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achaffee at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 204 She/Her < Back Angela Chaffee Grant Strategist & Writer Angie began working with CRC in 2010 as an AmeriCorps member. Prior to joining CRC, she graduated with an M.S. from Antioch University New England’s Environmental Advocacy and Organizing Program. During her time there, she worked on a variety of water-focused projects that engaged communities with their natural resources. Angie grew up in Michigan, the “Great Lakes State,” where she also worked as an environmental educator, and got her B.S. in Natural Resources Management from Grand Valley State University. When she’s not working, you’ll find Angie in her garden or baking sweet treats for her friends, family, and co-workers. She lives in Springfield, MA with her husband, Kevin, and their two rescued pets. achaffee at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 204 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

bmorrison at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 218 He/Him < Back Brett Morrison Director of Development Brett grew up on the Connecticut River – fishing, swimming, and floating on the brooks, streams, and rivers of southern Vermont’s hills and valleys. He joined the CRC team in 2018, eager to meet CRC members and work toward the river’s better future. His professional experience includes fundraising throughout New England and NYC for the Student Conservation Association (SCA), consulting and business development with a communications and printing company specializing in nonprofit fundraising, and over a decade teaching, coaching and house parenting at New England independent schools (including Bement School in Deerfield, MA and Northfield Mount Hermon). Since returning to Vermont in 2006, Brett has served on the boards of the West River Watershed Alliance (VT) and the Strolling of the Heifers (Brattleboro, VT), and the Planning Commission in Vernon, VT. He enjoys coaching lacrosse, skiing, playing ice hockey, time with family, and exploring new parts of the river and watershed. bmorrison at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 218 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

nreigle at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 221 She/Her < Back Nicole Reigle Assistant Director of Development Nicole has a background in development, small business administration and marketing. Before joining CRC in 2021 as the Development Coordinator, Nicole served as the Development Assistant for Healing Across the Divides – a nonprofit that provides grants for wellness initiatives for women and children in Gaza and the West Bank. She also created communication materials for Ask Nurses & Doctors, a bipartisan endeavor pushing to elect political representatives who prioritize universal healthcare. Prior to selling the small business she founded and operated with her husband from 2016-2020, Nicole acted as Assistant to the Chief Advancement Officer at Hampshire College. Nicole holds a B.A. in English from UMass Amherst and is also a freelance graphic designer, interior decorator, and copy editor. Her other passions include stroke research and care, women’s issues, and vegan cooking/baking. nreigle at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 221 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

mmccaughey at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 She/Her < Back Mary McCaughey Development Assistant Mary joined CRC in September, 2022. Mary has been living in the Connecticut River Valley in Western MA since 2008 when she began her studies in Plant, Soil, and Insect Science at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Mary reluctantly worked in retail sales and customer service before being lucky enough to join CRC. She currently lives in Easthampton with her husband and dog. She enjoys art, music, and spending time with family and friends. mmccaughey at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

rodonnell at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 217 He/Him < Back Ryan O'Donnell Monitoring Program Manager Ryan first joined the CRC team in 2013 as a lab tech in the Greenfield Water Quality Lab. He has coordinated volunteer water quality monitoring programs throughout the Connecticut River watershed since 2015. He is especially focused on using volunteer monitoring programs to bridge knowledge gaps and build coalitions where watersheds cross political boundaries. Before coming to CRC, Ryan taught science and music to students of all ages. Ryan holds an M.S. in Sustainability Sciences and a B.S. in Geology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a B.A. in Classical Guitar Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University. He lives with his husband where they raise chickens, garden, make music, and hold events for the local Jewish community on their western Massachusetts homestead. rodonnell at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 217 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

criffenburg at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 202 He/Him < Back Chris Riffenburg Director of Finance Christopher Riffenburg joined CRC in November 2022. Before his time here began, he had a successful tenure as the Financial Manager for Westfield State University’s profitable College of Graduate and Continuing Education; having responsibility for a $13 million dollar budget; and service to more than 5,000 students annually. Prior to Westfield State, he spent more than eight years in non-profit Financial Management, providing leadership in organizations committed to service of low to moderate income residents of Hampden County. He has extensive experience in managing grants and budgets (Private, Municipal, State and Federal). He was, at one point, the financial administrator of a grant funded by the Internal Revenue Service, working with a Qualified Tax Attorney to offer representation to citizens in United States Tax Court. Chris is a lifelong golfer, who currently resides in Western Mass with his wife and two cats, Tweety and Hoosier. His hope is to bring his experience in financial management to growing a clean, healthy, and full of life Connecticut River. criffenberg at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 202 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

rbudd at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 222 She/Her < Back Rebecca Budd Restoration Program Manager Becky joined CRC’s staff in October 2021. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Dartmouth College and M.S. in Natural Resources from the University of New Hampshire. She previously worked with American Rivers and The Nature Conservancy on land protection, river restoration, and conservation GIS projects. Becky has always lived near the river, from her childhood in Connecticut to her college dorm in “The River Cluster” near the upper Connecticut River. She currently lives in Northampton, MA with her family. In her spare time, she volunteers on rare species and habitat surveys and enjoys gardening, cooking, hiking, and skiing. rbudd at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 222 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

< Back Aquatic Invasive Species Field Assistant CT Seasonal position – 16 hours/week (0.4 FTE) Start Date: 05/01/2025 End Date: 09/05/2025 Location: Middletown, CT / Field work in Glastonbury and Middletown Health Benefit Eligible: No Retirement Benefit Eligible: No Supervisor: Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager Position classification: Seasonal Pay: $18/hour Position Description The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) seeks three motivated individuals to assist with our Aquatic Invasive Species program that manages invasive water chestnut plants in the Connecticut River Watershed in Connecticut. Removing water chestnut plants from water bodies will be the primary purpose of this role. Staff will organize four pulling events a week, one of which shall occur on Saturday mornings, with volunteer participation. Each event lasts 4 hours, from meeting to departure, including time for an orientation and securing boats onto vehicles. This work takes place on several water bodies located in Hartford, Glastonbury, and Middletown. Kayaks and all other necessary supplies are provided to staff. There will be also opportunities to assist with CRC community engagement events. This position requires access to a car and mileage accrued while working will be reimbursed at the IRS rate. Primary Responsibilities: Helping the AIS Field Manager host water chestnut pull events and participate in the pulls themselves. This includes volunteer management and support. Volunteer management may include individual volunteers, school groups and community groups. Supporting the AIS Field Manager in data collection and reporting of invasive species removal and spread. Assist with hydrilla prevention activities including talking to boaters at popular boat launches. Qualifications We understand that many folks who may be impacted by biased hiring standards, such as women, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC applicants, may only apply if they meet every requirement listed in a job posting. If you are interested in this opportunity and believe you meet most of the job requirements, we encourage you to apply. Position Requirements: Interest for the environment and river ecology Paddling experience or an interest in learning Ability to participate in strenuous physical activity outdoors A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle Location: Middletown, CT / Field work in Glastonbury and Middletown Salary and benefits: $18/hr Application instructions: To apply for the position, use the form below and include a resume and cover letter (as one combined PDF) . Please use your cover letter to briefly describe how your qualifications and experience make you a good fit for this role. Interviews will take place during the first two weeks of April. Deadline to apply: March 24, 2025 Overview of the Organization : 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. Our organizational values are inclusion, collaboration, resilience, and stewardship. Apply Now First name Last name Email Phone Applying for Choose an option How did you hear about this job? Please upload your resume and cover letter as a single PDF file. Upload File Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Submit Application Thanks for submitting! Previous Next

Careers The Connecticut River Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We understand that many folks who may be impacted by biased hiring standards, such as women, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC applicants, may only apply if they meet every requirement listed in a job posting. If you are interested in any of the opportunities below and believe you meet most of the job requirements, we encourage you to apply. Thank you for your interest in joining our team! Number of jobs found: 8 Connecticut Water Quality Monitoring Assistant Classification: Part-time/seasonal position up to 16 hours a week Start Date : Late-March (preferred), mid-June (required) End Date: 10/31/2025 Office Location: Middletown CT / Fieldwork Health Benefit Eligible: No Supervisor: River Steward in Connecticut Hourly rate: $20/hr Apply Massachusetts Water Quality Monitoring Assistant Classification: Part-time/seasonal position (0.6 FTE) Start Date: late April (preferred)/mid May (required) End Date: early September (required) /end of October (preferred) Office Location: Greenfield MA Health Benefit Eligible: No Supervisor: Water Quality Program Manager Position classification: Seasonal Hourly rate: $20/hr Apply Angler Survey Technicians MA Seasonal position – 25 hours/week (0.6 FTE) Start Date: 04/01/2025 End Date: 06/30/2025 Location: South Hadley, Holyoke and Chicopee, MA Health Benefit Eligible: No Retirement Benefit Eligible: Yes Supervisor: Kate Buckman, Aquatic Ecologist Position classification: Seasonal Staff Pay: $18/hour Apply Angler Survey Technicians CT Seasonal position – 25 hours/week (0.6 FTE) Start Date: 04/01/2025 End Date: 06/30/2025 Location: Enfield, Windsor Locks, Windsor and South Windsor, CT Health Benefit Eligible: No Retirement Benefit Eligible: Yes Supervisor: Kate Buckman, Aquatic Ecologist Position classification: Seasonal Staff Pay: $18/hour Apply Aquatic Invasive Species Manager CT Seasonal position – 25 hours/week (0.6 FTE) Start Date: 04/15/2025 End Date: 9/05/2025 Location: Middletown, CT / Field work in Glastonbury and Middletown Health Benefit Eligible: No Retirement Benefit Eligible: Yes Supervisor: Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager Position classification: Seasonal Pay: $22/hour Apply Aquatic Invasive Species Manager MA Seasonal position – 25 hours/week (0.6 FTE) Start Date: 04/15/2025 End Date: 9/15/2025 Location: Greenfield, MA / Field work in Northampton and Holyoke, MA Health Benefit Eligible: No Retirement Benefit Eligible: Yes Supervisor: Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager Position classification: Seasonal Pay: $22/hour Apply Aquatic Invasive Species Field Assistant MA Seasonal position – 16 hours/week (0.4 FTE) Start Date: 05/01/2025 End Date: 09/15/2025 Location: Northampton and Holyoke, MA Health Benefit Eligible: No Retirement Benefit Eligible: No Supervisor: Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager Position classification: Seasonal Pay: $18/hour Apply Aquatic Invasive Species Field Assistant CT Seasonal position – 16 hours/week (0.4 FTE) Start Date: 05/01/2025 End Date: 09/05/2025 Location: Middletown, CT / Field work in Glastonbury and Middletown Health Benefit Eligible: No Retirement Benefit Eligible: No Supervisor: Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager Position classification: Seasonal Pay: $18/hour Apply Interested in more ways to connect with us? Get Involved

And Community Challenge! Canoe, kayak, SUP, and surf ski racers from across the Northeast compete for honors on the Connecticut River between southwest NH and southeast VT. NEPC - New England Paddlesports Championship. New England Paddlesports Championship (NEPC) & Community Challenge The 2025 race has been cancelled, pending new organizers. THANK YOU to all the incredible racers, community partners, volunteers, and sponsors who made this event possible in 2024. You can see all the race results here and read our 2024 NEPC recap . 2025 cancellation message from CRC: The Connecticut River Conservancy is undertaking strategic planning in 2025, and as part of this process we are evaluating both internal resources and outward initiatives. Upon consideration of how our mission supports increased access for the full breadth of communities to the Connecticut River, we have determined that we must step down from being the organizers of the New England Paddlesports Championship (NEPC). We will strive to find new organizers for the event and will instead focus on other paddling and river recreation activities with such details to be shared when available. The NEPC should be considered cancelled for 2025; however, CRC welcomes and would support interested parties who wish to take over hosting responsibilities. CRC continues to be dedicated to clean water, healthy habitats, and river recreation for local communities in the Brattleboro/Hinsdale region and beyond, and we look forward to advancing partnerships that promote equitable access and healthy rivers for all! Connecticut River Conservancy eagerly welcomeed the return of the NEPC – New England Paddlesports Championship – for its 45th year in 2024. Canoe, kayak, SUP, and surf ski racers from across the Northeast competed for honors on New England’s historic Connecticut River between southwest New Hampshire and southeast Vermont. Racers chose to run the 12-mile competitive course or the 5-mile recreational course. There was also a 1-mile community challenge! The course lapped the Brattleboro-Hinsdale island by passing under the Rte. 119 bridges, where spectators cheered on competitors. NEPC is part of the New England Canoe and Kayak Racing Association (NECKRA) Flatwater Point Series. On the Connecticut River @ Norm’s Marina 1347 Brattleboro Rd, Hinsdale NH – just over the river (rain date: the following Sunday, August 4th) with media sponsor: Photos courtesy Kelly Fletcher Photography 12-Mile Competitive Course Competitive paddlers on canoe, kayak, and surf ski will lap the mid-river island three times on a 12-mile competitive “marathon” course. 5-Mile Recreational Course Competitive SUP paddlers will lap a 5-mile course. Recreation Class paddlers, including adult-youth boats, can participate in the 5-mile looped course. 1-Mile Community Challenge A 1-mile Community Challenge is open to all two-person canoe teams. This event is BYOC, bring your own canoe! Ideal for small groups or families. Schedule of the Day 9am – Racer arrival 9am-3pm – Food trucks! 10am – Community partners & on-site fun begins 10:30am – Competitive & Recreational races begin 11am – Community Challenge begins 12:30pm – Crazy Creatures Obstacle Course 2pm – NEPC Awards Ceremony 3pm – See you next year! The morning begins with the races, where over 60 racers will compete in 12-mile and 5-mile loops right off the shore from Norm’s Marina. All are welcome to join in the 1-mile Community Challenge . CRC and local partner organizations will offer on-site activities and info booths for spectators. Plus food & beverage trucks to keep you satiated (J&B Curbside Café 9-3 and Frisky Cow Gelato 11-3). Where to Watch The shores of the river at Norm’s Marina or the Route 119 bridges will provide great views of the race. Parking Ample parking is available to racers, specatators, and Riverfest participants at Norm’s Marina. Overflow parking will be available at the Runnings-George’s Field parking lot across the street. Safety Statement: CRC's staff are assessing river conditions as we approach race day in connection with Norm's Marina, Great River Hydro, climate and flood reports, and local experts. The safety of racers, spectators, and communities is of utmost importance, and we will have two rescue boats from Rescue Inc. on standby throughout the duration of the race. River conditions in the Hinsdale/Brattleboro area are looking good for the 28th. Racers will be notified in the event of any changes to the schedule. Proceeds will benefit CRC's efforts to support local communities in improving recreational access and river habitat like on the Hinsdale-Brattleboro Island after traffic moves to the new bridge (late fall '24) and Bellows Falls at the Saxtons River confluence after removing the Blake-Higgins Dam under Rte. 5 (fall '24). Local Partner 2024 Sponsors Watershed: River: Stream: Community Partners: For questions about race registration, volunteering or the overall event, contact Stacey at slennard - at - ctriver.org . For interest in sponsorship, contact Brett at bmorrison - at - ctriver.org .

Support the Connecticut River by making a contribution for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities. Become a 2025 Sponsor of the Source to Sea Cleanup Help make a lasting positive impact for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities! Event sponsorship can help increase your business exposure through generous media coverage and other promotion. Submit your sponsorship details below and a member of our staff will contact you via email to connect further. To make an online payment after submitting your information click here . Other Ways to Give Sponsor by Mail Please mail your check, made out to Connecticut River Conservancy, to: 15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA 01301 Sponsor by Phone To donate by phone or to get assistance with your donation, please contact us at 413-772-2020 More Ways to Give Learn about legacy and workplace giving, sponsorships, stock donations and more with more ways to give. For questions about making your gift to support Connecticut River Conservancy, contact Brett at bmorrison - at - ctriver.org or call 413.772.2020 x218.

The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Thank you for supporting our mission. Photo courtesy of Al Braden Hydropower Relicensing 5 hydroelectric facilities on the Connecticut River are in the process of relicensing. The public comment period for FERC (the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) closed on May 22nd, 2024, and the current phase of relicensing entails the state level 401 water quality certifications. We encourage you to get involved! Connecticut River Conservancy has been involved in the relicensing process for over a decade with the aim of getting the best possible outcome for our rivers, wildlife, and communities. The process is not complete until there is a new license in place. Read on for all the details. Hydroelectric facilities use a public trust resource – your river – to produce power. In exchange for this privilege and to mitigate for impacts of the dams, FERC (the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) r equires that hydropower operators provide direct benefits to the public and be protective of the ecological health of the river. The license serves as a public contract that we revisit periodically to examine the impact of the facility on our public trust resource. 401 Water Quality Certification The NEXT STEP in the hydro relicensing process you need to know. Learn More Overview Get the key details to understand what's at stake for our rivers. Start Here Read Submitted FERC Comments Read CRC's full comments to FERC, and access all public comments. Read Comments Hydro Resources Learn more about hydropower and related state & federal processes. Learn More Sign Up for Hydro Email Updates We have a hydropower-specific email list to notify you as milestones happen or new resources become available. If you're not already on it, take a moment to sign up here and then return to this page. Five Hydro Facilities Now! The heart of the Connecticut River’s next 50 years. Since late 2012, five hydroelectric facilities in the heart of the Connecticut River have been in the process of renewing their operating licenses in a process known as relicensing. The licenses for two facilities in northern MA and three dams in southern VT and NH will endure for the next 30-50 years and impact more than 175 miles of the Connecticut River. It’s critical that we all speak up NOW in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to influence these operating licenses. The three dams at Wilder, Bellows Falls and Vernon in New Hampshire and Vermont are owned by Great River Hydro (formerly TransCanada), a subsidiary of Hydro-Québec whose sole shareholder is the Government of Quebec. The two Massachusetts facilities, Turners Falls Dam and Northfield Mountain Pump Storage Project, are now separate LLCs under FirstLight Power Services LLC , owned by PSP Investments, one of Canada’s largest pension investment managers. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) last issued licenses for these facilities over forty years ago and all five licenses initially expired in April, 2018. Comments by local communities, the states, individuals, and other stakeholders provide a rare opportunity to improve the health of our river. The current relicensing process for these five hydropower facilities will dramatically affect the health of the river and watershed for generations to come. Anyone with thoughts or concerns can comment at any time and those comments become part of the official record for that project. You can see instructions below to formally submit comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), however the deadline for this has now passed on May 22nd, 2024. CRC River Stewards Kathy Urffer (VT), Kate Buckman (NH through 2024), Marilla Harris-Vincent (NH starting 2025), and Nina Gordon-Kirsch (MA) are participating in all the formal proceedings related to this relicensing effort. They review reports, prepare CRC comments, and are working to engage the public in the process. They are glad to answer any of your questions or speak to your group about the relicensing. Both Great River Hydro and FirstLight submitted amended final license applications (AFLAs) in December 2020. And on February 22nd, 2024, FERC released a public notice indicating that the Turner’s Falls , Northfield Mountain , Vernon , Bellows Falls , and Wilder hydroelectric project applications have been accepted and are ready for environmental analysis. Link on the project name to see their respective notice. This opened a 60-day comment period through April 22nd, which was then further extended to May 22nd. It also starts the Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification clock and gives the companies 60 days to file an application with the state to apply for a water quality certificate. Next Steps: This process is not complete until new licenses are in place, which means there is still more to do. We are now in the next phase of the relicensing - state level 401 water quality certifications! Read more about the 401 Water Quality Certification here. A Public Trust Resource Refers to the public trust doctrine that recognizes the public right to many natural resources including "the air, running water, the sea and it's shore." The doctrine requires a state to hold in trust designated resources for the benefit of the people, regardless or private property ownership. Connecticut River Conservancy's Role: CRC’s desired outcomes and priority areas where we are actively advocating for change include: Safe, timely, and effective upstream and downstream fish passage Operational changes at the dams to minimize both upstream and downstream surface water fluctuations to reduce bank erosion and impacts to rare and threatened species Healthy aquatic habitat for river critters Seasonally appropriate minimum flows in the river channel Ecologically compatible and accessible recreational facilities Protection and interpretation of historic and archeological resources Equal consideration of Indigenous People’s traditional cultural properties Hydro Relicensing and the 401 Water Quality Certification: States & Federal Have a Parallel Process All hydroelectric facilities must also apply for and receive within 12 months a Water Quality Certification (WQC) from the state that that facility is located in. Anything the states require in this certificate will automatically be included in the final FERC license. Great River Hydro and FirstLight applied for their 401 WQ Certifications in April 2024, so the states will use the next year to conduct public information sessions, issue a draft WQ Certification, and then will hold a formal public comment period to receive comments on the draft. Read CRC's latest hydropower eblast that was sent on 1/10/25 and provides links, contact info for comments, 401 Water Quality Certification This refers to the Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) in which a federal agency (in this case the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - FERC) may not issue a license to hydro facilities for a discharge from the hydro plant into public waters unless the state or authorized tribe issues a Section 401 water quality certification verifying that the discharge will comply with existing water quality requirements, or waives the certification requirement. and state-based guidance for next steps. CRC's submitted comments on the state 401 Water Quality Certifications are below: For GRH Projects in Vermont : Comments on the application for the VT 401 Water Quality Certification for Wilder, Bellows Falls and Vernon (submitted on 10/1/24) can be found here. Comments on the VT draft 401 Water Quality Certification for Wilder (submitted on 2/6/25) can be found here. For GRH Projects in New Hampshire : Comments on the application for the NH 401 Water Quality Certification for Wilder, Bellows Falls, and Vernon (submitted on 1/31/25) can be found here. For FirstLight Projects in Massachusetts : Comments on the application for the MA 401 Water Quality Certification (submitted on 6/3/24) can be found here. Letter to MassDEP regarding shortnose sturgeon and hydropower (sent on 12/5/24) Read the MA draft 401 Water Quality Certification (issued by MA DEP 1/24/25) here. CRC has also made dedicated brochures for each state, which you can find here for Vermont , New Hampshire , and Massachusetts . Public comments submitted to the state during this process can have a positive impact on the long-term benefits for the river! You can learn more about this process in each state here: Vermont New Hampshire Massachusetts CRC's Latest Livestream about the Water Quality Certification Process We have a hydropower-specific email list to notify you as milestones happen or new resources become available. If you're not already on it, take a moment to sign up here. Video Summary of the VT/NH Se ction of the River The LiveStream below with CRC's Director of Policy and Advocacy, Kathy Urffer, was recorded prior to the now open comment period, the Fish Passage Settlement Agreement, and the sale of Great River Hydro to HydroQuebec, however the key details remain accurate and it describes the proposed operational change agreed to in 2020. Videos About Our Concerns Recreation Erosion Hydropower Resources Full License Applications submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC): Great River Hydro : Open “80-Amended-Final-License-Applications-AFLA” folder. Most information is in “Exhibit E.” CRC was concerned with information lacking in the AFLA so we submitted comments to FERC in January 2021. FirstLight : Executive Summary Table ES-1 shows inflated cost amounts that include a hidden expected energy revenue loss, whereas Exhibit D for the two facilities show lower costs. Otherwise, the Executive Summary is a concise summary of what the application package includes. CRC was concerned with information lacking in the AFLA so we submitted comments to FERC in January 2021. Stay informed! Subscribe to the FERC docket using the project number (eg. Northfield Mountain Pump Station is P-2485) so you receive updates whenever comments are filed, or FERC issues a determination. Research! Search the FERC eLibrary using the project number (eg. Northfield Mountain Pump Station is P-2485) for previously submitted comments, issuance, and documents. CRC and Appalachian Mountain Club’s recreation recommendations submitted to FERC. Recordings: CRC has been holding a number of virtual events to share information and answer questions. Visit CRC’s YouTube channel to see all past recordings. Background: Hydropower in the Connecticut River Watershed River A large natural stream of water flowing into a channel. Dams undo many of the very features that distinguish a river ecosystem, such as: Variations in flow rate, river bottom sediments, and movement of soil and rocks. Migratory fish runs that bring economic opportunity, sustenance, and nutrients inland. All power generation has impacts on the environment. Hydropower has large impacts on a river. The Connecticut River watershed has dozens of active hydropower dams and two pumped storage projects that are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Their individual and cumulative impacts to our rivers are massive. The Connecticut River is one of the most extensively dammed rivers in the nation. CRC has advocated for removing dams in our watershed that no longer serve a purpose. Thus far, we have aimed to minimize the impacts of operating hydropower dams rather than removal. However, we evaluate each facility on a case by case basis. Dams on the main stem of the Connecticut River alter flows and water levels on more than 324 miles of the river’s 410 mile total length, from the headwaters region all the way down to Holyoke Dam 86 miles upstream from Long Island Sound. They block the movement of migratory and resident fish and other aquatic animals. The dams turn New England’s longest river into a series of warm water reservoirs. They impede natural river flows and cause the accumulation of sediment behind the dams, burying important river bottom habitat. Paddlers have to portage around the dams to continue traveling on the river. Historical uses and artifacts along the river are changed or submerged. It is important to remember the companies aren’t just managing their facilities, nor merely impacting just the water “at” the dams or nearby habitat. Through their presence and operations, hydro facilities manage the whole river. Most hydropower facilities have a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license with a term of 40-50 years. When these operating licenses come up for renewal during the relicensing process, it is our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change how these hydro facilities affect our rivers. With such lengthy terms, the licenses lock-in impacts to the river for generations to come. Therefore, advocating for the river during relicensing is critical! It is a chance to improve access, habitat, and the river’s overall health as an ecosystem. Working with state and federal agencies, municipalities, nonprofits, and local residents, CRC examines the impacts of each facility’s operations on our local waterways and submits formal comments to ensure a balance between hydro operations and protection of the river. YOUR ROLE: You Have A Say! It is important for the public and municipalities to submit comments to make sure that local concerns and desires are voiced during the relicensing process and are responded to as part of the new license. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is interested in maintaining these energy facilities and they are in constant communication with the companies in the course of their relationship as regulators. FERC needs to hear from the public in order to understand and balance local ecological and public access concerns with power production To submit comments on a particular dam or hydro project you first need to know the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) project number. There are many hydroelectric projects in the watershed. Click on the project in the map below to get more details. Comments can be in response to a particular filing or can be a complaint about project operations, safety, or recreation issues in the project areas. You can see comment examples and a way to see all submitted comments here. Project numbers for the five large hydro facilities on the main stem Connecticut River undergoing relicensing now: Wilder Dam, P-1892-030 Bellows Falls Dam, P-1855-050 Vernon Dam, P-1904-078 Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Project, P-2485-071 Turners Falls Dam, P-1889-085 There are two options for submitting comments to FERC: For a comment up to 6,000 characters, you can submit an e-comment . This DOES NOT require creating an account with FERC. For a longer comment, or to post a comment on your letterhead, you will need to eRegister with FERC to create an account, and then eFile . Please see our Comment Guide for extended comment details. Comments submitted so far can also be found here . CRC's FERC Comment Guide Tributary Facilities Undergoing Relicensing P-10934 Sugar River II ; Newport, NH on the Sugar River P-9648 Fellows Dam, P-9649 Lovejoy, P-9650 Gilman and P-7888 Comtu Fall; Springfield, VT on the Black River P-8615 Fiske Mill ; Hinsdale, NH on the Ashuelot River P-7887 Minnewawa Brook; Marlborough, NH on the Ashuelot River P-7883 Weston; Groveton, NH on the Upper Ammonoosuc River P-2490 Taftsville ; Woodstock, VT on the Ottauquechee River P-2489 Cavendish ; Cavendish, VT on the Black River P-2816 North Hartland; Hartland, VT on the Ottauquechee River P-2839 Great Falls ; Lyndonville, VT on the Passumpsic River P-5261 Newbury ; Newbury, VT on the Wells River P-2392 Gilman ; Lunenberg, VT and Dalton, NH on the Connecticut River P-2669 Bear Swamp ; Rowe and Florida, MA on the Deerfield River CRC's Other Hydro Work For questions about hydropower relicensing, contact the following: Kathy Urffer for Vermont: kurffer at ctriver.org | 802-258-0413 Marilla Harris-Vincent for New Hampshire: mharrisvincent at ctriver.org | 603-503-0419 Nina Gordon-Kirsch for Massachusetts: ngordonkirsch at ctriver.org | 413-772-2020 ext. 216