Search Results

Sign up for Email Updates For questions about our newsletters or programs, contact us at crc - at - ctriver.org or 413-772-2020.

< Back David Deen Trustee David spent 19 years as a CRC River Steward and 30 years as a Vermont legislator, focusing on public policy and advocating for river protections. For most of his legislative career, he’s been on the Natural Resources/Water Resources committees. He helped found and now serves as chair of the VT/NH Connecticut River Chapter of Trout Unlimited and is a founding incorporator of the Vermont Community Foundation. He serves on the Vermont Climate Council, the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board. David holds a M.S. from Antioch New England Graduate School and has been a NH licensed flyfishing guide for 20+ years, teaching people to fish while simultaneously teaching them the basics of healthy rivers. He tries to fish whenever he can. CRC@ctriver.org

Files & Folders + File Item name Last updated Views Favorites Contributors FAQ 1 item private access This folder can only be accessed by specific site members. Apr 11, 2023 0 0 Diana Chaplin Item

< Back Sam Stegeman Operations Manager Sam joined CRC in 2024, and he is likely to be the person to answer your call to the office or greet when you visit the CRC Headquarters in Greenfield. He graduated from Brown University with a degree in Environmental Studies. Prior to CRC, Sam served nine years as the Executive Director of the Vermont Wilderness School in Brattleboro and five years on the program team at Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) in South Deerfield. Sam spent his adolescence in the Westport River watershed of southeastern Massachusetts, and since 2006 he and his family have lived alongside the South River in Conway. He got to know CRC through volunteering for water quality monitoring, and today is thrilled to bring his affinity for nonprofit development to such a great organization with such a fun and dedicated staff. sstegeman@ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 200 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

< Back Tony Judge Trustee Tony grew up on the Connecticut River in South Hadley Falls. For many years, he’s worked as a broadcasting executive and radio, television and film producer. He served as board vice-chair for the National Wildlife Refuge Association. Now returned from the Midwest to the Valley and its great river, Tony’s eager to help the Connecticut River Conservancy in its vital, exciting work. ​

< Back Diana Chaplin Director of Communications Diana brings over 15 years of experience in communications strategy and marketing for both nonprofit and startup organizations with a distinct passion for conservation and uplifting storytelling. Her background also includes publishing, leadership development, and graphic design. Prior to joining CRC in 2022, Diana was the Marketing Director at global reforestation nonprofit One Tree Planted during 5 years of its early critical growth, establishing the organization as a media-savvy environmental brand and growing a robust internal team while funding the planting of over 40 million trees – including being a funding partner of CRC! Diana currently oversees CRC's content throughout this website, email, social media, and custom distribution channels in partnership with programs staff. When she’s not working, Diana enjoys exploring the great outdoors with her family in Massachusetts. dchaplin at ctriver.org 413-834-0079 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

Dam. This page doesn't exist. Hi there! We have recently updated our website, which means some pages no longer exist or have new links. Use our menu at the top to find what you're looking for, enter a keyword into our new search page , or contact us for any questions.

About Our Mission & Values The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. ​ Through collaborative partnerships in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, CRC leads and supports science-based efforts for natural and life-filled rivers from source to sea. ​ Below are the areas of interconnected impact we are focused on. River Restoration Dam Removal Invasive Species Migratory Fish Advocacy Hydropower Recreation Access Water Quality Monitoring Community Engagement The Connecticut River watershed is a public trust resource that invites dedicated people and integrated solutions to come together. Connecticut River Conservancy staff. Meet the team here. Our Values Inclusion We know that we are at our best when engaging with, and learning from, a diverse range of individuals and communities. We strive to cultivate diversity by seeking, welcoming, and valuing all perspectives, voices, styles, and identities, with special attention to the structural power dynamics that have disenfranchised certain peoples and communities. Collaboration By listening, learning, and developing relationships, we build partnerships at all levels, creating opportunities and resources throughout the watershed and with the communities who sustain and are sustained by our rivers. Resilience Achieving our goals is a long-term endeavor requiring a healthy organization, meaningful programs, and a spirit of persistence. We face opportunities and challenges with optimism and creativity. Stewardship We embrace our shared responsibility for the watershed and all that lives in it. We work to hold ourselves and others accountable to reduce and repair environmental harm. Support Connecticut River Conservancy Today Your contribution will make a lasting impact for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities in the Connecticut River watershed. Donate

The Greenfield Tree Committee The Greenfield Tree Committee is a non-profit, volunteer group of concerned citizens, operating under our umbrella organization, the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC). Our purpose is to promote a strong and resilient urban forest in the City of Greenfield by facilitating the planting of trees along public ways and by educating the public on the value of trees and the need for their care and maintenance. As a citizen committee, we raise funds and work closely with the Greenfield Department of Public Works in an advisory and supportive capacity. The Greenfield Tree Committee is a non-profit, volunteer group of concerned citizens, operating under our umbrella organization of the nonprofit organization Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) . ​ To contribute by check, please make your gift out to “Connecticut River Conservancy” with “Greenfield Tree Committee” in the memo line and mail to 15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA 01301.

Event Participant Waiver of Liability and Photo Release Form Connecticut River Watershed Council, Inc. dba Connecticut River Conservancy 15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA 01301 Please read carefully! This is a legal document that affects your legal rights! ​ This Event Participant Waiver of Liability and Photo Release (the “Release”) executed by the Participant, whose name is entered in the form, in favor of the Connecticut River Conservancy, a nonprofit corporation, their directors, officers, employees, agents, and Tributary affiliate (collectively, “CRC”). If Participant is under 18 years of age, the legal guardian of Participant must agree to these terms. ​ The Participant desires to participate with CRC and engage in the activities related to being a participant during the CRC outdoor events (the “Activities”). The Participant understands that these Activities may include inherent and other risks. ​ The Participant hereby freely, voluntarily, and without duress executes this Release under the following terms: ​ Release and Waiver . Participant does hereby release and forever discharge and hold harmless CRC and its successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from Participant’s Activities with CRC. ​ Participant understands that this Release discharges CRC from any liability or claim that the Participant may have against CRC with respect to any bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result from Participant’s Activities with CRC, whether caused by the negligence of CRC or its officers, directors, employees, or agents or otherwise. Participant also understands that CRC does not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide financial assistance or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health, or disability insurance in the event of injury or illness. ​ Medical Treatment . Participant does hereby release and forever discharge CRC from any claim whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first aid, treatment, or service rendered in connection with the Participant’s Activities with CRC. ​ Assumption of the Risk . The risks of the Activities the Participant may be subjected to during their participation with CRC include, among others, the following; injury from exposure to non-motorized and/or motorized water travel, including collisions and capsizing; use of hand tools, digging, hammering, moving rocks, branches and bushes, and basic wood construction; walking on uneven terrain, including while carrying heavy loads of materials, supplies and tools; unpredictable weather; the risk of being on and around deep, cold and fast moving waters with obstacles over and below the water; and any and all other risks associated with the environment, remote locations and the tasks undertaken as a volunteer participant in the above referenced activities. ​ Participant hereby expressly and specifically assumes the risk of injury or harm in the Activities and releases CRC from all liability for injury, illness, death, or property damage resulting from the Activities. In the event of illness or injury, the Participant hereby consents to be provided with emergency medical care, hospitalization or other treatment, which may become necessary during the participation of the Activities above referenced. ​ Insurance. The Participant understands that, except as otherwise agreed to by CRC in writing, CRC does not carry or maintain health, medical, or disability insurance coverage for any Participant. ​ Photographic Release . Participant does hereby grant and convey unto CRC all right, title, and interest in any and all photographic images and video or audio recordings made by CRC or its agents during the Participant’s Activities with CRC, including, but not limited to, any royalties, proceeds, or other benefits derived from such photographs or recordings. ​ Each Participant is expected and encouraged to obtain his or her own medical or health insurance coverage. ​ Other . Participant expressly agrees that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and that this Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Participant agrees that in the event that any clause or provision of this Release shall be held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the remaining provisions of this Release which shall continue to be enforceable. ​ IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Participant has executed this Release as of the day and year submitted. Guardian must agree to the terms above and submit if Participant is under 18 years of age.

Migratory Fish Migratory fish are essential to healthy river ecosystems. The Connecticut River hosts 8 species of migratory fish that travel thousands of ocean miles and over 200 miles upriver annually. These include alewives, American eels, Atlantic salmon, American striped bass, blueback herring, sea lampreys, and shortnose sturgeon. CRC's migratory fish restoration efforts include advocating for and expanding fish passage and raising awareness to our work through community science and education. Migratory Fish Data Research and education about migratory fish in the Connecticut River help scientists and the public understand how to best support thriving biodiversity. That’s why we work with conservation partners to bring you a dedicated website full of resources. Community Science Events Counting fish and nests, and rescuing some species from drained canals, requires dedicated volunteers! We offer dozens of engaging community science events annually, which typically run from April to July. Dam Removal Dams are the most significant obstacle to fish passage in the Connecticut River, which is why we collaborate with partners and landowners throughout the watershed to safely remove old dams and restore healthy habitats. Migratoryfish.org Volunteer Events Learn About Dams Angler Surveys Angler surveys empower individuals to contribute valuable fishing data, informing researchers and becoming stewards of the rivers through their recreation. Thanks to these surveys, CRC connects the fishing community to conservationists, for a common goal of restoring migratory fish to the Connecticut River. Thanks to Our Partners Migratory fish travel between freshwater and saltwater throughout their lifecycle to reach the habitat that best suits their needs for spawning, feeding, and finding shelter. The Problem: Dams and industrial practices have blocked spawning habitat and decimated migratory fish populations. Flows at main stem hydro-electric dams and canals, industrial pollution, and heated plant discharges into the river make this situation worse. Determined action is needed if the Connecticut River’s fish runs are to survive. ​ The Solution: Require safe and effective fish passage at dams. Remove any deadbeat dams that no longer serve a purpose. Improve passage in tributaries to increase available spawning habitat. Discontinue any recent industrial practices that may be injuring migratory fish runs. Perform adequate research before making changes to main stem discharges and flow regimes to prove they will do no harm. All fish are mobile, but none on the Connecticut River make longer journeys than the suite of migratory fish moving upriver from the Atlantic Ocean: blueback herring, alewives, stripped bass, American shad, American eels, Atlantic salmon, shortnose sturgeon, and sea lampreys. These migrations have been taking place for thousands of years. The journeys of these species may take them through thousands of ocean miles annually, and nearly 200 miles upriver. Anadramous Fish Shad, lamprey, salmon, striped bass, blueback herring and alewives are anadromous fish. They are born in freshwater, swim to the sea to feed and mature, then return to the rivers of their birth to spawn. Though some members of each species die after spawning, only the sea lamprey spawns as the final act in their long-life cycle. All other species may survive, return to the ocean, and then return to the river to spawn again. Catadromous Fish American eels are different. They are a catadromous species; born in the ocean, they travel to rivers and estuaries to feed and grow. After years of feeding and maturing in the Connecticut River watershed, American eels head back to the Sargasso Sea, a weed-covered expanse in the Caribbean, where they were born, to spawn along that sprawling sargassum algae mat near their counterparts, European eels. This seaweed expanse has also been found to be the protective ocean habitat that young loggerhead sea turtles journey to after hatching on sandy shores and skittering into the sea. Main stem and tributary dams are among the major, human-induced contributors to declining migratory fish populations on the Connecticut River. Fish passage facilities are in place at most main stem dams. However, changes in operations and discharges at main stem structures, and failing fish passage facilities, further impact surviving fish runs. In addition, thousands of poorly designed road crossings over streams block fish from reaching their available habitat. Culverts at these locations need to be replaced with fish-friendly structures. ​ Critical fish passage and dam-removal work is also taking place on many tributaries and is in the works for others. We have successfully helped create fish passage, restore habitat and remove unneeded dams at dozens of watershed sites. In doing so, we’ve opened 424 miles of migratory fish habitat since 2014. ​ The once prolific runs of American shad, blueback herring, alewives, and Atlantic salmon have been dramatically reduced over the centuries. Today, runs are a small fraction of their historic numbers. These species play an important role in a healthy river and marine ecosystem. Download Fish Facts Explore the New Migratory Fish Website! MigratoryFish.org was developed by CRC and partners to share information about fish migration in the Connecticut River. You can browse the embedded website below, or open the website in a new browser window. Sea Lamprey Nest Surveys & Rescues Meet Aliki Aliki is CRC's Ecology Planner. She has dedicated her career to conservation and restoration. Starting as a volunteer, she's been involved in monitoring cetaceans in the Indian Ocean, managing invasive species in Florida's brackish waters, and surveying New England brooks for endangered freshwater mussels. Now at CRC since 2018, she collaborates closely with fisheries experts from state and federal agencies to engage and educate the public about conserving migratory fish in the watershed. Aliki's favorite projects involve hands-on fieldwork, like walking tributary rivers to locate sea lamprey nests. She involves volunteers in her conservation efforts, fostering community and environmental stewardship. In her free time, Aliki enjoys swimming and paddling with her dog, Kali, on the Connecticut River. For questions about migratory fish or community science volunteering, contact us at volunteer - at - ctriver.org or call 413.772.2020 x207.

< Back Kate Buckman River Steward in New Hampshire Kate joined CRC as the River Steward for NH in Sep 2022. She spent much of the 25 years before that involved in marine and freshwater research. She received her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Smith College where she worked on coral reef ecology and education in Belize and her PhD from the MIT/WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography where she focused her thesis research on the ecology of fish at hydrothermal vent systems on the East Pacific Rise. Kate made the short trip north back to her home state of New Hampshire in 2010 and spent many years at Dartmouth College as a member of the Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program studying trophic transfer of mercury and assisting with community science programs in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. ​ When not contemplating how awesome fish are, Kate can often be found puttering in her yard and gardens, hanging out on the porch pondering which house project to tackle next, or walking her wiggly dog around the neighborhood. kbuckman at ctriver.org 603-931-2448 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate