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This long-anticipated project, spearheaded by the Farmington River Watershed Association (FRWA), is a major milestone in the restoration of the Farmington River. The full removal and restoration effort, which began on September 8, reconnects 30 miles of critical upstream habitat. The effort is the result of a robust collaboration among project partners, following years of persistence and careful planning to turn a long-standing vision for the Farmington River into reality. Under the leadership of FRWA, the project partners include Miss Porter's School, the current dam owner; Princeton Hydro, providing engineering, design and project oversight; RiverLogic Solutions; CTDEEP Fisheries; and the Town of Farmington. Together, these partners are advancing ecological restoration, community safety, and recreation access along one of New England's most celebrated rivers. Photo taken September 10 by Princeton Hydro Director of River Restoration & Resilience Christiana Pollack, CERP, CFM, GISP Restoring Natural Function & Reconnecting Habitat The Farmington River, a designated "Partnership Wild & Scenic River," flows for nearly 47 miles along its main stem in northwest Connecticut, with major tributaries extending into southwest Massachusetts. It's longest route, originating from the West Branch, stretches 80.4 miles, making it the longest tributary of the Connecticut River. Its watershed spans more than 600 square miles, providing critical drinking water to hundreds of thousands of people, supporting a world-class trout fishery, and serving as a vital habitat for a variety of resident and migratory species. Nearly 79 miles of the river are federally protected for their outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values. The Winchell-Smith Dam, a 200-foot-wide, 4-foot-high, low-head timber crib structure, dates back to the early 1600s and may have been the first gristmill ever built on the Farmington River. The dam had long ceased to serve a functional purpose but continued to impede the river's natural process, blocked access for migratory fish, created localized erosion and scour, presented an obstacle for paddlers and anglers, and posed as a safety hazard. [caption id="attachment_15048" align="alignnone" width="1371"] Pre-Construction, Winchell-Smith Dam and Miss Porter’s School Administration Building. Photo by Farmington River Watershed Association.[/caption] Removing the dam delivers myriad benefits to the ecological landscape and surrounding community. Most significantly, it reopens 30 miles of historic spawning habitat for species such as American shad, alewife, blueback herring, sea lamprey, and American eel, and provides unobstructed access to the upper reaches of the river and its tributaries. The restored river channel will support healthier fish populations, stabilize riverbanks, reestablish important wildlife habitat, and improve water quality. Additionally, the project enhances public safety by eliminating a hazardous low-head dam and expands opportunities for nature-based recreation along this cherished waterway. The photos below, taken by Princeton Hydro Senior Fluvial Geomorphologist Casey Clapsaddle, show the rapid progress being made at the Winchell-Smith Dam site: [gallery columns="2" link="none" size="medium" ids="18225,18228,18226,18227"] A Decade in the Making Princeton Hydro's involvement at the Winchell-Smith Dam site dates back to 2009, when the engineering team worked with FRWA to complete early assessments and developed a design for a nature-like fishway. Funding constraints and the dam's continued deterioration ultimately made full removal the only viable option. With funding support from CTDEEP Fisheries, the effort to fully remove Winchell-Smith Dam was finally able to advance. Princeton Hydro provided comprehensive engineering services, including site investigation and geomorphic inspection, wetland delineation, hydrologic assessment and hydraulic modeling, permitting, and construction oversight. The removal of the Winchell-Smith Dam is part of a larger restoration plan initiated by FRWA and Princeton Hydro, which included the removal of the Spoonville Dam. The 35-foot-high concreate dam once stood as the first barrier to fish passage on the Farmington River. Photos from the Spoonville Dam Removal in 2009: [gallery link="none" ids="10435,10441,10440"] Honoring History & Celebrating the Future While the Winchell-Smith Dam itself is being dismantled, its history will not be lost. Timbers from the structure are being preserved and repurposed for educational objectives, honoring the site's industrial legacy while celebrating its ecological renewal. Rocks and boulders from the dam will also be used to restore the river location, constructing a riffle-like condition in the riverbed. The project also aims to foster the next generation of environmental stewards by engaging the students at Miss Porter's School and local public schools. Throughout the process, students are participating in hands-on activities that deepen their understanding of river restoration and introduce them to STEM subjects like engineering and ecology. As demolition progresses, partners, community members, and environmental advocates are celebrating the return of a free-flowing Farmington River and looking forward to its continued transformation. Stay tuned to for more updates! To learn more about FRWA, visit their website or click here to read our Client Spotlight blog featuring Executive Director Aimee Petras. This blog was updated on October 15, 2025. [post_title] => Restoring the Farmington River: Winchell-Smith Dam Removal is Complete! [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => restoring-the-farmington-river-winchell-smith-dam-removal-is-underway [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2026-01-08 15:18:48 [post_modified_gmt] => 2026-01-08 15:18:48 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=18216 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 15051 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2024-06-23 11:41:28 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-06-23 11:41:28 [post_content] => Welcome to the latest edition of our Client Spotlight series, which provides an inside look at our collaboration, teamwork, and accomplishments with one of our client partners. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Farmington River Watershed Association (FRWA). The FRWA is a citizen-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1953 by a group of concerned citizens and community leaders to address the long-term degradation of the Farmington River. FRWA is committed to protecting, maintaining, and revitalizing the Farmington River and its watershed. Farmington River runs for 46.7 miles along its main stem in northwest Connecticut, with major tributaries extending into southwest Massachusetts. Its longest route, originating from the West Branch, stretches 80.4 miles, making it the longest tributary of the Connecticut River. The watershed covers 609 square miles, supporting a variety of cold-water resident fish species and important habitats for migratory fish. It also serves as a critical public drinking water supply for hundreds of thousands of people in the Hartford region. Additionally, the West Branch of the Farmington is highly regarded for its exceptional trout fishery. For this Client Spotlight, we spoke with FRWA Executive Director Aimee Petras via Zoom. Q.What are FRWA’s core values? A. “FRWA addresses a range of challenges facing the Farmington River, including water quality, water distribution, habitat restoration, recreation, open space conservation, and the protection of wetlands and floodplains. We are dedicated to protecting and preserving the natural resources of the Farmington River Watershed through research, education, advocacy, and restoration.” “Through research initiatives, we establish a comprehensive scientific understanding of watershed functions and health. We educate the public, government and business communities about the importance of a healthy river system. We advocate at the local, state and federal level for policies and actions that ensure the long-term protection of our watershed resources. And, we plan and implement restoration projects with long-lasting positive impacts on the river and surrounding ecosystems, engaging in hands-on stewardship through activities like fish habitat restoration, stormwater runoff reduction, and re-vegetating streambanks with native plants.” Q. Can you tell us a little more about FRWA’s advocacy work? A. [embed]https://youtu.be/-3wCsQD9Y60[/embed] "The Farmington River is one of the first designated 'Partnership Wild & Scenic Rivers.' Its protection is ensured through the combined efforts of federal, state, and local governments, along with various organizations dedicated to preserving the river's health. Currently, 78.6 miles of the Farmington River are safeguarded under two different designations. The Upper Farmington River has a 15.1-mile designation, and the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook, cover 61.7 miles.” “To earn the 'Wild and Scenic' designation, a river must possess at least one 'outstandingly remarkable' natural, cultural, or recreational value as defined by the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. This recognition is a significant achievement that our organization is extremely proud of." Click here to learn about the National Wild & Scenic Rivers designation. Q. What is one exciting initiative FRWA is currently spearheading? A. [embed]https://youtu.be/74s2MAGF9n4[/embed] Click here to learn more about FRWA's Rainbow Dam removal advocacy and related river protection initiatives. [caption id="attachment_15054" align="aligncenter" width="1419"] Rainbow Dam. Photo by Farmington River Watershed Association.[/caption] Q. Let's delve into the collaborative history between FRWA and Princeton Hydro: Can you provide insight into our partnership? A. [embed]https://youtu.be/Zic5OGqDiqc[/embed] "Removing the dam also restored natural river flow rates and enabled American shad, alewife, and blueback herring to swim upstream through Tariffville Gorge, accessing over 20 additional miles of river. Additionally, this removal uncovered a historically scenic waterfall at a popular fishing site, replacing the neglected dam with a beautiful natural feature." Click here to learn more about the Spoonville Dam Removal project. [caption id="attachment_15046" align="aligncenter" width="1366"] Spoonville Dam prior to its removal. Photo by Farmington River Watershed Association.[/caption] Q. What is another exciting project that FRWA and Princeton Hydro worked on together? A. [embed]https://youtu.be/7oGjPSzi8nQ[/embed] “The removal of Winchell-Smith Dam restores access for aquatic organisms to a 30-mile stretch of the Farmington River upstream of the dam within the Connecticut River watershed. This area is a historic spawning habitat for species such as American shad, alewife, blueback herring, sea lamprey, and American eel. Removing the dam helps prevent local erosion and scour, clear barriers for migratory fish, eliminate hazards for river users, and repurpose existing timbers for historic preservation and educational purposes.” [caption id="attachment_15048" align="aligncenter" width="1371"] Winchell-Smith Dam and Miss Porter’s School Administration Building. Photo by Farmington River Watershed Association.[/caption] Q. In addition to dam removal projects, what other exciting initiatives have FRWA and Princeton Hydro collaborated on? A. [embed]https://youtu.be/syL-kFafl4w[/embed] To read the complete Pequabuck River Watershed Based Plan that Princeton Hydro developed for FRWA, click here. Q. For those interested in supporting FRWA's mission, how can individuals get involved and contribute to your efforts? A. “As a nonprofit organization, we continually seek support for our efforts. We encourage anyone interested to visit our website to learn about our programs, explore our research, access water quality reports, and understand our mission and priorities. There are numerous ways to get involved with FRWA, including donating, volunteering, participating in educational programs, or applying for internships. We are grateful to everyone who joins us in our mission to protect and restore our beautiful river.” Q. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our blog readers? A. [embed]https://youtu.be/IVe9gO-7FwQ[/embed] A big thanks to Aimee and FRWA for taking part in our Client Spotlight Series! To learn more about FRWA, we encourage you to visit their website. Click here to read the previous edition of our Client Spotlight Series featuring Karla Rossini, Executive Director of Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries (CU Maurice). [post_title] => Client Spotlight: Farmington River Watershed Association [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => client-spotlight-farmington-river-watershed-association [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2026-01-08 15:17:37 [post_modified_gmt] => 2026-01-08 15:17:37 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=15051 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 1511 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2018-02-23 16:53:28 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-02-23 16:53:28 [post_content] => Communities across the nation are preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. This landmark legislation passed by Congress in October 1968 safeguards the free-flowing character of rivers by precluding them from being dammed, while allowing the public to enjoy them. It encourages river management and promotes public participation in protecting streams. As part of the celebration, the National Park Service released a new video highlighting a handful of ‘Wild and Scenic’ designated rivers in the Northeast – the Farmington, Sudbury, Assabet, Concord, and Musconetcong Rivers – along with the organizations and community volunteers who work together to protect and care for these rivers. Princeton Hydro is proud to work with two of the river stewards featured in the video: Musconetcong Watershed Association and Farmington River Watershed Association. The Musconetcong River: Designated ‘Wild and Scenic’ in 2006, the Musconetcong River is a 45.7-mile-long tributary of the Delaware River in northwestern New Jersey. Princeton Hydro has been working with MWA in the areas of river restoration, dam removal, and engineering consulting since 2003 when the efforts to remove the Gruendyke Mill Dam in Hackettstown, NJ began. To date, Princeton Hydro has worked with MWA to remove five dams on the Musconetcong River, the most recent being the Hughesville Dam. As noted in the video, the removal of these dams, especially the Hughesville dam, was a major milestone in restoring migratory fish passage along the Musconetcong. Only a year after the completion of the dam removal, American shad returned to the "Musky" for the first time in 250 years. “The direction the river is moving bodes well for its recovery,” said Princeton Hydro President Geoff Goll, P.E., who was interviewed in the 50th anniversary video. “This multidisciplinary approach using ecology and engineering, paired with a dynamic stakeholder partnership, lead to a successful river restoration, where native fish populations returned within a year. ” The Farmington River: The Upper Farmington River, designated as ‘Wild and Scenic' in 1994, stretches 14-miles through Connecticut starting above Riverton through the New Hardford/Canton town line. The river is important for outdoor recreation and provides critical habitat for countless wildlife. Back in 2012, Princeton Hydro worked with the Farmington River Watershed Association and its project partners to remove the Spoonville Dam. Built in 1899 on the site of a natural 25-foot drop in the riverbed, the dam was originally a hydropower facility. The hurricanes and flood of 1955 breached the dam, opening a 45-foot gap and scattering massive dam fragments in the riverbed downstream. The remnant of the main dam persisted for decades as a 128-foot long, 25-foot high obstacle in the channel. The river poured through the breach in a steep chute that stopped American shad from proceeding further upstream to spawn. The project was completed, from initial site investigation through engineering assessment and final design, in just six months. The dam removal helped to restore historic fish migrations in the Farmington River (including the American shad) and increase recreation opportunities. Wild & Scenic Rivers Act: As of December 2014 (the last designation), the National 'Wild and Scenic' System protects 12,734 miles of 208 rivers in 40 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; this is a little more than one-quarter of 1% of the nation's rivers. By comparison, more than 75,000 large dams across the country have modified at least 600,000 miles, or about 17%, of American rivers. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Act and in an effort to designate many more miles of river as ‘Wild and Scenic,’ four federal agencies and four nonprofit groups are coordinating nationwide events and outreach. Managing agencies are the Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, and National Park Service, along with American Rivers, American Whitewater, River Network and River Management Society. Go here for more info: www.wildandscenicrivers50.us. To learn more about our work to restore and preserve the Musconetcong River and its watershed, click here. 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This long-anticipated project, spearheaded by the Farmington River Watershed Association (FRWA), is a major milestone in the restoration of the Farmington River. The full removal and restoration effort, which began on September 8, reconnects 30 miles of critical upstream habitat. The effort is the result of a robust collaboration among project partners, following years of persistence and careful planning to turn a long-standing vision for the Farmington River into reality. Under the leadership of FRWA, the project partners include Miss Porter's School, the current dam owner; Princeton Hydro, providing engineering, design and project oversight; RiverLogic Solutions; CTDEEP Fisheries; and the Town of Farmington. Together, these partners are advancing ecological restoration, community safety, and recreation access along one of New England's most celebrated rivers. Photo taken September 10 by Princeton Hydro Director of River Restoration & Resilience Christiana Pollack, CERP, CFM, GISP Restoring Natural Function & Reconnecting Habitat The Farmington River, a designated "Partnership Wild & Scenic River," flows for nearly 47 miles along its main stem in northwest Connecticut, with major tributaries extending into southwest Massachusetts. It's longest route, originating from the West Branch, stretches 80.4 miles, making it the longest tributary of the Connecticut River. Its watershed spans more than 600 square miles, providing critical drinking water to hundreds of thousands of people, supporting a world-class trout fishery, and serving as a vital habitat for a variety of resident and migratory species. Nearly 79 miles of the river are federally protected for their outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values. The Winchell-Smith Dam, a 200-foot-wide, 4-foot-high, low-head timber crib structure, dates back to the early 1600s and may have been the first gristmill ever built on the Farmington River. The dam had long ceased to serve a functional purpose but continued to impede the river's natural process, blocked access for migratory fish, created localized erosion and scour, presented an obstacle for paddlers and anglers, and posed as a safety hazard. [caption id="attachment_15048" align="alignnone" width="1371"] Pre-Construction, Winchell-Smith Dam and Miss Porter’s School Administration Building. Photo by Farmington River Watershed Association.[/caption] Removing the dam delivers myriad benefits to the ecological landscape and surrounding community. Most significantly, it reopens 30 miles of historic spawning habitat for species such as American shad, alewife, blueback herring, sea lamprey, and American eel, and provides unobstructed access to the upper reaches of the river and its tributaries. The restored river channel will support healthier fish populations, stabilize riverbanks, reestablish important wildlife habitat, and improve water quality. Additionally, the project enhances public safety by eliminating a hazardous low-head dam and expands opportunities for nature-based recreation along this cherished waterway. The photos below, taken by Princeton Hydro Senior Fluvial Geomorphologist Casey Clapsaddle, show the rapid progress being made at the Winchell-Smith Dam site: [gallery columns="2" link="none" size="medium" ids="18225,18228,18226,18227"] A Decade in the Making Princeton Hydro's involvement at the Winchell-Smith Dam site dates back to 2009, when the engineering team worked with FRWA to complete early assessments and developed a design for a nature-like fishway. Funding constraints and the dam's continued deterioration ultimately made full removal the only viable option. With funding support from CTDEEP Fisheries, the effort to fully remove Winchell-Smith Dam was finally able to advance. Princeton Hydro provided comprehensive engineering services, including site investigation and geomorphic inspection, wetland delineation, hydrologic assessment and hydraulic modeling, permitting, and construction oversight. The removal of the Winchell-Smith Dam is part of a larger restoration plan initiated by FRWA and Princeton Hydro, which included the removal of the Spoonville Dam. The 35-foot-high concreate dam once stood as the first barrier to fish passage on the Farmington River. Photos from the Spoonville Dam Removal in 2009: [gallery link="none" ids="10435,10441,10440"] Honoring History & Celebrating the Future While the Winchell-Smith Dam itself is being dismantled, its history will not be lost. Timbers from the structure are being preserved and repurposed for educational objectives, honoring the site's industrial legacy while celebrating its ecological renewal. Rocks and boulders from the dam will also be used to restore the river location, constructing a riffle-like condition in the riverbed. The project also aims to foster the next generation of environmental stewards by engaging the students at Miss Porter's School and local public schools. Throughout the process, students are participating in hands-on activities that deepen their understanding of river restoration and introduce them to STEM subjects like engineering and ecology. As demolition progresses, partners, community members, and environmental advocates are celebrating the return of a free-flowing Farmington River and looking forward to its continued transformation. Stay tuned to for more updates! To learn more about FRWA, visit their website or click here to read our Client Spotlight blog featuring Executive Director Aimee Petras. This blog was updated on October 15, 2025. [post_title] => Restoring the Farmington River: Winchell-Smith Dam Removal is Complete! 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The Winchell-Smith Dam on the Farmington River in Connecticut has been removed! This long-anticipated project, spearheaded by the Farmington River Watershed Association (FRWA), is a major milestone in the restoration of the Farmington River. The full removal and restoration effort, which began on September 8, reconnects 30 miles of critical upstream habitat.
The effort is the result of a robust collaboration among project partners, following years of persistence and careful planning to turn a long-standing vision for the Farmington River into reality. Under the leadership of FRWA, the project partners include Miss Porter's School, the current dam owner; Princeton Hydro, providing engineering, design and project oversight; RiverLogic Solutions; CTDEEP Fisheries; and the Town of Farmington. Together, these partners are advancing ecological restoration, community safety, and recreation access along one of New England's most celebrated rivers.
The Farmington River, a designated "Partnership Wild & Scenic River," flows for nearly 47 miles along its main stem in northwest Connecticut, with major tributaries extending into southwest Massachusetts. It's longest route, originating from the West Branch, stretches 80.4 miles, making it the longest tributary of the Connecticut River. Its watershed spans more than 600 square miles, providing critical drinking water to hundreds of thousands of people, supporting a world-class trout fishery, and serving as a vital habitat for a variety of resident and migratory species. Nearly 79 miles of the river are federally protected for their outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values.
The Winchell-Smith Dam, a 200-foot-wide, 4-foot-high, low-head timber crib structure, dates back to the early 1600s and may have been the first gristmill ever built on the Farmington River. The dam had long ceased to serve a functional purpose but continued to impede the river's natural process, blocked access for migratory fish, created localized erosion and scour, presented an obstacle for paddlers and anglers, and posed as a safety hazard.
Removing the dam delivers myriad benefits to the ecological landscape and surrounding community. Most significantly, it reopens 30 miles of historic spawning habitat for species such as American shad, alewife, blueback herring, sea lamprey, and American eel, and provides unobstructed access to the upper reaches of the river and its tributaries. The restored river channel will support healthier fish populations, stabilize riverbanks, reestablish important wildlife habitat, and improve water quality. Additionally, the project enhances public safety by eliminating a hazardous low-head dam and expands opportunities for nature-based recreation along this cherished waterway.
The photos below, taken by Princeton Hydro Senior Fluvial Geomorphologist Casey Clapsaddle, show the rapid progress being made at the Winchell-Smith Dam site:
Princeton Hydro's involvement at the Winchell-Smith Dam site dates back to 2009, when the engineering team worked with FRWA to complete early assessments and developed a design for a nature-like fishway. Funding constraints and the dam's continued deterioration ultimately made full removal the only viable option. With funding support from CTDEEP Fisheries, the effort to fully remove Winchell-Smith Dam was finally able to advance.
Princeton Hydro provided comprehensive engineering services, including site investigation and geomorphic inspection, wetland delineation, hydrologic assessment and hydraulic modeling, permitting, and construction oversight.
The removal of the Winchell-Smith Dam is part of a larger restoration plan initiated by FRWA and Princeton Hydro, which included the removal of the Spoonville Dam. The 35-foot-high concreate dam once stood as the first barrier to fish passage on the Farmington River.
While the Winchell-Smith Dam itself is being dismantled, its history will not be lost. Timbers from the structure are being preserved and repurposed for educational objectives, honoring the site's industrial legacy while celebrating its ecological renewal. Rocks and boulders from the dam will also be used to restore the river location, constructing a riffle-like condition in the riverbed.
The project also aims to foster the next generation of environmental stewards by engaging the students at Miss Porter's School and local public schools. Throughout the process, students are participating in hands-on activities that deepen their understanding of river restoration and introduce them to STEM subjects like engineering and ecology.
As demolition progresses, partners, community members, and environmental advocates are celebrating the return of a free-flowing Farmington River and looking forward to its continued transformation. Stay tuned to for more updates!
To learn more about FRWA, visit their website or click here to read our Client Spotlight blog featuring Executive Director Aimee Petras.
Welcome to the latest edition of our Client Spotlight series, which provides an inside look at our collaboration, teamwork, and accomplishments with one of our client partners.
Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Farmington River Watershed Association (FRWA).
The FRWA is a citizen-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1953 by a group of concerned citizens and community leaders to address the long-term degradation of the Farmington River. FRWA is committed to protecting, maintaining, and revitalizing the Farmington River and its watershed.
Farmington River runs for 46.7 miles along its main stem in northwest Connecticut, with major tributaries extending into southwest Massachusetts. Its longest route, originating from the West Branch, stretches 80.4 miles, making it the longest tributary of the Connecticut River. The watershed covers 609 square miles, supporting a variety of cold-water resident fish species and important habitats for migratory fish. It also serves as a critical public drinking water supply for hundreds of thousands of people in the Hartford region. Additionally, the West Branch of the Farmington is highly regarded for its exceptional trout fishery.
For this Client Spotlight, we spoke with FRWA Executive Director Aimee Petras via Zoom.
“FRWA addresses a range of challenges facing the Farmington River, including water quality, water distribution, habitat restoration, recreation, open space conservation, and the protection of wetlands and floodplains. We are dedicated to protecting and preserving the natural resources of the Farmington River Watershed through research, education, advocacy, and restoration.”
“Through research initiatives, we establish a comprehensive scientific understanding of watershed functions and health. We educate the public, government and business communities about the importance of a healthy river system. We advocate at the local, state and federal level for policies and actions that ensure the long-term protection of our watershed resources. And, we plan and implement restoration projects with long-lasting positive impacts on the river and surrounding ecosystems, engaging in hands-on stewardship through activities like fish habitat restoration, stormwater runoff reduction, and re-vegetating streambanks with native plants.”
"The Farmington River is one of the first designated 'Partnership Wild & Scenic Rivers.' Its protection is ensured through the combined efforts of federal, state, and local governments, along with various organizations dedicated to preserving the river's health. Currently, 78.6 miles of the Farmington River are safeguarded under two different designations. The Upper Farmington River has a 15.1-mile designation, and the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook, cover 61.7 miles.”
“To earn the 'Wild and Scenic' designation, a river must possess at least one 'outstandingly remarkable' natural, cultural, or recreational value as defined by the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. This recognition is a significant achievement that our organization is extremely proud of."
Click here to learn about the National Wild & Scenic Rivers designation.
Click here to learn more about FRWA's Rainbow Dam removal advocacy and related river protection initiatives.
"Removing the dam also restored natural river flow rates and enabled American shad, alewife, and blueback herring to swim upstream through Tariffville Gorge, accessing over 20 additional miles of river. Additionally, this removal uncovered a historically scenic waterfall at a popular fishing site, replacing the neglected dam with a beautiful natural feature."
“The removal of Winchell-Smith Dam restores access for aquatic organisms to a 30-mile stretch of the Farmington River upstream of the dam within the Connecticut River watershed. This area is a historic spawning habitat for species such as American shad, alewife, blueback herring, sea lamprey, and American eel. Removing the dam helps prevent local erosion and scour, clear barriers for migratory fish, eliminate hazards for river users, and repurpose existing timbers for historic preservation and educational purposes.”
To read the complete Pequabuck River Watershed Based Plan that Princeton Hydro developed for FRWA, click here.
“As a nonprofit organization, we continually seek support for our efforts. We encourage anyone interested to visit our website to learn about our programs, explore our research, access water quality reports, and understand our mission and priorities. There are numerous ways to get involved with FRWA, including donating, volunteering, participating in educational programs, or applying for internships. We are grateful to everyone who joins us in our mission to protect and restore our beautiful river.”
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