Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic River Study Act

LOWER FARMINGTON RIVER AND SALMON BROOK WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY ACT -- (House of Representatives - September 25, 2006)

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Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic River Study Act, I rise in strong support of this very important bill.

Connecticut is fortunate to be the home of the Farmington River, which hosts a wealth of natural beauty, a variety of wildlife, and a cultural past important to our state, region, and Nation. In 1994, Congress recognized the upper section of the Farmington--a 14 mile-long stretch that runs from the base of the Goodwin Dam in Hartland to the downstream border of Canton and New Hartford, as Wild and Scenic. As a federally protected river segment, the natural splendor and resources of
the Upper Farmington have been managed cooperatively on the local, state and federal level for over a decade. Regrettably, Salmon Brook, a major tributary, and the Lower Farmington that runs 40 miles from Canton to its confluence with the Connecticut River in Windsor do not share the same federal protection. Continued threats to the river's water quality reinforce the urgent need for a collaborative effort to preserve the unique character of both the Upper and Lower Farmington, as well as Salmon Brook, for present and future generations.

The Lower Farmington is a rare natural, cultural and recreational area for the people of the First District and throughout the entire state of Connecticut. The river's free-flowing waters support a rich ecological system and serves as the habitat for diverse fish species, including the American shad and the Atlantic salmon. The River is also home to trout, river otter and bald eagle populations. Since the 1600s, the River has prominently been featured in our state history, from the Tunxis Native American tribes who settled on its shores to the mills and dams that sprung up as part of the Industrial Revolution. Today, people from across Connecticut can enjoy the majestic views of the river along the Farmington River Trail--a former railroad line that when completed will run 26 miles along the shores of the Farmington.

Since 1968, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System has protected the Nation's most valuable rivers. Through this system, rivers that possess remarkable scenic, recreational, natural, and cultural values are preserved in their free-flowing condition and are protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. Designated rivers are afforded the federal protection necessary to maintain their resources and character.

The Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic River Study Act is the first significant step towards designating the Lower Farmington in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. I urge my colleagues to join me in ensuring the environmental and historic preservation of these waterways by supporting the underlying bill.

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