Wild & Scenic

National Recognition – Local Favorite

Wild & Scenic
Farmington River

26 years ago, in 1994, the 14-mile segment of the West Branch Farmington River from Hartland to the Canton/New Hartford line received its designation. In 2019, 1.1 miles in Canton were designated Wild & Scenic making the Upper Farmington River designated segment a total of 15.1 miles.

This section 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 River is among the first “Partnership Wild & 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.

The downstream border of the Upper Farmington River was established as the downstream common border between Canton and New Hartford. This enabled the inclusion of Satan’s Kingdom and all of New Hartford.

The establishment of the study area for the Lower section began at the downstream border of the Upper Farmington and went to the confluence with the Connecticut River. Wild & Scenic Rivers are required to flow through free-flowing areas. The sections above the two Collinsville Dams are not free-flowing. The upstream end of the free-flowing portion in Collinsville was determined to be the confluence with the Nepaug River, a very easily identified landmark. The free flowing section from the current Upper segment to the Nepaug is 1.1 mile long. This section, that was included in the Lower study area, was appended to the Upper Section, in order to capture the longer free-flowing section under the Upper Wild & Scenic Management Plan of 1994. The original designation of 14 miles of the Upper Farmington River is now 15.1 miles long.

It is known for its world-class fishing, boating, tubing, scenic beauty, and historical importance. The river is a favorite spot for tubers, animal watchers, and picnickers. Along this stretch are rapids ranging from flatwater to Class III in Satan’s Kingdom, so it sees many kayakers and canoeists as well.

Our river provides clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation. It is critical that we work together to protect and preserve this natural beauty.

Why this Matters

This designation is our nation’s strongest form of protection for free-flowing rivers and streams. That protection provided by local zoning regulations, voluntary stewardship, by land owners, river users, organizations, and federal, state, and/or local programs. Learn More

Join us in celebrating the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act of 1968! Check our calendar for upcoming events and programs in the Farmington River Valley.

What to give back? Volunteer to help protect the beautiful Farmington River! Learn more here.

WHAT HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED?

  • River protection zoning ordinances.
  • Federal review of projects that might harm the river and its environment.
  • The Coordinating Committee to implement the Upper Farmington River Management Plan.
  • Protection of the outstanding remarkable values of Recreation, Fish and Wildlife, Scenic, and Historic.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

  • Maintenance and improvement of water quality, affecting the downstream waters that flow into Long Island Sound.
  • Establishment of the Farmington River Coordinating Committee, which provides a way for all river interests to communicate with each other and develop joint protection measures. Members come from Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Hartland, New Hartford, Metropolitan District Commission, Farmington River Watershed Association, CT DEEP, National Park Service, and the Farmington River Anglers Association.
  • Federal funding to assist in project expenses.
  • Cooperation between towns and State on projects such as bank stabilization and planning documents.
  • Public education of the value of the river through River Stewards, public program, social media and art exhibits.

MORE INFORMATION

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The West Branch Farmington Wild & Scenic River section runs from the base of the Goodwin Dam in Hartland to the Nepaug River confluence in Canton (slightly upstream of the Canton Town Bridge). This designed section is 15.1 miles long.

August 26, 1994, the Upper 14 miles were designated.

March 12, 2019, the 1.1 downstream miles from the New Hartford/Canton town line to the confluence of the Nepaug River in Canton. This section was appended to the Upper Section, in order to capture the longer free-flowing section under the Upper Wild and Scenic Management Plan of 1994.  

Protection is threefold; at town, state and federal levels, reflecting the cooperative approach to river conservation.

Town governments continue to regulate most activities undertaken by citizens, private landowners and local developers. Special protections are provided through the adoption of special zoning districts called the “River Overlay Protection Districts.” These districts were adopted at town meetings. Local zoning boards are responsible for ruling on proposed exceptions to these rules.

State agencies will review and act on proposed projects as regulated under pre-existing state statutes. In addition, the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection is committed through statute to cooperate with all relevant federal, state and town agencies in management of the river in accordance with designation.

The federal government protects the river from federally funded or licensed water resource projects that would harm the outstanding resources and free-flowing character in the segment. Projects are reviewed by the Department of the Interior through the National Park Service office in Boston.

This approach to resource protection was designed to avoid new regulatory hurdles for the residents of the valley. In each case, protection is provided through pre-existing mechanisms or local authorities.

Yes, the Upper Farmington River Management Plan, part of the enacting legislation, describes a vision for future management of the segment and its adjacent lands.

In general, management responsibility remains with the private, town, state and federal groups that had this responsibility before designation. However, an advisory body – the Farmington River Coordinating Committee – was created when the river was designated to coordinate these management activities. This coordination ensures consistency and information sharing. The purpose is to promote long term protection of the Wild & Scenic Farmington River through the existing town, state and federal authorities. The Committee is made up of representatives of the five river-fronting towns (Hartland, Colebrook, Barkhamsted, New Hartford, and Canton), the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC), the Farmington River Angler’s Association (FRAA), the Farmington River Watershed Association (FRWA), and the National Park Service (NPS).