Join us to enjoy rivers at these in-person and virtual gatherings. Engage with CRC’s efforts to restore, protect, and enhance our waterways! Events are added throughout the year and revised as needed.
Portage, Paddle & Parade – Turners Falls
July 10, 2021 @ 11:30 am - 1:00 pm EDT
Parade around the Turners Falls dam to highlight the need for better recreational access to the Connecticut River.
Hydroelectric facilities create obstacles to river recreation and because of that, hydro companies are required to accommodate for recreation as part of their operating licenses. Wouldn’t it be great to have a river access location for canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards at Unity Park? Shouldn’t there be a walkable portage around the Turners Falls Dam? Join Connecticut River Conservancy, Appalachian Mountain Club, American Whitewater, and other recreation partners to highlight recreation investments these hydro companies should be making in our local communities as part of their new operating licenses being finalized now.
Two Portage Paddle Parades will focus on much needed upgrades to portage routes around the Bellows Falls and Turners Falls Dams as examples of infrastructure investments that would benefit our local communities. Join us on 7/10 in Turners Falls (7/17 in Bellows Falls) for a short press event to learn about the issues, followed by a public parade along the proposed portage routes. This is your opportunity to speak up for the river and your recreation rights. Tell the hydro companies you want better access to the river. Bring signs & noise makers!
For more information on the parade or if you’re interested in joining us for the morning advocacy paddle, contact Andrea Donlon (adonlon@ctriver.org)
Parade Plan:
- 11:30am Press Conference & Speakers – Unity Park
- 12:00pm Parade down Canalside Rail Trail to area below the dam