Legislators Hope to Gain 'Wild and Scenic' Designation for Farmington River

By John Fitts

Surrounded by local and state officials and volunteers, members of Congress announced that they will soon introduce Wild and Scenic Designation legislation for the lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook. 

In a ceremony held behind the Mill at Tariffville on Tuesday, U.S. Sens Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal and U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty made the announcement that they will take the now completed study and formally introduce a bill to designate a 62-mile stretch of water as wild and scenic. 

Murphy said the river has important historical, recreation, natural and economic significance and is enjoyed by an estimated 120,000 people every year. Many West Hartford residents are among those who often visit the area. 

"This river is screaming out to be designated as a wild and scenic river," he said. 

The designation gives added protection but also helps with marketing, brings the potential for as much as $100,000 in funding and gives local volunteers and officials technical assistance for conservation efforts, Murphy added. 
All members of the congressional designation thanked the volunteers who have been working on the designation for years. In 1994 a 14-mile stretch of the "upper Farmington" was designated. In 2003, the Farmington River Watershed Association began working toward designating the lower portion, according to the study site. 

Eventually, the National Park Service, with the help of local volunteers, towns and other stakeholders, conducted a five-year designation study. 

"The real round of applause goes to the amazing study committee," Blumenthal said. 

Joyce Kennedy Raymes was Study Coordinator. 

Blumenthal said the senate bill will be introduced separately and go to the energy and natural resources committee. A mirror bill will go through a similar process in the house. 

Blumenthal said he is optimistic the designation will move forward. During the speeches he said the effort has been one of community and bi-partisan support. 

"We're going to be rowing in the same direction and it will not be upstream," he said.

Eileen Fielding, executive director of the watershed association said that while it has been a long process, she feels the effort has been a good one with broad support.

"We really feel it's been done right," she said.

Towns along the designated waterway would include Avon, Bloomfield, Burlington, Canton, East Granby, Farmington, Granby, Hartland, Simsbury and Windsor.

See the study, maps and much more at http://www.lowerfarmingtonriver.org/