David Sinish Memorial Recreation Access Fund
FRWA established the David Sinish Memorial Recreation Access Fund to honor the memory and achievements of David Sinish in the work of protecting the Farmington River. For more than 40 years David championed the Farmington River. Many accomplishments of the FRWA would not have happened without his vision, guidance, deep knowledge, and understanding of the river. His generosity, gentle spirit, sense of humor, and persistent advocacy made him a wonderful conservation partner. The impact David Sinish had on the river and watershed was profound and will continue to inspire us.
FRWA envisions these funds increasing the number and types of people enjoying paddlesports. There are barriers to providing inclusive space for people to enjoy paddlesports. The cost to start enjoying the sport is prohibitive to low-income individuals, and often the locations where people could enjoy this sport are remote or costly to access. This recreational access fund will provide assistance for people to get out and enjoy the river that David worked his whole life to protect.
Our fund will work to support providing recreational access to the Farmington River by providing the resources to everyone to enjoy paddlesports for all including BIPOC community and people with disabilities and mobility impairments including kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. We imagine providing youth groups trips, sponsoring paddling events that host a diverse community and scholarships to athletes in need.
Make a donation today to the access fund
Your contribution will fund:
· Programming that advances skills in paddlesports
· Youth groups looking to organize paddlesport excursions
· Event sponsorships that provide opportunities for diverse representation of participants
· Paddling scholarships for individuals and to up-and-coming athletes
Click here to donate
In Memoriam- David Sinish, 1947-2023
All of us at the Farmington River Watershed Association mourn the passing of David Sinish, a true champion of the Farmington River. An FRWA board member since the early 1980s, David served as board president from 1985 to 1993 and chairman from 1993 to 2000. Advocate par excellence, speaker, writer, educator, water quality monitor, organizer of FRWA's 50th birthday celebration along with his wife, Carrie, David helped plan and arrange the FRWA hosted Eastern Region U.S. Olympic Whitewater Kayak Trials at the Tariffville Gorge and many other activities in support of the river. For more than 40 years David championed the Farmington River. Many accomplishments of the FRWA would not have happened without his vision, guidance, deep knowledge, and understanding of the river. His generosity, gentle spirit, sense of humor, and persistent advocacy made him a wonderful conservation partner. The impact David Sinish had on the river and watershed was profound and will continue to inspire us.
"It is so hard to envision a world without David driving by with his wooden kayak strapped to the roof of his Subaru, seeing him paddling the river, or hearing him at public meetings. He and Carrie have been fixtures in the Valley for decades. This is a huge loss."
-Sarah Faulkner, neighbor and FRWA colleague.
“Thank you, David. Your love and passion for paddle sports, rivers, and the Farmington River are passed to the rest of us to advance and share. I am so lucky for all that you have done to shape my life and my passions. Countless others may be less aware but are invaluably grateful for all you have done to enhance our lives.”
-Andy Kuhlberg, FRWA Board Member