydropower facilities in Massachusetts, CRC has sent a letter to MassDEP urging the agency to consider the new evidence as part of their obligation under section 401 of the Clean Water Act in hydropower relicensing. Below are the first two paragraphs of the letter, which is available in its entirety here .  Dear Timothy Jones, and David Hilgeman,  The Connecticut River Conservancy (“CRC”) writes to raise concerns regarding the impacts of Turners Falls Dam (FERC No. 1889) and Northfield Mountain pump storage station (FERC No. 2485) (collectively “Turners Falls Project”) on endangered shortnose sturgeon ( Acipenser brevirostrum ). While CRC has been consistently concerned about the impacts of the Turners Falls Project, the direct impetus for this letter comes from two recent events that constitute new evidence not previously analyzed by any of the regulatory agencies responsible for licensing or permitting the Turners Falls Project. First, two shortnose sturgeon were discovered stranded in isolated pools below the dam in separate incidences in the summer of 2024. Second, scientists have documented environmental DNA (“eDNA”) evidence of the presence of shortnose sturgeon above the Turners Falls Dam in the Turners Falls impoundment.  As the state agency responsible for water quality, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Quality (“MassDEP”) has the obligation under § 401 of the Clean Water Act (“CWA”) to condition federal licenses in order to meet state water quality standards, including protecting and enhancing aquatic life uses.1 CRC takes the opportunity to write now,2 while MassDEP is finalizing a draft 401 certification for public comment, to place squarely before MassDEP the new sturgeon evidence. CRC maintains that this evidence supports its position that increased flows below Turners Falls Dam from July 1 through November 15 are not only needed to protect shortnose sturgeon, but also required by state water quality standards. Moreover, the newly found eDNA evidence of shortnose sturgeon above the Turners Falls Dam requires MassDEP to analyze the potential impacts on sturgeon of the operations at Northfield Mountain, including erosion impacts and impingement and entrainment at the intake structures.  Read CRC's full letter to MassDEP here. More information is available on the hydropower relicensing process here . To get more updates straight to your inbox, please sign up for CRC's newsletters on this and other river-related news.

Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) has announced that Redstart, a Corinth, VT, based company is this year’s 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 buffer plantings to reduce erosion, strategic wood additions to increase aquatic biomass, and floodplain forests to improve natural river functions and store carbon. All projects ultimately help to improve water quality, expand fish passage and habitat for aquatic organisms, and support flood resiliency.     "Redstart and their knowledgeable staff have been fantastic partners on many fronts from project development to landowner outreach to project implementation” said Ron Rhodes, Director of Programs at Connecticut River Conservancy. “We always try to work with good, local companies so these restoration dollars have both a positive environmental and economic impact in our local communities.”  Founded in 1992 by Virginia Barlow, Redstart combines in-depth knowledge of natural systems and stewardship practices with decades of field experience to provide responsible management of natural resources in Vermont’s forests, rivers, farms, and fields. To date, CRC and Redstart have restored 17 miles of river habitat in 50 streams with 13 different landowners.     This year’s restoration projects included planting a riparian buffer at Billings Farm in Woodstock, VT, several strategic wood addition projects on private lands in the Waits and Ompompanoosuc rivers, as well as planning and mapping work done for future projects.  CRC and Redstart are working with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to develop guidelines for installing beaver dam analogs to mimic the natural processes beavers employ to maintain healthy streams, establish temporary pools of water for fish and wildlife habitat, and catch sediment.    “Redstart is excited to work with CRC to explore innovative techniques to restore natural ecosystem functions" said Ben Machin of Redstart. “We have always found CRC to be an ideal partner with a positive vision, great enthusiasm, and a tremendous ability to make good things happen.”   Healthy riverbanks, floodplains, and forests throughout the Connecticut River watershed are essential to supporting clean water and thriving habitats in our rivers. That’s why CRC and partners regularly plant native trees and shrubs along riparian zones of the main stem river and tributaries, restore floodplain forests and wetlands to their natural conditions, and conduct related projects to filter pollution, slow fast-moving waters, and provide a buffer zone between our streams and other land uses. CRC began recognizing a Restoration Partner of the Year in 2022 with the Northwoods Stewardship Center, and again in 2023 with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. 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, which this year was at Colatina Exit in Bradford VT.  Meaningful partnerships such as these provide the know-how, labor, and technical resources to execute large-scale restoration projects. CRC and Redstart 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.

With the arrival of Fall, we often think of everything winding down and getting ready for the winter. We're putting our gardens to bed, the trees are turning, and leaves are falling, many animals are packing on the pounds and preparing to hibernate or at least hunker down. Freshwater mussels are moving deeper and digging in for the winter, and it would be natural to assume that the rest of the river residents are doing similar activities.   In contrast, we often herald Spring as the season of awakening and rebirth, filled with spawning runs, egg laying, and the start of the next generation. But it turns out that there's a lot of action in the fall, too. Fall is when our beautiful native brook trout ( Salvelinus fontinalis ) begin their spawning runs. Brook trout need cold water (preferably <60 °F ) year-round, but when the water temperatures hit 40-50 °F , they start heading upstream to breed. This usually takes place in late September and October (right now!). Female brook trout excavate a small redd, which gets covered back up with gravel after eggs have been laid and fertilized, then they go on to build another nest. The eggs overwinter in the gravel and the fry hatch out usually around February/March.    Water temperatures affect the timing and success of spawning runs, as well as how long it takes the eggs to develop and hatch. You might be wondering how those little eggs don't freeze in the substrate of cold, shallow, headwater streams that are often home to brook trout. Well, it turns out that the ideal places to construct redds are gravel banks where there is a spring or consistent localized groundwater discharge. That upwelling groundwater helps maintain an appropriate temperature for the eggs to develop, even when the air temperature is well below freezing.   The brook trout's sensitivity to water temperature and oxygen levels, and reliance on the exchange between ground and surface waters for certain life stages, underscores for me yet again how critical it is to consider ecological connectivity when talking about river health and species needs, and to think about how human activities can either enhance or degrade habitat for species like the brook trout, even if those activities are taking place on land. CRC does just that when taking on various projects, including our restoration work. We have undertaken projects in the past specifically to enhance brook trout habitat, and likely will do so in the future as well. Sign up for our newsletters  to get more river news and Connecticut River watershed updates directly in your inbox.

Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC), a nonprofit dedicated to clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities throughout the entire 410-mile Connecticut River watershed, has received 11.5-million-dollars from the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program, which is implemented through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This is the largest funding award in the organization’s 72-year history, with all funds dedicated to ecosystem restoration projects in the Connecticut River watershed portion of New Hampshire, as well as Coos County, over the next 5 years. These funds will be used to help farmers and private landowners manage and enhance aquatic and forested ecosystems on their properties. “We are excited to continue our important work with the Connecticut River Conservancy under the recently awarded RCPP project to address resource concerns in Coös County and the upper Connecticut River watershed,” said Becky Ross, New Hampshire State Conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in the Granite State. “As stewards of the headwaters of one of New England’s most important rivers, it is vital to have such a strong private-public partnership to leverage our collective strategies and capabilities to support our shared vision of conserving this natural resource. Through the power of partnerships under RCPP, we can achieve more positive impacts faster and help accelerate support for the conservation goals of our dedicated farm and non-industrial private forest landowners in the Granite State. Under this program we look forward to helping them help the land – together.” The goal of this effort is to restore degraded stream and forest ecosystems in parts of New Hampshire, which will in turn improve water quality, ecosystem health, and climate resiliency. This will be accomplished by stabilizing streambanks, removing dams, replacing undersized culverts, planting riparian buffers, installing strategic wood additions, and carrying out forest management practices. The proposed projects are estimated to stabilize at least 2,000 feet of streambank; prevent 400 pounds of nitrogen and 200 tons of sediment from entering waterways annually; enhance 70 miles of stream habitat; reestablish 50 acres of riparian forest; complete 400 acres of forest stand improvement, and sequester or reduce 50-150 tons of CO2. Since the early 1800s, the Connecticut River and its tributaries have been the lifeblood of local communities in western and northern NH. Over time, the conditions of our waterways and forests have worsened due to overuse and mismanagement. Additionally, these habitats are now being heavily impacted by climate change, including intense rainfall, off-season flooding, periods of high temperatures, and extended droughts. Degraded ecosystems provide fewer ecosystem services for humans and nature, and are less able to bounce back from extreme weather events. In the project area today, there are still 150 dams and 455 culverts with no or reduced fish passage and thousands of acres of forests that need proper management. These funds will enable CRC and our partners to remove stream barriers, enhance habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species, and improve the overall health of the upper watershed. CRC has a long history of completing ecological restoration projects. Since 2011, CRC has removed 24 dams, replaced 6 culverts, opened 427 miles to aquatic organism passage, and planted over 90,000 native trees and shrubs on 26 acres across the watershed. This award will allow CRC to continue this great work in the upper watershed, including the headwaters of the Connecticut River located in northern NH. "CRC’s award of 11.5M in the great state of New Hampshire will have a positive and long-lasting impact throughout the entire Connecticut River watershed, all the way down to Long Island Sound” said Rebecca Todd, Executive Director at Connecticut River Conservancy.  “This funding empowers the kind of bold action we need to take now to support our habitats and communities in a rapidly changing climate.” As part of this effort, CRC has teamed up with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Aquatic Resource Mitigation (ARM) Fund to provide over 2 million additional dollars to go towards related stream restoration efforts in the watershed. Since 2009, the NHDES ARM Fund has invested over $1 billion in restoration and conservation funding in the project area, including protecting over 1,400 acres of wetlands and 39 miles of river, and removing barriers on 17 miles of river. CRC and the NHDES ARM Fund will collaborate regularly to identify potential projects and coordinate how to best spend funds to optimize ecosystem impact across the project area. This funding will give private landowners the financial help they need to restore their land and become more resilient in a changing climate. In more good news for the watershed, CRC is among the partners included in Mass Audubon’s 25-million-dollar NRCS award for conservation work along the Connecticut River in Massachusetts. CRC has also recently received a grant from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) Dam and Seawall program for a dam removal exploration in that state. These combined projects highlight an impactful and partnership-based vision for watershed-wide climate resiliency in the years to come. CRC looks forward to continuing our work with the USDA NRCS in New Hampshire, the ARM Fund, and our local restoration, engineering, and construction partners to improve water quality, forest health, and riparian habitats in our local rivers. About 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 Regional Conservation Partnership Program: The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. By leveraging collective resources and collaborating on common goals, RCPP demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in delivering results for agriculture and conservation. In 2024 the USDA Announced $1.5 Billion for 92 Projects. You can learn more about the RCPP awards in NH here  and see the full list of awarded projects across the country here . For questions about this award: Lauren Zielinski, Stream Restoration Specialist (603) 325-7022   lzielinski@ctriver.org   Ron Rhodes, Director of Programs (413)768-4994   rrhodes@ctriver.org Sign up for our newsletters to get more river news and Connecticut River watershed updates directly in your inbox.

The Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act (CRWPA) is an exciting new bill that was recently introduced in the House and Senate and supported by a broad coalition of public and private organizations throughout New England, including the Friends of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, the Connecticut River Conservancy, Mass Audubon, The Nature Conservancy, American Rivers, Kestrel Land Trust, and the Appalachian Mountain Club among others. The bill was introduced by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), with a companion bill in the House introduced by Jim McGovern (MA-02) and cosponsored by Annie Kuster (NH-02). Additional co-sponsors include Ed Markey (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Becca Balint (D-VT), Jim Himes (D-CT), Richard Neal (D-MA), and Jahana Hayes (D-CT). Legislation Summary: The CRWPA will formalize partnerships between state, local, and private entities (including tribal organizations, nonprofits, and institutions of higher learning) to promote conservation, restoration, education, and recreation efforts in the watershed and establish a voluntary grant program to facilitate these activities. This collaborative effort will benefit fish and wildlife habitats, protect drinking water sources, and enhance access to the watershed’s public spaces, particularly for excluded and marginalized communities. CRWPA is modeled on the Chesapeake WILD Act (2020) and the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act (2015), which have successfully established similar partnerships in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and Delaware River Basin respectively. Specifically, the CRWPA will: Require the Secretary of Interior to establish a non-regulatory Watershed Partnership Program intended to identify, prioritize and implement restoration and protection activities within the Watershed in consultation with federal, state, local and non-profit stakeholders;  Create a voluntary grant and technical assistance program for state and local governments; tribal organizations; nonprofit organizations; institutions of higher education; and other eligible entities for activities in the Watershed; Implement a 75% Federal cost share for the grant program, except where the Secretary determines a larger cost share is appropriate; Authorize such sums as are necessary to carry out the program; and Ensure other activities conducted by the Secretary in the Watershed will supplement, not supplant activities carried out by the partnership program. The Connecticut River, New England’s longest, is a vital watershed that drains 7.2 million acres across five New England states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. The Watershed is home to 396 communities and provides multiple environmental and economic benefits to diverse stakeholders and industries, including fisheries, farming, hunting, recreation, boating and tourism. The Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge encompasses the entire Watershed and is the only refuge of its kind in the National Wildlife Refuge System. The Connecticut River is also one of just fourteen Federally recognized American Heritage Rivers in the United States. You can read the Senator’s press release and the full bill text here , and refer to the Friends of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge web page for a  full list of supporting representatives and organizations. Image above: Connecticut River Looking North to Mount Tom and Mount Holyoke, South Hadley, MA. Photo by Al Braden.

With all the crises facing our environment, the threat of aquatic invasive species might seem trivial. But the truth is that plant diversity is incredibly important for many reasons, and invasive species are an enormous threat to that diversity. Invasive plants out-compete native populations for sunlight and nutrients. They take over the ponds and streams where they are found and are difficult to dislodge. In taking over so aggressively they reduce a wetland’s ability to mitigate flooding. They destroy the complexity of food webs and make habitat unattractive or unlivable to native wildlife.   Aquatic invasive species like Hydrilla verticillata  and Trapa natans  (water chestnut)  also threaten recreational opportunities, making swimming, boating or fishing impossible in many places that were once ideal for these activities. The removal of these plants can be laborious, but fortunately these efforts are being supported by concerned civilians who see an opportunity to have a real positive impact on the environment, all while spending time on the water communing with nature and connecting with one another.  Volunteers for Water Chestnut Removal   In 2023, Connecticut River Conservancy, one of many organizations working to remove water chestnut from the Connecticut River, enjoyed the help of 98 individual volunteers. In 2024 that number increased to 237. This is a growing team of enthusiastic folks that have found their way to this work via many paths.   “I found out about the [water chestnut pulls] from my mother. She saw a post on Facebook asking for kayak volunteers and she knows I love kayaking, so she sent the info to me” said volunteer Elizabeth Plikaitis. “Despite not knowing anyone and going by myself to volunteer, I was instantly greeted by the staff and spent the morning chatting and making new friends among the other kayakers. There is a definite feeling of comradery among the group and a sense of purpose. I looked forward to my time with this group every week and can’t wait to go back next season. Volunteering with the CRC has quickly become a passion of mine and a favorite way to spend my time.”  Others have already spent some time working on other environmental projects. Amanda DiTaranto says, “I first found the opportunity to volunteer with water chestnut removal while volunteering with CRC in their sea lamprey survey. Pulling invasive water chestnuts quickly became a favorite activity of the summer for me. I enjoy having the opportunity to paddle in areas I may not have known about before, interacting with CRC staff and other volunteers, the physical activity, seeing wildlife in their natural habitat and learning new things from those I'm with.”    The CRC staff who lead the volunteer events also find them cathartic. According to CRC field coordinator, Sarah Manteiga, "working with volunteers to remove water chestnuts restores my hope and inspiration. They give their Saturday mornings and work hard for a good cause, but often express how relaxing, even meditative, the task is." Adelheid Koepfer, a CRC crew member in Connecticut points out that “many people come back again and again to help, even after they have moved away. People come from all different ways of life, and it is so interesting to hear their stories, but the best of all is to see how many friends care about the river, and how much a group of dedicated people can achieve.”   How a Volunteer Event Unfolds   A typical day volunteering at a water chestnut pull begins around 8:30am with the assignment of kayaks to those who cannot bring their own. Personal Floatation devices are distributed, and a few minutes are spent at the water’s edge ensuring that everyone is comfortable and safe paddling their boats. There is usually a short paddle to the site of the infestation and there, water chestnut plants get pulled out of the riverbed and stuffed into five-gallon buckets. Buckets of water chestnut are dumped into barges that are rowed back to shore, their contents composted. The work can be hot during summer and at times the volunteers do get muddy, but the rewards outweigh any hardship. " At the end of a pull it's a wonderful feeling seeing how much you've actually removed!” -Amanda DiTaranto.  2024 Water Chestnut Results   This year’s impact was tremendous. The seven staff and 237 volunteers that worked on CRC’s projects in 2024 removed 174,000 water chestnut plants from the Connecticut River watershed. This was accomplished over the course of 2,245 labor hours.   Combatting invasive species requires years of dedicated effort and progress can be slow, but progress is certainly being made. According to Connecticut field coordinator Michelle Helming, “it was a great season with great people, and it was a sense of community that brought all these amazing, hardworking individuals together.”  You can learn more about aquatic invasive species   and sign up for CRC’s emails  to get notified about future volunteer opportunities.