WILD & SCENIC RIVERS
50th ANNIVERSARY
JOIN THE FARMINGTON RIVER CELEBRATION
October 2, 2018, marked the 50th anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. In 1994 the 14 mile segment of the West Branch Farmington River from Hartland to the Canton/New Hartford line received its designation.
Our river provides clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation. It is critical that we work together to protect and preserve this natural beauty. Join us for events, film festival, environmental fairs, and presentations, and more!
A BALANCE NEEDED TO BE STRUCK.
After the major water projects of the 1930’s, ‘40s, and ‘50s American rivers were battered. In 1968 President Lyndon Johnson signed the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act providing a mechanism to protect the remaining free flowing rivers.
Fourteen miles of the West Branch Farmington River were entered into the National Wild & Scenic River System as a result of a great effort by citizens and organizations to protect the river from a proposed diversion and other major water resource projects. The Farmington is among the first “Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers” as protection comes from federal, state and local town governments and other organizations with a vested interest in the health of the river.
"Promoting the long-term protection of the
Upper Farmington Wild & Scenic River"
In August 1994, Congress added 14 miles of the Farmington River's west branch to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This exciting milestone in the river's history recognizes the Farmington's beauty and character and ensures that it will be enjoyed by generations to come. And there's so much to enjoy! Every year, thousands of people canoe, kayak and fish the waters of the Farmington and visit the state parks, forests and historic mills that dot the river's edge.
The river is also important habitat for wildlife, with otters raising families along its banks and bald eagles soaring above the water in search of a meal for their nestlings. In fact, the Farmington River Valley is currently the only place in Connecticut with nesting bald eagles. And soon, the Atlantic salmon may return to the river after an absence of decades. All these factors - recreational value, rare wildlife, outstanding fisheries, and a rich history - make the Farmington River a natural for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
The Farmington River is a Partnership W&S River - which means that local, state, and federal governments as well as other stakeholders in the river community are partners in river management and stewardship. This is a model that other eastern rivers have followed as they have put together management plans.
