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Great news from the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) , who have awarded grants for aquatic invasive species management in the Connecticut River watershed - including over 34K for Connecticut River Conservancy  to continue our work on water chestnut! Water chestnut is a problem because it takes up space and nutrients. It can crowd out native plants that are food sources for native animals. Not only do they take over our waterways by out-competing other emergent and floating vegetation, but their colonization also negatively impacts the function of the entire aquatic ecosystem. They proliferate profusely on the surface of freshwater. This is the fourth annual round of grants for aquatic invasive species control from CT DEEP. A total of $545,000 was awarded to 13 projects that will help restore Connecticut waterbodies, addressing threats from aquatic invasive species as part of the Biden Administration’s America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge Goals. The press release with further details from CT DEEP is available here. You can also learn more about Connecticut River Conservancy's Aquatic Invasive Species work, or get to to know Water Chestnut.

March 8, 2024  To: Honored Co-Chairs, Sen. Lopes and Rep. Gresko, and distinguished Members of the Environment Committee    As the founding members of the Long Island Sound River Restoration Network (RRN), we represent the organizations leading the restoration of migratory fish habitat in the Long Island Sound watershed through advocacy, dam removal, and culvert assessment and modification. The RRN is a community of practitioner NGOs working closely together to accelerate the pace and scale of barrier removal across the region. Collectively, our organizations represent and work across the entire watershed in Connecticut and New York and have leveraged tens of millions of dollars for the removal of barriers to fish passage. As individuals and organizations, we have an intimate understanding of the critical importance of dam safety and, and a vested interest in river restoration for human health and environmental health.  We are writing in support of SB 192, which will help improve the safety of our communities, and we recommend modifications that can help support river health and improve flood resiliency in the long term.  Dams pose threats to Connecticut’s ecosystems and communities, and there are over 5,000 of them in the state. Poorly maintained dams or those that have outlived their useful life are at risk of failing. Dam failure can cause flooding and damage to upstream and downstream infrastructure, homes, businesses, and ecosystems. Any polluted sediment trapped behind a dam is also released. With severe and unprecedented storms becoming more common, dam failure is a growing threat to communities in our state.  SB 192 provides crucial updates to existing dam safety regulations, empowering the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to take proactive measures to address potential hazards and mitigate risks to public safety and the environment. The bill grants the commissioner authority to issue orders for the repair, or stabilization of unsafe dams, ensuring swift action in response to imminent threats.  By strengthening regulatory oversight, enhancing emergency response capabilities, and imposing penalties for non-compliance, this bill will help to prevent disasters, protect ecosystems, and safeguard the health and well-being of our communities.   While this bill is absolutely a step in the right direction, the members of the RRN urge you to add the language of dam removal into SB 192 . Dam removal means a river restoration and resilience project that removes all or part of a dam. While temporary stabilization or dam repair may help improve safety in the short-term, dam removal has myriad long-term benefits. These include increased flood resilience by lowering the floodstage, passage for migratory fish, and improved water quality. Most often, dam removal is the cheapest option for dam owners compared to repair, inspection, and maintenance costs. By removing a failing dam, dam owners can greatly improve flood resiliency as well as avoid future maintenance costs. The safest dam is one that is not there. Here are our recommended modifications: Line 34:“The commissioner may discontinue, abate or alleviate such condition by means that include, but are not limited to, the temporary or permanent stabilization or repair of the dam, dam removal , or any other actions necessary to place the dam in a safe condition and may retain any contractor or consultant necessary to perform such actions.”  Line 77: “The commissioner may discontinue, abate or alleviate such condition by means that include, but are not limited to, the temporary or permanent stabilization or repair of the dam, dam removal , or any other actions necessary to place the dam in a safe condition and may retain any contractor or consultant necessary to perform such actions.”  An example of a dam removal success story is the Pond Lily Dam on the West River in New Haven, CT. The dam increased flood risk to nearby homes and businesses. The dam was removed in 2016, supported by the Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund to reduce flooding in this urban watershed. In addition to decreasing localized flooding, the removal has dramatically increased migratory fish passage, and has allowed native plants to flourish.   Past dam removals by the members of the RRN show how restored, free-flowing rivers decrease flooding, provide fish passage, and improve water quality. We urgently need to remove vulnerable structures to restore natural river and floodplain functions. Those functions make our communities and ecosystems more resilient to climate change. We urge you to support SB 192 and strengthen it, so we can protect Connecticut’s communities and ecosystems.     Sincerely,  Rhea Drozdenko River Steward Connecticut River Conservancy  Anthony Allen Director of Restoration Strategy Save the Sound  Andrew Fisk Northeast Regional Director American Rivers Tracy Brown Restoration Manager Trout Unlimited  Holly Drinkuth Director of River and Estuary Conservation The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut  Aimee Petras Executive Director Farmington River Watershed Association    Michael Jastremski Watershed Conservation Director Housatonic Valley Association

Spring has arrived in the Connecticut River Watershed! And with it, warmer days are becoming more frequent and the last of the snow melt is making its way towards the Long Island Sound. Dust off your boats and get ready for an exciting season on the Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail! 2023 brought significant changes and challenges to the CRPT, as unprecedented levels of flooding plagued the region. Planning is well underway for the 2024 season as partner organizations in all four watershed states open campsites and get ready for stewardship projects! In this SPRING issue you will find a highlight from the 2023 season, a look at what's to come in 2024, tips for cold water paddling, a review of guides/resources and a call to action for volunteers! 2023 Stewardship Highlights 2023 was a busy season of work and improvements on the CRPT, followed by several weeks of high water and flooding. The Paddlers' Trail continues to be one of the region's greatest recreational assets, drawing people from near and far to camp, paddle, swim and adventure. As people continue to flock to popular spots along the river, upkeep and maintenance of CRPT access points and campsites is vital to the stewardship of the trail. Read on below to learn about what was accomplished in 2023 and what's on the docket for 2024 stewardship. C R Farm, owned by Gordon Huntington in Newbury, VT  Newly conserved farmland along the CT River at the historic Newbury Oxbow.  Protecting Riverside Acreage: Upper Valley Land Trust acquired a new conservation easement along the Connecticut River in Newbury, VT. As part of a larger effort to conserve hundreds of acres of agricultural land in the Upper Valley, UVLT worked with C R Farm, owned by Gordon Huntington, to conserve acreage along the historic CT River Oxbow in Newbury, VT. Learn more about this project and others like it at the Upper Valley Land Trust website. Moore Primitive Campsite: In 2023, through a partnership with Great River Hydro, crews installed a new privy, new cribbed landing steps and created new privy access trails at Moore Primitive Campsite. The site, located at river mile 290 includes 5 tent platforms and fire-rings. Photo Left: Noah Pollock stands with GRH staff near eroded riverbank. New steps were installed here to ease paddler access to tent platforms.  Woodsville Access: For years, the access point in at the community ballfield in Woodsville, NH was unimproved and eroding. Stewardship Director, Noah Pollock and NFCT trail crews worked with the town to install new flood resilient stone steps. After years of planning, it took less than a day to install 10 seven-foot-wide granite steps that will last decades! Photo Right: NFCT Stewardship Interns What's in store for Summer 2024? Closing the Gap -- New Campsites in East Hartford, CT: Both thru paddlers and section boaters know the stress of trying to find a campsite after a long day on the river. The largest gap on the CRPT without a campsite is 28 miles, located between Kings Island in Suffield, CT and River Highlands State Park in Cromwell, CT.  For most paddlers on a leisurely trip, 28 miles is too far of a distance. By establishing a campsite at the Goodwin University property in East Hartford, the distance between campsites will be reduced to 12 miles, creating an easier distance for paddlers to reach. This project is being completed through a partnership between the Connecticut River Conservancy, the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Great Meadows Conservation Trust and Goodwin University.  Wyoming Dam River Access Repair, Guildhall VT: Access trails and signage here, originally developed by the NorthWoods Stewardship Center nearly 20 years ago, have fallen into disrepair. With support from the Vermont Watershed Grant program, the Northern Forest Canoe Trail's stewardship crew will be restoring safe and accessible conditions through the installation of 25 stone steps, 150’ of crushed stone surfacing, and the split rail fencing replacement.  Photo Right: Former rails and portage trail when installed 20 years ago.  Website Overhaul: The trail is growing and updating and the CRPT website needs to keep up! Paddlers and river users of all sorts look to the CRPT as a resource to plan their river adventures. This year the CRPT Executive Committee hopes to complete updates to the website, including updated campsite pages, partner highlights and easier user interface. Have thoughts about how to make the website better? Email gchevalier@ctriver.org And much much more! The 2024 season will be filled with stewardship and improvement projects from the trail partners in all four states. Keep an eye out for more projects! 2024 Upcoming Events! Paddle the Border May 19th, 2024 Woodsville, NH   Hosted by the Cohase Chamber of Commerce, this event invited all paddlers to join for a day of paddling the border of VT and New Hampshire. Shuttle busses provided and music and food at the end!  Shad Run Kayak May 18th, 2024 Sunderland, MA   Join adventure outfitter, Adventure East for an exciting day on the water! First visit the Silvio O Conte Fish Research Lab, followed by a guided kayak to the Rock Dam to observe migratory fish in action. NEPC July 28th, 2024 Brattleboro, VT   Mark your calendars for the 46th annual New England Paddlesports Championships. Canoe, Kayak, SUP and Surf Ski races for all skill levels. There will be a 12 mile and a 5 mile course offered. Competitive races are part of the NEKRA Flatwater Point Series. Spring Paddling Safety Paddling along the Connecticut River can be a delightful and serene experience. For the most part classified as flat water, paddlers on the CRPT can immerse themselves in the tranquility of the river without encountering too many rapids (use the guides listed below to identify rapids and quickwater). However, even when the weather is warm, an unexpected wake or other unbalancing event can land a paddler in the frigid water. Spring air temperatures are climbing, but the water temperatures remain low due to snowmelt, low nighttime temperature and shaded river banks. Below are a few reminders for a safe spring season. Wear your PFD : Personal Flotation Devices can help you stay alive longer in cold water. You can float without using energy and the cover part of your body, thereby providing some protection from the cold water. Leave a Float Plan: A float plan is an integral safety tool and should always be left behind with a responsible party when paddling. A float plan should include trip starting/ending location and time, physical description of boat/persons on boats and emergency contact information. Deceptive Warmth: While the waters might appear tranquil and inviting, they can be deceptively chilly and swift under the surface. The majority of streams only see a change in water temperature of about 0.6 degrees for every increase of 1 degree in air temperature. Remember the 1-10-1 Rule to Avoid the Dangers of Cold Water Immersion! 1 Min: Cold Shock Cold shock produces a sudden loss of breath when the body is suddenly plunged into cold water (temperatures under 70 degrees F). This can cause involuntary gasping which can cause inhalation of water. Cold shock will pass within 1 Minute. 10 Minutes: Cold Incapacitation For water 33-60 degrees F, Cold Incapacitation occurs in the next ten minutes, during which you will lose the effective use of your fingers, arms, and legs for any meaningful movement 1 Hour: Hypothermia Depending on the temperature of the water, loss of consciousness may occur in as little as one hour. This is why it is essential to practice safe cold water paddling tactics. Call for Site Adopters: The CRPT is always looking for people to take care of campsites and access points. The following site needs one for the 2024 season!  SCA Campsite:   Charlestown, NH  Visit the CRPT Website or email noah@northernforestcanoetrail.org to volunteer to steward this site! Are you interested in getting involved with the CRPT but unsure of where to start? Help us scout new campsites, take photos of launches, build new privies, adopt a site, and much more!  Finding Your Way on the Paddlers' Trail What's your style? Are paper maps the gold standard? Or do you use a smartphone to get you where you are going? No matter your style, there are ample tools to help get you out on the river! Use the guides below to start planning new adventures for 2024.  New in 2023! New Paddlers' Trail Map of CT and MA - A new waterproof map detailing the CT and MA portions of the CT River Paddlers' Trail was released this spring.  The map covers the river from the MA border south for 130 miles to the Long Island Sound and include all access points, campsites, portage trails, and information on natural and cultural history.  $11.95   Available for purchase by emailing mmccaughey@ctriver.org CRPT Map of NH and VT - A waterproof map detailing the Vermont/New Hampshire Section of the river. This map covers the river from its headwaters south for 280 miles to the Massachusetts border, and includes all access points, campsites, portage trails, and information on natural and cultural history. This map makes a great companion to the boating guide or smartphone app!   List Price: $9.95 Available at  connecticutriverpaddlerstrail.org Smartphone App - 2021 saw the addition of a smartphone app to the suite of CRPT Guides. This guide is GPS enabled so users can geolocate themselves on the trail even without cell phone service! Look for it in the app store under FarOut Guides or purchase the app HERE for $11.99.  The Connecticut River Boating Guide: Source to Sea - The much-loved and well-used guide of the Connecticut River, from its source at Fourth Connecticut Lake to Long Island Sound. This boating guide includes maps and mile-by-mile descriptions of what to look for while on the Connecticut River. It makes a great companion to the maps, smartphone app, and other resources. The latest edition of the guide was released in 2007, so any updates to the trail since then will be found on the interactive map at connecticutriverpaddlerstrail.org .     $19.95 Available for purchase by emailing mmccaughey@ctriver.org Laminated or Paper Recreation Maps - Six maps spanning the Connecticut River from Bellows Falls, VT to Hartford, CT. These maps are a compilation of useful information for the boater, sportsman, angler, or anyone who recreates along the Connecticut River. It includes information about public launch ramps, canoe and kayak put-ins, main channel with deep water, marinas and boating services, aerial photographs, dam portage and camp sites, and GPS positions.   Available for $17.00 each (laminated) or $7.95 each (paper)  Purchase by emailing mmccaughey@ctriver.org   Thank you for being a part of the Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail community. We couldn't do it without you! - CRPT Executive Committee There is much stewardship work to do along the Paddlers' Trail.  You can make this work possible by making a donation today.  Thank you for your support! Click here to sign up for future Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail newsletters. As use of the trail is free, we rely on contributions from paddlers like you to keep site infrastructure in good shape and to maintain positive landowner relations.

After a 12-year process in the relicensing of 5 hydroelectric facilities on the Connecticut River, and the past several months of advocacy related to encouraging public comments for FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission – the agency charged with issuing new licenses), we have arrived at a new milestone. The public comment period with FERC is now closed, and we want to extend a heartfelt thanks to all those who submitted your stories and experiences with the Connecticut River. There were  hundreds of comments submitted   and the outpouring of community support has been tremendous!  Connecticut River Conservancy’s River Stewards Kathy Urffer, Kate Buckman, and Nina Gordon-Kirsch have submitted detailed comments to FERC to speak on behalf of our rivers.   You can download and read our full comments for Great River Hydro  (Vernon, Wilder, and Bellows Falls dams) and FirstLight   (Turners Falls dam and the Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Station).   In summary, our priorities asked FERC and these facilities to:  Take responsibility for the erosion  caused by the operation of the facilities  Implement  erosion control plans  to reduce bank erosion, stabilize banks, and  compensate landowners  for loss of land  Undertake  long term monitoring  and assessment of changes in how sediment moves in the river over the next license  Institute comprehensive  improvements to recreation  access and state of the art  ADA compliant recreation amenities  along the entire 175 miles of river  Adhere to the  shortest possible licensing term  (30 years is better than 50)  Initiate  immediate upgrades to fish ladders  under a shorter timeline than proposed to protect American shad, American eel, Sea lamprey and Shortnose sturgeon  Develop  protective land management plans , which include management of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species, and improvements to habitat and riparian buffers  Educate about and protect  indigenous cultural resources  related to the river    In addition, CRC filed interventions for both FirstLight  and Great River Hydro  to have legal standing in the FERC process, so that we can file for rehearing, and appeal the license if it is inadequate.  What’s next?   This process is not complete until new licenses are in place, which means there is still more to do. We're moving on to the next phase of the relicensing - state level 401 water quality certifications!   Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire have all received applications for a water quality certification (WQC) from either FirstLight or Great River Hydro. The state has jurisdiction to ensure the hydro operations comply with state water quality statutes, and this is the process to ensure that they do. The final WQC will be accepted by FERC for inclusion into the license with no modifications.      The entire 401 certification process takes about a year, but there are opportunities to comment and various deadlines throughout that time span.     For more information, visit Mass DEP's webpage dedicated to the FirstLight 401 WQC  process (first open comment period ends June 3rd!), or Vermont DEC’s page  and NH DES’s page  dedicated to the process for Great River Hydro .      CRC will hold informational sessions in VT and NH during the summer to educate the public and encourage further participation, and we will continue to share news and milestones throughout this process.     Anyone interested in further updates can sign up for our newsletters related to hydro and the state you are most interested in.

The New England Paddlesports Championship (NEPC) is once again inviting racers and spectators to enjoy a competitive day on the Connecticut River!     Canoe, kayak, SUP, and surf ski racers from across the Northeast compete for honors on New England’s historic Connecticut River between southwest New Hampshire and southeast Vermont. Racers can choose to run the 12-mile competitive course or the 5-mile recreational course.  There will also be a 1-mile community challenge  for those new to the sport. The course laps the Brattleboro-Hinsdale island by passing under the Rte. 119 bridges, where spectators cheer on competitors. NEPC is organized by Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) and is part of the New England Canoe and Kayak Racing Association (NECKRA) Flatwater Point Series. Registrations are currently being accepted, with more details here .     CRC and local partner organizations will organize on-site activities and info booths for spectators. Food and beverage trucks from J&B Curbside Care and Frisky Cow Gelato will also be parked and ready to serve. All activities will take place at Norm’s Marina in Hinsdale, NH, just over the bridge from Brattleboro, VT, on Sunday July 28th  (with a storm date of the following Sunday, 8/4). Fees are topped at $20 for competitive racers, $10 for community challenge participants, and free for competing youth under 18 and all spectators.      The morning begins at 10am with on-site activities, followed by the New England Paddlesports Championship (NEPC) race at 10:30, and the community challenge launching at 10:45. Over 60 racers are expected to compete in 12-mile and 5-mile loops right off the shore from Norm’s Marina. There will be an awards ceremony, humorous relay race, and knowledgeable conservation experts on hand to share information about the Connecticut River and restoration efforts to support clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities.      "The NEPC is a wonderful opportunity for local communities and river-loving racers alike to enjoy a day on the water. The Connecticut River has a lot to offer, and we're excited to see folks come together, have fun, and maybe win a race!" says Kate Buckman, New Hampshire River Steward at Connecticut River Conservancy.     After missing last year due to severe flooding, this is the 45th year of the popular race. Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) will be joined by Brattleboro Reformer as an organizing and media partner, and other community partners. The event is generously supported by regional sponsors including the Savings Bank of Walpole, NorthStar Vermont Yankee Decommissioning, 802 Credit Union, Berkley & Veller Greenwood Country Realtors, and Reed & Reed among others.      For all details, including a full schedule and race registration, visit the NEPC information page.

It’s that time of the year again when we witness the migration of hundreds of thousands of migratory fish moving up the Connecticut River and its tributaries to spawn. Amongst them are the native sea lamprey. Sea lampreys return to our freshwater systems to spawn, or reproduce, after spending a few years in the ocean, as parasitic fish. Upon reaching freshwater systems, the lampreys stop feeding with only one goal in mind, finding suitable habitat to build their nests and lay their eggs. Lampreys will not seek to prey on humans or other organisms during their migration. After spawning, the lampreys die, leaving behind a nutrient rich carcass, providing numerous ecological benefits. In turn, larval lampreys burrow in sandy substrate and filter feed in the river, acting as cleaners like mussels. They will reside in the river for 5 years, developing into juvenile lampreys and moving to the ocean for their adult years. They are native to the Connecticut River, and we work to protect and restore their population and habitats. A separate population of sea lamprey are found in Lake Champlain and the Great Lakes, and are managed as a nuisance, or invasive, species. The two separate populations are managed differently and it’s important that the public understands this difference and does not interfere with their migration on the Connecticut River. As of May 30, 2024, close to 50,000 sea lampreys have made it over the Holyoke dam, compared to 22,000 total in 2023. They will be more noticeable below barriers, such as dams and culverts, and around rocky riverbeds. We ask that you please do not disturb them. Sea lampreys are managed by the Connecticut River Migratory Fish Restoration Cooperative, comprised of fisheries experts from state agencies from CT, MA, VT and NH, as well as federal agencies and representatives from the public. Learn more at www.migratoryfish.org

5 hydroelectric facilities on the Connecticut River are up for relicensing, and the public comment period is currently OPEN until May 22nd (after being extended from the previous April 22nd deadline). We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to speak up for our rivers and influence licenses that will last for up for 50 years! If you’re new to the issue and looking for background information on the hydropower facilities, what’s at stake, or how Connecticut River Conservancy has focused our advocacy throughout this 12-year process, you can find all the details here. The Public Comments are Coming In Since the public comment period with FERC (the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) opened on February 22nd, the comments have been pouring in from individual community members, towns, recreation clubs, and many different types of stakeholders who care about the Connecticut River. We're thrilled to witness an outpouring of engagement from individuals like you who are stepping up to protect our rivers. Here's What Some of You Are Saying: Lisa McLoughlin of Northfield MA O. Ross McIntyre of Lyme NH James Goedkoop of Wilder VT Sharon McDonald of Amherst MA Monica Jane Winters of New Salem MA Mike and Miriam Kurland of Williamsburg MA Thomas Collins of Chester VT The Town of Norwich VT Martha Bartlett of Wilder VT Steven Stocking of Fairlee VT Delegation of Western Mass State Reps There have been over 100 comments so far, and more are coming in every day. Comments range from being extremely short and to-the-point about issues or concerns, to being several pages long and full of scientific citations. Both are ok and valuable for FERC in this process. The more comments are submitted, the more we can ensure that all voices and perspectives are represented! To Read All Public Comments: All comments are open to the public. If you’d like to read all comments, or read comments based on the facility you are most interested in, here are the steps to access them on the FERC website. Go to the FERC website here Enter the docket number for the comments you’d like to see: 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 Customize the date range or leave it as “all” since comment results will have the most recent comments at the top. This will bring you to a page full of comments. We hope they help show many examples for inspiration on your own comment submission! Next Steps: Writing Your Comments We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has taken the time to submit their comments and speak up for our rivers. Your dedication and passion are inspiring and remind us of the collective power we hold to effect positive change. If you haven't yet added your voice to the conversation, there's still time! The public comment period remains open until May 22nd. Here’s what you can do: Review CRC’s hydropower details here See our FERC Comment Guide Reach out to our River Stewards for any questions or support with submitting your comments. Kathy Urffer: River Steward, VT 802-258-0413 | kurffer@ctriver.org Nina Gordon-Kirsch: River Steward, MA 413-834-9777 ngordonkirsch@ctriver.org Kate Buckman: River Steward, NH 603-931-2448 kbuckman@ctriver.org Thank you for being a champion of our rivers!

Connecticut River Conservancy along with other organizations recently submitted testimony on legislation related to PFAS and environmental adaption. The organizations we signed with are: The Nature Conservancy, Appalachian Mountain Club, New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions, New Hampshire Rivers Council, New Hampshire Lakes, New Hampshire Audubon, Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, Collaborative Solid Waste Strategies, League of Conservation Voters. April 23, 2024 The Hon. Kevin Avard, Chair Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee State House Room 103 Concord, NH 03301 Re: HB 1649, relative to prohibiting certain products with intentionally-added PFAS Dear Chairman Avard and Honorable Committee Members, We, the undersigned organizations, are writing to express our support for HB1649. Because reducing the use of PFAS is essential to protecting the health of our communities and our environment, we urge the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee vote ought to pass on HB 1649 as amended by the House. PFAS are widespread and harmful to human health and the environment PFAS are a class of chemicals numbering in the thousands. They are highly toxic, causing the state to regulate four PFAS in drinking water and groundwater at the parts-per-trillion level. They are also highly persistent in human bodies and the environment, earning them the apt name “forever chemicals.” The harmful impacts of PFAS on human health are far-reaching and include certain cancers, liver and thyroid dysfunction, fertility issues, neurobehavioral disorders in children, obesity, and immunotoxicity. PFAS have been found in about half the country’s tap water. In New Hampshire, PFAS have been documented in at least 120 private wells and in public water systems. Humans are primarily exposed to PFAS through drinking water, eating fish, breathing contaminated air, and using consumer products that have PFAS. The costs of PFAS pollution are high The costs of cleaning up PFAS in our environment and addressing the adverse health consequences of PFAS are mounting and can be anticipated to reach into the tens of billions of dollars nationwide. New Hampshire and its municipalities have already begun to face the costs of testing and/or treating drinking water and wastewater for PFAS. Reducing PFAS at the source is essential to avoiding harm and solving the PFAS crisis Because they are so widespread, toxic, and persistent, PFAS must be addressed “upstream” by reducing them at the source. HB 1649 is essential to solving the PFAS pollution crisis—and to protecting the health of our communities and environment—since it prohibits the sale of ten categories of consumer products with intentionally-added PFAS. Without HB 1649, consumers cannot know if the products they purchase have these harmful chemicals and will continue to expose themselves and their loved ones unknowingly. PFAS in consumer products have contributed to PFAS pollution of waterways, drinking water, groundwater, air, and food sources, causing widespread exposures. Only through stemming the flow of these chemicals in the marketplace can we begin to tackle their environmental contamination and public health consequences. For these reasons, we strongly support HB 1649 and urge you to vote ought to pass. See the submitted testimony with the full list of signees here. April 24, 2024 Chairman Mark McConkey House Public Works and Highways Committee LOB Room 201-203 Concord, NH 03301 Re: SB543, establishing the state environmental adaptation, resilience, and innovation council Dear Chairman McConkey and Committee Members: We are writing to support SB543, establishing the environmental adaptation, resilience, and innovation advisory council. The undersigned groups work on a broad range of environmental issues in the state, including land conservation, forestry, water protection, clean energy, wildlife habitat, and recreation. We often work with municipalities and state agencies to advance our shared goals, and we are increasingly collaborating with them to both respond to and prepare for the impacts of extreme weather on our natural and cultural resources. From record-setting temperatures, to challenges for agriculture and recreation, to flooding and erosion, we are all dealing with resulting impacts to infrastructure, lands, and waters. We believe that the Council created in SB543 will help us all prepare for the future through a more comprehensive and strategic approach. Many of our groups are seeing the impacts of extreme weather on our own properties, and on the lands and waters that we work so hard to protect for the benefit of everyone in NH. We would welcome the opportunity to share our expertise and experiences with a state resilience council, and to support increased coordination and collaboration among state agencies, municipalities, nonprofits, and the academic community in addressing the challenges of becoming more resilient. We urge you to support SB543. It is a modest but important next step to increase New Hampshire’s resilience and preparedness for extreme weather. See the submitted testimony with the full list of signees here. Learn more about Connecticut River Conservancy's advocacy efforts throughout the watershed here.

Connecticut River Conservancy is thrilled to announce that we have been chosen to host an ECO AmeriCorp member this year. This service position would support Connecticut River Conservancy in efforts to assess watershed health, develop and implement stream restoration projects, support water quality testing, support volunteer groups taking part in our annual Source to Sea River Cleanup, support oversight and field work for the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail, and develop and implement public education campaigns to garner active engagement in watershed stewardship. See the full position description here. CRC staff member Kathy Urffer, Director of Policy and Advocacy and Vermont River Steward, will be supervising this position. She serves the Connecticut River and its watershed in the upper river from the MA border to the Canadian border in VT. Kathy is on the ground field staff working with landowners, federal and state agencies, and volunteers to protect the Connecticut River. Applications can be submitted through the AmeriCorp website.

You may have never heard of this little cutie, but the Tessellated Darter (Etheostoma olmstedi) is a pretty neat fish. It’s found in many river systems that drain to the Atlantic Ocean, from the St. Lawrence all the way to Florida. This includes our beloved upper Connecticut River watershed, where it is a native fish that spends its whole life in the river and tributaries. Tessellated Darters are in the same family as perch, but only get about three inches long at their largest. Snack-sized for larger fish like bass and eel, birds, and even turtles. Like their name implies, Tessellated Darters have a repeating pattern of spots which if you squint just right some say look like the letters W or M. Another distinguishing physical feature is a vertical black line running through the eye to the corner of the mouth, paired with another bar running from the eye forward to the tip of the nose. This coloration pattern likely helps them to be better camouflaged on the substrate, as they are benthic (bottom-dwelling) fish that prefer slower moving areas of water with muddy to sandy substrates with some small cobble. They eat benthic invertebrates and dietary studies have reported a preference for midge larvae, with caddisfly larvae becoming a more important food component in the fall. They move in rapid short spurts (ahem… darting!) when they are not sitting on the substrate. Some of these characteristics change temporarily during the spring breeding season. The male darter darkens in color and they seek out rockier areas. Eggs are laid on the underside of smooth rocks or submerged wood that has been cleaned by a male fish. The females may lay eggs in many nests and the males hang around to guard the nest full of fertilized eggs, one fish per nest, defending the eggs and keeping them clean until they hatch. Interestingly, Tessellated Darters have been reported to exhibit alloparental behavior, where the males tend to nests that are full of eggs fertilized by another male. And if I haven’t convinced you yet that these fish are pretty cool, remember back to when I wrote about mussels? And how interesting their life cycle is? Well… the Tessellated Darter is one of the host species for the endangered Dwarf Wedge Mussel, transporting the glochidia around in their gills. Which is why even though larger game fish and the (rightfully) celebrated migratory species get a lot of the spotlight, CRC also pays attention to what’s happening with these smaller species that have an equally important role to play in supporting a healthy ecosystem. They get considered when we are planning restoration projects, advocating for water quality improvements and habitat protection, or commenting on the effects of hydro operations or wetlands permits. So next time you see what looks like a “boring” minnow on the bottom of the river, just think… it might be a Tessellated Darter, guarding a nest or dispersing a mussel glochidia, and show it some appreciation.

At this LiveStream we celebrated Earth Day and the current Acts of Congress that may assist in protecting our great river and watershed. We heard from Kathy Urffer, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Connecticut River Conservancy; Markelle Smith from Connecticut River Watershed Partnership (formerly Friends of Conte); Jeremy Bratt, consultant; and Chris Curtis from the Deerfield River Watershed Association. Recorded 4/17/2024 _____________________ About LiveStream: CRC brings your rivers to you! Join CRC staff and partners for a series of live lunchtime presentations, on select Wednesdays from Noon-1pm. You get to learn more about the rivers you love, ask questions, and interact with a river-loving community all from the comfort and safety of your home (or wherever you may be). LiveStream will be hosted via Zoom. Please register for each presentation to receive meeting information. Check out CRC's Events Calendar to learn about other upcoming events.

The Farmington River originates in southwestern Massachusetts and flows 81 miles until it reaches the Connecticut River in Windsor, CT. It is the longest tributary of the Connecticut River, and was designated a Wild and Scenic River in 1994. The Farmington River now faces a significant threat from the harmful and outdated Rainbow Dam. Today, American Rivers announced the inclusion of the Farmington River in its annual list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers®. “The Farmington River supports diverse fish and wildlife, is a vital source of clean drinking water for the region, and provides boating and other recreation opportunities, but this dam is an ongoing threat. This is an important moment for the river and an opportunity for Commissioner Dykes to continue her leadership in river restoration and environmental stewardship. We need Stanley Black & Decker to fix the problems it has created,” said Katie Schmidt with American Rivers. Eight miles upstream from where the Farmington River joins the Connecticut River is the Rainbow Dam, owned by Stanley Black & Decker. This small, poorly maintained hydropower dam has been in operation since the early 20th century, but due to a quirk of law, it has no federal oversight which has allowed it to damage the river for decades. “While hydropower contributes to our energy needs, this small and poorly maintained and unreliable dam is not necessary to New England’s energy needs. The insignificant energy it generates causes really big environmental problems,” noted Katie Schmidt. “Protecting the Farmington River is an important investment in our environment, our economy, and our quality of life. I fought for the river’s ‘Wild and Scenic’ designation, which unlocked thousands of federal dollars for conservation efforts, but there’s more we can do to protect and restore the watershed. I will continue to fight to keep our waters clean and healthy for generations to come,” said Senator Chris Murphy. The dam creates conditions in the upstream reservoir that repeatedly cause toxic algae blooms that can be a health hazard to people, and lethal to pets and wildlife, and degrades the water quality. In addition, the lack of federal oversight and limited state jurisdiction has allowed this small and poorly maintained hydropower project, whose inadequate and outdated fishway often led to fish mortality before it was shut down in 2023, to effectively render more than 95% of the watershed’s habitat inaccessible to river herring, shad, eel, and sea lamprey.“The time is now to act for the Farmington River,” urged Aimee Petras, Executive Director of Farmington River Watershed Association who nominated the river for Most Endangered Rivers. “Stanley Black and Decker has ignored Connecticut’s environmental laws and held the Farmington River hostage. The company has had well over a century of largely unrestricted use of the Farmington River’s resources–it is time for them to demonstrate respect for the river they benefited from and ensure future generations can enjoy it too.” American Rivers and partners called on the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) and Stanley Black & Decker, to fix these problems for the health of the river as well as public health and safety. The power company has an unprecedented opportunity to tap into federal infrastructure funding to fix Clean Water Act violations, eliminate toxic algae blooms, and allow migratory fish populations to flourish again. "The Farmington River is vital to the environmental landscape of Connecticut and the 5th District in particular,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. “I recognize the need to protect it, which is why I helped to secure a Wild and Scenic designation along the Farmington River for the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook during my first term in Congress. Protecting and restoring this fishery and recreation destination is of the utmost importance. I remain committed to working to protect this vital part of the region's environmental ecosystem." The Farmington River watershed covers over 600 square miles in Massachusetts and Connecticut. It holds two national Partnership Wild & Scenic River designations due to its remarkable values, and is a major tributary to the Connecticut River which spans across four states. The Farmington and its tributaries support cold-water resident fish species and habitat for various important migratory fish species. The watershed is a public drinking water supply for hundreds of thousands of people in the Hartford region. The West Branch of the Farmington is a highly regarded trout fishery. The river provides stretches of whitewater, used by individuals including world-class paddlers and outfitters, further adding to its cultural value as a coveted recreation destination. “Children and families rely on the Farmington River watershed for clean drinking water and a healthy, thriving regional ecosystem,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “Dam operators — like the Farmington River Power Company — must do better to protect aquatic life, combat toxic algae outbreaks, and ensure clean water for communities across the Commonwealth.” The annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers® report is a list of rivers at a crossroads, where key decisions in the coming months will determine the rivers’ fates. Over the years, the report has helped spur many successes including the removal of outdated dams, the protection of rivers with Wild and Scenic designations, and the prevention of harmful development and pollution. Other rivers in the region listed as Most Endangered in past years include the Ipswich River (2021), Hudson River (2019) and the Susquehanna River (2016). Within Connecticut, a river hasn’t made the list since 2004, when the Housatonic River was at risk with pollution. American Rivers reviews nominations for America’s Most Endangered Rivers® from local groups and individuals across the country, and selects rivers based on three criteria: 1) The river’s significance to people and wildlife 2) The magnitude of the threat to the river and communities, especially in light of climate change and environmental injustice 3) A decision in the next 12 months that the public can influence Learn more about the Farmington River and why it's Endangered. Take action here: Remove the Rainbow Dam | American Rivers. Local press coverage here. This article was adapted from a press release by American Rivers. American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways.