Lower Farmington River Up for Wild and Scenic Status

"Our goal is to have the federal government designate the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook a Wild and Scenic River," Governor Rell said. "Under this bill, our Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection commissioner will work with federal, state and local agencies to obtain that designation.

The governor said the measure represents a commitment by the state of Connecticut to preserve this section of the river from development projects that pose a threat to the future enjoyment of the river. The legislation takes effect on October 1, 2008.

Part of the Lower Farmington River in its natural state (Photo courtesy National Park Service)

In 1994, 14 miles of the Upper Farmington River, stretching from Colebrook to Canton, was added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers system with an act of Congress.

In the fall of 2003, the Farmington River Watershed Association began an effort to have the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook considered for this distinction.

The Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook run through 10 towns - Avon, Bloomfield, Burlington, Canton, East Granby, Farmington, Granby, Hartland, Simsbury and Windsor.

In Congress, the Connecticut delegation began introducing bills authorizing the study of the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook as a Wild and Scenic River in 2004.

Senators Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman introduced a bill that passed the Senate in late 2005, and in November, 2006 the House passed a companion bill. On November 27, 2006 the bill, S. 435, was signed into law by President George W. Bush.

The bill authorizes a three-year feasibility study that involves volunteers from the 10 towns who will oversee research into areas of interest, and will work with the National Park Service to develop a management plan to help protect the outstanding natural, recreational, and/or cultural values of the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook.

Meanwhile, according to the state law just passed, the state of Connecticut will not approve any development that could degrade the area and keep it from designation as a Wild and Scenic River.

"This new law is good news for all of those who enjoy the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook," said State Representative Kevin Witkos, a Republican who represents Canton, one of the 10 towns through which these waterways run. "This will ensure that this pristine natural resource will remain a destination for the many anglers, kayakers and others who utilize these waterways."

People enjoy the river and the brook for paddling, hiking at Tunxis State Forest and picnicking at Granbrook Park. Salmon Brook is known for its free flowing water and native brook trout populations. The West Branch of the river is inhabited by trout, river otters and bald eagles.

The state legislation also requires the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection to implement any management plan developed pursuant to the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act protects free-flowing rivers with important scenic, natural, recreational, historic, cultural, or similar values. It designates specific rivers for inclusion and prescribes the methods and standards by which additional rivers may be added.

Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2008. All rights reserved.