W I L D & S C E N I C

Fourth in a series of newsletters to keep the community informed about Wild & Scenic Study process

Inside this issue… Issue # 4 Summer 2009

Focus on: Native Americans Economic Study Meet the Committee of the Farmington Valley Studies measure Members Archaeological record and oral economic impact of Committee members from history reveal settlement the Granby and East Granby patterns share their stories Page 2 Page 3 Page 5

Kayak Races Return to the Tariffville Gorge

Serious competitive sport in which the competitors pass through ruled the day and spilled over to attendees. kayaking returned to the “gates” (or two poles spaced about 3 feet Tariffville Gorge area of apart suspended from wires strung across the The Triple Crown was organized largely by the Farmington River this river) along the length of the course. Most of Jamie McEwan with lots of help from Frank spring!! The New England the 21 strategically placed gates had to be Haviland, Andy Kuhlberg, Keech Leclair and Whitewater Triple Crown passed through going downriver, but a few Pete Cassebeer. Jamie won a bronze medal Championship, sanctioned required the kayaker to pass through the gate in the 1972 Olympics, was a World Cup by USA Canoe/Kayak, and going upstream. Racers were timed, but Champion in 1988, and competed in the 1992 took place the last weekend points were subtracted for missing gates. Olympics. Community support was quite in April. It was titled “Triple Crown” The course was tough, with many expert evident at the events. The Tariffville Gorge because the competition was divided into boaters missing some well-placed gates. The provides an invaluable combination of three distinct events. The Championship third event was freestyle. In this case, the convenient access and first-class whitewater. drew quite a few top notch competitors, kayakers were required to perform tricks or And don’t worry—if you missed out on this including former and current Olympians and maneuvers within a given amount of time year’s excitement, the 2010 Triple Crown is some of the world’s top play boaters. While while on a designated wave or “hydraulic”. already being planned! For more boaters had good representation, Points were assigned based on difficulty for information, visit:www.tvilletriplecrown.com competitors came from as far away as spins, cartwheels, or flips/loops, with the Story by: Mike Krammen Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Tennessee, requirement that competitors remain in the and Canada. The weather and water level “hole” following the trick. A knowledgeable Photos: Bill Duncan & Mike Krammen were superb for a fun filled happening. The emcee kept spectators informed of event Gorge first saw serious slalom-racing back in progress throughout. the 1960’s, including hosting the U.S. Team Trials and an Olympic Trials qualifier race. The Saturday events were open to all Spectators of the Triple Crown were able to registered competitors. Competition on get up close, with the river banks crowded Sunday was limited to competitors with top down near the beach. point totals. The overall point leader on Sunday, after combining the scores from each What were the three racing events? The wild event, won a $1000 prize in each of the water event was a flat out race from a starting men’s and women’s categories. Eric “EJ” point in Tariffville to just below the Jackson, four time World Freestyle Kayak Spoonville dam. The racers were ranked on Champion, 1992 Olympian, and co-founder their times to complete the course. Next was of Jackson Kayak, won the men’s prize. a slalom race from a starting point in Katrina Van Wijk, a Canadian Slalom Tariffville to the beach area just past the play Champion in 2007, won the woman’s prize. Competitors get ready to ride the rapids as hole, a spot where kayakers practice rolls and The kayaking community is pretty close, and spectators take in the thrills from the shore. other moves. Slalom racing is an Olympic while the competition was stiff, camaraderie www.lowerfarmingtonriver.org / www.salmonbrookwildandscenic.org W I L D & S C E N I C

Focus on: Native Americans & the Farmington River

Thousands of years ago, ancient hunters and villages in Windsor, Farmington, and England Indians to land given by the Oneidas gatherers followed herds of animals along the Simsbury. of New York. In 1773 Farmington Indians fast flowing and winding little river that we signed letters urging other tribes to join the call the Farmington. These ancient people The Pequot War (1636-1638) not only ended move. Four of them petitioned the House of were led by the rhythms of nature, and were the power and culture of the Pequots, but also Representatives, asking for a Colony Law spiritually connected to earth, sky and water. affected Indians throughout Connecticut, Book to use as a guide in the new land. Information about their lives is based on including the Farmington Valley, bringing archaeological evidence and oral histories increasing Colonial control. King Philip’s In 1785 the new tribe, “Brothertown” was carried from generation to generation. War (1675-1676) became the final attempt of formed in New York, uniting educated, the Indians to fight for the land and identity Christianized Indians from 7 tribes, Many artifacts have been found along the lost to Colonial advancement. During this Farmington Indians, Mohegans, Farmington River and its tributaries. war the English Massacoe Plantation by the Narragansetts, Niantics, Groton Pequots, Campsites and rock shelters have been Farmington River in Simsbury was burned Stonington Pequots, and Montauks. Soon located on glacial terraces above the river, in and destroyed by King Philip and his after, Stockbridge Mohicans (which also upland areas and near soapstone quarries. warriors. At this time most of the Massacoe included Indians from the Farmington River Near the junction of the Pequabuck River and Indians, who were friendly to the Colonists, Valley) settled on land adjacent to the the Farmington River in Farmington was a moved to the Housatonic River area and later Brothertown. major camping and trading center. many moved to the Indian town in Archaeological digs there have yielded over Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Both the Brothertown and Stockbridge 100 fire hearths and piles of stone materials. people were forced off their New York lands, and after long journeys and many hardships, The site was visited repeatedly by ancient found land in Wisconsin. The Stockbridge people over thousands of years. It was most Munsee Band of Mohicans was federally frequented in the Middle Archaic Period recognized many years ago and have a large (6000 TO 4000 B.C.). Three major Indian reservation in Wisconsin. The Brothertown trails met here. Native people traveled long Indian Nation which was the first Indian tribe distances on trails which usually followed in the country to receive U.S. citizenship is rivers and streams. The North West Path, finally on the Active List for Federal which approximately follows Route 44, was a As Indian life changed irreversibly, Indians Acknowledgement. They know of their north / south trading route, connecting with from many tribes removed from their original Farmington Valley heritage. It is also our trails that went up into New York State. lands, came to the Farmington Valley. The cultural heritage. local Tunxis Tribe became part of a larger During the Woodland Period (1000 B.C. to group called “Farmington Indians”. Many Cynthia Griggs is a Canton representative to Contact with Europeans) agriculture was educated Farmington Indians were involved the Wild & Scenic Study Committee and is introduced and people planted gardens of in planning an Indian emigration movement the Eastern Historian to the Stockbridge corn, squash and beans (called “the three to New York under the leadership of the Munsee Band of Mohicans and the sisters), as well as other crops. Corn replaced Mohegan Indian Minister, Samson Occom, Brothertown Indian Nation. The acorns and hickory nuts as diet staples. Bows and Joseph Johnson, a Mohegan teacher at Brothertown recently honored her with a gift and arrows replaced spears for hunting. the Farmington Indian School. The of the "Circle of Life" blanket, and a special Wigwams were constructed in a village Farmington River Valley had a very award as a "Friend of the Brothertown". setting. English Colonists encountered large important role in the emigration of New Photo contributed by Wanda Colman Connecticut’s Rich Geologic Past Detailed in New Book

Professor Emeritus Jelle Zeilinga de Boer from Wesleyan University, who spoke to the Wild and Scenic Study Committee about the bedrock geology of the lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook, has a new book, Stories in Stone, which relates the history and culture of Connecticut to the state’s geology.

The University Press of New England website offers the following description of the book: In a series of entertaining essays, geoscientist Jelle Zeilinga de Boer describes how early settlers discovered and exploited Connecticut’s natural resources. Their successes as well as failures form the very basis of the state’s history. For example, the Statue of Liberty, a quintessential symbol of America, rests on Connecticut’s Stony Creek granite. Stories in Stone describes the marvel of Connecticut’s geologic diversity and also recounts the impact of past climates, earthquakes, and meteorites on the lives of the people who made Connecticut their home. It is available from University of New England Press, www.upne.com. www.lowerfarmingtonriver.org / www.salmonbrookwildandscenic.org W I L D & S C E N I C

Wild & Scenic: Economic Impact

River Recreation Enhances Local mailed surveys. Based on the information come to Tariffville Gorge, which is a Economy, Real Estate Market, obtained, the researchers estimate over regional white-water kayaking destination. Quality of Life 124,000 recreational visits to the Study committee members familiar with the watercourses or their corridors per year. Gorge feel its economic impact was A recently completed study in ten towns of This estimate was described as “very underestimated.” the lower Farmington watershed shows very conservative” because it excludes early strong support for a Wild and Scenic River morning and evening hours and the months Although the economic impact of the river is designation for the lower Farmington River of November through April. Walking or not as large as the Study Committee had and Salmon Brook. The study targeted jogging is apparently the most common hoped, it still has substantial economic residents, recreational river users and pursuit along the river. Biking, dog walking, importance. Local proprietor Sue Warner businesses. The study also showed that and paddling sports are also common. commented, “The vitality of the Farmington these river corridors are heavily used by River is critical to Collinsville. The local residents, adding to local quality of life About 73% of recreational users who Farmington River attracts visitors from all and to real estate values. responded strongly agree that the river or over the state as well as New York and brook contributes a lot of beauty to the area, Massachusetts. Collinsville Canoe & Kayak The study was conducted by Dr. Ben Tyson, as do about 62% of the residents surveyed. depends on the clean waterway for hundreds Dr. James Thorson and graduate student Both groups look to a Wild and Scenic river of lessons and rentals every season. The David Maliar, through the Center for Public designation as an “important” or “very town and our business would not thrive Policy and Social Research at Central important” way to preserve the beauty of the without the river.” Connecticut State University, and was river/brook, to preserve open space and to funded by the . It is improve fish and wildlife habitat. Studying the relationship of real estate part of a larger, comprehensive study values to the presence of the river suggests coordinated by the Lower Farmington River/ Economic Impact that home buyers are willing to pay Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study approximately $14,000 extra to be a mile Not surprisingly, the study showed that the Committee, as a step in the 3- to 5-year closer to the Farmington River/Salmon amount of money that river recreation brings process of obtaining National Wild and Brook. The watercourses are clearly into the local economy is smaller than that of Scenic River status for these waterways. Its amenities for which home buyers are willing the upper Farmington River (which was specific purpose was to investigate the “Use to pay. designated a Wild and Scenic River in and Economic Importance of the Lower 1994). Study Committee Chair Sally Rieger Farmington River and Salmon Brook”. explains, “We know the Upper Farmington To Right: draws out-of-state fishermen as well as locals, and they spend on overnight David Maliar accommodations, food, and fishing-related interviews items. This has an economic significance of sunbathers about 3.6 million dollars a year, according to along the a study similar to ours that was released in Salmon Brook 2003. The corresponding figure for the Conducted from May through October 2008, Photos lower Farmington and Salmon Brook is contributed by the project involved personal interviews, between 1.2 and 1.6 million. But,” she Wanda Colman counts of people engaged in recreation at 30 added, “we need to look more closely at the locations along the river and brook, and local economic effect of the kayakers who Stay Informed about the Wild & Scenic Process

The Wild & Scenic Study Committee continues to actively seek the opinions and input of 2009 Community Forum landowners, river users, and town and state officials. Please plan to attend one of the three Dates and Locations: Community Forums scheduled for this fall to learn more about the study process. This will October 15: 5 to 8:30 pm—Canton also be an opportunity to provide input to the development of the advisory Management Community Center Plan. The Management Plan will serve as a guidance document for effective protection of the Outstanding Resource Values (Geology, Water Quality, Biological Diversity, Cultural October 29: 5 to 8:30 pm—East Granby Landscape and Recreation). Community Center November 5: 5 to 8:30 pm—Farmington For more information on the study, please contact Sally Rieger, Study Chair, at 860-658- 7317 or at [email protected] or Joyce Kennedy Raymes, Study Coordinator at Public Library 860-658-4222 x203 or at [email protected]. Stop by for a visit!

www.lowerfarmingtonriver.org / www.salmonbrookwildandscenic.org W I L D & S C E N I C

All About: LULA Training Workshops

LULA Training – “Building Communities of Simsbury, the Hartford Foundation, the During town breakout sessions participants One Conversation at a Time” Farmington River Watershed Association, were tasked with: 1.)identifying threats to and the Wild & Scenic Study Committee. local resources and 2.)suggesting tools for A series of four Land Use Leadership The program is designed to fit local needs resource management within the Wild & Alliance (LULA) training workshops were and concerns of the communities attending. Scenic study area. The input provided by recently conducted for about 35 town leaders LULA trainers demonstrate how participants will be used to help develop the including town staff , members of boards and Connecticut’s enabling legislation can be Management Plan, the advisory document commissions and representatives from other used to strengthen regulations that protect that will guide river conservation work if the organizations of the ten Wild & Scenic natural resources. They also teach the use of streams gain the Study towns. The program was developed by collaborative techniques in the community to Wild & Scenic the Pace University Land Use Law Center achieve low impact development. The designation. and was locally sponsored by the Connecticut workshops are designed to empower Department of Environmental Protection, the To Left: Participants participants to return to their communities listen to one of many National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s better equipped to deal with change and use speakers at the 2009 LULA Long Island Sound Futures Fund, the Town consensus in reaching land use decisions. Training workshop

Featured Towns: Granby & East Granby

GRANBY—Glacial eras have been kind to Connecticut in carving remarkably diverse and beautiful terrain and none more so than in the northland town of Granby. While residential development has proliferated since Granby's split with Simsbury in 1786, the real essence of the town lies in its vast protected open spaces, western highlands and high quality watersheds.

A centerpiece is the privately managed McLean Game Refuge. The significance of its holding of over 4200 acres is magnified by its conti- nuity with Granby Land Trust property as well as with land managed by DEP to the west, Enders State Forest. If the property were merely faceless land, little more might be said. But the terrain is wonderfully diverse, ranging from the steep sloped northern and western highlands with their granite outcrops, McLean's meandering eskers, occasional kettle ponds and vernal pools, and, lastly the east and west branches of Salmon Brook. Approximately 95 percent of Granby is made up of the Salmon Brook watershed. The west branch tumbles out of forests in East Hartland over Enders cataracts and into West Granby. The cool, richly oxygenated waters provide idyllic fishing opportunities as well as habitat for breeding native brook trout. The east branch descends from Granville and journeys through a similar passage on its flow to the Farmington River in East Granby. Granby's natural heritage is open to all.

EAST GRANBY— In 1645 John Griffin of Windsor gave the land that would later become known as East Granby when it formed as a town in 1858. The area was previously known as the Turkey Hills District, first of Simsbury and later Granby. History of the area is shared with the Agawams, Poquonocks and Massacoes; Native Americans that hunted and had seasonal camps. The basalt ridge that runs from the Farmington River north to Suffield divides the town into east and west sections, giving rise to one of the best vistas along the . The trail overlooks Newgate Prison, the first location of copper mining in the U.S. Later the mine became a prison during the Revolu- tionary War. An 18th century smallpox cemetery can also be found on the trail.

The falls between Tariffville and Hatchet Hill was a natural fording place and important industry center. Here businesses developed on both sides of the river. The Case grist and lumber mills operated for much of the 19th century. A spoon manufacturing factory was the location of the first silver plating operation in the U.S. The falls was also a noted location of baptisms.

The Farmington Canal and later the railroads left their mark on the landscape. Today these paths are part of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail system.

Thanks to Dick Caley and Tom Howard

www.lowerfarmingtonriver.org / www.salmonbrookwildandscenic.org W I L D & S C E N I C

Meet the Committee Members

Community leadership and involvement in the study process are critical for its success. This column highlights the hardworking committee members that have an active role in the process.

Carolyn Flint—Granby Michael Krammen—East Granby This coming December will mark Michael is a member of the Lower Carolyn’s 50th year living in Granby. Farmington Wild & Scenic River Study During all those years, she has enjoyed Committee. Mike and his wife, Director the benefits of Salmon Brook. As a new of the East Granby Library, have resided teacher, she cooled off in the shallows of in East Granby for over 26 years, raising Salmon Brook on Canal Street. Later, she three children near the Tariffville Gorge would take her toddlers to the sandy area by the brook in McLean section of the Farmington River. With a Refuge. In addition, she has been able to live very close to the B.S. degree in Science Engineering from Northwestern University brook and observe its wildlife daily. While her work life has in Evanston, Illinois and advanced degrees in Nuclear Engineering always centered on education, her after-work life focused on the from M.I.T., he works as a nuclear engineer at Westinghouse in environment. She is a charter member of the Stream Team, which Windsor, Connecticut. Mike and his family have a very active became the Salmon Brook Watershed Association. She is interest in the Farmington River, on and around which they have currently on the Granby Conservation Commission. enjoyed numerous activities such as tubing, kayaking, fishing and hiking.

Eric Lukingbeal—Granby David W. Tolli—Granby A Williams College and University of Dave is a retired nuclear engineer. Virginia Law School graduate, Eric now Dave and his wife Nancy have been works as a partner in the law firm of Robinson married for 43 years and have two and Cole LLP in Hartford. In addition to his married children and two young professional contribution to environmental grandchildren. Dave grew up in legal issues, Eric has a strongly vested interest Plainville and enjoys a multitude of in his community and surrounding activities, including hiking, biking, environment. Currently, Eric serves on the golf, photography, skiing, kayaking and reading, to name just a Granby Inland Wetlands and Watercourses few! In addition to being Chair of the Granby Inland Wetlands Commission, the Granby Open Space Committee, the Connecticut and Watercourses Commission, he is treasurer of the Salmon Tree Protection Examining Board, as well as serving as the Vice Brook Watershed Association & Granby Republicans. He does President of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association and as some writing and photography work for The Granby Drummer President of Holcomb Farm Learning Center Boards. and been to all 50 states and parts of Asia & Europe.

Ian Clark—East Granby Quick Facts About the Lower Farmington River

Upon graduating from Missouri and Salmon Brook Study Area University in 1961, Ian joined Combustion Engineering in Windsor, •There are a billion years of earth history in a 35.1 which subsequently became a part of square mile area. ABB. He retired from ABB in 1998 •Of the 12 possible mussel species found in southern after a career in engineering, supervisory New England, all have populations in the Farmington and management roles. Ian and his wife Carolyn raised their River. family in East Granby. His many interests include music, •Salmon Brook is one the last true cold water fisheries in ballroom dancing, photography, hiking, canoeing, cycling, cross the State of Connecticut supporting thriving, breeding country skiing and bird watching. Vitally interested in the natural populations of brook and brown trout. world and conservation, he is a long time member of the East •The study area has six distinctly different ecoregions. Granby Land Trust and currently sits on the Board of Directors as •The town of Farmington was a significant Underground Stewardship Chairman. Ian is a Coverts Project Cooperator Railroad Station. promoting wildlife habitat protection and sustainable forestry, and •There are well over 124,000 recreational visits to the is actively involved in habitat improvement projects for the Land Farmington River and Salmon Brook each year. Trust and Hartford Audubon Society.

www.lowerfarmingtonriver.org / www.salmonbrookwildandscenic.org Wild & Scenic Study / FRWA NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE 749 Hopmeadow Street PAID SIMSBURY, CT Simsbury, CT 06070 PERMIT NO. 26

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Lower Farmington River & Salmon Brook Wild & Scenic Study Issue # 4 Summer 2009

W I L D & S C E N I C

About the Study Committee…

The Study Committee’s membership includes locally appointed representatives from each town in the study area, and representatives from The Stanley Works, CT Department of Environmental Protection (CT DEP), National Park Service, the Farmington River Watershed Association (FRWA), the Tariffville Village Association (TVA), Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA), Pequabuck River Watershed Association (PRWA) and the Salmon Brook Watershed Association (SBWA). Avon: Granby: The Stanley Works: Diane Field*-Riparian Landowner Carolyn Flint*-Conservation Commission Kurt Link*-Lean, Productivity & Facilities Mgr.,

Harry Spring*-Former Inland Wetlands Eric Lukingbeal*-Land-use attorney, Wetlands TSW

Commissioner Commission member FRWA:

Rob House-Conservationist Sarah Hinks*-FRWA Board, Volunteer Hartland: Eileen Fielding*-FRWA Executive Director Bloomfield: Sue Murray*-Hartland Plan of C&D Committee, Paula Jones*-Conservationist Aimee Petras-FRWA Staff Hartland Land Trust CFPA: Kevin Gough*-Conservationist Kathy Dunn*-Hartland Land Trust Eric Hammerling*-Executive Director

Burlington: Paul Rochford*-Burlington Land Trust Simsbury: TVA:

Sally Rieger*-Simsbury Land Trust, FRWA Thomas Small*-Burlington Land Trust Wanda Colman-Member, Photographer Volunteer Canton: Margery Winters*-Simsbury Inland Wetlands & SBWA: Cynthia Griggs-Conservationist David Tolli*-SBWA Board Conservation Commission David Leff*-Author, Former Deputy Suzanne Battos-Conservationist PRWA:

Commissioner of DEP Mary Moulton-PRWA President East Granby: Windsor: CT DEP: Ian Clark*-East Granby Land Trust Frank Davis*-Chair, Conservation Commission, Susan Peterson* Mike Krammen*-Engineer Riparian Landowner Maryann Nusom Haverstock* Farmington: Betsy Conger-Loomis Chafee School Science Walter Sargent*-Executive Director, Farmington Dept. National Park Service: Jamie Fosburgh-Rivers Program Manager Land Trust Terry Langevin-Friends of Northwest Park Board Member Joyce Kennedy Raymes-Study Coordinator Larry Schlegel*-Angler Josef Treggor-Ecologist/Educator, MERA Melissa Vanek-Environmental/Science Educator * Officially Appointed