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< Back Lucas McDiarmid Trustee Lucas McDiarmid is a legislative staffer and firefighter from Western Massachusetts, hailing from the Hampden County Town of Palmer. Currently, McDiarmid serves as legislative director to Massachusetts House Speaker Pro Tem, Representative Kate Hogan. As a senior counselor to the Speaker Pro Tem, he works to support her legislative agenda, and is charged with a portfolio that includes Agriculture, Fire and Public Safety, and Clean Water. Previously, McDiarmid served in the Massachusetts Senate as District Director to former-Senator Anne Gobi. He is the House’s lead staffer on the 21st Century Agriculture Commission. McDiarmid also serves as a firefighter with the Three Rivers Fire Department, in Three Rivers Massachusetts, where he works as a line firefighter and as the liaison officer. Other volunteer work and service has included the Palmer Conservation Commission, where his term just ended; and his continued work with Latino Outdoors Western Massachusetts. McDiarmid lives at home with his dog, Jameson, and his cat, Lewis. CRC@ctriver.org

Support the Connecticut River by making a contribution for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities. + Give Now! Photo courtesy of Al Braden Give Back to the Land (and Water) Day! Since 1952, Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) has worked to restore and advocate for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Polluted waters and degraded riverine habitat are among the great threats to biodiversity in the Connecticut River watershed. Land, wildlife, and communities suffer without clean water and life-filled streams and rivers. With summer temperatures rising and more frequent severe rain events, water quality and restored corridors are all the more important for aquatic life, to prevent dangerous bacterial blooms, and to mitigate flooding. Your donation will make an immediate and lasting impact for watershed ecosystems, wildlife, and people. All donations up to $10K will be matched! All gifts through April 16th will be DOUBLED thanks to a generous donor. Thanks to the challenge, you will have twice the impact in protecting river health and restoring habitat. You will strengthen community science monitoring programs for water quality, aquatic invasive species, and migratory fish; fuel steady and effective advocacy for strong environmental standards on permits, regulations, and licenses; and power the organization of the annual Source to Sea Cleanup which mobilizes thousands of volunteers to remove trash, and provides data that also informs CRC’s work on solutions to stop trash before it starts. Help CRC protect and restore the Connecticut River watershed for your community and the future with a gift today, Give Back to the Land (and Water) Day! Other Ways to Give Donate by Mail Please mail your check, made out to Connecticut River Conservancy, to: 15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA 01301 Donate 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.

< Back Stephen Gephard Trustee Stephen recently retired from the CT Dept. of Energy & Environmental Protection after 42 years as a fisheries biologist, supervising the Diadromous Fish and Habitat Enhancement programs, spending much of his time on the Connecticut River salmon restoration program. Steve currently is a consultant and serves on many regional bodies as well as holding a presidential appointment as a U.S. Commissioner to the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization (Edinburgh). He has logged over 60 years on the river and is an avid paddler, boater, angler, and explorer as well as a veteran of many river conservation efforts. He co-writes a regular column for Estuary magazine and hosts a radio show for iCRV streaming radio. He lives in Deep River, CT with his partner Leslie MacLise-Kane. CRC@ctriver.org

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Our Work The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities throughout the watershed of New England’s longest river. Through collaborative partnerships in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, CRC leads and supports science-based efforts for resilient and life-filled rivers from source to sea. Below are the areas of interconnected impact that we are focused on. Click to learn more and dive into our programs. River Restoration Dam Removal Invasive Species Migratory Fish Advocacy Hydropower Recreation Access Water Quality Monitoring Community Engagement Latest News CRC Testimony: Support of HB 5017 for Tire Stewardship Program Participation This bill would close a loophole in the recently enacted EPR for tires bill to ensure both producers and retails participate. See All News Looking for Something Else? Meet the Staff Get in Touch Email Signup Upcoming E vents Support O ur Work Mis sion & Values 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

< Back Alison Brinkmann Trustee, Vice Chair Alison’s career has been with several companies selling specialty chemicals and laboratory supplies. She spent the last 10 years of her career with Thermo Fisher Scientific holding many positions and left after several years as a Pharmaceutical Market Director. In June 2013, Alison started Simply Sharing, a not-for-profit which provided furniture and household items to those transitioning from homelessness. In June 2019, Alison transitioned the organization to another of similar purpose. Alison continues to be locally involved with Sister Cities Essex Haiti on the Policy Committee, HOPE Partnership on the Housing Committee and CRC. Alison joined the Essex Fire Engine Company as a volunteer fire fighter in 2019. Alison and Stephen Brinkmann live on Clark Lane in Essex and enjoy time on Cape Cod. The family enjoys boating on the Connecticut River, skiing, golfing and travel. Alison is an avid beach bum. CRC@ctriver.org

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Get Involved Whether you want to learn more about the watershed, support our work, or get your life vest and gloves on to volunteer for community science, there are many ways to get involved with Connecticut River Conservancy. The options below change based on the season - with more hands-on volunteer opportunities in April - October. Choose your own adventure below or contact us anytime with questions or ideas. You can also sign up for e-news to get updates in your inbox. Currents at the Conservancy: 2024 River Highlights LiveStream Watch the recording of CRC's recent LiveStream to celebrate some of the accomplishments made throughout the watershed in 2024! Watch the LiveStream Hydropower Advocacy Hydroelectric facilities use a public trust resource – your river – to produce power. Find out how to get your voice heard during the current relicensing period. Learn More Support Our Work for Cleaner Rivers As a nonprofit organization we rely on contributions from donors to conserve and restore the Connecticut River watershed. Thank you! Donate Learn About CRC's Programs As we await the warmer days of spring with more events and volunteer opportunities, take a moment to learn more about our programmatic efforts. Primary Programs Upcoming Events (in-person & virtual) While our events calendar tends to fill up the most in spring - fall, there are already some events on the horizon! Events Calendar Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect River Programs Learn about CRC's focus areas 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

< Back Christine Palm Trustee Christine Palm is finishing her third term as State Representative for the 36th General Assembly District in Connecticut, covering the towns of Chester, Deep River, Essex and Haddam. As Vice Chair of the Environment Committee, she successfully passed a bill requiring the teaching of climate change as part of the school curriculum, making Connecticut the first U.S. state to require this teaching in all public schools. For her efforts, Palm won the Walter Cronkite Environmental Education Award. Palm also wrote and enacted legislation to create and fund the Office of Aquatic Invasive Species (housed at CAES), with a special emphasis on managing hydrilla verticillata. Palm, an assistant Majority Leader, has consistently been named a “Legislative Champion” by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters. Palm also shepherded bills banning PFAS and restricting trophy hunting through the Legislature, and helped get the modernized Bottle Bill across the finish line. Palm’s other signature legislative efforts include enhancing women’s rights, securing gun safety measures, and increasing economic security for working families and young adult earners. She has been a newspaper reporter, high school teacher, marketer of non-profit and cultural institutions, and once owned a bowling alley. She was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for essay writing. She is the author of the poetry chapbook, Preparing the Ground. In addition to conservation, Palm has a special interest in literary graves of New England and is in the process of researching a book on the final resting places of poets, authors, journalists, and other literary figures. She and her husband, the artist James Baker, have four sons.

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Water Chestnut Water chestnut (Trapa natans) is an invasive, non-native aquatic plant that is spreading throughout New England and the Connecticut River watershed. Rooted in shallow waterbodies such as lakes, ponds and coves, water chestnut can take over the surface if left unchecked. These annual plants reproduce by seeds before dying off in the winter. Seeds drop in August and September, and can lie dormant but viable for up to 12 years. Pulling water chestnut by kayak or canoe before the plants produce seeds is the most efficient control method, and a great way to engage by volunteering! 2025 volunteer events will be added to our volunteer registration site in the spring/summer! You can also sign up for email updates to be notified when new volunteer opportunities are added. Read On, or Click Below to Jump to a Specific Section What does water chestnut look like? Why is water chestnut such a problem? Water chestnut infestation interactive map If it's not native, how did water chestnut get here? How does water chestnut reproduce? How does water chestnut spread? Water chestnut removal video Water chestnut management with volunteers What does water chestnut look like? Water chestnuts plant their roots at the bottom of the river, while their leaves float on the water surface. They have rosettes of leaves that float on the water's surface that appear to be radiating from a central point. The leaves are triangular or slightly diamond shaped, toothed on two sides and connected to the stem by a long, flexible submerged stalk. Submerged leaves are feathery. The stem can grow up to 4.6m long, allowing them to colonize a wide range of freshwater habitats — from shallows to deep waters. Plants typically bloom in July. The tiny, white, four-petaled flowers produce characteristic horned seeds. In lightly infested areas you might find a single rosette or plant floating on the water. In heavily infested areas water chestnut forms dense floating mats, covering the surface of the waterbody. Why is water chestnut such a problem? To aquatic plants and animals: 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. The densely-layered floating mats they form — often as thick as three layers — limit light penetration through the vertical water column. As water chestnut decomposes, it decreases dissolved oxygen that fish and other aquatic life need to survive. To humans: Water chestnut infestations also impede fishing, hunting, swimming, and boating as the rosettes cover entire bodies of water with plants up to sixteen feet deep in some extreme cases. They congest streams, block boats, and kill fish. The spiny seeds can cause injury. Management of out-of-control infestations is costly and requires incredible coordination. Water Chestnut Infestations Interactive Map This map shows all reported water chestnut (aka Trapa natans ) infestations within the Connecticut River Watershed. This map is continuously updated as stewards, monitors, and the other river users report new infestations and report on the status of existing ones. Water chestnut infestations have been reported in the four primary states within the watershed – NH, VT, MA & CT. If it's not native, how did it get here? European water chestnut has not always lived in the United States. The water chestnut is a resident of the Old World, native to Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Western Europe, and Western Africa. In 1877, the species Trapa natans was introduced to the United States from Europe (as suggested by its name) at the Cambridge Botanical Garden at Harvard University (Sculthorpe, 1967; Oliver, 1871; Voroshilov, 1982). It was planted in Collins Lake, MA and other ponds in Massachusetts. In 1879 the plant escaped the cultivated areas and started growing in the Charles River. Since then it has continued to spread all along the east coast as far south as Virginia and Kentucky, as far north as Quebec, invading the Hudson River and, of course, the Connecticut River. Without removal it has the capacity to spread farther. How does water chestnut reproduce? Each plant produces at least one flower annually. These flowers begin to form nut-like fruits in mid-July. Seeds ripen about a month later and start to drop in early-mid August. The seeds, known as water caltrop, are four-horned nut-like structures that develop on the underside of the floating rosette. One seed can produce up to 15 floating rosettes, each rosette producing up to 20 more seeds. Seeds remain viable for up to 12 years! It is important to remove water chestnuts before the seeds mature and drop to the floor of the water body. Though most seeds germinate within the first few years after being dropped, they can be viable for twelve years. A single plant left behind can drop over 20 seeds, restarting a long 12 year cycle of removing and monitoring. If we can prevent plants from dropping new seeds, an infestation can be successfully eliminated. How does water chestnut spread? Seeds can drop directly into the sediment beneath the parent plant or they can hitch rides to new locations. Water chestnuts’ spikes allow them to stick to birds or other wildlife and end up in a new location. Plants can also get caught on boats or other recreation gear allowing them to get carried up/down-stream or to new water bodies. Water Chestnut Removal in the Connecticut River Watershed Water Chestnut Management To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Fortunately, it is easily identifiable and smaller infestations can be managed with trained volunteers hand-pulling the plant. The key to keeping water chestnut from invading new areas is to remove plants before they have a chance to go to seed. Control requires vigilant patrolling and harvesting for many years to ensure a water body is saved. Infested sites should be monitored and controlled every few years to fully remove the invasive species. Most removal is completed by volunteers manually through a series of pulls. Volunteers pull the plants by hand, often depositing the pulled plants into baskets or boats that are brought to shore. Water chestnut can be composted away from the water body. Mechanical harvesters are efficient for removing large infestations of water chestnut. They can remove lots of plants from the surface. However, this method can be quite expensive. It cost the state of Vermont approximately $500,000 to remove water chestnut in 2000. Compared to hand removal, which usually involves many volunteers and few expenses, this method is more expensive but less time consuming. Volunteer to Remove Water Chestnut! Citizens like you help remove these invasive species from our waterways! Volunteers that frequently scout for and remove the invasive plants are the major contributors to preventing heavy infestations. CRC, partners, and other stewards of our rivers collaborate to organize many water chestnut removal events. These community events have been very successful at removing large swaths of water chestnut. In the summer of 2023, 145 volunteers and partners removed 43,000lbs of water chestnuts! You can learn how to identify and report water chestnut as well as when it is appropriate to pull the plants, how to properly pull them, and how to properly dispose of the pulled plants. 2025 volunteer event registration will be announced soon. If you're interested in volunteering, sign up for email updates to be notified. For questions related to CRC’s water chestnut program, request a presentation from one of our staff, or to connect about volunteering, contact us at volunteer@ctriver.org or 413.772.2020 207.

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Recreation Access At the Connecticut River Conservancy, we believe that protecting the river and enjoying it goes hand in hand. That’s why CRC conducts projects to create safe river access points, provide educational or informative signage, and support paddlers, boaters, anglers, and recreational river enthusiasts. We are dedicated to promoting recreation opportunities on and around the waters in the Connecticut River watershed. Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail CRC is a leading member of the collaborative that runs and maintains the Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail (CRPT). With over 100 access points and 50 campsites, the CRPT provides a unique experience for boaters to travel along the river from source to sea. New England Paddlesports Championship Calling all flatwater racers! The NEPC is an annual championship where racers from across the Northeast compete for honors with canoe, kayak, SUP, or surf ski on the Connecticut River between southwest New Hampshire and southeast Vermont. Maps & Guides of the Connecticut River From navigation maps to help you traverse the river, to informational guides related to river safety, flows, campsites, and places to visit by boat, we have a range of resources to support recreation access for all. Explore the Paddlers’ Trail NEPC Race Details See Maps & Guides River Access CRC strives to promote and develop safe and equitable river access in the Connecticut River watershed. This involves creating accessible launch points, supporting educational programing to promote responsible recreation of all types, and prioritizing inclusivity across campsites and programs alike. Connecticut River Paddler's Trail Interactive Map Download our app to access the 410-mile long Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail! Mostly meandering, but at times rushing forcefully, the Connecticut River flows past a diverse landscape of rich agricultural lands, rural communities, urban centers, and tidal marshes. Get the Map Source to Sea Journeys Each year, a handful of paddling enthusiasts complete the 410-mile journey of traversing the entire Connecticut River, from Source to Sea. CRC celebrates these kayakers, canoeists and swimmers (just one so far) with certificates, stickers, and by highlighting their section paddles or through journeys! If you have completed a journey of the Connecticut River and would like to share your story, contact us at the email below. The river provided me opportunities to practice letting go of misconceptions of myself, others and of the river, and being in the present moment more fully. I am extremely grateful to everyone who has been involved with Connecticut River Conservancy since its inception. Their persistent efforts and commitment through the years made this swim possible! Kari Kastango First person to swim the entire length of the Connecticut River, 2018 - 2023 Paddler Recognition Please review the list below to see who has made the incredible journey of traveling the 410-mile Connecticut River. Those who completed the Trail in one season are listed as “Through-Journey” paddlers. Those who completed the Trail in two or more seasons are called “Section-Journey” paddlers. Through-Journeys Jesse Strauch (2024) Wanda Kirker and Rick Bain (2022) Mary Anderson (2022) Gary Vollinger (2022) Sarah and Scott Lancaster (2022) Emily Nuckols (2021) Ben Lynch (2021) Mack Truax (2021) Trey McPherson (2020) Daniel Stevens (2020) Cathleen (Mumford) Brennan (2019) Andy Myers (2019) Timothy Bertch and Mark Alexander (2018) Ted & Ben Murray (2012) Ed Terlik, Lenny Desrochers & Kenny Bihler (2005) Nancy and Tom Condon (2002) Ted Jones (1982) Tim Brocket (1979) Dr. Joseph and Madeleine Davidson (1959) Section-Journeys Bridget Macdonald and Justin Fermann (2015-2022) Tim Walsh (2021-2022) Lucy Eyre (2018-20222) Susan and Peter Craig (2020-2021) Tim Lewis (2017-2020) Harvey Hill (2017-2019) Andrew and Karen Fisk’s JUMP IN JOURNEY (2017) Brian and Matthew Fogg (2011, 2015) Jeff Feldmann, Scott Larkham, Scott Stenberg, Ron Merriam and a dog name Abe (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010) Parker Lord and Jim Poole (2007, 2008) John Sinton, Elizabeth Farnsworth, Wendy Sinton (2005, 2006) Meet Gabriél Gabrièl is CRC's Recreation and Restoration Program Manager. She is a passionate advocate for environmental conservation and outdoor recreation, with a deep love and appreciation for the Connecticut River watershed. With a background in environmental science and years of field experience, Gabrièl is dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between people and nature. When not in the office you’ll often find them paddling down the river, exploring local swimming holes, and encouraging folks to get out to see the water! For questions about recreation access or to share your source to sea journey, contact Gabriél at gchevalier- at - ctriver.org or call 413.772.2020 x210.

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Contact Us Get in Touch CRC's headquarters is located at: 15 Bank Row Greenfield, MA 01301 For general inquiries, contact us at: CRC - at - ctriver.org or 413-772-2020 For specific inquiries: You can find a listing of our staff with their respective contact information on our staff page. For press, media, or interview requests: Contact our Communications Director, Diana Chaplin, at dchaplin - at - ctriver.org 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

Support the Connecticut River for Giving Tuesday by making a contribution for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities. Free the Fish Challenge All donations up to $25K will be MATCHED for Giving Tuesday! Gifts through Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, will be DOUBLED thanks to a generous donor. This means you will have twice the impact in protecting river health and restoring habitat. This Giving Tuesday, show your support for healthy habitats in the Connecticut River watershed. Donate to free the fish! This challenge will fund dam removal to restore fish passage, culvert upgrades to improve climate resiliency, fish ladders and weirs for migrating species, and other habitat connectivity projects to benefit the fish that call these rivers home! Help CRC protect and restore the Connecticut River watershed for your community and the future with a MATCHED gift today. A donation form will appear below and some browsers require a few seconds to load. Thanks for your patience and support! Photo above by Ayla Skorupa. Other Ways to Give Donate by Mail Please mail your check, made out to Connecticut River Conservancy, to: 15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA 01301 Donate 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 restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Finance & Policies Financial Statements Fiscal year ending June 30th, 2023 Audited Financial Statement IRS Form 990 2022 - IRS Form 990 and Financial Statement Policies Easement Monitoring & Enforcement Policy Affirmative Action Plan Non-Discrimination Policy By Laws Fiscal Sponsorship Policy Sexual Harassment Policy Delegation of Signature Authority to E.D. CRC Investment Policy Statement Sick & Medical Leave Policy CRC Endowment Spending Policy Whistleblower Policy Document Management & WISP Policy Gift Acceptance Policy Procurement policy (Executive Director issued) 2022 Annual Report for Programs 2023 Restoration Summary Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate