Greenfield, MA — While the future of national environmental priorities is unclear, the Connecticut River Watershed Council (CRC) will keep close watch of proposed changes at the national level and remain focused on local successes right here at home. CRC promises that, as your neighbor, they will continue to be your local voice speaking up for the rivers that you love. Founded in 1952, CRC is a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to protecting rivers across the four-state Connecticut River watershed (NH, VT, MA & CT). CRC has many projects lined up in 2017 working with local farms, family businesses and towns on projects that improve the health of your rivers and strengthen communities.

Despite differences between states, CRC has one unifying goal of clean, healthy rivers for all. “Every year our goal is to make real, on-the-ground improvements throughout the watershed,” says CRC’s Executive Director Andrew Fisk. “Our job is to find environmental problems and help solve them. We do that by bringing money, expertise, and commitment to the table. Thanks to all our funders, partners, members and volunteers who help make these projects possible. ”

Some of CRC’s anticipated projects in 2017 include:

  • Remove four more deadbeat dams on Passumpsic River, East Burke, VT; Ompompanoosuc River, West Fairlee, VT; West River tributary, Dummerston, VT; Clark Brook, Haverhill, NH
  • Plant trees along the Bissell Brook in NH and a variety of riverfront farms in NH & VT to repair erosion and improve water quality and habitat
  • Stabilize stream banks and restore natural stream flows to protect infrastructure in Guilford, VT on the Green River
  • Restore populations of endangered mussels with citizen scientists in MA
  • Remove invasive water chestnut plants in NH, MA, and CT
  • Remain involved in hydroelectric relicensing of at least nine facilities on the Connecticut River and tributaries in MA, NH & VT
  • Remain involved in water planning and legislation about water quantity concerns in CT
  • Create new campsites for paddler’s along the main-stem Connecticut River
  • Increase bacteria monitoring and reporting across all four river states beyond the 156 locations already online
  • Remove tons more trash from our rivers during the 21st annual Source to Sea Cleanup on September 22 & 23, 2017
  • And so much more!

The Connecticut River Watershed Council works to protect the watershed from source to sea. As stewards of this heritage, we celebrate our four-state treasure and collaborate, educate, organize, restore and intervene to preserve its health for generations to come. Our work informs our vision of economic and ecological abundance. To learn more about CRC, or to make a contribution to help protect your rivers, visit ctriver.org or call 413-772-2020 ext. 202.

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