Question

Explain some problems and solutions to conserve for the Connecticut River Watershed in two paragraphs

Answer 1

Urban development, both directly along the banks and throughout the watershed, has impacts on both water quality and flow regimes. For example, impervious surfaces and land clearing along banks both lead to more rapid runoff during and immediately following storm events. People see a range of challenges facing the Connecticut River watershed including development of land, current river management practices, natural and human-influenced shoreline erosion and hardening, climate change, and funding limitations. They identified the key flow-related challenges as overly rapid releases and fluctuating water levels, impoundments, shoreline hardening and the loss of floodplains.

Solutions to conserve for the Connecticut River Watershed-

Federal Agencies and Elected Officials. Seek increased federal funding for the watershed through the Farm and Ranchlands Protection Program, the Forest Legacy Program, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and other existing sources. Create new funds in federal legislation that can meet the special needs of our region.

State Agencies and Elected Officials. Increase state funding for protection of working lands, water resource lands, habitat, and cultural resources.

Regional Planning Agencies, Councils of Governments, and Conservation Districts. Partner with land trusts to deliver conservation services to towns.

Municipalities. Assess the value of unprotected land to quality of life and make plans that identify priorities for protection

Land Trusts and Watershed Associations. Partner with landowners, towns, regional planners, and agencies to deliver public value in every conservation transaction.

Businesses and Other Employers. Contribute to efforts to preserve what makes the region a great place to live and work.

Educators. Use the Connecticut River and its watershed as a teaching tool and help students connect to groups working to protect it

Private Foundations. Increase funding for strategic investments that will build momentum for increased public funding.

Individuals. Volunteer and donate; many of the groups and agencies mentioned above are doing a great deal to achieve river-wide goals despite limited authority and funding, and need public support and recognition.