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749 Hopmeadow St.
Simsbury, CT 06070
860-658-4442 |
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Wild & Scenic
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 Fall, 2003, FRWA embarked upon an effort to have the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook similarly considered for this tremendous distinction.
FRWA sought letters of support from 10 towns – Avon, Bloomfield, Burlington, Canton, East Granby, Farmington, Granby, Hartland, Simsbury, and Windsor – and based on a strong showing of support, our Congressional leaders introduced "The Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Act" in 2004 and then again in 2005. Senators Dodd & Lieberman introduced a bill that passed the Senate in late 2005, and in November, 2006 the House passed a companion bill with the support of Congressional Reps Nancy Johnson and John Larson. On November 27, 2006 the bill, S. 435, was signed into law by President Bush.
Thus begins the Feasibility Study that will involve 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. The area that will be studied is shown on this map.
FRWA was proud not only to testify before the Senate in Washington, but also to have the opportunity to introduce testimony prepared by several supporting organizations. If you are interested, you can review each organization’s testimony below:
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For those readers who may not know about Wild & Scenic, we offer the
following section of frequently asked questions (FAQ’s):
Q: What criteria do we have to meet for Wild & Scenic
designation?
A: To be considered "Wild and Scenic" a river must have at least one
"outstandingly remarkable" natural, cultural or recreational value pursuant
to the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271-1287).
Q: Do we meet the criteria?
A: We believe the Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook meet the Wild &
Scenic criteria in several ways, but the study is designed to provide an
unbiased assessment of our most unique, outstanding features.
Q: What are the Benefits of Wild & Scenic designation?
A: There are several:
- Designation would protect the Farmington from new projects requiring
federal money and permits such as dams and hydroelectric facilities;
- The 3-year feasibility study process includes developing a conservation
plan for the River with stakeholder buy-in. This conservation plan would
address the major issues of the watershed, sprawling growth, impervious
surfaces, bacteria contamination, et cetera;
- The cost of the study is borne by the National Park Service, and the
towns will benefit from the information collected as well as the
stewardship and awareness of the River’s outstanding resources that will be
created;
- Once designation is finalized, there would be a steady stream of
funding for local river work. The Farmington River Coordinating Committee (FRCC)
on the Upper Farmington typically receives between $32,000 and $55,000
annually to assist in implementing the conservation plan created through
the study;
- The recently released study, "Use and Economic Importance of the West
Branch Farmington River" provides tangible economic benefit information
that shows how Wild & Scenic designation benefits Towns, local businesses,
and land values.
Q: How long does this process take?
A: The typical study period to develop a conservation plan for the
river is three years. The study on the upper watershed took five years, but
we have experience, information, and a track record of success on our side
this time around.
For more information on Partnership Wild & Scenic Rivers, please visit
the National Park Service’s website, or visit the
website of the Farmington River Coordinating Committee that oversees the Wild & Scenic stretch of the Upper Farmington that was
designated in 1994. |
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