The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Feds designate Housatonic a wild and scenic river
NEW MILFORD — A 41-mile section of the Housatonic River from the Massachusetts line to the Boardman Bridge in New Milford has been feerally designated a wild and scenic river — a classification that opens the door to federal funding.
The Housatonic River Commission — a regional planning board responsible for monitoring and advising northwestern Connecticut towns on the Housatonic
River — has been working for many years to accomplish this designation.
“This federal Wild & Scenic designation of the Housatonic River will help to ensure the Commission’s ability to carry through its management plan to maintain the river’s unspoiled beauty and create solid accessibility to the many user groups who treasure the Housatonic River,” William Tingley, chairman of the Housatonic River Commission, said in a statement. The 41-mile section of the Housatonic River is a member of the National Park Service’s Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program, a federally funded consortium designed to protect and enhance exceptional rivers throughout the country.
The Housatonic River Commission will be entitled to receive federal funds to carry out its management plan for the Housatonic River, including the pressing need to improve and control public access to the river for recreation.
“After years of community organizing and advocacy, I am thrilled to join the Housatonic River Commission in celebrating the National Wild and Scenic River designation for the Housatonic River,” U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-5, said in a statement. “As the House sponsor of this legislation, I share this monumental feat with all who
live along this 41-mile stretch of the river and those dedicated to protecting its beauty for generations to come. I look forward to continuing to work with the commission, local leaders, and community members on additional efforts to expand and improve access to cleaner, healthier outdoor spaces for all to enjoy.”
The Housatonic River Commission plans to manage the wild and scenic program for the Housatonic River and the funding that comes with it, along with its partners at the National Park Service, the Connecticut Department of Energy and
Environmental Protection, the Housatonic Valley Association, Inc, FirstLight Power Resources and the Northwest Hills Council of Governments.
For information, visit the Housatonic River Commission’s website, www.hrcct.weebly.com/.