National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior
Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic River Study Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 Photo: Wanda Colman
Front Cover Photos: Tom Cameron, Wanda Colman, Bill Duncan, Joyce Kennedy Raymes Back Cover Photo: Tom Cameron Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic River Study Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011
Department of the Interior National Park Service Northeast Region 15 State Street Boston, MA 02109-3572 Tel: 617-223-5191
National Park Service Northeast Region 200 Chestnut Street, 3FL Philadelphia, PA 19106 Tel: 215-597-6482
For more information and color version visit http://www.lowerfarmingtonriver.org or contact: Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Committee C/o FRWA 749 Hopmeadow Street Simsbury, CT 06070 860 658 4442
The National Park Service is deeply indebted to the Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Committee for their long-term service and for guiding this study to completion. Thanks also to the support of many additional volunteers and partners, including citizens, and town, state and federal officials whose support, assistance and commitment made this study possible. Please see the Farmington River and Salmon Brook Management Plan for a more complete listing of the many groups and individuals that contributed to the study. Chuck Barscz, National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program Division Chief, National Park Service Jamie Fosburgh, Northeast Region Rivers Program, New England Team Leader, National Park Service Joyce Kennedy Raymes, Wild and Scenic Study Coordinator Jeff Bolton, FRWA GIS Specialist Linda Goldsmith Design, Harwinton, CT, Graphic Design
National Park Service i Photo: Tom Cameron
ii Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 Contents
Summary—Principal Findings...... V 3.C. Outstandingly Remarkable Values...... 17 Eligibility...... v Geology...... 17 Classification...... v Water Quality...... 20 Suitability...... v Biological Diversity...... 21 Alternatives Considered...... v Cultural Landscape...... 23 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Recreation...... 28 Management Plan...... vi 3.D. Classification...... 28 Support for Designation...... vi 3.E. Conclusions on Eligibility and Classification.29 Partnership Wild and Scenic River Designation.vi Chapter 4: Suitability Findings and Chapter 1: Background...... 1 Management Context...... 30 1.A. Wild and Scenic Rivers Program...... 1 4.A. Principle Factors of Suitability...... 30 1.B. Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Study Existing Protections...... 30 History and Methods...... 2 4.B.1 Regulatory Protections...... 30 History...... 2 Local...... 31 Study Committee...... 2 State...... 32 Study Approach...... 3 Federal...... 32 Partnership Rivers...... 3 4.B.2 Open Space and Land Conservation...... 34 Study Goals and Methods...... 4 4.B.3 Other Supporting Programs...... 35 General...... 4 Watershed Associations...... 35 Research...... 5 Local Land Trusts...... 35 Outreach and Education...... 6 Non-Regulatory State Programs...... 35 Management Plan...... 7 4.C. Management Framework...... 37 Management Plan...... 37 4.D. Support for River Protection and National Chapter 2: Description of the Study Wild and Scenic Designation...... 38 Area...... 8 4.E. Evidence of Support...... 38 2.A. Regional Setting...... 8 Study Committee...... 38 2.B. Watershed Characteristics...... 8 Local...... 38 General Description...... 8 State of Connecticut...... 39 Ecology and Natural Communities...... 8 Non-Governmental...... 39 Land Use and Ownership Patterns...... 9 4.F. Effects of Designation...... 40 General Effects—Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Model...... 40 Chapter 3: Eligibility and Specific Effects—Collinsville and Rainbow Dam Classification...... 12 Areas...... 40 3.A. Eligibility and Classification Criteria...... 12 4.G. Summary of General Findings of Suitability .45 3.A.1 Outstandingly Remarkable Values...... 12 4.H. Segment-By-Segment Suitability Findings....45 Nationally and Regionally Significant Values... 12 4.I. Summary...... 46 Values Significant in Aggregate...... 12 Defining “River-Related” Values...... 12 3.A.2 Free-Flowing...... 13 Chapter 5: Environmental 3.A.3 Classification Criteria...... 13 Assessment...... 48 3.B. Eligibility and Preliminary Classification...... 13 5.A. Introduction...... 48 3.B.1 Free-Flowing Determination...... 13 5.B. Project Description...... 48 General Streamflow Conditions...... 13 5.C. Purpose and Need for Action...... 48 Inventory and Description of Study Area Dams.14 5.D. Alternatives...... 49 Lower Farmington River Dams and Remnant Alternative A: No Action...... 50 Dams...... 14 Alternative B. Full Designation...... 50 Upper And Lower Collinsville Dams...... 14 Alternative C. Partial Designation...... 51 Winchell-Smith/Gristmill Dam...... 14 Variations on Alternatives...... 51 Spoonville Dam...... 15 Features Common to the No Action, Full Rainbow Dam and Reservoir...... 16 Designation and Partial Designation East Branch Salmon Brook...... 16 Alternatives...... 51 Forman Pond Dam...... 17 Alternatives Considered and Rejected Prior to First Pond Dam...... 17 the Wild and Scenic Study...... 53 Conclusions...... 17
National Park Service iii 5.E. Identification of Environmentally Preferable Alternative...... 53 5.F. Affected Environment...... 54 5.G. Impact of Alternatives...... 54 5.H. Impact of Alternatives Table...... 55 5.I. Cumulative Impacts...... 63 5.J. Public Involvement, Consultations and Coordination...... 64 5.K. Local Support for Management Plan and Wild and Scenic Designation...... 69 5.L. Preparers and Contributors...... 71 5.M. List of Recipients...... 71
FIGURES Figure 1: Wild and Scenic Study Process Flow Chart...... 3 Figure 2: General Location & Study Towns Map...... 9 Figure 3: Land Use Percentages within the Corridor...... 10 Figure 4: Study Corridor Land Cover Values...... 11 Figure 5: U.S. Census Populations from 1990–2009...... 11 Figure 6: Dams and Free-flowing Conditions Map...... 18 Figure 7: Floodplains and Riparian Buffers Map...... 33 Figure 8: The Great Drain...... 34 Figure 9: Open Space/Parks/Recreation Properties Map...... 36 Figure 10: Potential Exclusion Boundaries Upstream of Rainbow Dam...... 42 Figure 11: Eligibility and Suitability Map...... 47 Figure 12: Potential Designation Segments: Environmentally Preferred Alternative B...... 52
APPENDICES Appendix 1: Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Study Act...... 74 Appendix 2: State of Connecticut Wild and Scenic Legislation...... 75 Appendix 3: Record of Endorsements and Support for the Wild and Scenic Designation (State, Towns, Organizations, and Individuals)...... 76 Appendix 4: The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) Support of the Upper Farmington River Wild and Scenic Boundary Change...... 118 Appendix 5: Wild and Scenic Study Outreach and Education Examples...... 119 • Newsletter • Posters and Postcard • Press Releases, Articles, and Other Communications • Land Use Leadership Alliance Workshop Participants • Meeting and Event Schedule Examples
Photo: Tom Cameron
iv Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment October 2011 National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior
Lower Farmington/Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic River Study C/o FRWA 749 Hopmeadow Street Simsbury, CT 06070 860 658 4442 http://www.lowerfarmingtonriver.org/ Summary—Principal Findings
Eligibility non-governmental organizations, as well The Wild and Scenic River Study of the as an endorsement from the Connecticut Lower Farmington River and Salmon General Assembly and Office of the Brook concludes that the lower Farmington Governor, it is concluded that there is River and Salmon Brook are eligible for substantial support for designation under designation into the National Wild and Scenic the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act based on the Rivers System based on their free-flowing Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers model. condition and the presence of one or more • A 2.9 mile segment of the Lower Farmington Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The river River including the Upper and Lower segment that includes the Rainbow Dam and Collinsville Dams is found presently reservoir is found ineligible for designation. unsuitable for designation based on active The Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs) pursuit of an FERC license for hydropower described in this report are Geology, Water generation by the Towns of Canton, Quality, Biological Diversity, Cultural Burlington, and Avon. Landscape, and Recreation. Alternatives Considered Classification This report evaluates two Wild and Scenic The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act provides for River designation alternatives in addition to three possible classifications of eligible river the ‘no action’ Alternative A. segments: wild, scenic, and recreational. The Alternative B: Full Designation. This criteria distinguishing these classifications are alternative would designate all segments of based on the degree of human modification the Lower Farmington River and Salmon of the river and its adjacent shorelines. Based Brook found to meet the criteria for eligibility upon the applicable criteria, National Park and suitability. The total designation length Service (NPS) has assigned a preliminary under this alternative is approximately 63.4 classification of recreational“ ” to the miles. This alternative is identified as the segments of the lower Farmington River and environmentally preferable alternative based Salmon Brook that have been found eligible on providing the maximum protection to for designation. free-flowing river values consistent with the Suitability purposes of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, The Study concludes that approximately 37 and based on the documented support of miles of the lower Farmington River and key local, non-governmental, and state river 26.4 miles of the Salmon Brook are currently management stakeholders. eligible and suitable for designation. Alternative C: Partial Designation. This • Analysis of existing local, state, federal, and alternative would exclude from designation non-regulatory protections applicable to the a 2.2 mile segment of the Lower Farmington lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook River below the Rainbow Dam in Windsor are found to adequately protect the rivers to allow for potential future hydroelectric consistent with the purposes of the Wild and development in this area. This alternative Scenic Rivers Act. The Lower Farmington would also exclude a river segment above the River and Salmon Brook Management Plan Rainbow Dam to allow for potential future developed as a part of the Study provides flashboard alterations. The total designation an appropriate and effective management length under this alternative is approximately framework for the long-term management 61 miles. This alternative is included for and protection of the watercourses. consideration based upon plans of the • Based upon the official record of Stanley Black & Decker Company to consider endorsement from local governing potential hydroelectric development and bodies, citizens, local, and regional alterations to flashboards at some point in the future. National Park Service v Additional Study Findings addition, many of the land use commissions Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook and boards from these communities voted Management Plan to endorse and support as a part of the Development of the Lower Farmington community review process leading up to and Salmon Brook Management Plan official town votes. Local and regional (Management Plan or Plan) has been one organizations have provided support letters of the primary tasks of the Wild and Scenic as well. The Connecticut General Assembly Study Committee (Study Committee or passed legislation and the Governor signed Committee). The Management Plan is the the bill that supports the Wild and Scenic product of an extensive collaborative effort designation and commits the Connecticut between the Study Committee, local citizens, Department of Environmental Protection to land use commissioners, and elected officials. participate as a partner in the implementation The Management Plan contains the vision of the Management Plan if Wild and Scenic and strategy for protecting and enhancing the designation occurs. watercourses and the associated outstanding Partnership Wild and Scenic River resources. Designation The Lower Farmington River and Salmon If the candidate rivers are designated, Brook Wild and Scenic River Study was the Management Plan would serve as the conducted based on the established model of comprehensive river management plan the Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers, that required under Section 3(d)(1) of the Wild and includes both the upper Farmington River and Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA). It functions as a Eightmile River in Connecticut. It is likewise companion document to this Study Report. If important that the NPS supports passage of the rivers are not added to the National Wild legislation to implement a Wild and Scenic and Scenic Rivers System, the Management River designation that follows the Partnership Plan could still serve to provide state and Wild and Scenic River legislative model based local protection to these waterways if local on the findings of this Study and the record stakeholders carry out the recommendations. of public support for designation, including: Support for Designation prohibition on federal condemnation of lands; Between January 2009 and August 2010 the establishment of the Lower Farmington River governing bodies of all ten communities and Salmon Brook Management Plan as the abutting the Study area voted to endorse the Comprehensive Plan required by Section 3(d) Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook of the Wild and Scenic River Act. Governor Jodi Rell signs State Wild and Scenic designation and support the of Connecticut Wild and Scenic implementation of the Management Plan if Legislation into law Wild and scenic designation takes place. In Photo: Don Rieger
vi Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment October 2011 Chapter 1: Background
This chapter provides an introduction to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Study. It includes a review of the project’s history, the study strategy and process, the principal participants, and the major study products and accomplishments.
1.A. Wild and Scenic Rivers Program Each river designated into the national The National Wild and Scenic River System system receives permanent protection from was established by Congress in 1968 to protect federally licensed or assisted dams, diversions, certain outstanding rivers from the harmful channelization or other water projects that effects of new federal projects such as dams would have a direct and adverse effect on its and hydroelectric facilities. Since then 203 free-flowing condition, water quality, and rivers or river segments totaling over 11,000 Outstandingly Remarkable resources, or, for miles have been protected nationwide. To be projects outside the designated segments, that considered “Wild and Scenic” a river must be would invade the segments or unreasonably River designation may diminish the segment’s fish, wildlife, scenic, bring prestige and free-flowing and have at least one river-related outstanding natural, cultural, or recreational or recreational resources. The Wild and recognition to the resource value. Section 1(b) of the Act states: Scenic Rivers Act explicitly prohibits any new region and can boost hydropower dam and related facilities licensed It is hereby declared to be the policy of the by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the local economy United States that certain selected rivers (FERC) on or directly affecting a designated through tourism… of the Nation which, with their immediate river segment. The determination of a environments, possess outstandingly proposed federally assisted water resource remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, project’s or FERC-licensed hydropower fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or project’s potential impacts on the river’s other similar values, shall be preserved in “outstandingly remarkable” values, water free-flowing condition, and that they and quality, and free-flowing condition is made by their immediate environments shall be the federal river administering agency, in this protected for the benefit and enjoyment of case the National Park Service. present and future generations. Studies under the Wild and Scenic Rivers There are only eight Wild and Scenic River Act (WSRA) can bring additional local segments located in New England: the upper benefits such as the preparation of an Farmington and Eightmile in Connecticut; the advisory Management Plan, research studies, Allagash in Maine; the Wildcat and Lamprey and cooperation among numerous river in New Hampshire; and the Westfield, stakeholders. River designation may bring Sudbury-Assabet-Concord, and Taunton prestige and recognition to the region and can in Massachusetts. One additional study is boost the local economy through tourism, ongoing in New England of the Missisquoi possible funding through the National Park River in Vermont. Service, matching grants, in-kind support, and Farmington River angler volunteer assistance. Photo: Wanda Colman Before a river can be added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, it must be found both eligible and suitable. To be eligible, the river must be 1) free-flowing and 2) possess at least one river-related Outstandingly Remarkable Value such as exceptional scenery, fisheries, and wildlife, water quality, or cultural resources. The suitability determination is based on factors such as public support for designation versus conflicting river uses (e.g., hydropower development), evidence of adequate existing resource protection,
National Park Service 1 and lasting protection measures such as Study Committee are documented in the Management Plan. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act states that Local residents, leaders, and organizations congressionally authorized studies “shall must show strong support of their intent to be pursued in as close cooperation with participate in the long-term protection of the appropriate agencies of the affected State river. The eligibility and suitability analyses are and its political subdivisions as possible, presented in the chapters that follow. shall be carried on jointly with such agencies 1.B. Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook if request for such joint study is made by Study History and Methods the State, and shall include a determination History of the degree to which the State or its political subdivisions might participate in In 1994, the upper 14 miles of the Farmington the preservation and administration of the River in Connecticut were designated a river should it be proposed for inclusion in Wild and Scenic River. As the passing years the national wild and scenic rivers system.” proved this designation a success in terms For more than 20 years, the National Park of facilitating river protection through a Service has taken advantage of this direction partnership between residents and the state, when conducting studies bordered by local, and federal governments, interest arose predominantly private and non-federal in securing Wild and Scenic designation for lands by encouraging formation of informal the downstream segment of the river as well. study committees based around state and The lower reach of the Farmington River is local government representation. Such study rich in recreational, historical, and biological committees become an integral part of the values and has an important tributary, the study approach, and the regular participation Salmon Brook, noted to be among the state’s of local and state governments ensures full most significant coldwater resources. Because buy-in to the study process and eventual of these factors, local interest, led by the products. Local and state knowledge is often Farmington River Watershed Association critical to effective and efficient research (FRWA), developed to pursue congressional regarding potential Outstandingly Remarkable authorization for a Wild and Scenic Study Values of the study area, and is absolutely of the lower Farmington River and Salmon essential to the development of local and Brook. Former Congresswoman Nancy state-based management strategies for Johnson and former Senator Chris Dodd protection of such values. Since it is a central were instrumental in securing congressional tenet of such non-federal land river studies authorization for the study. The Study bill was that land-based resource protection must be passed by Congress at the end of 2006. On primarily accomplished through local, state, November 27, 2006 Public Law No. 109-370 and non-governmental action, it is therefore a was signed into law by President Bush. central task of the study committee to develop
Wild and Scenic Study Committee Photo: Sarah Hincks
2 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment October 2011 Research and Analysis of potential Town Presentations and Outstandingly Remarkable Values Events: Outreach and guided by Study Committee education and public input
Study Committee Establishes: protection goals, threats, existing resource protections, and gaps in protection & recommended management strategies
Community Open Houses and Town Land Use Leadership Alliance Leader & Land Use Commission Workshop: Detailed education for & Meetings: Further education and feedback from local leaders outreach and public input
Management Plan Drafting
Land Use Commission Board of Selectmen NPS Drafts Study Report Vote Endorsements and Town Council Vote Endorsements
Figure 1: Wild and Scenic Local Support for Designation Study Process Flow Chart
a locally-based management plan to protect Decker (owner of the Rainbow Dam). Other the important river values being researched organizations that joined the Study Committee and documented throughout the study. through regular participation included the As a part of the discussions that took place Connecticut Forest and Park Association, the prior to congressional authorization of the Pequabuck River Watershed Association and Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Study, the Tariffville Village Association. Additional local community support for the study was input from independent researchers, local preconditioned on the understanding that supporting agencies, professional contractors, such a study committee would be formed as and the general public has ensured the the first step of the study process. Congress study’s progress and comprehensiveness. The passed the Study bill in November of 2006, National Park Service provided staff support, and the locally-based Lower Farmington overall coordination, and technical assistance and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study on the development of the management plan Committee began meeting in April, 2007. document. Sub-committees on Outstanding Committee members were appointed by their Resource Values, Management and Protection, towns, and brought a wealth of knowledge and Outreach and Education helped guide and experience in governmental, ecological, and implement the study process. and organizational processes to the study Study Approach team. Committee members included Partnership Rivers representatives from the ten river towns of The Lower Farmington River and Salmon the study area, the CT DEP, the Farmington Brook Wild and Scenic Study was carried out River Watershed Association, Salmon Brook in “Partnership” with local stakeholders. The Watershed Association, and Stanley Black & National Park Service 3 Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers make up • Land use management is regulated through a subset of rivers in the National Wild and existing local and state authorities, the same Scenic Rivers System. The Partnership Wild as before a designation. and Scenic River approach was developed • Administration and implementation in response to the need for a Wild and of a locally led Management Plan Scenic River Study and designation program is accomplished through a broadly tailored to rivers characterized by extensive participatory management committee, private land ownership along the river, and convened for each river specifically for this well-established traditions of local control purpose. of river management in a community-based • Responsibility for managing and protecting setting. This type of study and designation river resources is shared between the model has a proven track record of effectively local, state, federal, and non-governmental creating river protection strategies that partners on the committee. bring communities together in protecting, enhancing, and managing high value river • Reliance on volunteerism as a key to success. resources. Coordinated private sector, local, • No National Park Service Superintendent, state, and federal government commitments law enforcement, or similar elements of are leveraged through the partnership traditional federally managed units of the approach to achieve efficient and effective National Park System. Plan implementation. The land ownership patterns and local The National Park Service recognizes involvement scheme in the Farmington River 12 Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers and Salmon Brook towns closely matches in eastern states that have gone through conditions that prompted development of similar partnership-based study processes the partnership approach. Therefore, both (coordinated through a locally-based study the study process implemented for this study, committee, as discussed above) and which and the potential Wild and Scenic River share some common post-designation designation model evaluated as a part of the management approaches including: study closely track the precedents established • No reliance on federal ownership of land by the existing Partnership Wild and Scenic in order to achieve the WSRA’s goals of Rivers. For more information about the Study Committee identifies protecting and enhancing river values. National Park Service Partnership Wild and potential Outstandingly Scenic Rivers please visit the website: http:// Remarkable Values www.nps.gov/pwsr/ Study Goals and Methods General The Study Committee with locally appointed representatives from the ten towns of the study area and representatives from other river stakeholder entities was tasked with: 1. Providing local knowledge and expertise to help guide and interpret research on the natural, cultural, and recreational resource values associated with the rivers. This information forms the basis for both Outstandingly Remarkable Value determinations and the Management Plan. 2. Developing a comprehensive local advisory management plan to serve as a blueprint for improved management and conservation of the identified natural, cultural, and recreational values, with technical assistance from the National Park Service. This Plan could serve the river, local communities, state agencies, and other stakeholders
4 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 regardless of whether Wild and Scenic River Major research undertaken during the Wild status is achieved or even sought as a result and Scenic Study to identify ORVs, develop of the study. management schemes, and determine 3. To serve as the focal point for local eligibility and suitability included several community, citizen, and stakeholder studies and authoritative reports: involvement throughout the study process. Use and Economic Importance of the To meet these goals, the Study Committee Lower Farmington River and Salmon conducted extensive research, established Brook: This three-part study surveyed and resource protection priorities, and worked evaluated the recreational use of the lower intensively within the communities to educate Farmington River and Salmon Brook and and gain input for the Management Plan. the watercourse’s impact on local business. Additionally, the researchers studied the Research effect of proximity to the Farmington River Early in the study process, the Study and Salmon Brook on the sale prices of single Committee formed an Outstanding Resource family homes. (Conducted by the Center for Values Sub-committee which established Public Policy and Social Research, Central that a multitude of special resources define Connecticut State University) the Farmington River and Salmon Brook. For example, in 2005 the Farmington Valley Archaeological Assessment of the Lower was highlighted in the book, Nature-Friendly Farmington River and Salmon Brook: Communities, recognizing the area for This assessment described and analyzed the exceptional biodiversity and wildlife habitat, significance of the archaeological resources and for the success of the locally initiated of the lands adjacent to the Farmington Farmington Valley Biodiversity Project. The River and Salmon Brook. The researchers Biodiversity Project laid groundwork for conducted an archaeological sensitivity study the Wild and Scenic Study by documenting of the stream corridors and an eligibility the richness of the river valley’s plant and analysis of the archaeological sites for animal life. With excellent habitat and Outstandingly Remarkable Value status. water quality the river corridor is a haven (Conducted by Dr. Kenneth L. Feder, Ph.D., for diverse and abundant fish populations, Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), unsurpassed freshwater mussel diversity, and Dr. Marc L. Banks, Ph.D., LLC, and Dr. John provides a critical dispersal and migratory Harmon, Ph.D., CCSU) route for both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife Cultural Landscape Study: This study in the region. The exceptional variety of documented, analyzed, and assessed the river-based recreational activities and a rich significance of the important aspects of the cultural heritage were also determined to be Study area’s cultural landscape. (Conducted clear examples of potential Outstandingly by Leah S. Glaser, PhD, Lucas Karmazinas, Remarkable Values (ORVs) worthy of further MA, Diana Sheil, BA) study and evaluation as a part of the Study. Biodiversity and Vernal Pool Mapping The Study Committee identified five distinct Project: This project’s goal was to map vernal potential ORVs which, along with free-flowing pools in study area and analyze and map character and water quality, formed the ecoregions. (Conducted by Farmington River backbone of the study’s investigations. These Watershed Association GIS Specialist Jeff Bolton) five potential ORVs areGeology, Water Geology of the Farmington River Valley: The Quality, Biological Diversity, Cultural unique geology of the watershed was described Landscape, and Recreation. in this report. (Conducted by Connecticut State Research was performed by consultants, Geologist Emeritus Ralph Lewis) academic institutions, Study Committee Tariffville Gorge Hydrologic Study: This members, the State of Connecticut, and study estimated the extent of the current local supporting agencies. The results of Rainbow Dam impoundment, presented the research helped to produce a clear recommendations regarding two different picture of the status of the potential ORVs, potential boundary locations between as well as identifying existing protections the Farmington River’s Wild and Scenic for the potential ORVs and the management designated reach and Rainbow Dam’s outcomes resulting from these protections.
National Park Service 5 Management Issues and Threats: This assessment identified threats to the potential Outstandingly Remarkable Values. (Conducted by Study Committee) Existing Gaps in Protections: Based on the status of existing regulations, plans and programs, gaps between threats to potential Outstandingly Remarkable Values, and the protection goals established were identified. (Conducted by Study Committee) Land Trust Survey: This survey of the ten local land trusts collected information regarding open space protection. (Conducted by Study Committee) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Studies: (Conducted by FRWA GIS Specialist Jeff Bolton) • Viewshed Analysis from the Farmington River and Salmon Brook • Steep Slopes Analysis • Local Basin Percent Impervious Surface Analysis • Core Habitats Analysis • Integrated Natural Resources Analysis • Integrated Natural, Cultural, and Recreational Resources Analysis • Protected Open Space Analysis (focus on Land Trust properties) • Land Use Types Analysis (within river corridor) • Dominant Vegetation Types Analysis (within the river corridor) • Forest Fragmentation Percentages Analysis (entirety of Study Town area) • National Register of Historic Places Analysis (within river corridor)
Town of Canton Community • Archaeological Resources Predictive Study impounded reach, and commented on Open House Many of these studies are available in the potential impacts related to raising the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook existing flashboards on the crest of the Management Plan and Appendices and on Rainbow Dam to some height greater than the Wild and Scenic Study website www. which currently exists. (Conducted by lowerfarmingtonriver.org Princeton Hydro Engineering PC) Outreach and Education Municipal Plan and Regulation Review: A major outreach and education effort This effort identified and assessed existing was conducted throughout the ten-town municipal regulations, plans and programs in study region. The Outreach and Education order to help identify the sufficiency of such Sub-committee led the effort to reach the regulations, plans and programs for protecting leaders and residents of the communities the lower Farmington River and Salmon through a series of meetings, presentations, Brook. (Conducted by Robinson & Cole LLP) open houses, workshops, booths at events,
6 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 newsletters, posters, news articles, and designation should be based solely on mailings. A media plan was developed to voluntary willing seller arrangements. insure that a broad assortment of outreach To facilitate preparation of the Management efforts were used to engage and educate Plan, the Committee established community residents and leaders and gather overarching protection goals for each citizen input for the study, as well as inform potential Outstandingly Remarkable Value the public about the Wild and Scenic Study (ORV). A set of land use and conservation process and milestones. recommendations were identified to facilitate Details of the outreach and education meeting the goals. These efforts fit into an program conducted during the Wild and overall integrated process for developing the Scenic Study are included in Consultations plan—the key steps of which included: and Coordination Chapter. Examples of the 1. Determining existing resource protections outreach and education efforts are included in by engaging consultants to determine the the Appendices of this report. adequacy of those protections through a Management Plan comprehensive review of town regulations, The Study Committee accomplished its major plans, and policies as well as current federal Resource conservation goal by preparing the Management Plan that and state regulations. will function as a blueprint for conservation and protection should 2. Setting protection goals for each resource actions and management practices. It is be fully integrated with value at local, state, and federal levels that intended to provide a guidance framework traditional patterns of (a) meet the Wild and Scenic River Act for local commissions and governments as use, ownership, and requirements of Section 6(c) and 10(a), well as for the Wild and Scenic Committee, which requires protection and enhancement jurisdiction, relying on non-profit organizations, towns, and citizens of the Outstandingly Remarkable Values existing authorities. (if the river receives the federal designation). (ORVs), water quality, and free-flowing The Management Plan is intended to serve characteristics that make the river eligible as the comprehensive plan required for all for designation under the Wild and Scenic designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, as well as Rivers Act, and (b) meet any additional to stand alone regardless of whether the river protection goals deemed appropriate by the gains designation status. Technical assistance Study Committee. and involvement of the National Park Service throughout Plan development made 3. Identifying threats that currently impact preparation of the Plan feasible, and ensured or are likely to impact the potential ORVs that Wild and Scenic Rivers Act objectives and assigning them priorities based on the would be met. significance and likelihood of their potential impact. The State of Connecticut, Study area towns, and other stakeholders comprising the Study 4. Comparing protection goals with known Committee suggested the following guiding and potential threats in order to assess the principles for the Management Plan: effectiveness of existing resource protection and to identify potential gaps in protection. 1. Resource conservation and protection should be fully integrated with traditional 5. Establishing recommended management patterns of use, ownership, and jurisdiction, priorities and strategies based on gaps in relying on existing authorities. protection: Where gaps were identified between existing protection measures 2. Management of the lower Farmington and desired levels of protection, strategies and Salmon Brook should be based on to fill such gaps are recommended in the a cooperatively developed plan that Management Plan. establishes resource protection standards and identifies key actions accomplished The end product of these steps was a series through cooperation among all public and of recommendations in the Management private organizations with an interest in the Plan that the Study Committee intends to river. begin implementing immediately. There also are examples included in the Management 3. If the rivers are added to the National Plan of how the Committee and some towns Wild and Scenic Rivers System, any land have already taken steps to implement Plan conservation initiatives related to this recommendations.
National Park Service 7 Chapter 2: Description Of The Study Area
2.A. Regional Setting mid-Farmington, the river’s historical route The Farmington is the largest tributary to the is blocked by glacial deposits, and it turns Connecticut River and the Salmon Brook is sharply north, traversing Avon and Simsbury the largest tributary to the Farmington. Due along an ancient lakebed. This reach of to its high-quality resources, Salmon Brook the river is called the “bathtub” because of is arguably the most important tributary. its relatively placid flow and broad valley, Salmon Brook joins the Farmington River in bounded on the east by a traprock ridge. At the Town of East Granby. The confluence of Tariffville, the river dramatically exits the the Farmington and Connecticut Rivers is in “bathtub,” punching southeast through a the Town of Windsor which is 55 miles north notch in the ridge, then meanders through of the Long Island Sound, 2.8 miles north of Bloomfield, East Granby, and Windsor before the City of Hartford, and 13.1 miles south of finally entering the Connecticut River. the Massachusetts state line. The Farmington Salmon Brook resembles the upper reaches River Valley is situated about halfway between of the Farmington River, in that it starts in New York and Boston. The towns of the the western highlands of the Study Area and Wild and Scenic Study area include Avon, is generally narrow, swift, and steep sided. Bloomfield, Burlington, Canton, East Granby, The headwaters of the West Branch are in Farmington, Granby, Hartland, Simsbury and Hartland near Sunset Road. The East Branch Windsor. extends into Granville, Massachusetts; 2.B. Watershed Characteristics however, for the purpose of this Management Plan and Wild and Scenic designation, the General Description state line represents the terminus of the The Lower Farmington River presents a sharp East Branch. Salmon Brook flows southeast contrast to its upper reaches in Massachusetts through Hartland, Granby, and East Granby and northern Connecticut. The upper river and has three distinct segments: the main is generally narrow, swift, and steep-sided, stem, 2.4 miles long; the West Branch, 12.6 but as it reaches the beginning of the Study miles; and the East Branch, which is 11.4 miles. Area in Canton and Burlington the river Salmon Brook is a source of clean cold water broadens and slows, flowing southeast toward that contributes to the high water quality and the lowlands of the Town of Farmington. In diversity of life in the lower Farmington River. Tariffville Gorge Photo: Bob Perron It joins the Farmington River in East Granby, above the East Granby/Simsbury town line. Overall, the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook corridors are a remarkable combination of varied geology, healthy forested watershed, excellent fishing and paddling areas, well-kept walking and biking trails, diverse communities of plants, wildlife, fish, and aquatic invertebrates, rich agricultural soils, archaeological sites, historic towns and landmarks, and striking scenic views. The watercourses are exceptional natural and cultural resources. Ecology and Natural Communities The landscapes of the Study area range from low, flat wetland to steep upland and thus support a diverse array of plants, including 19 state-listed species. They also provide a critical dispersal and migratory route for both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. The thriving mammalian community includes bear, fisher, otter, bobcat, fox, coyote, deer, and occasional
8 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 Figure 2: General Location & Study Towns Map moose. A migratory bird survey conducted habitat in the corridor. The Farmington River along the Farmington in spring 2009 alone is considered one of the most important rivers yielded a significantly high species diversity in Connecticut for diadromous fish restoration (Shannon-Weiner Index of 3.0), totaling 2124 and the Salmon Brook the most important individuals of 105 species, including all state tributary to the Farmington for salmon and federally listed raptors as well as a number restoration due to high habitat quality and the of other federally listed wading and perching lack of obstructions to their migration. birds. Notable sightings included bald eagle, Land Use and Ownership Patterns osprey, American kestrel, northern harrier, Land use within the river corridor is similar American bittern, snowy egret, and great to that in the watershed as a whole. Large egret. In addition, the river supports a great tracts of forest and extensive ridge and blue heron rookery. The lower Farmington wetland systems combine with a mix of urban River is the only river known to support all centers, suburban residential and commercial 12 of the freshwater mussel species native to development, light industry, and agriculture. southern New England. There are only five This combination of land uses in the corridor known viable populations of the federally (in 2000, 52% urban areas, 48% non-urban) endangered dwarf wedgemussel worldwide can result in declining biodiversity over and the Farmington supports the largest. At time. However, the corridor has retained an least 35 species of finfish are also present, impressive degree of biodiversity to date, supporting an exceptional recreational which could be maintained or improved if fishery featuring native brown and brook well managed. Overall the land cover within trout. Migratory fish such as American shad, the corridor is on average 45% forested with blueback herring, alewife, American eel, and an impressive 57% forested within the Salmon Atlantic salmon have excellent spawning Brook corridor. Over 27% of the land in the
National Park Service 9 corridor is open space and recreation areas. largest percentage increases over two decades The high percentage of forested land cover from 1990 to 2009 have occurred within the and open space contributes to the excellent towns of Avon (10%), Canton (15%), and East water quality of the watercourses and the Granby (10%). The towns with populations recreational viability of the resource. exceeding 20,000 include the towns of The study towns’ populations have remained Bloomfield, Farmington, Simsbury, and fairly stable with modest increases. The Windsor.
See Figure 3 & 4 & 5 Land Use Percentages within the Corridor, Study Corridor Land Cover Values and U.S. Census Populations from 1990–2009.
Figure 3: Land Use Percentages Within the Corridor
Land Use Classification Farmington River Salmon Brook Total Area Agriculture 9.4% 8.4% 9.1% Residential 22.2% 47.3% 30.3% Commercial 8.0% 0.8% 5.7% Industrial 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Cemetery 0.7% 0.2% 0.6% ROW (Road & Utility) 5.8% 4.5% 5.4% Mixed Use 12.3% 0.2% 8.4% Health/Medical 0.2% 0.1% 0.2% Open Space/Recreation 27.0% 28.0% 27.3% Government/Non-Profit 4.1% 0.2% 2.8% Undeveloped 9.3% 10.2% 9.6% Unknown 0.8% 0.0% 0.6%
“Overall, the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook corridors are a remarkable combination of varied geology, healthy forested watershed, excellent fishing and paddling areas, well-kept walking and biking trails, diverse communities of plants, wildlife, fish, and aquatic invertebrates, rich agricultural soils, archaeological sites, historic towns and landmarks, and striking scenic views. The watercourses are exceptional natural and cultural resources.”
10 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 Figure 4: Study Corridor Land Cover Values Sorted by Total Study Town Area
Classification Farmington River Salmon Brook Total Area Deciduous Forest 33% 35% 34% Developed/Roads 18% 14% 17% “At least 35 species Agriculture 13% 16% 14% of finfish are also Coniferous Forest 6% 22% 11% present, supporting Turf & Grass 9% 7% 8% an exceptional Water 12% 1% 8% recreational fishery Other Grasses 4% 2% 3% featuring native brown Forested Wetland 3% 3% 3% and brook trout.” Utility ROWs 1% 0% 1% Non-forested Wetland 0% 0% 0% Barren Land 0% 0% 0%
Land Cover data from UCONN CLEAR (2006)
Figure 5: U.S. Census Populations from 1990–2009
Percent Change Census Census Census Town 2000–2009 2009 2000 1990 Hartland 4% 2,087 2,012 1,866 Granby 8% 11,220 10,347 9,369 East Granby 10% 5,210 4,745 4,302 Windsor 3% 29,014 28,237 27,817 Bloomfield 6% 20,696 19,587 19,483 Simsbury 2% 23,648 23,234 22,023 Avon 10% 17,357 15,832 13,937 Farmington 6% 25,144 23,641 20,608 Canton 15% 10,125 8,840 8,268 Total: 6% 144,501 136,475 127,673
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009 Population Estimates Census 2000, 1990 Census (FactFinder.census.gov)
National Park Service 11 Chapter 3: Eligibility And Classification
The purpose of this chapter is to document National Park Service findings relative to: 1.) the “outstandingly remarkable” natural and cultural resource values associated with the lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Study Area; 2.) the “free-flowing character” of the study segments; and 3.) the preliminary “classifications” which would be appropriate if the segments are included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
3.A. Eligibility and Classification Criteria national system, a river segment may The subsections below describe the relevant qualify based on regionally rare, unique or eligibility and classification criteria as set exemplary resource values. The area, region, forth in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, in or scale of comparison is not fixed, and the USDA/USDI Interagency Guidelines for should be defined as that which serves as a Eligibility, Classification, and Management basis for meaningful comparative analysis; of River Areas as published in the Federal it may vary depending on the value being Register on September 7, 1982, and in the considered. For example, physiographic U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service regions are appropriate for geologic and Technical Report of the Interagency Wild and biologic resources, while the region occupied Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council on the by a particular culture is appropriate for Wild & Scenic Rivers Study Process. IWSRCC, archaeological resources. December 1999. Values Significant in Aggregate A river may qualify for a given resource value 3.A.1 Outstandingly Remarkable Values based upon an aggregate of important values, To be considered eligible for inclusion in the no one of which would confer eligibility National Wild and Scenic Rivers System a standing alone. For example, a series of river segment, together with its adjacent lands, unusual and distinctive river-related geologic must support one or more “outstandingly features may together qualify a segment as remarkable” natural, cultural, or recreational exhibiting an “outstandingly remarkable resource values. Such resource values must geologic value” even though no one element be directly related to, or dependent upon, the meets the criteria alone. river and its adjacent lands (generally ¼ mile Defining “River-Related” Values or another geographic area as defined by the The Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers study team). The “outstandingly remarkable” Coordinating Council (IWSRCC) has threshold within the Act is designed to be characterized the determination as to whether interpreted through the professional judgment a given resource value is river-related as based of the study team during the Wild and Scenic on three criteria. To be river-related a resource Study. value should: The descriptions below provide examples to 1) Be located in the river or in its immediate help interpret this “outstandingly remarkable” shorelands (generally within ¼ miles on eligibility requirement. either side of the river). Nationally Significant Values 2) Contribute substantially to the functioning Resource values which are nationally of the river ecosystem. significant clearly meet the “outstandingly remarkable” threshold. A nationally significant 3) Owe their location or existence to the resource would be rare, unique, or exemplary presence of the river. at a national scale. For example, a recreational For the purposes of the Lower Farmington boating experience that draws visitors from all River and Salmon Brook Study, the geographic over the nation would qualify as a nationally area of consideration for the majority of significant recreational resource. land-based values was established as those Regionally Significant Values resources located within ¼ mile of the river. Based upon the desirability of protecting The town-wide Study Area was established as a regional diversity of rivers through the the geographic range of consideration of the
12 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 potential Geology ORV due to the scale of classified as Wild, Scenic, or Recreational. geologic processes relating to the formation These classifications are based solely on the of unique landscape features, as well as amount of human impact present at the time outstanding resources directly related to the of classification. The Act defines them as geologic resources. For example, the Traprock follows. Ridge, a prominent scenic and geologic feature Wild river areas: Those rivers or sections bounding the eastern edge of the Farmington of rivers that are free of impoundments and River Valley, influenced the course of the generally inaccessible except by trail, with river’s path. As the lower Farmington River watersheds or shorelines essentially primitive was redirected north during the period and waters unpolluted. These represent of glacial retreat, it skirted the base of the vestiges of primitive America. Traprock Ridge until it was able to punch Scenic river areas: Those rivers or sections a path east through the Tariffville Gorge. of rivers that are free of impoundments, with Another example is the broad floodplain shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive valley of the lower Farmington, with its high and shorelines largely undeveloped, but quality agricultural soils and abundant life that accessible in places by roads. directly relate to its geological past. Recreational river areas: Those rivers or 3.A.2 Free-flowing sections of rivers that are readily accessible The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System by road or railroad, that may have some is designed to protect eligible “free-flowing” development along their shorelines, and that rivers and sections of rivers that support may have undergone some impoundment or significant resource values from the adverse diversion in the past. impacts of federally-assisted water resource 3.B. Eligibility and Preliminary projects, such as construction of new dams. Classification The Act’s definition of “free-flowing” is outlined in Section 16: The lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook free-flowing segments are found (b) “Free-flowing”, as applied to any eligible for designation based on the presence river or section of a river, means existing of multiple Outstandingly Remarkable Values. or flowing in natural condition without These segments meet the classification The lower Farmington impoundment, diversion, straightening, definition of a “recreational river area” due to River and Salmon rip-rapping, or other modification of the the level of human impact. Brook free-flowing waterway. The existence, however, of low segments are dams, diversion works, and other minor 3.B.1 Free-flowing Determination found eligible for structures at the time any river is proposed This subsection presents an inventory of study designation based for inclusion in the national wild and area remnant and historic dams, and describes scenic rivers system shall not automatically on the presence of the free-flowing character of the study segments. bar its consideration for such inclusion: General Streamflow Conditions multiple Outstandingly Provided, That this shall not be construed Remarkable Values. to authorize, intend, or encourage future Streamflow conditions on the Lower construction of such structures within Farmington River are governed by a complex components of the national wild and scenic series of legal and procedural arrangements rivers system. dating back to the 1800s. Riparian Agreements between the Metropolitan District A river or river segment can be considered Commission and local towns and other for designation if it is above or below a dam hydropower users established a system for or is dependent on releases from a dam. Any managing the water flow to serve river users section of river with flowing water, even if and benefit the river system. During the impounded upstream meets the definition Upper Farmington River Wild and Scenic of free-flowing, as long as existing flows are Study, prior to the upper river’s Wild and sufficient to support flow-dependent ORVs Scenic designation in 1994, an in-stream and water quality. flow study was conducted, in part to assess 3.A.3 Classification Criteria the effects of dams farther upstream that The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act requires that regulate flow. The flow study documented all eligible or designated river segments be the multitude of demands for water and determined that the resulting river flows are
National Park Service 13 adequate to support the in-stream values for of Environmental Protection, has assessed the which the river was designated. It concluded existing dams of the lower Farmington River that the existing flows are regulated through and Salmon Brook to determine whether the established minimum and optimum flows structures meet the Act’s free-flowing river that support the river’s fisheries, biological definition that permits the existence of low and recreation resources, and aesthetic dams on Wild and Scenic Rivers provided qualities. The regulation of flows has helped that affected river reaches remain “generally to sustain and enhance river uses, such as riverine in appearance.” The watercourses recreation, particularly during low flow have a series of seven historic dams due to periods. In summer, when the natural flows the river-powered industries of the past; five are lowest, recreational flows are supported dams on the Farmington and two dams on through stable and predictable releases the East Branch of the Salmon Brook. The from upstream dams. In fact, recreation in majority of the dams are low head dams that the Tariffville Gorge is an Outstandingly do not appreciably alter the flow or riverine Remarkable Value (ORV) in part due to its appearance of the river. Each dam or remnant regional significance as a year round paddling dam is discussed below. destination. Biological productivity is also Lower Farmington River Dams and enhanced by the consistent river flow regime Remnant Dams and cold-water releases from upstream dams. Upper and Lower Collinsville Dams The in-stream flow study indicated that The Upper Collinsville Dam is located in the lower Farmington River resources are the historic village of Collinsville, which is supported by the current flow regime and as part of the Town of Canton, and the Lower stated in the 1982 Departments of the Interior Collinsville Dam is located one mile below and Agriculture Interagency Guidelines for the Upper Collinsville dam in the Towns of Eligibility, Classification and Management of Avon and Burlington. Both the Upper and River Areas, “Flows are sufficient if they sustain Lower Collinsville Dams are owned by the or complement the outstandingly remarkable CT DEP and classified as recreational use values for which the river would be designated.” dams. They are low head dams, standing 28 The flow study also considered alternative and 20 feet respectively. The upper dam has flow scenarios by taking into consideration high aesthetic, historical, and recreational the multiple water resource demands (water value. Both dams generated power for the supply, waste assimilation, flood control, historic Collins Company up until 1966. At riparian releases, and minimum flow releases) present, both Collinsville Dams are barriers versus protection of studied resources and to upstream fish passage for a number of determined that there is sufficient flow even anadromous (migrating) and resident fish. The under dry conditions (though not under dams do create small impoundment areas, but, severe drought conditions) to protect the overall, the river remains “generally riverine in resources. The in-stream flow study will appearance” throughout the area. continue to serve as a tool in maintaining Winchell-Smith/Gristmill Dam adequate river flows into the future as it can The remains of the historic Winchell-Smith/ be used to evaluate whether future water Gristmill Dam in Farmington was possibly allocation demands are compatible with the first gristmill built on the Farmington protection of the resources. during the Colonial era and is valued for The flows of Salmon Brook and its East its scenic qualities and the resulting series and West Branches are not regulated by of rapids. This historic dam can prevent impoundments or other man-made substantial upstream migration at least to American shad, flow alterations, releases or diversions. The alewife, and blueback herring at many flow two small dams on the East Branch of Salmon levels. This restricts access for these three Brook do not regulate flow. species to nearly 12 miles of mainstem habitat, Inventory and Description of Study Area as well as access to the Pequabuck River Dams and its tributaries as far as the King Street Dam in Bristol. A grant to the Farmington The Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook River Watershed Association from DEP’s Wild and Scenic Study Committee, in Supplemental Environmental Projects cooperation with the Connecticut Department fund allowed an engineering firm to review
14 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 Spoonville Dam slated for removal pending funding alternatives and design improved fish passage hazard as well as an impediment to fish at this site. Dam removal was considered, but passage. Since the dam is breached it is no rejected because of the historical nature of longer officially listed on DEP’s list of dams the dam and the aesthetic value it provides of the lower Farmington. A Farmington River to nearby property owners. The preferred Enhancement Grant was awarded to the alternative and final design was for a natural- Farmington River Watershed Association looking rock ramp that blends visually with by the DEP for an engineering design to the surroundings and provides an incline improve fish passage. A final plan for the for fish to surmount the dam. Now that the preferred alternative of full removal of the design is complete, efforts can be made to dam and its fragments was completed in April secure funding for construction. This fish 2010. Funding is currently being sought for enhancement project is consistent with the dam removal which is estimated to cost 1.4 goals presented in the Management Plan million dollars. Funding in the amount of and the NPS has been supportive of this $500,000 was just recently awarded through proposal. This small historic dam in the Town the Connecticut Long Island Sound Fund of Farmington does not appreciably alter license plate program. Full dam removal will free-flowing river character. restore the site for fish passage of a range Spoonville Dam of diadromous and resident species. The The Spoonville Dam was breached during property owner, CT Light and Power Co. (a the 1955 flood and is considered a safety subsidiary of Northeast Utilities) supports the proposed project. The primary conservation
National Park Service 15 goal of the project is to enable a larger number of the Rainbow Reservoir had never been of American shad, blueback herring, and fully determined, and, in the absence of a alewife to pass upstream of Tariffville Gorge FERC license, there exists no established on the Farmington River and to access an regulatory Project Boundary to help define the additional 20+ miles of mainstem river habitat. extent of impoundment. The Stanley Black This fish enhancement project is consistent & Decker (SBD) representative to the Wild with the goals presented in the Management and Scenic Study Committee initially defined Plan and the NPS has been supportive of the extent of impoundment as extending this proposal. The breached Spoonville from the Rainbow Dam upstream to the Rt. Dam located in East Granby and Bloomfield 187 bridge. This position was later revised does not appreciably alter free-flowing river based upon additional company research conditions. to extend the boundary to approximately a Rainbow Dam and Reservoir half-mile upstream of the Rt. 187 bridge. In an The Rainbow Dam stands 59 feet high and is effort to objectively and independently assess located in the Town of Windsor. The Rainbow the extent of the impoundment, the Study Dam is owned by Stanley Black & Decker Committee contracted with a professional (SBD) and is run by the Farmington River engineer to conduct a hydrology study based Power Company (FRPC) as a “run-of-river” on the best available data to better define an hydroelectric facility. According to the United appropriate upstream boundary. Additional States Securities and Exchange Commission discussion of this topic can be found under filing for Stanley Works form U-3A-2 for 2004: the Suitability Chapter. FRPC owns and operates the Rainbow The fish ladder at the Rainbow Dam was Dam Hydroelectric Facility located on the constructed in 1976 by the CT DEP, the U.S. Farmington River in Windsor, Connecticut. Fish and Wildlife Service, and The Stanley The hydroelectric facility consists of the Works (now SBD), and is currently owned Rainbow Dam, a power house with an 8 and operated by the CT DEP-Inland Fisheries megawatt generating capacity, switching and Division. The fishway is in disrepair and does transformer equipment, flow and flood rights not support the passage of all anadromous and various storage and outbuildings all (migrating) fish species of the Farmington. located in Windsor, Connecticut The CT DEP has concluded that installation of a “fish lift” design would resolve this Built in 1925, the facility has operated issue. At this critical gateway point to the continuously since that time without a Federal Farmington, it is crucial that this situation be Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rectified to support the diversity of aquatic life license. The facility was constructed prior to determined to be one of the Outstandingly the FERC permitting program and had been Remarkable Values. If the river is designated, grandfathered since. Water is held back over a the Wild and Scenic Committee will take 24-hour period to maximize power generation a role in the realization of this project by and efficiency. If operated as an instantaneous partnering with the key stakeholders. “run-of-river” facility there would be steadier releases, but the release process would result The approximately 4.5 mile segment of the in a reduction of power generation. The flow Farmington River encompassing the Rainbow regime below the Rainbow Dam experiences Dam, its reservoir, and tailraces does not some fluctuation but is stable with no major meet the free-flowing requirement for Wild changes over time. A 1961 riparian agreement and Scenic River eligibility because of the established FRPC’s rights to a consistent slackwater, lake-like impoundment. source of flow for power generation at the East Branch Salmon Brook Rainbow Dam. The resulting reservoir Forman Pond Dam is utilized for recreation, is lake-like in The Forman Pond Dam is located on the East appearance until a point at approximately the Branch of the Salmon Brook in Granby. It is Windsor/Bloomfield/East Granby town line a small privately owned dam that stands 10.5 where the Farmington River is again riverine feet and was built for recreational purposes. in appearance. It is not an obstacle to fish passage due to During the Wild and Scenic Study it was the presence of the Craigsmill Gorge and uncovered that the exact upstream extent falls located downstream. The First Pond
16 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 Dam (described below) presents a natural The Wild and Scenic Study Committee was impediment to fish migration. There are no tasked with identifying and researching dams situated on the Salmon Brook where potential Outstandingly Remarkable Values fish have historically had access. The Forman (ORV) associated with the watercourses Pond Dam is low and the stream remains as required by the Wild and Scenic Rivers generally riverine in appearance throughout, Act. Not just one, but five potential ORVs therefore this segment is compatible with the were identified. The geographic area of requirement for Wild and Scenic eligibility. consideration for the majority of land-based First Pond Dam values was established as those resources …spectacular vistas First Pond Dam is located at the Silver Street located within ¼ mile of the watercourses. The town-wide Study Area was established and recreational crossing on the East Branch of the Salmon Brook in Granby. It is a historic dam that as the geographic range of consideration of opportunities are stands only one foot high above a 20 feet the potential Geology ORV and geologically associated with the high natural rock falls within the Craigsmill dependent resources, due to the magnitude Traprock Ridges, and Gorge. The existing falls are a natural obstacle of geologic processes. The examination of gaps in the ridges were to fish passage. The dam is just one foot high these resources (as described in detail in historically important above the natural falls and therefore does not the Management Plan and briefly below) because they provided appreciably alter free-flowing river conditions. was accomplished through substantial research that was conducted prior to and Conclusions pathways for east-west during the Study, and included evaluation commerce before Approximately 37 miles of the lower of the significance of the resources within a motorized transport. Farmington River and 26.4 miles of the state-wide and regional context by means of Salmon Brook meet the free-flowing criteria consultations with experts and professionals for Wild and Scenic River eligibility. Due to (see Chapter 6.C. for a list of the expert the presence of several historical, low-head advisors consulted in the documentation and remnant dams, the segments best meet of the ORVs). The resources fall within the free-flowing criteria for “recreational” the following categories: Geology, Water classification. Quality, Biological Diversity, Cultural The Rainbow Dam and impoundment are Landscape, and Recreation. significant structures which fail the “generally NOTE: Maps and in-depth analysis relating riverine in appearance” threshold. Therefore, to each ORV and can be found in the the 4.5 mile segment encompassing the accompanying document: “Lower Farmington Rainbow Dam and reservoir is not found and Salmon Brook Management Plan”. to be free-flowing. Other than the Rainbow Geology Dam, there are no other significant channel Geology was considered on a broader scale modifications on either stream that would than the other Outstandingly Remarkable preclude the free-flowing eligibility criteria. Values (ORVs) due to the scale of the 3.C. Outstandingly Remarkable Values mechanisms that produced the varied geology This subsection describes the natural and of the Study Area over a long period of time. cultural resource values supported by the The role that watercourses and glaciation had lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook in forming the landscape of the Farmington that are deemed to meet the “Outstandingly River Valley is evident in the path of the river, Remarkable” threshold. More detailed development patterns, and land uses, making information on these resource values can be geology a defining element that supports some found in the Lower Farmington River and of the other ORVs. The ORVs including Water Salmon Brook Management Plan and on the Quality, Biodiversity, Cultural Landscape, and Study website at www.lowerfarmingtonriver. Recreation are all tied to the region’s geology. org. All of the resources cited contribute to the For example, the chemistry of Traprock overall eligibility of the Farmington River and provides atypical nutrients to support unique Salmon Brook for designation. Not all river vegetation. Also, spectacular vistas and reaches in the study area support all noted recreational opportunities are associated with outstanding values, but there is no stretch of the Traprock Ridges, and gaps in the ridges river which does not contribute to the viability were historically important because they of the whole. provided pathways for east-west commerce
National Park Service 17 18 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 before motorized transport. Many of these geology. The first aspect is that the land area of historic routes are still in use today. the ten Study Area towns is small but contains Of particular interest is the distinct turn in an unusually large time span of geologic the river’s course in the Town of Farmington. history for its size. A billion years of geologic The river was diverted north from its history is represented by the area’s geological original southern flowing trajectory due to features. The oldest bedrock in the Study Area a classic glacial diversion. The evidence of a dates back to Proto-North America and is a glacial process is a unique opportunity for billion years old. The Study Area also has a Connecticut residents to witness geologic significant expanse of the youngest bedrock in history as they traverse the river valley and Connecticut, the 200 million year old bedrock find the river to flow south, north and east; all in the Hartford Basin (Newark Terrane). The within a small geographic area. In addition, Farmington is the only river in Connecticut the river carved a path to the Connecticut that flows over both the state’s oldest and its River through the Tariffville Gorge and youngest bedrock. created another public education opportunity The second contributing geologic resource is for viewing geologic history. The Tariffville the large variety of geologic features within Gorge provides for nationally recognized the Study Area. The Study Area covers three boating use, unique habitat for rare plants, bedrock terranes, has examples of many oxygenated water that provides for a diverse glacial features, and has an extensive history of array of aquatic life, and the archaeological mining and quarrying within a small area. This record indicates that it was a Native American is exceptional in Connecticut. Some examples anadromous fishing destination. of these diverse features include: Two additional aspects of the geology of • The Newgate Prison and Mine in East the Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Granby which opened in around 1705, was Wild and Scenic Study area contribute to the one of the first mines in the British Colonies. Outstandingly Remarkable Value of the area’s Salmon Brook Photo: Tom Cameron
National Park Service 19 • Brownstone quarries in Simsbury, which size in Connecticut are defining characteristics provided building stone for the present town of these watercourses. The headwaters of hall, Central School, the Methodist Church, both are in largely undeveloped, wooded and the buildings of Ensign Bickford, (now landscapes. Trees on stream banks provide Dyno-Nobel). shade, keeping water temperatures low, and • The Traprock Ridges that represent lava vegetated buffers protect rivers from nonpoint flows in a rift valley make the Hartford Basin source pollution. The exceptional water unique in New England. There are few quality in the upper Farmington River and Traprock Ridges found in North America in Salmon Brook contributes substantially to with one other example being the Palisades the quality of water in the lower Farmington, of New York. which supports a diversity of species and habitats, and provides many recreational • One of the rare (there are only three) true opportunities including boating, swimming, granites or igneous rocks of Connecticut, the and fishing. The upper Farmington River Photo: Wanda Colman 400 million year old Nonewaug, occupies Watershed (East Branch) also provides the northwestern corner of Burlington. drinking water to over 600,000 people in • The metamorphosed remains of the greater Hartford. Shelburne Falls Arc, an ancient, Japan-like, Robust biological indicators show water volcanic island arc, extend northward from quality in the study area to be high. The data Burlington to the Massachusetts line in from the CT DEP demonstrate that water Granby. quality and aquatic habitat of the Salmon • Bedrock units that range in age from the Brook is excellent and in the Farmington billion year old metamorphic gneisses and River is very good for a river its size. Salmon schists of western Hartland to the 200 Brook is known to be one of the last true cold million year old dolerites, basalts (traprock), water fisheries and to have some of the best and arkoses (brownstone) of Granby, salmon habitat in the State of Connecticut. Simsbury, Avon, East Granby, Bloomfield, Salmon Brook provides an influx of clean and Windsor. cold water to the lower Farmington River. Water Quality Water temperature is maintained due to The excellent water quality of Salmon Brook the excellence of the Brook’s riparian and very high water quality of the lower buffers, particularly in the upper segments Farmington River compared to other rivers its of both branches of the Brook. There are
Some key findings on the exemplary status of Geology of the lower Farmington and Salmon Brook: • The glacial diversion of the Farmington River from its probable original path to New Haven northward through the Tariffville Gorge is a classic glacial diversion which is unique in Connecticut. • Rare plant and animal habitats associated with geologic features such as the Traprock Ridge, the Tariffville Gorge, and the Sandplains. • A billion year time span of earth history and broad diversity of features within a 35.1 square mile area. • The alluvial soils that formed under glacial Lake Hitchcock and glacial Lake Farmington which are among the best farmland soils of the United States. Due to the glaciation history it has the highest soil diversity in Connecticut and one of the most complex soil systems in the United States. There are over 200 different soil types in Connecticut, 50 percent are represented in the Farmington River Valley. In turn, the biodiversity and habitat complexity of the Study Area is strongly influenced by this soil complexity. One of the original soil surveys was conducted in 1899 to promote tobacco cultivation in the lower Farmington Valley.
20 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 Some key findings on the status of Water Quality in the lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook: • Salmon Brook is considered to exhibit among the highest water quality of any river in Connecticut. • Due to the excellent water quality of Salmon Brook, it is one of the premier cold-water fisheries of the state and is a top priority targeted stream for salmon restoration. Outstanding recreational opportunities such as boating and fishing in the streams relate directly to the presence of high water quality. The excellent water quality in Salmon Endangered dwarf wedgemussel Brook provides for swimming opportunities. Photo: Ethan Nadeau • Aquatic insect studies for the Salmon Brook indicate that conditions within the watershed are among the very best in Connecticut. For example, stoneflies, indicative of high water quality, are found throughout the Salmon Brook basin. Overall, both the Farmington and Salmon Brook macroinvertebrate communities are outstanding. • The variety and abundance of freshwater mussel and fish species is an indicator of high water quality.
no wastewater or industrial surface point The river itself is the only one known to discharges into the Salmon Brook. Water support all 12 of the freshwater mussel Carex davissi, regionally rare quality monitoring programs conducted by species native to southern New England. The plant of Study area the USGS, the state, and local organizations Farmington River may contain one of New Photo: Bill Moorhead produce high quality baseline data that result England’s most—and Connecticut’s only— in effective water resource protection and viable dwarf wedgemussel populations, which enhancement of the lower Farmington River is the only federally endangered freshwater and Salmon Brook. mussel that occurs in New England. Next to The water quality of the lower Farmington the Connecticut River, the lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook is recognized as an River has the highest fish diversity in the Outstandingly Remarkable Value based on state. At least 35 species of finfish are present, supporting an exceptional recreational fishery • The diverse natural communities it supports, including native brown and brook trout. • The enormous recreational resource it Salmon Brook contributes to the diversity and provides, and is one of the last true cold water fisheries in • The drinking water it supplies to Connecticut supporting 25 fish species. Connecticut. Migratory fish such as American shad, Biological Diversity blueback herring, alewife, American eel, and The groundbreaking Farmington Valley Atlantic salmon have excellent spawning Biodiversity Project (FVBP) covering six of habitat in the corridor. The Farmington the ten Study Towns and published in 2006, River provides excellent connectivity to the laid important groundwork for the Wild and Connecticut River system and is one of the Scenic Study and Management Plan because CT DEP’s priority rivers for fish restoration it documented the exceptional biodiversity due to its exceptional habitat for both resident of the watershed as an Outstandingly and diadromous fish species. It is one of two Remarkable Value. A major goal of the FVBP tributary streams in Connecticut that host an was to provide information to towns that annual adult Atlantic salmon run and hosts would assist with intermunicipal land and one of the best shad runs in the state (other river management. Additional biodiversity than the mainstem Connecticut). information for all ten corridor towns The corridor landscape ranges from low, flat comes from the Biodiversity and Vernal Pool wetland to steep upland and thus supports a Mapping Project sponsored by the Wild and diverse array of plants, including 19 state-listed Scenic Study Committee. species. It also provides a critical dispersal and migratory route for both terrestrial and
National Park Service 21 aquatic wildlife. The thriving mammalian Salmon Brook corridor consists of “core community includes bear, fisher, otter, bobcat, forest,” and much of this is in the Salmon coyote, deer, and occasional moose. A brief Brook headwater region (Highland and bird survey conducted along the Farmington Highland Transition). Here, large tracts of in spring 2009 alone yielded a significantly contiguous forests of northern hardwoods high species diversity (Shannon-Weiner Index and conifers support robust communities of of 3.0), totaling 2124 individuals of 105 species, forest interior birds including the state-listed including all state and federally listed raptors Cerulean Warbler. Black bear, fisher, bobcat, as well as a number of other federally listed otter, and an occasional moose are also wading and perching birds. Notable sightings characteristic of this part of the corridor. included bald eagle, osprey, American kestrel, Within the Traprock Ridge Ecoregion the river northern harrier, American bittern, snowy skirts the base of the traprock ridge. Steep egret, and great egret. slopes, moist ravines, and mineral-rich ledges The watershed as a whole comprises ten of basalt talus are found within the corridor. ecoregions, or areas with distinctive ecological These spots have distinctive microclimates and physical features. Within the Study Area that support plant and animal communities river corridor, seven ecoregions are either so uncommon in Connecticut. Spiked false-oats, distinctive or so extensive that they contribute once thought to be extirpated, is one of the significantly to the corridor’s biodiversity. For notable species found along the traprock example, in Granby and Hartland, the upper ridges, as well as Virginia copperleaf and east and west branches of Salmon Brook blue-spotted salamander. traverse two ecoregions known as Highland The Sand Plains Ecoregions support unique and Highland Transition. Compared to the sand plain grassland communities, including lower Farmington’s corridor, this ecoregion populations of the federally listed Savannah generally has higher elevations, steeper slopes, Sparrow and the Pine Barrens Tiger Beetle, and more dramatic stream gradients. About whose habitats are at a premium and in need 13.4% of the whole lower Farmington and of protection, as well as the state-listed species Low Frostweed.
Some key findings on the status of Biological Diversity in the Farmington and Salmon Brook: • The river itself is the only one known to support all 12 of the freshwater mussel species native to southern New England. The Farmington River may contain one of the New England’s most—and Connecticut’s only—viable dwarf wedgemussel populations, which is the only federally endangered freshwater mussel that occurs in New England. • There are 19 state-listed plant species within the corridor including the only known population of Dwarf bulrush in a river ecosystem, the only known population of Purple giant hyssop in Connecticut and nearly the entire population of starry campion in all of New England is supported by the corridor’s floodplain forest. • At least 25 species of finfish are present in Salmon Brook and 30 species in the lower Farmington River. The Salmon Brook supports an exceptional recreational fishery starring native brown and brook trout. Migratory fish such as American shad, blueback herring, alewife, American eel, and Atlantic salmon have excellent spawning habitat in the lower Farmington corridor. • Salmon Brook exhibits a basin-wide distribution of high-quality fish communities which is rare in Connecticut. • The mouth of the Farmington River where it meets the Connecticut River is the most diverse and one of the most important areas within New England in terms of fish resources. All 12 of the diadromous fish species thought to be present in the state are believed to be present at this location.
22 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 The many vernal pools of the glacial lake fish-dependent raptors such as the state listed plains provide critical breeding habitat northern harrier and osprey. for amphibians, and are very important in Overall, the combination of natural maintaining the numbers and diversity of communities and their associated species frogs and salamanders that are significant make up a biologically diverse ecosystem components of the corridor’s biological characterized by an abundance and diversity community. The silt of glacial lake plain is of species including numerous rare species. In also fertile, and thus allowed for the extensive 2005 the Farmington Valley was highlighted development of agriculture in the lower in the book, Nature-Friendly Communities, valley. The resulting large contiguous cleared recognizing the area for exceptional areas now support outstanding grassland biodiversity and wildlife habitat and for the communities. Their resident bird populations success of the Farmington Valley Biodiversity include the Bobolink and the Eastern Project. Meadowlark, members of a suite of grassland Cultural Landscape species that are generally in decline statewide. The cultural landscape of the lower The wet meadows of the Alluvial Floodplain Farmington River and Salmon Brook includes Ecoregion support the largest reported New both American Indian and post-contact England population of the state-listed Davis resources recognized as nationally and Sedge. Also, within this ecoregion are the regionally significant. Initial human floodplain/levee forests which harbor an occupation of the area along the lower especially rich resource of state-listed plant Farmington River and Salmon Brook dates species including the New England grape, back to the end of the Pleistocene about Davis sedge, Virginia waterleaf, and starry 11,000 years ago, and archaeologists have campion. Levees and floodplain forest also recovered artifacts from at least 103 sites provide habitat for bald eagles and other
Archaeological dig Photo: Ken Feder
National Park Service 23 List of National Register Historic Districts and Historic Places within the Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Study Area
• Avon Congregational Church • Broad Street Green Historic District (Windsor) • Collinsville Historic District • Drake Hill Road Bridge (Simsbury) • East Weatogue Historic District • Ensign Bickford & Co. Fuse Factory (Historic American Engineering Record) • Farmington Canal (1828-1848) Massachusetts border to New Haven- extended to Northampton in 1835 • Granby Center Historic District • Heublein Tower • John Humphrey House (115 East Weatogue Street) • Judah Holcomb House (Granby) • Palisado Avenue Historic District (Windsor) • Simsbury Center Historic District • Simsbury Railroad Depot • Tariffville Historic District (includes the Hartford Carpet Company) • Terry’s Plain Historic District • Windsor River Railroad Bridge
Collinsville Photo: Tom Cameron
24 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 along the river and its tributaries. There are In July, 1899, as part of the first national sites in the Study Area corridor of long-term, soil survey, the Secretary of Agriculture continuous, or repeated human occupation. authorized the examination of a section of The Archaeological Assessment of the Lower the Connecticut River Valley, including the Farmington River and Salmon Brook identifies lower Farmington River as a central feature, 11 sites that meet the National Register Criteria and found that the region’s sandy, rich, and as nationally significant. For example the well drained soils along the river were ideally Lewis-Walpole Site located at the confluence suited for raising tobacco. Tobacco farming of the Farmington and Pequabuck Rivers in the Farmington Valley is historically and is a unique, nationally significant site of culturally significant due to the important continuous human occupation. This site role the crop played in the economic and is also one of the most important in all of demographic development of the state and southern New England. Also, Indian Hill is for the international recognition it gained also a nationally significant site, located in as an exceptional agricultural product. …the Farmington Bloomfield. It is an ancient settlement that was Numerous National Register nomination Canal represented the situated to take advantage of the anadromous forms documenting the region note sites of height of engineering fish resources of the Tariffville Gorge. The tobacco cultivation. First grown and used by 103 sites could be recognized as a nationally the region’s native peoples, colonists grew and in its time, and upon significant district or region. In aggregate, the even exported tobacco by the early eighteenth completion it was the identified archaeological sites reflect a pattern century. The profound growth of the tobacco longest canal in New of ancient settlement location along these industry in response to the commercialization England. watercourses, seasonal movement and change of cigar manufacturing through the 1800s in landscape through time. The river and changed the Farmington Valley landscape, not brook were clearly important to the existence only with regard to the types of crops sown of these early settlements as source of water, in its fertile soil, but also in respect to the food, and transportation routes. architectural landscape. By the nineteenth century, signs of traditional Some of the best examples of the Native American life were difficult to locate in manufacturing that secured Connecticut’s role the Study Area landscape because colonists, in the nation’s economic history were located immigrants, and their descendants had along the lower Farmington River to harness become established in the area. Significant the river’s energy. Agricultural settlements historical themes exhibited in the Lower used the river’s waterpower for gristmills, Farmington Valley for the post-contact period sawmills, and fulling mills, and entrepreneurs include early colonial New England settlement established waterpower industries and patterns, nineteenth century industrialism, factories all along the river and its tributaries. and the rise of industrial agriculture as The National Register-listed Historic Districts exemplified by tobacco farming. Each of of Unionville, Tariffville, and Collinsville these historical developments introduced new and the Avon Center Historic District have populations of immigrants, whether settlers the most significant surviving assemblages or migrant laborers, onto the landscape. For of historic buildings. These reflect the river’s example, Irish immigrant laborers made up small-scale rural industrial and manufacturing a large part of the workforce that built the heritage, and also include examples of Farmington Canal. workers housing and industrial architecture Connecticut’s early settlements were based of the late nineteenth century. For example, upon English agricultural villages. Rather than the Collins Company, for which Collinsville individual farms, settlers built their homes in is named, manufactured sharp edged tools clusters surrounded by the outlying fields and beginning in the 1820s, developing a global farms, and in this case along the Farmington market that lasted into the 1960s. The Upper River and Salmon Brook. Several historic Collinsville Dam and surviving mill complexes districts along the Farmington River reflect form the centerpiece of the National Register- this pattern. These historic districts include listed Collinsville Historic District which also hundreds of rural and urban properties includes surviving worker housing, stores, that are outstanding examples of historic and other associated infrastructure from architectural styles from the eighteenth and the nineteenth-and-twentieth century. The nineteenth centuries. Farmington Canal was built to provide an
National Park Service 25 Some key findings on the status of Cultural Landscape Resources in the lower Farmington and Salmon Brook: Nationally and Regionally Significant Archaeological Record, Settlement Patterns, Industrial and Economic Development, Abolitionism and the Underground Railroad and the Tobacco Valley Nationally and Regionally Significant Archaeological Record: • Nationally significant archaeological sites associated with the river, including the Indian Hill site and the Lewis-Walpole site. • Over 100 prehistoric archaeological sites discovered to date in lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook corridors. • Continuously occupied human settlement for up to 11,000 years. Settlement Patterns/Industrial and Economic Development: • The archaeological resources and some of the structures along the lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook, as described in the Cultural Landscape description, are Outstandingly Remarkable Values because they are exceptional examples of Connecticut’s and the New England region’s ethnic, cultural, and economic development. • Farmington Canal represented the height of engineering in its time, and upon completion it was the longest canal in New England. • Historically river-dependent communities such as Windsor, the first English settlement in Connecticut and the National Register-listed Historic Districts of Unionville, Tariffville, and Collinsville, and the Avon Center Historic District have significant surviving Outstanding Resource Values reflecting the river’s agricultural, industrial and manufacturing heritage. Underground Railroad: • Cluster of Underground Railroad sites with the Town of Farmington know as the “Grand Central Station” of the Underground Railroad. Tobacco Valley: • Nationally noted prime agricultural soils have supported agriculture for over 11,000 years. • Tobacco farming of historical and cultural significance due to the important role the crop played in the economic and demographic development of the state and for the international recognition it gained as an exceptional agricultural product.
Tariffville Gorge Triple Crown Race Photo: Bill Duncan effective shipping route on the west side of the Traprock Ridge for goods from the interior of CT headed to New Haven and then on to larger ports such as New York City by ship. For example, with two canal basins, the town of Avon shipped a number of agricultural products, such as cheese and lumber to New Haven via the canal. Following the completion of construction of the Farmington Canal in 1829, the region’s economy expanded to include more small-scale manufacturing and eventually commercial and industrial development in the towns of the Study Area. In both its conception as an economic venture and in its technological design, the
26 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 Farmington Canal reflects early nineteenth and concentration of abolitionists made it a century movements in America to stimulate highly trafficked segment of a larger migratory regional economic growth. Engineered by pattern for fugitive slaves, and the town Benjamin Wright, chief engineer of the Erie has been referred to as the “Grand Central Canal, the Farmington Canal represented the Station” of the Underground Railroad. There height of engineering in its time, and upon is little documentation of the actual routes completion it was the longest canal in New and homes that were used as part of the England. Underground Railroad due to the historic Because the Farmington River Valley need for concealment of these details for the communities had natural resources that protection of fugitive slaves and residents of allowed for: 1.) agricultural development, Farmington. The stations there would guide 2.) small manufacturing industries, and 3.) people along the Farmington River or nearby had developed infrastructure for commerce, roads through Hartford, Bloomfield, or Avon, and transportation, it was a thoroughfare for then to Simsbury and Granby. There is very goods, services, and people. Because of these little evidence that participants used the Photo: Tom Cameron aspects of the area, as well as local anti-slavery Farmington River itself for travel. However sentiments, the Farmington River Valley this cluster of sites represents a physical supported the movement of runaway slaves network of properties across a shared cultural escaping to the North. Some Farmington landscape, one that lay adjacent to the river homes likely served as Underground and owed its development as part of the Railroad stations. Farmington, then a largely Underground Railroad to the agricultural, agricultural community, served as a hub for commercial, and manufacturing opportunities various Underground Railroad routes and located there that the river supported. abolitionist activism. The town’s location
Some key findings on the status of Recreational Resources in the Farmington and Salmon Brook: • The Tariffville Gorge provides a premier whitewater paddling destination and has been the location for world class paddling completion. It is one of very few rivers in the east where there are year-round paddling opportunities. • There is a broad range of boating activities—from flat-water to mild moving waters to sections of class II and III white water for experienced paddlers. It is easy for people to take advantage of these activities, since there are public access points and parks within every Study Town. • Regionally significant opportunities for fishing in the lower Farmington River. • The clean cold-water trout fisheries of the Salmon Brook provide some of the most outstanding opportunities for angling anywhere in Connecticut. • A conservative estimate of the number of recreational visits to the streams from mid-May to mid-September is over 124,000 per year. • There is an extensive network of trail systems within the study area including six State of CT officially designated greenways that follow the watercourses: Farmington River Trail, Farmington Canal Heritage Greenway, Metacomet Ridge System, Blue Blazed Trail system, the Shade Swamp Sanctuary, and the West Mountain Trails. The Salmon Brook corridor was recently officially designated as part of the state greenway system. • Exceptional birding opportunities exist because the State of Connecticut overlaps the southern boundary of northern species and the northern boundary of southern species, so species abundance is unusually high. The river corridor provides good nesting habitat and is a migration corridor as part of the Atlantic flyway.
National Park Service 27 Recreation Several outstanding trail systems are The Farmington River and Salmon Brook within the study area including six State of provide corridors with exceptional recreational Connecticut officially designated greenways: opportunities. The variety of boating, fishing, Farmington River Trail, Farmington Canal and water-based recreational activities is Heritage Greenway, Metacomet Ridge unique regionally because of the consistent System, Blue Blazed Trail system, the Shade year-round flows, clean water, and quality of Swamp Sanctuary, and the West Mountain the resources. Boating on the watercourses can Trails in Simsbury. The Salmon Brook system be experienced by people of many skill levels was the most recently designated greenway due to the diversity of paddling opportunities to be officially included by the State of ranging from flat-water to Class II and III Connecticut. Not surprisingly, part of what for experienced paddlers. The high quality makes each unique is their connection to fisheries of the Farmington and Salmon Brook other Outstanding Resource Values. The provide for exceptional fishing. Fishing is Farmington Canal Heritage Trail and the a popular recreational pursuit due to the Farmington River Trail are two popular diversity of fishing options and the excellent multi-use “Rails-to-Trails” paths that pass water quality. Of particular note are the fishing through seven of the ten study towns opportunities of the Salmon Brook, which has (Burlington, Canton, Farmington, Avon, an abundance of native brown and brook trout Simsbury, East Granby, and Granby). The and very few warm water species. Trout thrive Farmington Canal Heritage Trail has been in cold-water environments, and Salmon Brook designated a Community Millennium Trail offers vegetated riparian buffers that provide under the Federal Millennium Trails Initiative shade and maintain water temperatures. It is based on its special value to the communities considered to be one of the best fishing streams it passes through. The Farmington River Trail of New England. People are easily able to take is an eighteen-mile loop trail that links to the advantage of these activities since there are Heritage Trail at points in Farmington and many public access points to the streams. Simsbury. For roughly half its length the trail runs directly alongside the river. Since both While the majority of recreational users are trails are built along abandoned rail corridors local residents, the Tariffville Gorge attracts and canal towpaths, each passes through a kayakers both regionally and nationally. The rich cultural landscape of historic buildings, Gorge is a spectacular rapid that can be run canal locks, iron bridges, stone arches, and year-round. There are very few rivers in other landmarks. New England and along the east coast where running world-class white water throughout With the recent designation of the New the summer months is possible. It has been the England Trail, a National Scenic Trail that location of National and Olympic Trials, New follows the traprock ridge through five of England Championship competitions, National the ten study towns, there is the potential for Canoe Poling competitions and New England even more regional and national attention Whitewater Triple-Crown Championships. on the recreational use of the corridor, and in particular where the trail accesses Though boating, fishing, and hiking/walking the Tariffville Gorge. Already successful are popular activities, the range of recreational projects have increased and linked trails, pursuits is quite varied. Based on the results greenways, and the watercourses for increased of the Economic and Use Study of the Lower connectivity of the recreational use network. Farmington River and Salmon Brook, the river, the brook, and their corridors are highly valued 3.D. Classification by residents and recreational users who strongly The river’s preliminary classification is based support a Wild and Scenic River designation on the river and brook being accessible by as a way to further river protection. Survey road, having some development along their respondents’ support is based on the sense shorelines, and having undergone some of place that the lower Farmington River and impoundment or diversion in the past. The Salmon Brook provide, and on the diverse lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook recreational options which the watercourses are accessible and visible from roadways offer. and via river crossings. State Route 10 is the predominant north-south artery through the
28 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 View of the Tariffville Gorge from the New England Study Area that provides access to both the According to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act National Scenic Trail Farmington River and Salmon Brook. Route the segments of the Farmington and Salmon Photo: Paula Jones 10 runs parallel to the Farmington River and Brook that are found eligible for designation some segments of the Salmon Brook in the best meet the criteria for classification as towns of Avon, Simsbury, and Granby. State ‘recreational’. Route 44 runs east-west through the Study 3.E. Conclusions on Eligibility and Towns and crosses the Farmington River in Classification the towns of Canton and Avon. Interstate 91 crosses the river in Windsor. Approximately 63.4 miles of the lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook are The broad range of land uses bordering the eligible for Wild and Scenic River designation watercourses is representative of a New based on free-flowing conditions and the England area settled over a period of several presence of Outstandingly Remarkable hundred years. Remnants of the agrarian past Values that include Geology, Water Quality, and historic industries that were powered Biological Diversity, Cultural Landscape, by the Farmington River are evident today. and Recreation. The preliminary Though the watercourses are visible and classification for all eligible river segments is accessible by foot and car, approximately “recreational.” The portion of the Lower 28% of lands bordering the watercourses Farmington River impacted by the Rainbow are preserved in open space. Open space Dam, reservoir, and tailrace diversion are and recreational land comprise the largest not found eligible for designation due to the percentage of land use along the river, absence of free-flowing character. followed by 22% in residential land, 12% mixed use and 9% in agricultural use and 9% currently undeveloped. There are a series of historic dams and one active impoundment on the watercourses.
National Park Service 29 Chapter 4: Suitability Findings And Management Context
This chapter presents the study findings relative to Section 4(a) “…On the suitability or non-suitability for addition to the national wild and scenic rivers system.” The suitability of the river for designation is directly related to existing and future river management which will also be discussed in this chapter.
4.A. Principle Factors of Suitability the ongoing protection of the river. The Interagency Wild and Scenic River 3. The strength of local support for river Coordinating Council developed the following protection and national designation. criteria as a general guide to exploring the 4. The effects of designation on uses of the suitability or non-suitability of river segments land, water base, and resources associated for inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers with the river, the neighboring communities, System. A suitability analysis is designed to etc. answer the following questions: Existing Protections 1. Should the river’s free-flowing character, There are strong protections in place for the water quality, and Outstandingly Remarkable lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook. Values (ORVs) be protected, or are one or These protections include local, state, and more other uses [e.g., issuance of a hydro federal statutes and regulations that directly license] important enough to warrant doing protect the watercourses and adjacent lands. otherwise? The free-flowing condition of the lower 2. Will the river’s free-flowing character, water Farmington River is protected through a series quality, and ORVs be protected through of laws and agreements. There are established designation? Is it the best method for local watershed associations, land trusts, and protecting the river corridor? In answering other non-governmental and governmental these questions, the benefits and impacts supporting organizations that have strong of Wild and Scenic Rivers designation must interest in protecting the outstanding be evaluated and alternative protection resources and protecting land. Finally there is methods considered. strong local and regional citizen recognition of the important resources and appreciation 3. Is there a demonstrated commitment to of the watercourses. Together with a locally protect the river by any nonfederal entities administered management plan, these existing that may be partially responsible for protections are found to meet the suitability implementing protective management?” criteria for the designated segments that are Rivers such as the lower Farmington River recommended for Wild and Scenic River and Salmon Brook that flow through designation. predominantly private lands are best A summary of existing protections follows. considered following the Partnership Wild 4.B.1 Regulatory Protections and Scenic Rivers Study and potential designation model. For these rivers the In order to identify the regulations, policies, National Park Service has developed and and plans that favor protection and refined additional factors upon which enhancement of the natural and cultural suitability findings should be made: resources in the watercourses, the Study Committee contracted the law firm of 1. The adequacy of existing protection Robinson & Cole to inventory and assess measures to conserve the river’s outstanding such regulations and policies enacted in the resources without the need for federal land ten river corridor towns. The study addressed acquisition or federal land management. each town’s municipal plan and regulations as 2. Whether there is an existing or proposed they relate to the protection and enhancement management framework that will bring the of the ORVs in the lower Farmington and key river interests together to work toward Salmon Brook. Consult the Management
30 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 Plan Appendices for the Municipal Plan Some of the key local protections include: and Regulation Review (Review), as well as Local Wetlands Commissions: Connecticut a summary of state and federal programs State Inland Wetlands and Watercourses contributing to the protection of the lower Act (sections 22a-36 through 22a-45 of the Farmington and Salmon Brook. CT General Statutes) sets broad authority to The Study Committee concluded that the regulate wetlands through local municipal current combination of local, state, and federal watercourse commissions and state regulatory regulations, protected lands, and physical process. Municipal Inland Wetland and constraints to development (i.e. floodplains, Watercourse Commissions regulate for wetlands etc.) provide a protection scheme for activities in upland review areas that would the ORVs that is adequate and makes federal likely impact wetland or watercourse function. condemnation of lands unnecessary and Reviews in upland areas may include assessing designation possible for the lower Farmington and regulating impacts from a proposed River and Salmon Brook. In support of this activity on hydrologic, water quality and conclusion, important local, state, and federal ecological functions. All of the ten towns protections were identified. These are briefly have an upland review area of at least 100 described below. feet upland of the wetland or stream; some Local towns have a greater regulated upland review All ten towns have comprehensive local land area. This is the single most important local use regulations. Each town has adopted a set regulatory authority in place, and indicates a of basic regulations designed to protect the consistent and strong willingness among the natural, cultural, and historic features of the ten river towns to protect water resources. Wild and Scenic volunteers remove invasive plants along community. State Enabling Legislation at the Local Farmington River Level: The state has comprehensive enabling Photo: Joyce Kennedy
National Park Service 31 legislation governing the use of land. It grants The Review considered town regulations and authority to towns to adopt regulations that plans enacted before July 2008. Though not effectively implement legislation at the local documented in this report, towns have made level. Towns therefore have the independence regulatory and plan revisions that have further to choose regulatory tools to gain greater strengthened ORV protections since that time. resource protection and have the flexibility to State implement them. Many state statutes contribute to Subdivision Regulations: A significant the protection of the Outstandingly number of the towns allow for cluster and Remarkable Values. State programs regulate open space residential subdivisions that non-agricultural activities within or near allow for greater protection of open space wetlands and watercourses. Five of the most and/or particular natural features on a site. important state regulations protecting the Modification of traditional subdivision watercourses are: regulations for development is an example of Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act: how the towns are using local regulations to (described in the local regulation summary protect outstanding resources. above) Examples of strong local regulations and policies utilized by towns in the river Water Diversion Policy Act: Protects corridor: the instream flow of the watercourses by Avon: Ridgeline Protection Overlay Zone, prohibiting any new dam or diversion greater protection of water recharge areas through the than 50,000 gallons per day without the use of landscaped buffers and setbacks issuance of a permit. Bloomfield: Maintain natural drainage Aquifer Protection Regulations: Offers the systems, promote preservation and restoration watercourses some protection from non-point of vegetative buffers source pollution by requiring towns to adopt protective land use regulation in zones of Burlington: Emphasis on retention of designated water supply aquifers. vegetation and existing trees Connecticut Water Pollution Control: Canton: Farmington River Protection Overlay Statutes protect the streams and ground water District, innovative stormwater management quality from point-source pollution inputs. techniques for commercial and industrial developments Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act: Protects the streams from sedimentation East Granby: Best management practices for impacts associated with construction and new maintaining riparian buffers and to preserve developments. and maintain existing vegetation Federal Farmington: Plan of Conservation and There are multiple federal regulations that Development supports: the Wild and Scenic offer protection for the lower Farmington designation, adoption of a river overlay zone, River and Salmon Brook. The Clean Water Act and focuses on preservation and improvement (CWA) provides substantial protection for the of surface watersheds and groundwater levels lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook’s Many state statutes and water quality water quality by restricting all discharges into contribute to the Granby: Retention of vegetative buffers and the river. The CWA was created to restore protection of the ground coverage, preservation of trees and maintain the chemical, physical, and Outstandingly Hartland: Farmington River Protection biological integrity of the nation’s surface Remarkable Values. Overlay District, support of designation in water. It requires states to adopt surface Water Plan of Conservation and Development Quality Standards and an Anti-degradation Policy and establishes the National Pollution Simsbury: Protect drainage systems and Discharge Elimination System, administered by prohibit development within 50 feet of the State of CT, which requires all entities to watercourse, storage of pesticides, fertilizers, obtain a discharge permit from the appropriate and manure prohibited within 100 feet of any authority. In addition, the Section 404 Permit watercourse requires approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Windsor: Transfer of development rights Engineers for any project that would discharge program and concentrated effort to protect dredged or fill material into waters of the U.S. open space along Farmington River
32 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 33 The National Flood Insurance Act established the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to protect against flood losses. States can require more stringent measures. The CT DEP is the designated coordinating agency that recently adopted new requirements that establish a higher regulatory standard that is more protective of floodplains. In addition NFIP encourages communities to engage in better floodplain management and also allow municipalities to adopt more restrictive ordinances than the Federal government. All ten towns of the Wild and Scenic Study Area engage in some form of flood plain management through their town regulations and policies. Additionally, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Rivers and Harbors Act provide some protection to the streams. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act provides the strongest protection available for the watercourses by protecting designated rivers from any federally assisted or licensed water resource development project that would have a direct and adverse effect on the river’s resources. Further description of these programs is available in the Management Plan. In summary, there is a substantial set of local, state and federal regulations that are protective of the lower Farmington and Salmon Brook and make the watercourses suitable for Wild and Scenic designation within the Partnership Figure 8: The Great Drain system of management. From the Town of Bloomfield Plan of Conservation and Development: The Great Drain or the Griffin Brook Watershed, which runs adjacent to the Talcott Mountain Ridge 4.B.2 Open Space and Land Conservation forms a valuable ecological system in Bloomfield together with the Ridge. The Great Drain is a superior red maple swamp because its soil is enriched by dissolved calcium In total, the ten towns, land trusts, and the that leaches out of the Ridge rock. As such, it is unusual for central Connecticut. The state have protected about 27% of the lands soil of the Great Drain supports abundant and diverse vegetation in a complete vertical within one quarter mile of the 70 miles of stratification, which in turn supports diverse wildlife—amphibians, mammals and birds. In fact, over 100 species of bird have been sighted in the Great Drain and over forty are river frontage along the lower Farmington known to nest there. In addition, the Great Drain traps water run-off from the Ridge River and Salmon Brook. There are ongoing and has been known to hold up to five feet of water during the early spring. Protecting it means controlling flooding to the east of the Great Drain. Finally, the wetland plant significant efforts to protect open space along species in the Great Drain neutralize pollutants, which is especially important as the the watercourses to protect water quality, water in the Great Drain flows northwards, and eventually into the Farmington River. Any ridgeline protection measures taken by the Town should include the Great Drain. biodiversity, and corridors for recreational use. An additional 9% of the lands within the study corridor are comprised of agricultural uses. Some of these farmlands are permanently protected by conservation easements. Based on the results of a recent survey conducted by the Wild and Scenic Study Committee, approximately 12% of the open space lands in the corridor are held by the local land trusts. There are noteworthy examples of land preservation efforts by area land trusts even during this time of economic
34 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 hardship. Both the towns and land trusts have significant in terms of the protection of water demonstrated their commitment to protecting quality in the lower Farmington River because land along the watercourses. The Study Towns the Pequabuck River enters the Farmington are actively pursuing updated regulations and River in the Town of Farmington. establishing policies that maintain open space Local Land Trusts and establish corridors for recreation along Land trusts within the ten towns have the river and brook. been supporters of the Wild and Scenic 4.B.3 Other Supporting Programs Study effort through participation of Watershed Associations their members on the Study Committee Farmington River Watershed Association as town representatives and at the Land (FRWA): The FRWA has been committed Use Leadership Alliance Workshops. All to the protection and preservation of the ten land trusts also took part in the land Farmington River and its tributaries (such as trust integration survey conducted by the the Salmon Brook) for over 50 years. Along Management and Protection Sub-committee with state and non-profit partners FRWA has and wrote letters of endorsement for the played a key role in contributing to the Wild designation. It is expected that land trusts will and Scenic Study as well as having taken the be active participants on the Farmington and lead role in organizing the Farmington Valley Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Committee. In Biodiversity Study which laid the groundwork addition to actively seeking out and protecting for the Study. FRWA has had a central role important land in the towns, the land trusts in protecting the ORVs, water quality and play a significant role in community outreach, free-flowing character of the river. education and land stewardship activities. Salmon Brook Watershed Association Combined, the ten local land trusts (Avon (SBWA): The SBWA partners with the DEP Land Trust, Burlington Land Trust, Canton to monitor and document the excellent Land Conservation Trust, Inc., East Granby water quality of the Salmon Brook and has Land Trust, Farmington Land Trust, Granby worked to educate stream front residents on Land Trust, Hartland Land Trust, Simsbury how to protect water quality through land Land Trust, Inc., Windsor Land Trust and management practices on property adjacent to Wintonbury Land Trust (Bloomfield)) protect the brook. They have been active participants approximately 6000 acres of land in the in the Wild and Scenic Study process. Wild and Scenic Study Towns, with about 700 of those acres within one quarter mile Pequabuck River Watershed Association of the lower Farmington River and Salmon (PRWA): The Pequabuck River is a major Brook. The Hartland Land Trust was recently tributary to the Farmington River. It has organized as a result of seed funding through water quality issues due to urbanized land the existing upper Farmington River Wild and uses in this basin. A representative from Scenic Partnership Program. PRWA stepped up to join the Wild and Scenic Non-regulatory State Programs Study Committee after the commencement The State of Connecticut has been active of the study and will become a core member in attempting to restore migrating fish of the Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild Farmington River paddling populations to the watercourses. The State opportunities for many skill and Scenic Committee. This partnership is levels played a key role in design, funding and construction of the Rainbow Dam fish ladder as well as providing ongoing monitoring and maintenance support. The State has been instrumental in the design of improved fish passage for the Spoonville Dam and Smith- Gristmill Dam. There is a strong commitment from the state as a partner (two CT DEP representatives currently serve on the Study Committee) on both the Study Committee and future Wild and Scenic Committee.
National Park Service 35 36 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 4.C. Management Framework the protection strategies developed for the The Lower Farmington River and Salmon Management Plan could potentially serve as a Brook Management Plan (June 2011), together tool to protect and enhance the values of the with the Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Committee (FSWS) that whether or not Wild and Scenic designation is would be charged with its implementation, achieved. have been specifically developed to ensure The Management Plan calls for the creation that an adequate and successful management of a Lower Farmington River and Salmon framework exists to meet the purposes of the Brook Wild and Scenic Committee (FSWS) Wild and Scenic River designation. This type charged with coordinating and overseeing of management framework has proven to be a its implementation. As with the upper successful approach in providing management, Farmington River and the other designated coordination, and implementation on the 12 Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers, it is Each of the ten towns other Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers. envisioned that the FSWS would lead the included in the Study Management Plan Management Plan implementation process in area formally endorsed Development of the Lower Farmington the event of a Wild and Scenic designation. the Management Plan River and Salmon Brook Management Plan Each of the key local and state entities through votes of their (Management Plan) was of central importance that would be the core membership of the boards of selectman or to the Study Committee, and the final, FSWS has endorsed its creation through the Management Plan. These entities include: town councils. completed Management Plan is available as a companion document to this Study the ten towns bordering the river segments, Report. The Management Plan is a guidance the Farmington River and Salmon Brook document for protection and enhancement Watershed Associations, the Pequabuck of the Farmington River and Salmon Brook River Watershed Association (an important Study area. It details the management tributary), Stanley Black & Decker, the CT framework and protection strategies and Department of Environmental Protection and standards for identified Outstandingly the National Park Service. It will be vital for Remarkable Values (ORVs), free-flowing the FSWS to develop and maintain local and conditions, and water quality. Each of the ten regional partnerships with towns and with towns included in the Study area formally other conservation organizations to achieve endorsed the Management Plan through short and long-range Management Plan goals. votes of their boards of selectman or town It would also be the FSWS’s responsibility councils. Land use commissions and local to monitor the Outstandingly Remarkable organizations have endorsed the Plan as well. Values, free-flowing character and water The State of Connecticut legislature passed a quality with respect to the degree they are law supporting designation and directs the CT protected, degraded or enhanced during DEP to cooperate with the implementation implementation of the Plan. of the Management Plan. Endorsement The purpose of the FSWS is to lead of the Management Plan by the partners and coordinate implementation of the substantiates suitability for designation by Management Plan by: demonstrating local commitment to river • Bringing together on a regular basis various conservation if the designation occurs. parties responsible for river management; Though existing protections are deemed • Facilitating agreements, cooperation and adequate, it is important to ensure optimal coordination among them. protection of ORVs, water quality, and free-flowing character over time due to • Providing a focus and a forum for all threats and a changing environment. To river interests to discuss and make do so, the Study Committee identified a recommendations regarding issues of protection goal for each ORV, identified concern. threats and management issues that could • Assisting the National Park Service in degrade ORV quality, noted potential gaps implementation of the Wild and Scenic River between these threats and existing protections, designation and expenditure of potential and recommended tools or techniques for federal funding for Management Plan improving protection and enhancement of implementation (subject to Wild and Scenic the ORVs at the local level. This analysis and River Designation).
National Park Service 37 4.E. Evidence of Support Study Committee The Wild and Scenic Study Committee began meeting over four years ago to fulfill their mission of supporting the Study process through facilitating public involvement, guiding research on potential ORVs, development of the Management Plan and assessing local support for the designation. The high level of volunteer commitment displayed throughout the course of the study is commendable. The Study Committee has stated its intention to continue meeting until the river gains designation and then begin the transition to the Wild and Scenic Committee in preparation for the potential designation. The Study Committee has indicated substantial interest and commitment to initiating implementation of actions outlined
Town and state leaders in the advisory Management Plan during and Study Committee • Assisting the National Park Service in the the time prior to designation. In fact, the Representatives gather for Committee has already participated in some a canoe trip review of potentially adverse federal water resource development projects (subject to local projects to further the goals of the Wild and Scenic River Designation). Management Plan. The Study Committee supports the Environmentally Preferred It would also be the responsibility of the Alternative presented in this Report, with all FSWS to: represented entities voting for this alternative • Address river-related issues through with the exception of Stanley Black & Decker cooperative resolution. which expressed its support for the Partial • Review and update the Management Plan. Designation Alternative. Local • Promote public involvement and education. During 2009 and 2010, the Avon Town • Promote river enhancement initiatives. Council, Bloomfield Town Council, • Report to the member towns and Burlington Board of Selectmen, Canton organizations on the activities of the Board of Selectmen, East Granby Board Committee. of Selectmen, Farmington Town Council, • Prepare periodic status reports for the river Granby Board of Selectmen, Hartland Board communities. of Selectmen, Simsbury Board of Selectmen, and Windsor Town Council voted to endorse 4.D. Support for River Protection and the Lower Farmington River and Salmon National Wild and Scenic Designation Brook Management Plan and Wild and Scenic There was a high level of interest in the Wild designation. and Scenic Study from the Study Committee, Land use commissions from the ten towns the study area towns and the public also voted to endorse the Lower Farmington throughout the study process and this interest River and Salmon Brook Management Plan developed into widespread support for the and Wild and Scenic designation as follows: designation of the lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook as the Study progressed. Avon: Inland Wetlands Commission, Planning The broad range of support from governing and Zoning Commission, Natural Resources bodies, land use commissions, non-profit Commission organizations and local citizens is described Bloomfield: Inland Wetlands and below. Watercourses Commission, Conservation, Energy and Environment Committee, Town Plan and Zoning Commission, Leisure Services Department
38 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 Burlington: Conservation Commission support for designation and directs the CT Canton: Planning Commission, Conservation DEP to cooperate with the implementation Commission, Inland Wetlands and of the Management Plan. This act endorsed Watercourses Agency Wild and Scenic designation and stated that “The Commissioner of Environmental East Granby: Planning & Zoning Protection shall cooperate with all relevant Commission, Economic Development federal, state and local agencies to provide Commission, Inland Wetlands Commission for such designation and to implement any Farmington: Town Plan & Zoning management plan developed in accordance Commission, Conservation Commission with the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.” Granby: Planning and Zoning Commission, The DEP indicated their support of the Inland Wetlands Commission designation and intention to continue as an Hartland: Planning & Zoning Commission, active partner in protecting the Outstandingly Inland Wetlands Commission Remarkable Values of the lower Farmington and Salmon Brook. Simsbury: Conservation Commission A copy of this legislation can be found in Inland Wetlands Commission, Windsor: Appendix 2 Planning & Zoning Commission Non-governmental Organizations State of Connecticut Non-governmental organizations that There was broad support and unanimous indicated their support for the designation passage of Public Act No. 08-37, An Act include: Concerning Designation of the Lower • American Rivers Farmington River and Salmon Brook within the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. • Audubon Connecticut The Act, which Governor Rell signed into • Avon Fish and Game Club law on May 7, 2008, conveys the state’s • Avon Land Trust Rosedale Farm and Vineyard Photo: Wanda Colman
National Park Service 39 • Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce Rivers, including the recent designation of the • Bloomfield Greenway Study Committee Eightmile River (also in CT), have established • Canton Historical Society, Inc. a model for designation and management which constitute a substantial track record for • Canton Land Conservation Trust, Inc. the practical and expected effects of a Wild • Community Farm of Simsbury, Inc. NPS encouraged broad and Scenic River designations in settings very • Farmington Land Trust similar to the Lower Farmington and Salmon participation of local • Farmington Valley Chapter Trout Unlimited Brook Study area. These case studies and stakeholders in the • Farmington Valley Visitors Association examples were explored thoroughly with the study process and spent • Granby Land Trust affected communities and other stakeholders as a part of the study process. Common substantial time and • Hartland Historical Society features of all of the existing Partnership Wild effort considering and • Hartland Land Trust explaining the effects of and Scenic Rivers (as noted in Chapter 1) • Hartland Lions Club include the following: the designation. • Holcomb Farm • No reliance on federal ownership of land • Keep the Woods in order to achieve the WSRA’s goals of • McLean Game Refuge protecting and enhancing river values. • New England Whitewater Triple Crown • Land use management is regulated through Championships existing local and state authorities, the same • Rivers Alliance of Connecticut as before a designation. • Roaring Brook Nature Center • Administration and implementation • Salmon Brook Historical Society of a locally led Management Plan • Salmon Brook Watershed Association is accomplished through a broadly • Simsbury Historical Society participatory management committee, • Simsbury Land Trust convened for each river specifically for this • Tariffville Village Association purpose. • The Burlington Land Trust • Responsibility for managing and protecting • The Simsbury Garden Club river resources is shared between the local, state, federal, and non-governmental • Town of Canton Collinsville Historic District Commission partners on the committee. • Wade’s Farms • Reliance on volunteerism as a key to success. • Windsor Land Trust • No National Park Service Superintendent, • Wintonbury Historical Society law enforcement, or similar elements of • Wintonbury Land Trust traditional federally managed units of the National Park System. Documentation of endorsements and support is found in Appendix 3 In addition to a general exploration of the effects and track record of the Partnership 4.F. Effects of Designation Wild and Scenic Rivers model, two General Effects—Partnership Wild and Scenic designation alternatives were developed, and River Model compared to a non-designation alternative NPS encouraged broad participation of local in Chapter 5 (Environmental Assessment). stakeholders in the study process and spent Chapter 5 analyzes the likely effects of the substantial time and effort considering and designation alternatives on land and water explaining the effects of the designation. In resources, as well as socio-economic factors. a general sense, the study stakeholders were Specific Effects—Collinsville and Rainbow well acquainted with the effects of Wild Dam Areas and Scenic designation based on the 15-year The lower Farmington and Salmon Brook history of the upper Farmington River Wild Study process included an in-depth and Scenic River. The two Study Towns of examination of the effects of designation on Canton and Hartland are also represented river areas surrounding the Collinsville Dams on the upper Farmington River Wild and and the river segments above and below Scenic Committee. The upper Farmington Rainbow Dam and reservoir. and the other Partnership Wild and Scenic
40 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 Upper and Lower Collinsville Dams and Scenic River requirements and purposes, At the time the Wild and Scenic Study was and would open the door to potential authorized by Congress, the Upper and Lower designation of the Collinsville river segment. Collinsville Dams were FERC licensed for In summary the river segment affected by the reinstatement of hydropower. Since then, the Upper and Lower Collinsville Dams is FERC issued an Order Terminating Licenses deemed unsuitable for designation at this for the Upper and Lower Collinsville Dam time due to lack of support at the local, projects on December 11, 2007 (FERC, 2007). state, and federal (congressional) levels. This The licenses have since expired on December segment begins at 1.6 miles upstream of the 11, 2007 because hydropower project Upper Collinsville Dam and extends .2 miles construction did not begin within the required downstream of the Lower Collinsville Dam FERC timetable. Upon expiration of the and is depicted on Eligibility and Suitability FERC licenses, the Town of Canton applied Map. for, and was granted, a Preliminary Permit (# Lower Farmington River Segment that 13273) to study the potential for the Town to Includes Rainbow Dam develop a municipal hydropower project. In Consideration of boundaries upstream of addition, the Town explored the possibility Rainbow Dam of having the former license reinstated and As noted in Chapter 3, best available data transferred to the Town (an effort which indicates that the impoundment created by stalled in late 2010). To date, the Collinsville Rainbow Dam likely extends upstream from Renewable Energy Promotion Act (H.R.1353 the dam to a point somewhere below the and S.715) has been re-filed in Congress in Route 187 bridge under a range of normal an attempt to accomplish this transfer. The flow conditions. Thus the NPS has chosen Town continues to pursue its investigations the 187 Bridge as the preferred Wild and under the Preliminary Permit, and intends Scenic segment boundary for this segment. to proceed with hydropower development However, a range of other segment endpoints if the project is found to be economically in this vicinity could be chosen and justified. feasible. The Collinsville Dams are owned by For example, Stanley Black & Decker (SBD) the CT DEP, which is cooperating with the has indicated their interest in raising the Town of Canton in its explorations. DEP has flashboards at Rainbow up to a possible cited both the potential power generation total height of 13 feet, which is seven feet from the facility and the development of above the current flashboard height. Such an fish passage in conjunction with the project action would impact the Tariffville Gorge by as rationale for its support. The consensus impacting the free-flowing conditions and of the Study Committee was likewise to increasing the size of the impoundment. Other support the Town of Canton’s explorations. In potential points were considered as a part of addition, Congressman Chris Murphy’s office Study discussions, but no consensus among has strongly supported the redevelopment the stakeholders was reached. The range of effort. These factors, together with the high potential alternative endpoints is presented in historic and recreational value of the upper Figure 10. Collinsville Dam (which make dam removal extremely unlikely) have led the NPS to find this river segment currently unsuitable for designation. Local and state support for Wild and Scenic designation of the Collinsville river segments could be re-evaluated in the event that FERC licensing for hydropower generation is not deemed economical through the current Preliminary Permit feasibility study. Under this scenario the CT DEP could consider removal of the Lower Collinsville Dam and development of fish passage at the Upper Collinsville Dam. The NPS believes that such an outcome would be compatible with Wild
National Park Service 41 Figure 10: Potential Exclusion Boundaries Upstream of Rainbow Dam
Potential Wild and Description Support Issues Comments Scenic River Segment Boundary above Rainbow Reservoir
Windsor/East Granby/ Riverine in Towns of Bloomfield SBD considers this Variation of the Bloomfield Town Line appearance. and East Granby boundary within the “full designation” Meets free-flowing supportive of Rainbow Reservoir alternative. Could definition. Clearly designating maximum and potentially within overlap with identifiable boundary. river frontage. future FERC project upper end of Rainbow Dam and area. Rainbow Reservoir. Reservoir all within If used as WSR Town of Windsor legislative boundary, according to SBD SEC consultation with filing. FERC and potential legislative protection for Rainbow Dam should be considered.
Route 187 bridge Based on the best Towns of Bloomfield SBD considers this Best match to available data, the and East Granby boundary within the available data relative Hydrologic Study supportive of potential influence to upstream extent identified the designating maximum of Rainbow Reservoir of Rainbow Reservoir. Route 187 bridge river frontage. and potentially within Considered under as likely upstream future FERC project the Environmentally Rainbow Reservoir area. Preferred Alternative impoundment B: Full Designation as boundary. Riverine Preferred Boundary. in appearance. If used as WSR Meets free-flowing legislative boundary, definition. Clearly consultation with recognizable FERC and potential landmark as legislative protection boundary. SBD for Rainbow Dam original boundary should be considered. request.
Upstream tip of Protective of free- Study Committee As of March 2011, Variation of “full Helco Island flowing conditions & SBD reached SBD requested a larger designation” and ORVs of Tariffville consensus on this exclusion area to allow alternative. Provides Gorge. Protective boundary in July 2010 for potential future small buffer (based of existing Rainbow as fully protective of expansion of Rainbow on currently available hydro operations. existing Rainbow Dam Reservoir (raising data) for existing Identifiable boundary, operations. of Rainbow Dam Rainbow Reservoir in but could move over flashboard height). the event of future time. FERC licensing, but would essentially prevent expansion of Rainbow.
500 feet upstream of Requested in March Not supported Would inundate Considered under Spoonville Dam 2011 by SBD to by majority of approximately 0.5 Alternative C: Partial allow potential future stakeholders additional miles of Designation. Raising expansion of Rainbow currently free-flowing of Rainbow Dam by Dam to maximum river segment above up to an additional 7 engineering height Rainbow, and would feet would need to be (total flashboard present other potential studied and licensed height of 13 feet). impacts such as to the through normal FERC adjacent lands, and procedures, which instream values. would include a full evaluation of impacts, costs and benefits.
42 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 All stakeholders participating on the Study length and depth could potentially submerge Committee have agreed with SBD that it is the lower portion of the renowned Tariffville Potential Wild and Description Support Issues Comments important that the existing operations of the Gorge and the bedrock features that will be Scenic River Segment exposed once the Spoonville Dam has be Boundary above Rainbow Dam and Reservoir be excluded Rainbow Reservoir from the designation and that SBD’s existing removed. In the event of this type of FERC operations be protected in the event of licensing proposal, the Wild and Scenic Windsor/East Granby/ Riverine in Towns of Bloomfield SBD considers this Variation of the potential FERC licensing at some point in designation could protect the river from Bloomfield Town Line appearance. and East Granby boundary within the “full designation” the future. Such FERC licensing would be further impoundment. However in this case Meets free-flowing supportive of Rainbow Reservoir alternative. Could triggered by proposed changes to the dam or it is also important to protect the existing definition. Clearly designating maximum and potentially within overlap with operations of Rainbow Dam in the event of identifiable boundary. river frontage. future FERC project upper end of its operation, or potentially by other factors. a future FERC licensing proceeding for dam Rainbow Dam and area. Rainbow Reservoir. Given the desire to protect SBD’s operations Reservoir all within If used as WSR in this manner, and given the lack of precise improvements that might be necessary to Town of Windsor legislative boundary, scientific data determining the exact upstream maintain the current operation. according to SBD SEC consultation with extent of the Rainbow impoundment, it It is important to note that both the towns and filing. FERC and potential may be necessary and advisable to include legislative protection the Study Committee are eager to protect the for Rainbow Dam legislative protections for the existing SBD free-flowing river conditions and ORVs of the should be considered. operations as a part of any legislative Wild Tariffville Gorge by achieving designation for and Scenic designation effort. Figure 10 notes the maximum length of river possible. Route 187 bridge Based on the best Towns of Bloomfield SBD considers this Best match to which potential endpoints would especially available data, the and East Granby boundary within the available data relative If definitive studies at some future point (likely warrant such protections, based on close Hydrologic Study supportive of potential influence to upstream extent as a part of an FERC licensing procedure, proximity (or potential overlap) between identified the designating maximum of Rainbow Reservoir of Rainbow Reservoir. should one ever be undertaken) establish a the Wild and Scenic River segment and the Route 187 bridge river frontage. and potentially within Considered under different, smaller impoundment extent, it as likely upstream future FERC project the Environmentally upstream boundary of the Rainbow Reservoir. would be conceivable to revisit the eligibility Rainbow Reservoir area. Preferred Alternative In addition, Alternative C: Partial Designation and suitability of a short river segment at impoundment B: Full Designation as includes a segment endpoint that would go boundary. Riverine Preferred Boundary. the upstream edge of this impoundment beyond protecting the existing Rainbow in appearance. If used as WSR boundary. In this regard, the towns of operations, and would allow for potential Meets free-flowing legislative boundary, Bloomfield, East Granby and Windsor are expansion (raising flashboards an additional definition. Clearly consultation with supportive of designating as much of their recognizable FERC and potential seven feet above the dam crest). landmark as legislative protection Farmington River frontage as possible. At the boundary. SBD for Rainbow Dam Based on existing data and under typical moment however, this question is academic. original boundary should be considered. non-storm flow events, the engineer estimated Any such future re-consideration would request. that the upper end of the impoundment require congressional action to amend the would likely be downstream of the Route designation. As well, the potential Wild and Upstream tip of Protective of free- Study Committee As of March 2011, Variation of “full 187 Bridge crossing (see Management Plan Scenic Congressional bill is expected to Helco Island flowing conditions & SBD reached SBD requested a larger designation” and ORVs of Tariffville consensus on this exclusion area to allow alternative. Provides Appendices for Tariffville Gorge Hydrology provide protection for the existing hydro Gorge. Protective boundary in July 2010 for potential future small buffer (based Study). It is likely, therefore that the river operation. of existing Rainbow as fully protective of expansion of Rainbow on currently available is free-flowing down to the 187 bridge Lower Farmington River Downstream of hydro operations. existing Rainbow Dam Reservoir (raising data) for existing crossing. It also appears to meet the generally Rainbow Dam Identifiable boundary, operations. of Rainbow Dam Rainbow Reservoir in riverine in appearance standard down to the Similarly, as a question of suitability, the Study but could move over flashboard height). the event of future Windsor Town line. In March of 2011, SBD time. FERC licensing, but Committee, including the Town of Windsor, would essentially again asked for a larger boundary extending NPS and Stanley Black & Decker (SBD) have prevent expansion of 500 feet upstream of the Spoonville Dam recognized that potential FERC licensing of Rainbow. to allow for potential future alterations of the existing Rainbow facility might reasonably the flashboards situated on top of the dam establish/require a FERC downstream project 500 feet upstream of Requested in March Not supported Would inundate Considered under crest. Currently the flashboards stand six feet boundary that would extend below the existing Spoonville Dam 2011 by SBD to by majority of approximately 0.5 Alternative C: Partial allow potential future stakeholders additional miles of Designation. Raising above the dam crest and SBD estimates that tailrace for some small distance. Therefore, expansion of Rainbow currently free-flowing of Rainbow Dam by they could potentially be raised seven feet to to be fully and conservatively protective of Dam to maximum river segment above up to an additional 7 reach a total height of 13 feet. Flowage rights the existing Rainbow Dam operations, the engineering height Rainbow, and would feet would need to be would need to be obtained or documented Study concludes that a 0.5-mile segment of (total flashboard present other potential studied and licensed to enable SBD to increase the size of the river below Rainbow Dam is unsuitable for height of 13 feet). impacts such as to the through normal FERC adjacent lands, and procedures, which impoundment upstream of the Windsor designation. This 0.5-mile reach includes a small instream values. would include a full Town line, since raising the flashboards would buffer area below the existing tailrace discharge evaluation of impacts, inundate properties adjacent to the river. from the Dam designed to be fully protective costs and benefits. In the engineer’s report it is estimated that of the existing Rainbow Dam operations in the the increase in the size of the impoundment event of future FERC licensing.
National Park Service 43 In addition, SBD has requested that an on this matter. With the exception of the SBD additional 2.2 miles of the Farmington River representative, the Study Committee voted below this point be excluded from Wild and unanimously to support designation of this Scenic River designation (to one half mile river segment. Subsequently, the Windsor below the Rt. 75 bridge in the Poquonock Council and the Planning and Zoning section of Windsor) to preserve the possibility Commission voted to endorse the Wild and of new dam construction in the vicinity of Scenic designation with the contingency that Rt. 75 in the future. SBD has no current plans the exclusion boundary be situated shortly for dam construction nor do they consider it below the dam tailrace so as to prevent feasible at this time. However they own lands construction of a new dam, though there which border the river in the vicinity of the were several council members opposed to bridge at the site of a historic dam no longer this position. SBD is currently opposed to in existence. Additional flowage rights would designating the river segment below the be necessary to go forward with construction Rainbow Dam tailrace even though there are of an impoundment. SBD has stated that a no current plans for dam construction, and Wild and Scenic River designation on this the amount of power that could be generated river segment could also result in reduced is very small, making project development property value for their lands. economically unfeasible at this time. The CT The Wild and Scenic Study representatives DEP opposes any expansion of the footprint participated in discussions and meetings with of the existing Rainbow Dam or development Town of Windsor staff and leaders over many of a new dam due to the significance of the months to allow proper consideration of Farmington River and Salmon Brook for fish this issue. The Windsor Council requested a habitat and restoration, and it has expressed consensus opinion from the Study Committee the opinion that a new dam is not feasible or Photo: Wanda Colman permittable. In analyzing this situation, the NPS has concluded that the entire 8.1 mile Farmington River segment below the Rainbow Dam exclusion boundary is suitable for designation based on consideration of the principal suitability factors outlined at the beginning of this chapter. These considerations include: • Support for Wild and Scenic River designation and opposition to a new dam on this segment by the Town of Windsor. • Support for Wild and Scenic River designation and opposition to a new dam on this segment by the CT DEP. • Present lack of economic or political feasibility for hydroelectric development at this site. • Strong local and state recognition and commitment to preservation of identified free-flowing river values associated with this stretch of river. • Potential adverse impacts to upstream river areas (especially fish passage) if a new dam were constructed at this site. • Potential adverse impacts to riparian and river corridor-related ORVs associated with this stretch of river if a new dam were to be constructed.
44 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 However, based upon the presence of bodies of Avon, Bloomfield, Burlington, some differing opinions within the Town Canton, East Granby, Farmington, Granby, of Windsor, and to honor the position of Hartland, Simsbury, and Windsor. It Stanley Black & Decker that hydroelectric would be utilized as the “Comprehensive development of the Rt. 75 site may someday Management Plan” called for by Section be feasible and should not be precluded by 3(d) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, if the Wild and Scenic River designation, this Study lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Report includes further consideration of a are designated as components of the national partial Wild and Scenic River designation system. alternative (Alternative C) that would exclude • The Lower Farmington River and Salmon 2.2 miles of eligible and suitable river below Brook Management Plan as implemented the Rainbow Dam tailrace, thereby allowing by the future Lower Farmington River and FERC to consider a license application for Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Committee a hydroelectric facility in the vicinity of the (FSWS) provides an appropriate and Route 75 bridge, as proposed by SBD. effective management framework for the 4.G. Summary of General Findings of long-term management and protection of Suitability the watercourses. The Suitability analysis of the Farmington • Based upon the official record of River and Salmon Brook concludes the endorsement from local governing following: bodies, citizens, local and regional • Analysis of existing local, state, federal, and non-governmental organizations as well non-regulatory protections applicable to as an endorsement from the Connecticut the lower Farmington River and Salmon General Assembly and Office of the Brook are found to adequately protect Governor, it is concluded that there is the rivers consistent with the purposes sufficient support to make the river suitable of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. These for designation under the Wild and Scenic protections, combined with local support Rivers Act based on the Partnership Wild through town policies for river protection and Scenic Rivers model. provide substantial protection to the river 4.H. Segment—by—Segment Suitability and its adjacent lands. When combined Findings with the statutory protections that would Refer to Chapter 3, Section B. for a detailed be provided through the Wild and Scenic discussion regarding eligibility of river segments. River designation, the Farmington River and Segment 1. Upper Farmington River and Salmon Brook’s Outstandingly Remarkable Town of Canton (Suitable): This 1.1-mile Values, free-flowing character, and water segment reaches from the New Hartford/ quality would be adequately protected Canton town line to the confluence with without the need for federal land acquisition the Nepaug River. This river segment is or federal land ownership and management. contiguous to the upper Farmington River This finding is consistent with similar Wild and Scenic area and therefore is findings that have been made for each of the recommended to be administered as part of existing Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers, the upper Farmington Wild and Scenic River whereby the designating legislation for each segment. In this case the additional 1.1 miles of those rivers has prohibited the federal of the upper Farmington Wild and Scenic condemnation of lands, as provided for by River would be under the jurisdiction of the Section 6(c) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Farmington River Coordinating Committee Act. It is anticipated that any designating (FRCC), which includes a Town of Canton legislation for the lower Farmington River representative. Once the lower Farmington and Salmon Brook will likewise include such and Salmon Brook Study is complete, a provision. The Management Plan has been Canton would no longer be represented on developed with input from and to meet the the proposed Lower Farmington River and needs of local, state, and federal stakeholders Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Wild and and programs. It has been endorsed as the Scenic Committee (FSWS). Management Plan for the lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook by the governing
National Park Service 45 Segment 2. Collinsville Dams (Not addition, Figure 10 illustrates a range of other Currently Suitable): This 2.9 mile segment potential endpoints above Rainbow Dam that begins at the confluence with the Nepaug could be utilized in any potential legislative River and extends downstream to a point effort to designate this segment as a Wild and 0.2 miles below the Lower Collinsville Dam Scenic River. Figure 10 also touches on some tailrace. This segment of the lower Farmington of the factors related to the various potential River is found to be unsuitable based on endpoints. The Comparison of Alternatives in the existing FERC Preliminary Permit and Chapter 5 also discusses these differences and demonstrated local and Congressional interest the differing impacts of the alternatives. in hydropower re-development for the Upper Segment 4. Lower Farmington River and Lower Collinsville Dams. In the event that (Suitable): This final 8.1 mile segment this project is dropped from consideration stretches from below the tailrace of the or otherwise abandoned, the suitability of Rainbow Dam to the confluence with the this could be re-evaluated based on local, Connecticut River. state and stakeholder interest. It is envisioned that the FSWS and FRCC could monitor this East, West and Main Stem Salmon Brook situation in partnership with the CT DEP and (Suitable): This segment consists of 11.4 miles the affected communities and consider the of the Salmon Brook East Branch, extending possibility of removing the lower Collinsville from the Massachusetts/Connecticut state line Dam and establishing non-hydro fish passage in Hartland, and into Granby, where it joins at the historically significant Upper Collinsville the Salmon Brook Main Stem; 12.6 miles of Dam. the Salmon Brook West Branch, reaching from the Hartland headwaters, and into Granby Segment 3. Lower Farmington River where it joins the Salmon Brook Main Stem; (Suitable): This 27.3 mile segment begins and 2.4 miles of the Brook’s Main Stem, below the tailrace of the Lower Collinsville reaching from the confluence of the East and Dam and extends south through Burlington, West Branches to the confluence with the Avon, and Farmington, then turns north in Farmington River in East Granby. Farmington and continues through Avon, Simsbury, East Granby, and into Bloomfield. 4.I. Summary This segment ends at the Route 187 bridge. 37 miles of the lower Farmington River, The Route 187 bridge represents the likely and the entirety of the Salmon Brook, upper end of the Rainbow Dam impoundment including the Main Stem and East and based on best available data. In the event West Branches, totaling 26.4 miles, are that FERC licensing of Rainbow Dam in the found to be eligible and suitable for future defines a smaller impoundment area, Wild and Scenic River designation. The this endpoint could be re-evaluated based Farmington River and Salmon Brook are on local, state and stakeholder interest. In both assigned a preliminary classification Salmon Brook of ‘recreational’.
46 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 47 Chapter 5: Environmental Assessment
5.A. Introduction National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (Public In accordance with the National Law 90-542, as amended), enacted in 1968, Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Council established a framework for protection on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations of select rivers, for the benefit of present (40 CFR 1500-1508), and NPS Directors order and future generations. Congress declared #12, an Environmental Assessment (EA) was that “the established national policy of conducted as part of the Lower Farmington dam and other construction… needs to be River and Salmon Brook Study Report. complemented by a policy that would preserve This EA addresses the proposed action of other selected rivers, or sections thereof, in designation of the lower Farmington River their free-flowing condition to protect the and Salmon Brook to the National Wild and water quality of such rivers and to fulfill other Scenic Rivers System. vital national conservation purposes.” These The EA is comprised of sections that describe selected rivers collectively form the National the Purpose and Need for Action, Alternatives, Wild and Scenic Rivers System. the River Environment, the Impacts of Prior to a river’s addition to the National Wild Alternatives, and the Public Involvement and Scenic River System, it must be found Process. both eligible and suitable. To be eligible, the 5.B. Project Description river must be free-flowing and possess at least The proposed project provides for permanent The lower Farmington one “outstandingly remarkable” resource protection from federally permitted or funded River and Salmon value, such as exceptional recreational, water resource projects through a Wild geologic, fish and wildlife, historic features. Brook corridors and Scenic River designation of the lower The resource values must be directly contain important Farmington River and Salmon Brook and its related to, or dependent upon the river. The important river-related resources. No river “outstandingly determination of a resource’s significance is construction projects or improvements that remarkable’ resource based on the professional judgment of the may impact the river environment are being values related to Study Committee. considered as part of this project. the recreational The suitability determination for a Wild and 5.C. Purpose and Need for Action opportunities, the Scenic River designation is based upon several distinctive species and findings. First, there must be evidence of The purpose of this project is to protect habitats, the cultural lasting protection for the river’s free-flowing and enhance the lower Farmington River landscape and the character and outstanding resources, either and Salmon Brook and the outstanding through existing mechanisms, or through a river resources including Geology, Water underlying geological combination of existing and new conservation Quality, Biological Diversity, the Cultural history. measures resulting from the Wild and Scenic Landscape, and Recreational Resources. Study. Second, there must be strong support Local leaders of the ten town study area and for designation from existing entities including the state have expressed a strong desire to towns, the state, riverfront landowners, and protect the river and its resources and are conservation organizations that will provide seeking federal designation in order to gain long-term protection of the river. Third, a national recognition for their waterways and practical management framework must be implement the locally prepared advisory devised that will allow these interests to Management Plan. work together as effective stewards of the The purpose of this EA is to enable the river and its resources. Finally, National Wild National Park Service and its partners to: and Scenic River designation must fit as an • Determine if the lower Farmington River appropriate and efficient river conservation and Salmon Brook should be proposed for tool. addition to the National Wild and Scenic As a result of the studies conducted by the Rivers System; and Study Committee in partnership with the • Determine the best long-term conservation NPS, the lower Farmington River and Salmon strategies for protecting and enhancing the Brook have been determined to be both rivers and associated resources. eligible and suitable for designation into the
48 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 The lower Farmington River and Salmon implementation of the Management Plan’s Brook corridors contain important protection goals as follows: “outstandingly remarkable’ resource values • Protect geological features that are important related to the recreational opportunities, the as agricultural, cultural, hydrologic, or distinctive species and habitats, the cultural recreational resources or that are the basis landscape and the underlying geological for natural ecological functions or that serve history. Despite the fact that the existing significant scientific or educational purposes. framework of local and state resource • Identify, understand, maintain, and as protection was deemed adequate through needed improve the chemical, physical, the Wild and Scenic Study, it is important to biological, and flow conditions in the waters ensure optimal protection of Outstandingly of the lower Farmington River and Salmon Remarkable Values (ORVs), water quality, and Brook so that they support the needs of free-flowing character over time due to threats native wildlife, aquatic life, and recreational and a changing environment. users. The proposed Partnership Wild and • Recognize, understand, protect and enhance Scenic River approach to designation and the unique, rare, declining and characteristic the Management Plan (locally developed native species and natural communities of during the Study) is tailored to rivers like the lower Farmington and Salmon Brook the lower Farmington River and Salmon Corridors that contribute to the area’s Brook that are characterized by extensive biodiversity. private land ownership along the river, and well-established traditions of local control • Conserve the archaeological and historical of river management in a community- heritage of the river corridor and develop based setting. This designation scenario is interest in this heritage, strengthening designed to support the development of river residents’ connection to the river and protection strategies that bring communities enriching the experience of visitors. together in protecting, enhancing, and • Facilitate public recreation on and along the managing high value river resources. lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Implementation of the Lower Farmington in a manner consistent with natural and River and Salmon Brook Management Plan cultural resource protection. is intended to be pursued in a coordinated Additionally, threats and management approach between all levels of government as issues were identified that could degrade well as with residents and local and regional Outstandingly Remarkable Resource quality. partners and organizations. The potential gaps between potential threats The purpose of the designation, as determined and existing protections were noted, and by the Wild and Scenic Study Committee in recommended tools or techniques provided partnership with the National Park Service, for improving protection and enhancement of is to protect the river resources through local the resources at the local level. Photo: Tom Cameron 5.D. Alternatives During the Wild and Scenic Study the Committee considered a variety of alternatives for the long-term protection of the Farmington River and Salmon Brook and associated resources. In accordance with NEPA, CEQ regulations, the desires of the Study Area towns, and established NPS policy for Wild and Scenic Studies of extensive private land ownership along rivers, alternatives for the conservation of river resources are described here. Alternatives were considered and evaluated in accordance with the interests and objectives of the riverfront communities as articulated through the Study Committee. In order for an
National Park Service 49 alternative to meet the needs of the towns in there may be more than one environmentally protecting the river the following objectives preferable alternative (43 CFR 46.30). must be met: Alternative A. No Action • Federal designation would only be The No Action alternative is evaluated and recommended if strong support were used as a baseline for comparison with expressed through passage of support the effects of the action alternatives. This resolutions by the affected towns. alternative does not involve designation of the lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook to • No reliance on federal ownership of land in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. order to achieve the Wild and Scenic River This alternative would maintain existing state Act’s goals of protecting and enhancing river and local controls for resource protection values. on the Farmington River and Salmon Brook • Land use management is regulated through without additional federal protection from existing local and state authorities, the same federal water resource projects or federal as before a designation. support for local river protection efforts. • Administration and implementation Under the No Action alternative, there of a locally led Management Plan would be no involvement or support in river is accomplished through a broadly management from the National Park Service participatory management committee, through administration of the National Wild convened for each river specifically for this and Scenic Rivers Act. purpose. Alternative B. Full Designation—NPS Preferred • Responsibility for managing and protecting This alternative would designate all segments river resources is shared between the of the lower Farmington River and Salmon local, state, federal, and non-governmental Brook having been found to meet the partners on the committee. criteria of eligibility and suitability into the • A strong emphasis on grassroots involvement National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. and consensus building. This alternative would extend the Wild and • Reliance on volunteerism as a key to success. Scenic River designation to the confluence • No National Park Service (NPS) with the Connecticut River (the upper 14 miles Superintendent, law enforcement, or similar of the Farmington are already designated). elements of traditional federally managed Alternative B best protects the resources of The future Lower units of the National Park System. the rivers by designating the segments as described. Designation would include the Farmington River and In accordance with NPS Director’s Order lower Farmington River, from the terminus #12 and NEPA Section 102(2) (E), a range Salmon Brook Wild of the upper Farmington River Wild and of proposed river protection alternatives and Scenic Committee Scenic segment to the Connecticut River, were considered, including a “no action” (FSWS) would assume with the exception of two river segments alternative. Additionally and in accordance lead responsibility for that include dams. It would also include and with the DO-12 Handbook, the NPS the designation of the East, West and Main coordination of the identifies the environmentally preferable Stem Branches of the Salmon Brook within Management Plan alternative in its NEPA documents for public Connecticut. implementation that review and comment [Sect. 4.5 E(9)]. The was created during environmentally preferable alternative is The future Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Committee the Study. the alternative that causes the least damage to the biological and physical environment (FSWS) would assume lead responsibility and best protects, preserves, and enhances for coordination of the Management Plan historical, cultural, and natural resources. implementation that was created during The environmentally preferable alternative the Study. To undertake this responsibility, is identified upon consideration and the FSWS would coordinate and direct weighing by the Responsible Official of implementation of activities described in the long-term environmental impacts against Management Plan. The Management Plan short-term impacts in evaluating what is the as implemented by FSWS would provide best protection of these resources. In some an appropriate and effective management situations, such as when different alternatives framework for the long-term management and impact different resources to different degrees, protection of the watercourses.
50 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 The NPS would have a role on the FSWS alternatives for designation endpoints above and could potentially provide financial and Rainbow Dam. The Windsor Town line technical assistance to support Management and Helco Island alternatives have not been Plan implementation. The NPS would provide separately evaluated here, as they are both National Wild and Scenic River Act Section variants of the Route 187 bridge alternative (7) reviews of federally permitted or funded defined in the environmentally preferred projects which might potentially impact alternative. Neither would allow for potential the waterways and associated resources. future expansion of Rainbow Reservoir, and Additionally, the functions of the NPS could as such are functionally equivalent to the include, but not be limited to the following Rte 187 crossing. activities: Full Designation of the Lower Farmington • Provide limited financial assistance Below Rainbow, Partial Designation to support the coordination of river Above Rainbow; Full Designation Above conservation projects amongst towns and Rainbow and Partial Designation Below partners. Rainbow. The differing treatment of the • Respond to public inquiries. river segments immediately above and below the existing Rainbow Dam and Reservoir • Develop appropriate plans to protect could be “mixed and matched” to allow resources and develop visitor and for consideration of future hydroelectric interpretive resources. development opportunities at one end or • Fund additional research initiatives for the other. Either of these approaches would resource protection and public use. essentially “split the difference” between • Provide technical and financial assistance, Alternatives B and C, representing a potential as appropriate, through use of cooperative legislative compromise approach that would agreements. apply Wild and Scenic protections to either the expansion of hydro above Rainbow • Assist in public education. or new hydroelectric development below • Develop interpretive media. Rainbow (but not to both). Alternative C. Partial Designation Features Common to the No Action, Full This Alternative varies from Alternative B Designation and Partial Designation by excluding an additional 1.5 miles of the Alternatives Farmington River below the Rainbow Dam 1. Continued implementation of existing tailrace, and an additional .5 miles above the local, state, and federal programs Route 187 Bridge from potential Wild and documented in the Lower Farmington Scenic River designation (at the upstream end River and Salmon Brook Management Plan. of the existing Rainbow Dam impoundment). Wild and Scenic River designation would Below Rainbow, the exclusion area would not replace or appreciably alter the existing extend for a total of 2.2 miles below the implementation of the “baseline” local, dam to a point 0.5 miles below the Route 75 state or federal programs as discussed in bridge in the Poquonock section of the Town the Management Plan, and which comprise of Windsor. Above Rainbow, the reservoir the basis of the “No Action” Alternative. exclusion area would extend to a point 500 ft Thus, continued implementation of these upstream of the old Spoonville Dam site at the programs is assumed under all alternatives. base of Tariffville Gorge. This alternative would 2. Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Management Plan. provide opportunities for new hydroelectric development below Rainbow Dam and for The Lower Farmington River and Salmon potential expansion (raising flashboard height) Brook Management Plan has been of the existing Rainbow Dam. developed during the Study to serve as the blueprint for management and protection Variations on Alternatives of the rivers regardless of whether Wild and Multiple variations exist regarding Scenic Rivers designation occurs. However, potential Wild and Scenic River designation if designation occurs there is a greater alternatives. These include: likelihood that the Management Plan Endpoints Above Rainbow Dam. As will be implemented to its full potential. noted earlier, Figure 10 presents 4 different Without a designation there is no guarantee
National Park Service 51 52 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 that a group of stakeholders will convene to would mean that the State of Connecticut oversee implementation of the Management would serve as the manager for the lower Plan and the NPS will not be involved. Farmington River and Salmon Brook. The principal effect or impact of Wild and This management approach was eliminated Scenic Rivers designation will be to add from consideration during the pre-study the specific protections of designation authorization phase. Based on the high level on top of existing programs, and to of early local support and involvement in the establish an authorization for direct federal process by riverfront towns and conservation funding and technical assistance to aid in organizations, the need for state management implementation of the Management Plan. was determined to be not appropriate for this 3. Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook river designation. The pre-study team also Wild and Scenic Study. determined that the upper Farmington River Since the watercourses are currently under “Partnership” model for the Wild and Scenic a 5(a) study, they are protected under Study and designation, which serves as a Section 7(b) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers successful model of the coordinated approach Act for three (3) full fiscal years after the to river management, was best suited to the study report is submitted to Congress. lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook area. Alternatives Considered and Rejected Prior 5.E. Identification of Environmentally to the Wild and Scenic Study Preferable Alternative National Park Service Management In accordance with the DO-12 Handbook, Under this type of management scheme, the the NPS identifies the environmentally Farmington River and Salmon Brook would be preferable alternative in its NEPA documents added to the National Wild and Scenic River for public review and comment [Sect. 4.5 System as a unit of the National Park Service E(9)]. The environmentally preferable (NPS) and would be managed directly by NPS alternative is the alternative that causes the staff. The management committee, as described least damage to the biological and physical above, would be created, but the NPS would The environmentally environment and best protects, preserves, take a more active role, using the Management and enhances historical, cultural, and natural preferable alternative Committee and Plan for guidance. With this resources. The environmentally preferable is the alternative that type of management direction, the NPS would alternative is identified upon consideration causes the least damage be responsible for assuring protection in a and weighing by the Responsible Official of traditionally managed unit of the National Park to the biological and long-term environmental impacts against System such as through potential NPS law physical environment short-term impacts in evaluating what is the enforcement or land management or acquisition. and best protects, best protection of these resources. In some preserves, and This method of management was eliminated situations, such as when different alternatives enhances historical, from consideration prior to the authorization impact different resources to different degrees, of the Wild and Scenic Study Bill. The upper cultural, and natural there may be more than one environmentally Farmington River holds a Partnership Wild preferable alternative (43 CFR 46.30). resources. and Scenic River designation which serves Alternative B most fully protects the as a successful model of the coordinated free-flowing river character, water quality and approach to river management which does Outstandingly Remarkable Values. Based on not involve federal land acquisition or the the analysis of environmental consequences direct federal management presence of more of each alternative in Section 5.F., Alternative traditional park units. Thus the “Partnership” B is the environmentally preferable alternative. approach was deemed best suited to the lower Under this alternative the Federal Power Farmington River area by the pre-study team. Commission (FERC) shall not license the Local support for designation was based on construction of any dam or other project the expectation that river management would works. This full designation alternative would be accomplished through the Partnership provide special recognition and protection for method, not solely by the NPS. the watercourses, and for the five identified State Management Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs) for Federal Wild and Scenic designation by the which the rivers would be designated. Secretary of the Interior under Section 2(a) The Preferred Alternative is B, National Wild (ii) of the Federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Scenic River designation of all segments
National Park Service 53 found eligible and suitable, with a river Connecticut. The area is described in detail in management plan implemented through the Chapter 2 starting on page 8 of this report. local Lower Farmington River and Salmon In addition, NEPA asks federal agencies to Brook Wild and Scenic River Committee analyze the likely environmental impacts of comprised of local, state and federal partners. a proposed action, in this case designation Environmentally Preferable Alternative B: as a National Wild and Scenic River. Wild • Most fully protects the free-flowing river and Scenic River designation (and the Wild character, water quality and Outstandingly and Scenic Rivers Act) is specifically targeted Remarkable Values. toward the preservation of free-flowing river character, and protection, and enhancement • Allows designation of all currently eligible of identified “outstandingly remarkable” and suitable river segments. values. Therefore, the “affected environment” • Protects the river from the harmful effects for the NEPA analysis is free-flowing river of federally licensed or funded development character, water quality, and “outstandingly projects. remarkable” natural, cultural and recreational 5.F. Affected Environment river values. These values have been extensively described in the Outstandingly The Wild and Scenic Study included the lower Remarkable Values Chapter 3.C. starting on Farmington River from the New Hartford/ page 17 of this report. A fuller understanding Canton town line to the confluence with the of the resources in question, their existing Connecticut River, and the East, West and management and the likely impacts of Wild Main Stem Branches of the Salmon Brook in Photo: Wanda Colman and Scenic designation can also be gained from reading the companion document to this Study Report, the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Management Plan. 5.G. Impact of Alternatives This section of the Environmental Assessment allows for comparisons of the alternatives and their impacts on the resources of the lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook. It is not anticipated that any part of the natural environment of the waterways will be adversely or negatively impacted by the designation of the river into the National Wild and Scenic River System or via the adoption of the Management Plan. No river construction projects or improvements that may impact the river environment are being considered as part of this planning process. The impacts of the alternatives are estimated based on professional experience related to similar designations in the northeast region utilizing the “Partnership Wild and Scenic River” designation model. Such a designation has been in effect on the upper Farmington River for more than 15 years, providing an excellent model from which to estimate impacts. Additionally, there are another 10 similar river designations in the larger Northeast Region of the National Park Service which collectively provide a sound basis for understanding the impacts of designation.
See Impact of Alternatives Table that follows.
54 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 5.H. Impact of Alternatives Table—Description
Alternative A: No Action Alternative B: Full Designation— Alternative C: Partial Designation Environmentally Preferable Alternative
Description of Alternative Description of Alternative Description of Alternative This alternative would maintain existing This alternative would designate, as a This Alternative varies from Alternative state and local controls for resource component of the National Wild and B by excluding an additional 1.5 protection on the Farmington River and Scenic Rivers System, all segments of miles of the Farmington River below Salmon Brook without additional federal the Lower Farmington River and Salmon the Rainbow Dam tailrace, and an protection from federal water resource Brook found to meet the criteria of additional .5 miles above the Route 187 projects or federal support for local river eligibility and suitability, totaling 63.4 Bridge from potential Wild and Scenic protection efforts. miles. This alternative would extend River designation (at the upstream Under this alternative, no portion the existing upper Farmington Wild end of the existing Rainbow Dam of the Farmington River or Salmon and Scenic River designation to the impoundment). Below Rainbow, the Brook would be designated as a confluence with the Connecticut River. exclusion area would extend for a total component of the National Wild Under this alternative, 37 miles of of 2.2 miles below the dam to a point and Scenic Rivers System. The the lower Farmington River, with the 0.5 miles below the Route 75 bridge in existing local, state, and federal river exception of two river segments with the Poquonock section of the Town of management and protection context dams, and the 26.4 miles of the East Windsor. Above Rainbow, the reservoir would be unchanged. The Farmington and West Branches and Main Stem of exclusion area would extend to a point and Salmon Brook Management the Salmon Brook within Connecticut 500 ft upstream of the old Spoonville Plan prepared as part of the study would be subject to the additional Dam site at the base of Tariffville could be utilized by existing river protections of the federal designation. Gorge. This alternative would provide stakeholders to guide and improve If designated, the National Park Service opportunities for new hydroelectric future river management and protection would convene a Farmington River development below Rainbow Dam efforts. However, the absence of the and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic and for potential expansion (raising federal designation and anticipated Committee, ensuring that this oversight flashboard height) of the existing federal support for the Plan and its and coordination body exists and Rainbow Dam. These new and or implementation would likely mean functions to stimulate implementation increased hydroelectric opportunities that the Plan and its implementation of the Lower Farmington and Salmon have been advocated for by the Stanley would be utilized to a much lesser Brook Management Plan. Federal Black & Decker (SBD) company which extent than if designation were to funding and technical assistance owns and operates the existing Rainbow occur. Long-term federal support and (subject to congressional appropriations) Dam and which owns riverfront lands assistance to protection of free-flowing would be available to assist in Plan below Rainbow that have been targeted river conditions, water quality, and implementation and would motivate by the company for future hydroelectric ORVs would not be in place. Similarly, increased long-term efforts to protect development. it is possible that some other entity and enhance free-flowing river (the National Park Service would not be conditions, water quality and identified involved if the river is not designated) ORVs. Section 7 of the Wild and Scenic might organize, convene and support Rivers Act would be in effect for all a committee charged with overseeing eligible and suitable segments, providing implementation of the Management maximum protection to the free- Plan. The likelihood is, however, that flowing river character from potentially the Committee will not be a significant adverse federally assisted water resource long-term factor in the absence of development project. federal designation and support. This alternative best matches the desires In the absence of designation, federally of the communities, local governments assisted water resource development and river stakeholders. projects such as hydro could be developed at existing dam sites or new sites.
National Park Service 55 5.H. Impact of Alternatives—Impacts on Free-Flowing Character
Alternative A: No Action Alternative B: Full Designation Alternative C: Partial Designation
Impacts on Free-Flowing Character Impacts on Free-Flowing Character Impacts on Free-Flowing Character This alternative would provide no This alternative would permanently This alternative would allow for future additional protection (beyond existing protect 63.4 miles of the Lower consideration of the two hydroelectric state and federal project review Farmington River and the Salmon Brook development proposals advocated for and permitting programs) to the from federally assisted or permitted by SBD—raising the height of Rainbow free-flowing character of the lower projects that could alter the free-flow Dam flashboards and development of Farmington River and Salmon Brook. of the river, and would specifically a new facility downstream of Rainbow Federally permitted or funded water prohibit the FERC from licensing any Dam in the vicinity of the Route 75 resource projects that could alter new hydroelectric project on or directly crossing. Other segments of the Lower the free-flow of the river and its affecting the designated segments. New Farmington and all of Salmon Brook undisturbed shoreline areas would hydroelectric development opportunities would be designated and protected only continue to be subject to Section advocated by SBD (raising the height similar to Alternative B. Under this 7(b) review for three full fiscal years of Rainbow Dam flashboards, and/or alternative at least 0.5 miles of the after this study report is submitted to development of a new project below lower Farmington River above the Congress. Since most, and perhaps all, Rainbow Dam in Windsor) would be existing Rainbow Reservoir could be projects posing a threat to free-flowing prohibited, as would other potential inundated by the raising of Rainbow condition require federal assistance/ new hydroelectric development flashboards to the maximum feasible permitting, this lack of future protection proposals on designated portions of the engineering height of 13 feet (according could be significant over time. Lower Farmington River and Salmon to SBD data). This would convert that The potential hydroelectric Brook. The exclusion of the Lower stretch of free-flowing river into a developments promoted by SBD (raising Farmington River segment surrounding ponded condition. If such a proposal of Rainbow Dam to create more Upper and Lower Collinsville Dams were pursued by the SBD company, power potential at that existing facility would allow Avon, Burlington and it would require FERC licensing, and and development of a new facility Canton to continue to explore the public benefit of such a change downstream of Rainbow Dam) could the feasibility of redeveloping and would be evaluated through such FERC be pursued. Other former and historical relicensing hydropower at the existing licensing process. dam sites on the lower Farmington and Collinsville Dams. Similarly, SBD or another party could Salmon Brook could likewise attract Under this alternative the exclusion propose development of a new potential hydroelectric proposals, boundaries surrounding the Rainbow hydroelectric facility below the Rainbow though no such proposals have surfaced Dam and Reservoir would allow Dam. SBD owns lands in the vicinity of as part of Study investigations. The continued operation of the existing the Route 75 bridge and has performed feasibility of any such proposals is highly hydropower facility and allow FERC some preliminary analysis of a potential speculative and influenced by such to accept a license application if one new facility (likely a dam) at this site. factors as energy prices, government is required in the future. Because of As with the Rainbow expansion above, renewable energy incentives, the larger the uncertainties regarding the upper any such proposal would need to be state and federal regulatory climate, limit of the Rainbow Reservoir, this individually reviewed and licensed and other factors. alternative and its variants (Helco Island, through the FERC process. The presence Beyond hydroelectric development, this Windsor Town Line) could complicate of Wild and Scenic River designated alternative would provide no additional such potential future FERC licensing of segments above and below these areas review or scrutiny of Army Corps the Rainbow Dam. This potential issue would allow the National Park Service permits or other federal assistance should be reviewed and discussed with to ensure protection of upstream and projects related to the river. Over time the FERC, and legislative protections for downstream resources as a part of such the absence of this additional scrutiny the Rainbow Dam and its operations a process, but the impacts to the non- and regulatory protection could could be considered as a part of the designated reaches themselves would allow for degradation of free-flowing legislative designation process. not be considered in the Wild and character through rip-rap, channel This alternative would provide the Scenic Rivers review. alterations, or similar projects. Any such maximum protection to free-flowing degradation would be expected to be character from other forms of federally/ long-term and incremental in nature. assisted water resource development projects such as rip-rap, channel modifications, diversions. Over time, this additional protection and project scrutiny could have the effect of better preserving and/or enhancing free- flowing river character and natural stream channel conditions.
56 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 5.H. Impact of Alternatives—Impacts on Protection of Identified Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs)
Alternative A: No Action Alternative B: Full Designation Alternative C: Partial Designation
Impacts on Protection of Identified Impacts on Protection of Identified Impacts on Protection of Identified Outstandingly Remarkable Values Outstandingly Remarkable Values Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs) (ORVs) (ORVs) Under the no action alternative there Alternative B would provide the highest Alternative C would provide a lesser would be no increased protection of degree of protection to the identified degree of protection to the ORVs due the identified natural, cultural and ORVs and would permanently protect to extended exclusion areas above, recreational Outstandingly Remarkable the ORVs of the Lower Farmington and below the Rainbow Dam, where Values, or water quality. The current River and Salmon Brook from federally SBD has expressed interest in raising level of protection through local, state permitted/funded water resource the flashboards on the dam and in and federal channels would remain development projects that would have a the development of a hydro site in unchanged and without the Wild and potential direct or adverse effect. FERC the vicinity of the Route 75 bridge. Scenic designation’s protections, could licensed projects on or directly impacting Under Section 7 of the Wild and Scenic lead to incremental decline in the designated river segments would be Rivers Act, a FERC licensed project is ORVs over time. The increased scrutiny prohibited, and as a result the ORVs permitted on river segments upstream afforded by the direct application of of the Lower Farmington River and or downstream of a designated river Section 7(a) of the Wild and Scenic Salmon Brook would be permanently segment as long as the project does Rivers Act would not be in effect for protected from the potential impacts not invade the area or unreasonably the oversight of federally funded or of new projects. In addition, the NEPA diminish the scenic, recreational, and assisted projects beyond the three-year review processes for federally funded/ fish and wildlife values present in post-study report submission deadline. assisted non-water resource projects the area at the time of designation. In addition, the increased examination would necessitate weighing impacts Excluding additional river segments of other federal projects (non-water on the identified ORVs. The National from designation could result in FERC resource development projects) that Park Service would comment through licensed projects or federally funded/ could be expected through required existing federal agency review processes assisted projects. Projects on the NEPA processes would not include to ensure this consideration. non-designated river segments could recognition and protection of federal The Wild and Scenic Committee could impact the values for which the river is Wild and Scenic River status. Similarly, take the lead and responsibility for proposed for designation. the probable lack of oversight and following guidance provided in the Under this alternative, river segments project assessment applied to non- Management Plan and could undertake both above (by raising flashboards) federal projects, through Wild and desirable steps and actions needed to and below (by hydro development Scenic Committee support, would protect the identified ORVs and provide at a new site) the existing Rainbow erode local and state efforts to protect opportunities for resource protection Dam could be inundated, resulting in identified natural, cultural, and and enhancement. This management ponded conditions that could impact recreational values. framework has proven effective on the identified ORVs, on a stretch of river Without Wild and Scenic Rivers other Wild and Scenic Rivers and in targeted by the DEP as a high priority designation, resource protection particular on the Upper Farmington for protection and restoration of aquatic strategies set forth within the Lower River where a Wild and Scenic life. A new dam site could present a Farmington River and Salmon Brook Committee has been in place for over barrier to fish passage/ migration, and Management Plan to promote 15 years. to recreational uses. and could impact protection and enhancement of ORVs water quality. Over time progress would not be implemented to the toward habitat and fish restoration same extent since there would be no would be reduced. Wild and Scenic Committee to lead the effort. Furthermore the National Park Service would not be available to provide technical assistance, further leading to a potential long-term deterioration of identified resources.
National Park Service 57 5.H. Impact of Alternatives—Impacts on Socio-Economic Values
Alternative A: No Action Alternative B: Full Designation Alternative C: Partial Designation
Impacts on Socio-Economic Values Impacts on Socio-Economic Values Impacts on Socio-Economic Values Under Alternative A, long-term impacts Alternative B would maximize the Alternative C would also result in to socio-economic values could be natural, cultural, and recreational highlighting the natural, cultural anticipated relative to non-designation resource values of a Wild and and recreational resource values of scenarios. For instance, there would be no Scenic designation in the form of the lower Farmington and Salmon designation-related special recognition of river focused community-based Brook as river focused community- the Farmington and Salmon Brook and their values, consistent with wide support based values. Many of the positive associated resources. In addition, resource- expressed by local town leaders. impacts outlined in Alternative B related protection that a designation Over time it would be reasonable would also occur for this alternative. offers would not be available through to expect that quality of life values, However, if the exclusion were consistent long-term implementation of home prices, tourism, and similar extended upstream and downstream the Management Plan or through reviews socio-economic standards might of Rainbow Dam there would be a conducted under Section 7 of the Wild be preserved or increased through diminished sense of continuity due and Scenic Rivers Act, likely resulting in such efforts. High quality, protected to the gap in protection that might some level of degradation of the free- river resources have been shown lead to long-term erosion of quality of flowing conditions, ORVs and water in numerous studies to have such life, home prices and related values if quality of the rivers. Over the long-term, positive economic community benefits. degradation of the river and its values small incremental detrimental changes There could be some long-term shift were to occur. With a new dam could affect local quality of life. Indicators in the nature, type, or density of the river would be impounded and of quality of life related to the river can adjacent land uses based on respect properties adjacent to the river would include home prices, sense of place, and for river health. Landowners along be flooded. In particular, riverfront availability of high water quality source the watercourses may be more landowners in the Town of Windsor for human needs and recreational uses, as likely to adopt voluntary protection would experience a decline in quality well as other related values. The proactive strategies and support adoption of the of life and decrease in property values protection and enhancement strategies of recommended protection tools by the over time if a federally permitted the Management Plan aimed at maximizing land use commissions due to the pride project is proposed. If such a proposal the natural, cultural and recreational values associated with a designation. There were pursued by the SBD company, to the abutting communities would see would be increased incentive for river it would require FERC licensing, and less implementation, thus reducing, over communities to work cooperatively the public benefit of such a change time, the value of these resources to the on river resource issues to benefit all. would be evaluated through such community. An increase in volunteer service would FERC licensing process. With widespread local support for also result from the designation. Stanley Black & Decker (SBD) has extending the Wild and Scenic River Under this alternative, FERC licensed estimated that a new dam at this site designation to the confluence with the water resource projects are not would be a low-head dam totaling Connecticut River it is anticipated that the permitted and other federally funded/ 13 feet in height, generating 10,000 river communities would be dissatisfied assisted water resource projects could megawatts of power per year, and with a non-designation result. River be restricted. Full designation therefore powering about 800 homes. SBD communities and stakeholders would results in a loss of the potential future deemed the development of hydro not have access to the opportunities and development of hydro. At this time not economically feasible at this time. associated prestige the designation affords, the strong community support for and that communities along the Upper designation and protection of river- Farmington River gained access to through related resources indicates that there Wild and Scenic designation 15 years ago. is not strong local interest in pursuing Alternative A could result in the new hydro. It is feasible that in the development of hydroelectric projects future the local energy needs or promoted by SBD, and/or the ability to economic conditions could shift and pursue other federally assisted/funded that appropriate technology for hydro water resource projects. Other former power could be desirable. and historical dam sites on the lower Alternative B allows for continued Farmington and Salmon Brook could exploration for re-developing hydro (by likewise attract potential hydroelectric the communities of Avon, Burlington, proposals. The feasibility of any such and Canton) at the existing Upper proposals is highly speculative and and Lower Collinsville Dams. A recent influenced by such factors as energy prices, assessment of the dams indicated government renewable energy incentives, that re-tooling the dams for hydro availability of appropriate hydro technology, is structurally feasible, though the the larger state and federal regulatory economic viability is not yet clear. climate, and other factors.
58 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 5.H. Impact of Alternatives—Anticipated Costs
Alternative A: No Action Alternative B: Full Designation Alternative C: Partial Designation
Anticipated Costs Anticipated Costs Anticipated Costs There are no direct costs associated Direct costs of this alternative to the Direct short-term costs associated with with this alternative. Over the long- federal government may be anticipated this alternative should be similar to term, however, there could be to be comparable to the direct costs of those observed in Alternative B. substantial indirect costs if important similar designations in the NPS Northeast Stanley Black & Decker (SBD) has river values, including water quality Region that provides seed funding for estimated that a new dam at this site and identified Outstandingly implementation of the Management would be a low-head dam totaling Remarkable Values, are allowed to Plan. In recent years, congressional 13 feet in height, generating 10,000 deteriorate. appropriations through the National Park megawatts of power per year, and Service operating budget approximated powering about 800 homes. SBD $175,000 for each of the twelve deemed the development of hydro not designated “Partnership National Wild and economically feasible at this time. Scenic Rivers”. Some direct and indirect costs may also accrue to State agencies and non-governmental organizations partnering with the NPS through the Wild and Scenic Committee, if they choose to devote increased resources as compared to the no action alternative. Communities’ involvement is expected to be all-volunteer, while indirect costs may be accrued through projects willingly undertaken in partnership with the NPS and Wild and Scenic Committee. Indirect costs through increased attention to preservation of river values may also occur. However, there would also be shared resources and funding across town borders for the benefit of the river protection. Multiple opportunities for collaboration and pooling of resources with the upper Farmington River Wild and Scenic Committee (FRCC) would provide economy in scale. There would also be opportunities for the Wild and Scenic Committee, towns and NGOs to leverage additional funding as a result of the seed funding provided by the National Park Service. Under this alternative, FERC licensed water resource projects are not permitted and other federally funded/assisted water resource projects could be restricted. Full designation therefore results in a loss of the potential future development of hydro. At this time the strong community support for designation and protection of river- related resources indicates that there is not strong local interest in pursuing new hydro. It is feasible that in the future the local energy needs or economic conditions could shift and that appropriate technology for hydro power could be desirable. Alternative B allows for continued exploration for re-developing hydro (by the communities of Avon, Burlington, and Canton) at the existing Upper and Lower Collinsville Dams. A recent assessment of the dams indicated that re-tooling the dams for hydro is structurally feasible, though the economic viability is not yet clear.
National Park Service 59 Impact of Alternatives Discussion or if other conditions change such as the occurrence of high fuel prices, incentives for Alternative A: No Action renewable energy or improved technologies. Alternative A fails to support protection and There are no other known dam sites on the enhancement of the natural, cultural, and Farmington River or Salmon Brook that have recreational Outstandingly Remarkable Values the capability of generating a large enough (ORVs) of the lower Farmington River and amount of power to make development Salmon Brook. This alternative would allow feasible at this time, though again conditions for the possibility of a slow loss of these could change in the future that provide values, contrary to the strongly expressed increased incentive to dam the Farmington desires of adjacent communities and other and Salmon Brook and damage free-flowing river stakeholders demonstrated throughout conditions. the Wild and Scenic Study. Twenty years of accumulated experience on other Partnership No corresponding advantages to the No Wild and Scenic Rivers has demonstrated Action alternative are known, other than a that each such river annually accomplishes slight savings in financial expenditures and many projects through the Wild and Scenic human capital devoted to the river and its River Committees and with the assistance of protection. These savings would likely be NPS staff and congressional appropriations more than offset by resource value losses aimed at protecting and enhancing identified and the leveraging of volunteer support and river ORVs. Absent, these Wild and Scenic funds through alternate sources that bring Committee led efforts to implement action additional value to the designation. Without programs, it is reasonable to assume a the designation there would be no increase in corresponding deterioration (or lack of visibility and prestige that a Wild and Scenic enhancement) would be observed over the designation affords. long-term. Quality of life values may decline There are no direct costs associated with this under this alternative and there would be alternative. Over the long-term, however, less incentive and cooperative management there could be substantial indirect costs if structure for recognizing and protecting the important river values, including water quality special river values. and identified Outstandingly Remarkable This alternative does not provide protection Values, are allowed to deteriorate. of free-flowing river conditions, as provided Alternative B. Full Designation by Section 7 of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Alternative B is both the environmentally Act that would prohibit FERC licensed water preferable alternative and the NPS preferred resource development projects, and provide alternative. It is the most protective of the the ability for the NPS to review federally rivers’ free-flowing character, water quality, funded/assisted water resource projects. and Outstandingly Remarkable Values of If the river is not designated, the potential the designation alternatives considered. This hydroelectric developments promoted by option best reflects the desires of the Wild and Stanley Black & Decker (SBD) (raising of Scenic Study Committee, communities and Rainbow Dam to create more power potential majority of river stakeholders. In particular at that existing facility and/or development of it is the alternative supported by the Towns a new facility downstream of Rainbow Dam) of Canton and Windsor that have river could be pursued. Other former and historical segments with dams. Under this alternative all dam sites on the lower Farmington and currently eligible and suitable segments of the Salmon Brook could likewise attract potential Farmington River and Salmon Brook would hydroelectric proposals. SBD estimates that be designated. The exclusion of the segment approximately 10,000 megawatts of power per of the river surrounding and including the year could be generated from a new 13-foot Collinsville Dams would permit the towns to head dam site below the existing Rainbow explore hydropower redevelopment of the Dam, or an equivalent of power for about existing Upper and Lower Collinsville Dams. 800 homes. This small amount of power Wild and Scenic designation of the Collinsville makes development not currently considered Dams and associated river segments could economically feasible by SBD, though in the be evaluated in the future if FERC licensing future such projects could be viable in the for hydropower generation is not deemed existence of different economic conditions economical through the town’s feasibility
60 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 study. Under this scenario the CT DEP (owner The designation would also acknowledge the of both dams) could consider removal of the widespread support expressed by the State of Lower Collinsville Dam and development of Connecticut, river towns and stakeholders. fish passage at the Upper Collinsville Dam. Strong support for long-term protection of This alternative is also designed to protect the the Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook existing hydro operation of the Rainbow Dam resources through a Partnership Wild and owned and operated by the Stanley Black & Scenic Rivers’ designation was clearly Decker (SBD) corporation by excluding the indicated through passage of state legislation, Dam, its reservoir and associated facilities town leader votes and letters of support. This from the designated area. It would not, alternative is consistent with Town Council, however, allow for expansion of Rainbow Board of Selectmen and land use commission (raising of dam flashboard height), and would votes to support the Lower Farmington preclude exploration of other new FERC River and Salmon Brook Management Plan licensed hydro development (other than the and federal Wild and Scenic designation. In Upper and Lower Collinsville Dams sited particular, the Windsor Town Council and above), including the Route 75 bridge site in Planning & Zoning Commission endorsed the Windsor proposed by SBD. This alternative Wild and Scenic designation contingent on the could result in the reduction in the value of Rainbow Dam downstream boundary being several SBD properties, and their flowage situated below the tailrace as offered by this rights earmarked for hydro development. The alternative. properties and flowage rights in the vicinity Direct costs of this alternative to the federal of the Route 75 bridge have been owned government may be anticipated to be The ORVs were long-term by SBD for this purpose. SBD has comparable to the direct costs of similar identified and acknowledged that neither expansion of designations in the National Park Service documented by a team Rainbow nor the potential new development (NPS) Northeast Region. In recent years, at Route 75 in Windsor is economically congressional appropriations through the of experts as part of feasible at present, and in either case, the full National Park Service operating budget the Study process development of a hydro proposal for this site approximated $175,000 for each of twelve and were determined would necessitate the acquisition of additional designated “Partnership National Wild and to be unique, rare or properties and/or flowage rights. Scenic Rivers”. Some direct and indirect exemplary features Similarly, other Farmington River sites and costs may also accrue to State agencies and on a regional and/ or those associated with Salmon Brook are also non-governmental organizations partnering national scale… viewed as unfeasible given present conditions. with the NPS through the Wild and Scenic Over the long-term, however, it is conceivable Committee, if they decide to devote more that changing economic conditions, energy resources toward the lower Farmington and costs, new technologies, and increasing Salmon Brook than they would with the no interest in renewable energy could render action alternative. Local communities’ direct one or more of these potential developments involvement is expected to be all-volunteer, viable, and Alternative B would preclude such while indirect costs may be accrued through future consideration in favor of protection for projects undertaken in partnership with free-flowing river values. the NPS and Wild and Scenic Committee. Indirect costs through increased attention This full designation alternative would provide to preservation of river values may also special recognition and protection for the occur when partners decide to participate. watercourses, and for the five identified However, significant long-term savings would Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs) be gained with this alternative by preventing for which the rivers would be designated. costs associated with loss or deterioration The ORVs were identified and documented of important river values, including water by a team of experts as part of the Study quality and identified Outstandingly process and were determined to be unique, Remarkable Values. There would also be rare or exemplary features on a regional and/ shared resources and funding across town or national scale (the Eligibility Chapter of borders for the benefit of greater river this report provides an overview of the ORVs protection. Wild and Scenic designation and the Management Plan which serves as a would provide opportunities to coordinate companion document to this Study Report projects and funding through the Wild and details the ORVs in depth). National Park Service 61 Scenic Committee, towns, and NGOs, and the Farmington River. The DEP has stated it to leverage additional funding as a result of would oppose any new dams along this river the small amount of seed funding provided segment. by the NPS. The river towns would realize an This alternative would also allow for future increase in prestige and visibility due to the FERC consideration of the potential for designation. This increase may have a positive SBD to raise flashboards on the existing local economic impact. The communities have Rainbow Dam up to the stated maximum acknowledged the benefit of a funding source engineering height of 13 feet above the for river-related conservation work that is dam crest. Such a project could potentially critical to protecting and enhancing local convert approximately 0.5 miles of currently resources and quality of life. free-flowing river into a ponded state, thereby Based on the study, “Use and Economic diminishing free-flowing character of this Importance of the Lower Farmington River river segment. Associated identified ORVs and Salmon Brook,” the river, the brook, and such as biological diversity (e.g. mussels, their corridors are highly valued by residents, fish and plants) and recreational use of the businesses and recreational users who strongly Tariffville Gorge would be impacted. The DEP support a Wild and Scenic River designation does not support any changes to the current as a way to further river protection. Survey footprint of the Rainbow Dam. respondents’ support is based on the sense Construction of a new dam or raising of of place that the lower Farmington River and flashboards would provide an additional Based on the study, Salmon Brook provide, and more strongly on quantity of local renewable energy and an “Use and Economic the diverse recreational options which the enlarged impounded area with the potential Importance of the watercourses offer. The Real Estate portion for a variety of recreational opportunities such of the study indicated that homebuyers are as fishing or boating. Lower Farmington willing to pay approximately $14,000 more to If at some point in the future if either of these River and Salmon be within one mile of the Farmington River projects is pursued by the SBD corporation, Brook,” the river, and Salmon Brook. FERC licensing would be required, and the the brook, and their Alternative C. Partial Designation public benefit versus the impacts of such a corridors are highly Alternative C is similar to Alternative B, project would be evaluated through a FERC valued by residents, however offers diminished long-term licensing process. businesses and protection of the free-flowing river character and natural, cultural and recreational Section 7 of the Wild and Scenic Rivers recreational users Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs), Act does not preclude FERC licensing of a who strongly support while allowing for exploration of potential water resource project so long as the project a Wild and Scenic new hydroelectric development options does not invade the designated area or River designation as through expansion of the existing Rainbow unreasonably diminish the fish, wildlife, scenic a way to further river Dam and potential new facility construction or recreational values within this area that below Rainbow at Route 75 in Windsor. were present as of its designation. State and protection. local protections for the river would remain in This alternative would allow future place and could possibly prevent expansion of consideration of a water resource project Rainbow Reservoir or a new dam from being such as a new dam on the Farmington River licensed, however, only through the Wild and segment in the Poquonock section (Route 75) Scenic Rivers designation can protection of of the Town of Windsor, or the consideration the free-flowing character of this segment be of raising of Rainbow Dam flashboards. These assured. alternative boundaries were brought forward by Stanley Black & Decker (SBD). New FERC The Study Committee also acknowledged that licensed hydro projects could impact the there are many factors that make construction free-flow of the river, the identified ORVs such highly unlikely including the high cost of as the diversity of aquatic life, and recreational development versus the estimated small use, as well as harming an important fish amount of power generation and the fact that migration route. Construction of a dam or SBD does not currently own sufficient land or other type of river impoundment would flow rights necessary to impound water at this impair the DEP’s progress toward supporting location. Additionally, the Town of Windsor fish diversity and restoring migrating fish to supports designation of this segment and
62 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 has reported that there would likely be local Direct short-term costs associated with this opposition to such a hydro project. alternative should be similar to those observed This alternative was requested by Stanley in Alternative B, with the exception of possible Black & Decker (SBD) through its diminished property values due to flooding, representative to the Study Committee if the river segment is excluded and a dam in order to allow the possible future is constructed. The FERC licensing process development of hydropower downstream would fully evaluate any new hydroelectric of their existing Rainbow Dam and to raise development proposal in the context of flashboards on the dam. The remainder of potential project benefits opposed to adverse the Wild and Scenic Study Committee did impacts. not support the alternative because it is This Alternative does not meet expectations contradictory to the purpose of the Wild and and desires expressed during the Wild Scenic Rivers Act and to the Committee’s and Scenic River Study or as directed by charge to protect the free-flowing character the Windsor Town Council and land use of the river and ORVs. The Study Committee, commission votes that were contingent on Town Councils of Windsor and Bloomfield, support for designating this river segment. The and CT DEP do not support this Alternative. Bloomfield Town Council does not support Photo: Tom Cameron the extended upper boundary. 5.I. Cumulative Impacts The main purpose of designation can in many ways be seen as a way to preserve the existing condition of river-related resources (i.e. to prevent degradation of resources), as well as to protect the waterways from the cumulative impacts of activities in and adjacent to the streams. For the most part, local and state regulatory measures are currently in place that protect the resources. The principal effect and impact of Wild and Scenic River designation is to add specific Wild and Scenic River protections and federal funding/assistance opportunities onto the existing framework of local, state and federal river management and protection. These protections are tightly aimed at protecting and enhancing a river’s free-flowing character, water quality, and identified “outstandingly remarkable” natural, cultural and recreational resource values. In addition, Section 7 of the Act indeed has the stated purpose of preventing federal assistance to water resource development projects that would have a “direct and adverse impact” to free-flow, water quality and identified ORV’s. Under Alternative B (full designation), Section 7 protections would be in place for all eligible and suitable segments, providing permanent and maximum protection to the free-flowing character from potentially adverse federally assisted water resource development projects. Under Alternative C (partial designation) or in the absence of a Wild and Scenic designation entirely, federally funded or permitted projects could have a significant adverse impact to the river’s resources over time. Hydroelectric
National Park Service 63 projects could be expanded or developed long-term and incremental nature, with the under either of these scenarios that could predominant effect of designation being result in degradation of free-flowing character preservation of existing conditions. The or loss of resources that are described in only exception to this general rule is the case detail within this report. Under the partial of major federally assisted water resource designation alternative river segments both development projects, particularly FERC above (by raising flashboards) and below licensed hydroelectric facilities that would be (by hydro development at a new site) the precluded by designation. In this case, there existing Rainbow Dam could be inundated, can be a dramatic impact of designation. resulting in ponded conditions that could For this reason, much of the attention in the impact the Outstandingly Remarkable Values, comparison of alternatives is devoted to this on a stretch of river targeted by the DEP as potential impact, and the manner in which a high priority for protection and restoration the different alternatives would potentially of aquatic life. A new dam site could present affect future hydroelectric development on the a barrier to fish passage/ migration, and to Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook. recreational uses and could impact water 5.J. Public Involvement, Consultations and quality. Over time progress toward habitat and Coordination fish restoration would be reduced. The no Introduction action alternative would provide no additional review or scrutiny of Army Corps permits This section documents the consultation and or other federal assistance projects related coordination procedures with federal, state to the river. Over time the absence of this and local agencies, governing bodies and additional scrutiny and regulatory protection the public outreach and education process could allow for degradation of free-flowing employed throughout the Wild and Scenic character through rip-rap, channel alterations, Study. Refer to the appendices for examples or similar projects. Any such degradation of outreach and education materials utilized would be expected to be long-term and during the Study. incremental in nature. The full designation A high level of consultation and coordination alternative provides the maximum protection occurred all through the Wild and Scenic to free-flowing character from other forms of Study and resulted in the successful federally/assisted water resource development involvement of the public, local communities, projects. Over time, this additional protection the state, federal agencies and experts in the and project scrutiny could have the effect Study Process and in the endorsement of of better preserving and/or enhancing designation by towns of the study area and by free-flowing river character and natural the state legislature. Given that the Partnership stream channel conditions. Wild and Scenic Rivers approach was Given that the Documentation of baseline conditions as a employed in conducting this Study, there was part of the Wild and Scenic Study provides an emphasis on local collaborative process. Partnership Wild and The locally appointed Study Committee of Scenic Rivers approach the starting point from which future change can be measured. And, while opportunities to town representatives and river stakeholders, was employed in enhance resources are certainly identified as with support from the NPS, led the effort conducting this Study, a part of the designations’ and management to engage the public in every aspect of the there was an emphasis plans’ objectives, such opportunities are Study. Of central importance was the partners’ on local collaborative incremental in nature, with no dramatic development of the Management Plan that offers recommendations for protection process. change anticipated immediately as a result of designation. Over the long-term, small and enhancement of the Outstandingly incremental positive changes could have the Remarkable Values. This planning process affect of added protection and enhancement included widespread opportunity for input, of the river’s free-flowing character, water comment, and review. quality and resources. The Lower Farmington River and Salmon Whether the impact being considered is that Brook Wild and Scenic Study Bill S. 495 of increased scrutiny to federal permits such was signed into law by President Bush as those of the Army Corps of Engineers or on November 27, 2006. In April of 2007 the impacts of federal financial and technical a locally appointed committee of town assistance, virtually all impacts are of a representatives and river stakeholders
64 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 began participating in the Wild and Scenic Consultations Study process with support from and in Federal consultation with National Park Service staff As outlined in Section 4.(b) of the Wild (Refer to Chapter 1.B. for a detailed listing and Scenic Rivers Act, copies of this Study of Study Committee members). A great Report and Environmental Assessment will be deal of time and care was taken over the furnished to the head of any affected Federal course of the intensive four-year Wild and department or agency for recommendations Scenic Rivers Study to ensure that adequate or comments for a ninety-day review period. communication occurred and that there was Comments will also be received on-line ample time for comments and input from all through the NPS Planning, Environment interested agencies, governmental entities, and Public Comment (PEPC) website: http:// non-governmental organizations, and the parkplanning.nps.gov/. public. Consultations with experts and In addition to the review of the draft Study ensuing research results contributed to the Report and Environmental Assessment during body of knowledge required to determine the the Wild and Scenic Study, the U.S. Fish and river’s eligibility for designation. Numerous Wildlife Service (FWS) was called upon to types of communication techniques were provide expertise regarding fish passage issues utilized to extend and share information about and endangered mussel research related to the the possible designation, results of research, potential redevelopment of hydropower at the and study findings. Additionally, providing Collinsville Dams. In addition, the U.S. Army opportunities for frequent input and extensive Corps of Engineers provided guidance related stakeholder review of the Management to the existence of federally endangered Plan were steps paramount to the successful species in the vicinity of a public boat launch development of the Management Plan. reconstruction project in Simsbury. Section Given that the upper 14-miles of the 7 of the Endangered Species Act requires all Farmington River gained the Wild and Scenic federal agencies to consult with the FWS to designation in 1994 and that two of the lower ensure that any action authorized, funded, river Study Towns already participate on or carried out by a federal agency does not the upper Farmington River Coordinating jeopardize the continued existence of listed Committee, there were many opportunities species or critical habitat (Data on state for local education regarding the value of and federal endangered species is collected a successfully implemented designation in through the CT DEP’s Natural Diversity Data neighboring communities. Base). Photo: Chris Mathein As outlined in Section 4.(b) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, copies of this Study Report and Environmental Assessment Draft will be furnished to the head of any affected Federal department or agency for recommendations or comments for a ninety-day review period. Comments will also be received on-line through the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website: http:// parkplanning.nps.gov/. Tribal The Wild and Scenic Study did not identify the existence of any tribal lands impacted by this study nor were there any tribal representatives required to participate in the Study process. Copies of the Study Report will be made available to tribal representatives within Connecticut.
National Park Service 65 Town of Avon Community State Open House persons that served as Study Committee In 2008 the State of Connecticut General representatives. Additionally, consultations Assembly passed a bill unanimously were conducted with more than 20 DEP supporting the Wild and Scenic Rivers staff persons associated with the Office of designation and committing the state to the Commissioner, the Bureau of Water cooperation in implementing the local Protection and Land Reuse (Inland Water advisory Management Plan. The Connecticut Resources Division, Planning and Standards Department of Environmental Protection (CT Division), and the Bureau of Natural DEP) is the state agency represented on the Resources (Inland Fisheries, Wildlife Wild and Scenic Study Committee and as per Division). The DEP participated in the the Connecticut state legislation (Public Act preparation and review of the Management 08-37): Plan and provided data and input on the …shall cooperate with all relevant federal, Outstandingly Remarkable Resources state and local agencies to provide for including water quality and biodiversity. A such designation and to implement any Study Committee representative from the DEP management plan developed in accordance staff conducted a State Regulatory Review (see with the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Appendices of the Management Plan). Other Act. Upon the designation of the Lower consultations with the DEP related to the Farmington River and Salmon Brook by collection of detailed information regarding Congress, the commissioner shall notify the Study area mapping, dam inventories of the joint standing committee of the General Study Rivers, and fish migration and fish Assembly having cognizance of matters passage issues related to the existing dams. relating to the environment regarding any Consultations with both the State Office of statutory changes necessary to implement the Archaeology and State Historic Preservation preservation and conservation of the Lower Office revealed detailed documentation of the Farmington River and Salmon Brook in existence of cultural resources (archaeological accordance with the federal Wild and Scenic resources and National Register listed Rivers Act. The commissioner shall cause resources). a copy of this section to be delivered to all During the course of the Wild and Scenic United States Representatives and Senators Study the Salmon Brook was officially representing Connecticut in the Congress of designated as a Connecticut Greenway by the the United States. State of Connecticut. The CT DEP was an active participant Public Involvement and cooperator throughout and was Outreach and Education extensively consulted on all aspects of the The Study Committee held monthly public Wild and Scenic Study via three DEP staff meetings for four years in part to support the
66 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 local process of facilitating public involvement ongoing progress of the Study Committee. in the Study process and in the development The meetings served to educate, gain of the Management Plan that forms the basis input, and seek recommendations for the of the designation and guides subsequent development of the Management Plan as management. The Committee’s role was also well as to keep the public engaged in the to assess local support for the designation. study and aware of its progress. A schedule A comprehensive outreach and education of some of the town meetings is included in campaign was developed and carried out to Appendix 5. access many different audiences. The NPS— • Land Use Leadership Alliance (LULA) …meetings served to FRWA Cooperative Agreement (referenced Workshop was a four-day series was educate, gain input, and above) provided the local mechanism for attended by approximately 35 community seek recommendations using appropriated NPS funding to support leaders representing all of the ten study for the development of the Study Committee’s public outreach and towns, including members of local land the Management Plan education efforts and to conduct cooperative use commissions and boards, land trust research. An important element of the study members, town land use staff, town as well as to keep the approach was to involve the interested public engaged in the leaders, a developer, and Wild and Scenic public to the greatest extent possible through Study Committee representatives. This study and aware of its an intensive education campaign. The unique, time-intensive training allowed progress. wide-reaching plan for education carried Study Committee members and local land through in a series of meetings, presentations, use decision makers to exchange ideas open houses, workshops, booths at events, and information. Participants provided newsletters, posters, news articles, and critical input toward the development of mailings. Public input was sought all through the Management Plan and built a sense of the Study and in particular at key junctures in ownership of the management development the process. process by local leaders in the Farmington Major outreach and education efforts and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic included: Study. LULA trainers demonstrated how • Six Newsletters covering the Outstandingly Connecticut’s enabling legislation can be Remarkable Values, topics of interest used to strengthen regulations that protect and updates on the Wild and Scenic natural resources. In addition, the leaders Study process were mailed, emailed, and provided tools and collaborative techniques distributed by hand locally during the study for communities to employ in order to work period. Newsletters and informational toward achieving low impact development postcards were distributed to town libraries, that is protective of the Outstandingly local stores, and other locations. Remarkable Values. The list of participants is included in Appendix 5. • Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Website was developed early on • Meetings with Connecticut State Wild and Scenic library display Representatives for the Study Area and with Photo: Paula Jones in the Study process. Along with many important documents displayed, the the Chair of the Environment Committee at Management Plan was posted to encourage the end of 2007 and early in 2008, which led formal public comment and review. to broad support and unanimous passage of Public Act No. 08-37, An Act Concerning • were held in all Numerous Meetings Designation of the Lower Farmington River ten towns throughout the study process. and Salmon Brook within the National The purpose was to educate town staff Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The Act, and residents about the process, to gather which Governor Rell signed into law on public comments, and to inform town May 7, 2008, conveys the state’s support boards, commissions, and the public on for designation and directs the CT DEP to important study milestones. Depending on cooperate with the implementation of the the individual town’s needs, meetings were Management Plan. See the Appendix for a held at a variety of points during the study copy of the Act. including at the start of the Study, mid-point and towards the end. The meetings covered • Draft distribution of the Municipal Plan & Wild and Scenic Rivers Act background and Regulation Review to appropriate town staff and boards for comment and input in March
National Park Service 67 Community residents learn about Committee representatives. An extensive Wild and Scenic designation at 2008. This critical step furthered the dialog Community Open House with towns regarding the development of schedule of participation was developed the Management Plan. and over the course of the Study the group participated in well over 50 events. A 2008 • Community Open Houses in Four event schedule can be found in Appendix 5. Towns were widely publicized and drew over 100 people. Educational materials on • Additional Meetings, presentations, display included exhibits, maps, research phone calls, and email messages with studies, and multi-media presentations. town staff members and leaders, kept them Representatives from the Study Committee up-to-date and facilitated communications were present to educate the public regarding and collaboration between land use proposed management priorities for commissions and the Study Committee. protecting the key resource values. Soliciting In addition, a subcommittee on outreach and feedback for the Management Plan from the education developed a comprehensive plan public was a primary objective of the open for engaging a broad spectrum of the public. houses. Additional methods of communication that • Mailings, press releases, and signage were utilized included: were used to inform the public of the Wild • Library display was circulated to all ten and Scenic Study. Letters announcing Study Towns. the commencement of the study and • Radio Program dedicated to the Wild and explaining the study goals and opportunities Scenic Study was broadcast on Connecticut for participation were sent to riverfront and Massachusetts Public Radio Field Notes landowners. There were numerous articles program. in regional, local, and town newspapers as well as in local organizations’ and partners’ • Video presentation was developed and newsletters. shown on local TV stations, posted on website, shown at Community Open Houses, • A Wild and Scenic Study Booth was and submitted and shown at the Farmington displayed at fairs and local events in Film Commission Summer Fete and Mixer. all ten towns and was staffed by the Study
68 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment October 2011 • Local TV program interviewed committee Bloomfield: Council, Planning & members. This program was distributed and Zoning Commission, Inland Wetlands & also aired on all local TV station in the Study Watercourses Commission, Conservation, Area along with an additional Farmington Energy & Environment Committee River feature that was distributed nationally Burlington: Board of Selectmen, Planning by Comcast. & Zoning Commission, Conservation • Power Point was developed. The Commission presentation was given at town meeting and Canton: Board of Selectmen, Planning non-governmental organization meetings. & Zoning Commission, Conservation • Posters and postcards with eye-catching Commission, Inland Wetland & Watercourses designs and information were widely Commission, Town Hydro Committee distributed. East Granby: Board of Selectmen, Planning • Printed materials included contact and & Zoning Commission, Conservation website information as well as requests for Commission questions, input, and comments. Farmington: Town Council, Conservation Examples of education and outreach Commission materials are provided in Appendix 5. Granby: Board of Selectmen, Planning & Town Meetings Zoning Commission, Inland Wetlands & In addition to the regular monthly Study Watercourses Commission, Conservation Committee meetings that were publicized Commission, Parks & Recreation locally and open to the public, there Hartland: Board of Selectmen, Planning were meetings conducted in all ten towns & Zoning Commission, Inland Wetlands & throughout the Study. The purpose was to Watercourses Commission educate residents about the process, to gather public comments, and to inform town boards, Simsbury: Board of Selectmen, Planning commissions, and the public on important Commission, Zoning Commission, study milestones. The meetings covered Conservation Commission Wild and Scenic Rivers Act background and Windsor: Town Council, Planning & ongoing progress of the Study Committee Zoning Commission, Inland Wetlands & and served to educate, gain input, and seek Watercourses Commission recommendations for the development of the Other Meetings Community and state Management Plan as well as to keep the public A four-day Land Use Leadership Alliance endorsement of the engaged in the study and aware of its progress. Workshop was conducted was held on April Management Plan Small group meetings were also held with 24, May 15 and 29 and June 5, 2009. The series substantiates eligibility town staff and officials to share preliminary was attended by approximately 35 community for designation Study results and receive feedback. leaders representing all of the ten study by demonstrating Town meetings occurred throughout the towns, including members of local land use commissions and boards, land trust members, commitment to river Study period. Generally there was an initial educational presentation to town town land use staff, town leaders, a developer, conservation. leaders, boards, and committees followed and Wild and Scenic Study Committee by updates given by Study Committee town representatives. This unique time-intensive representatives at regular intervals and when training allowed Study Committee members there was important data to present or input and local land use decision makers to to gather. In particular, town meetings were exchange ideas and information. Participants vital to developing the Management Plan provided critical input toward the through a broadly participatory process with development of the Management Plan and guidance from locally-based representatives in built a sense of ownership of the management consultation with the towns. development process by local leaders in the Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and The following is a sampling of some of the Scenic Study. meetings held in each town: A series of four Community Open Houses Avon: Town Council, Planning & were held to unveil a draft version of the Zoning Commission, Inland Wetlands & Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Watercourses Commission, Natural Resources
National Park Service 69 Congressman John Larson Management Plan and solicit public feedback 5.K. Local Support for Management Plan with Wild and Scenic Study Committee members at local and comments during this formal public and Wild and Scenic Designation event. review. The Open Houses were held in the Though the management plan is completely centrally located towns of Canton, East advisory, it is critical that so many partners Granby, and Farmington in October and have had an active role in developing its November of 2009 and in Avon in April of recommendations, and in that light endorsed 2010. They were widely publicized and drew the strategies that can be used to protect over 100 people. Educational materials on the Outstandingly Remarkable Values. This display included exhibits, maps, research commitment of the various partners in river studies, and multi-media presentations. protection, a commitment developed and Study Committee representatives also met reaffirmed throughout the study process, will with the Farmington Valley Collaborative foster effective implementation. Community (a consortium of leaders from the towns and state endorsement of the Management of Avon, Burlington, Canton, East Granby, Plan substantiates eligibility for designation Granby, Farmington, and Simsbury) several by demonstrating commitment to river times to share and exchange ideas regarding conservation. the study. Commitment to Management Plan Presentations made to local organizations implementation has been demonstrated and meetings with interested members of locally by continued land conservation efforts, the public afforded additional opportunities revision of land use and wetland regulations for the public to participate in the public (to reflect recommendations in the Municipal review of the Management Plan. The locally Plan and Regulation Review), and through appointed town representatives to the Study policies that recognize the importance of Committee were responsible for remaining in protecting land in the river corridor and the close communication with town staff, leaders, value of designating the watercourses. and boards, and available to answer questions Final meetings in all ten towns were convened from community members throughout the to request endorsements for the Wild and Study. The local NPS Study Coordinator Scenic designation and approval of the was also available for technical guidance and Management Plan. All ten Study Towns support. leaders indicated their positive support by voting in favor of the Wild and Scenic
70 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 designation and of the Management Plan. Kip Kolesinskas, State of CT, Natural In addition, many of the town boards Resources Conservation Service and commissions voted in the affirmative. Water Quality ORV Many local and regional organizations and Michael Beauchene, Connecticut DEP Bureau individuals also wrote letters in support of the of Water Protection and Land Reuse Planning designation. The support indicates that there and Standards Division is a demonstrated commitment to protect the Ernest Pizzuto, Supervising Environmental river and be a partner in the implementation Analyst CT DEP Bureau of Water Protection of recommendations in the Management and Land Reuse Planning Division Plan. The Town of Avon initially declined to support, but after further education Alisa Phillips-Griggs, Farmington River and a more intensive education program Watershed Association Water Quality aimed at riverfront landowners, the town Coordinator leaders voted unanimously to endorse the Biological Diversity ORV* designation. Understandably, the town wanted Hank Gruner, CT Science Center to be duly certain that residents were given William Moorhead, Field Botanist every opportunity to participate in the study Steve Gephard, Head of DEP Inland Fisheries process. Division’s Diadromous Fish Program 5.L. Preparers and Contributors Jeff Bolton, FRWA GIS Specialist National Park Service Northeast Region Study Team Don Mysling, DEP Inland Fisheries Division Joyce Kennedy Raymes, Study Coordinator Ed Machowski, DEP Inland Fisheries Division Jamie Fosburgh, New England Team Leader Ethan Nedeau, Aquatic Biologist Specializing Chuck Barscz, Division Chief in Mussels Jacki Katzmire, Regional Environmental *The Farmington Valley Biodiversity Project Coordinator results laid important groundwork for this National Park Service Advisors O RV. Tokey Boswell, WASO Office of Park Planning Cultural Landscape ORV and Special Studies Kenneth Feder, Professor of Anthropology, Cassie Thomas, WASO Office of Park Planning Central Connecticut State University and Special Studies Marc Banks, Professional Archaeologist Local Study Committee John Harmon, Professor of Geography, Study Committee Representatives from ten Central Connecticut State University towns of Study Area, CT DEP, Stanley Black Leah Glaser, Professor of History, Central & Decker, Farmington River Watershed Connecticut State University Association, Salmon Brook Watershed Association, Pequabuck River Watershed Carl Walters, Farmington Canal Historian Association, Tariffville Village Association, Recreation ORV Connecticut Forest and Park Association Ben Tyson, Professor, Department of Communication, Central Connecticut State Expert Advisors: Outstandingly University Remarkable Values (ORVs) Geology ORV James Thorson, Professor of Economics Ralph Lewis, Certified Professional Geologist, and Finance, Southern Connecticut state State Geologist of CT from 1997-2003 University Brendan Hanrahan, Author of the book 6.M. List of Recipients “Great Day Trips to Discover the Geology of The Study Report and Environmental Connecticut” that is part of a series of four Assessment Draft will be made available for books on the natural history of Connecticut public comment through the NPS Planning, Jelle deBoer, Wesleyan Geologist Professor Environment & Public Comment website and Emeritus notice of availability will be published in the local paper. Janet Stone, USGS, Eastern Earth Surfaces Process Team
National Park Service 71 Federal Agency Heads: • Secretary of the Interior • Secretary of Agriculture • Chief of Army Corps of Engineers • Administrator Environmental Protection Agency • Chairman of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) • Administrator of Federal Emergency Management Agency • Administrator of Department of Transportation Federal Highways Department • Head of any other affected federal department or agency
Regional and State Federal Agency Heads: • Regional Forester of Eastern Region 9 of USDA Forest Service • State Conservationist of USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service • Commander and District Engineer of New England District of Army Corp of Engineers • Northeast Regional Director of US Fish & Wildlife Service • Regional Administrator Region 1 of Federal Emergency Management Agency • Regional Administrator Region 1 of Environmental Protection Agency • Connecticut Division Administrator of US Department of Transportation Federal Highways Department • Head of any other affected federal department or agency
State of Connecticut: • Governor Daniel P. Malloy
CT DEP: Daniel Esty, Commissioner Amey Marrella, Deputy Commissioner Betsey Wingfield, Bureau Chief of Water Protection and Land Reuse Chief Susan Frechette, Deputy Commissioner of Outdoor Recreation & Natural Resources William Hyatt, Bureau Chief of Natural Resources Bureau Chief Matthew Fritz, Bureau Chief of Outdoor Recreation
Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Study documents will be posted on the following websites for public view and formal comment: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/ http://lowerfarmingtonriver.org/
72 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 Appendices
Photo: Tom Cameron
National Park Service 73 Appendix 1: Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Study Act
PUBLIC LAW 109–370—NOV. 27, 2006 120 STAT. 2643 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S. 435: SENATE REPORTS: No. 109–189 (Comm. On Energy and Natural Resources). CONGRESSIONAL RECORD: Vol. 151 (2005): Dec. 16, considered and passed Senate. Vol. 152 (2006): Nov. 13, considered and passed House.
Public Law – 109 370 109th Congress An Act To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a segment of the Farmington River and Salmon Brook in the State of Connecticut for study for potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Be it enacted System, by and the for Senate other and purposes. House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
SEC. This 2. DESIGNATION Act may OF be cited ADDITIONAL as the SEGMENT ‘‘Lower Farmington River and OF FARMINGTON Salmon RIVER Brook AND Wild SALMON and Scenic BROOK River IN Study CONNECTICUT FOR Act of 2005’’. STUDY FOR POTENTIAL ADDITION TO NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS SYSTEM.
(a) DESIGNATION.—Section 5(a) of ld the Wi and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1276(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(139) LOWER FARMINGTON RIVER AND SALMON BROOK, CONNECTICUT.— The segment of the Farmington River downstream from the segment designated as a recreational river by section 3(a)(156) to its confluence with the Connecticut River, and the segment of the Salmon Brook including its mainstream and east west branches.’’. (b) TIME FOR SUBMISSION.—Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are made available to carry out this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the study required by the amendment made by subsection (a). (c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.
Approved November 27, 2006.
74 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 Appendix 2: State of Connecticut Wild and Scenic Legislation
House Bill No. 5143
Public Act No. 08-37
AN ACT CONCERNING DESIGNATION OF THE LOWER FARMINGTON RIVER AND SALMON BROOK WITHIN THE NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS SYSTEM.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:
Section 1. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2008) (a) It is declared to be the policy of the state of Connecticut that the portion of the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook which is the subject of the authorized study by the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic River Study Committee for purposes of designation as a national wild and scenic rivers system be preserved as provided for in the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, Public Law 90-542, as amended.
(b) The Commissioner of Environmental Protection shall cooperate with all relevant federal, state and local agencies to provide for such designation and to implement any management plan developed in accordance with the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Upon the designation of the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook by Congress, the commissioner shall notify the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the environment regarding any statutory changes necessary to implement the preservation and conservation of the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook in accordance with the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The commissioner shall cause a copy of this section to be delivered to all United States Representatives and Senators representing Connecticut in the Congress of the United States.
Approved May 7, 2008
National Park Service 75 Appendix 3: Record of Endorsements and Support for The Wild and Scenic Designation (State, Towns, Organizations, and Individuals)
97
Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment Draft 10/11
76 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 77 78 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 79 80 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 81 82 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 83 84 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 85 86 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 87 88 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 89 90 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 91 92 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 93 94 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 95 96 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 97 98 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 99 100 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 101 102 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 103 104 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 105 106 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 107 108 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 109 110 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 111 112 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 113 114 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 115 116 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 117 100
Appendix 4: The Metropolitan District Commission (mdc) Support of The Upper Farmington River Wild and Scenic Boundary Change
101
Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment Draft 10/11
118 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011
Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment Draft 10/11 Appendix 5: Wild and Scenic Study Outreach and Education Examples Newsletter
Fifth in a series of newsletters to keep the community informed about the :LOGDQG6FHQLF6WXG\process. /RZHU)DUPLQJWRQ5LYHU6DOPRQ%URRN :LOGDQG6FHQLF6WXG\
Inside this issue... Issue #5 ~ Winter 2010
Page 2 Pages 3 & 4 Page 5 We’re Going to Congress Featured Towns - Burlington & Hartland Meet the Committee Members &UXQFK7HDUDQG6FUDSH 2ULJLQVRI$:LOGDQG6FHQLF/DQGVFDSH
n this, the fifth Wild & Scenic ese areas are punctuated by Study Committee newsletter, we are the familiar traprock ridges featuring Geology as an Outstand- with their cliffs, and these are ing Resource Value () of the Study not the only rugged areas in Area.I Each of the previous newsletters our towns. Other examples focused on one of the four other s, are the Gorge on Mountain Water Quality, Biodiversity, the Cultural Brook in Enders State For- Landscape and Recreation. Unlike the est in Granby and the well- other s, which we have studied as known Tariffville Gorge on the river and brook corridor resources, the Farmington, where white water Geology encompasses the whole draws international kayakers. area of the ten Study Area towns, Avon, In spite of these dramatic high- Bloomfield, Burlington, Canton, East lights, most of our landscape Granby, Farmington, Granby, Hartland, has a gentle and domestic Simsbury and Windsor. look. is appearance belies e geologic history of the Wild & its geologic origins, which can Scenic Study Area has given it a varied be summed up as “crunch, tear landscape. e westernmost part of the and scrape”. Study Area is upland - hilly terrain with CRUNCH: One of the things rocky soil. By contrast, Farmington, Avon that makes Geology an Out- and Simsbury, East Granby, Bloomfield standing Resource Value in /RZHU)DUPLQJWRQ5LYHU6DOPRQ%URRN:LOGDQG6FHQLF6WXG\ and Windsor have extensive flat areas our Study Area is the fact that Page 2 with good to excellent farmland soils. within the ten towns, we con- tain a billion years of geologic history. According to former State Geologist Ralph Lewis, that’s a very long time span for such a small area. e very old- est bedrock of our Study Area, at a billion and forced sea bottom sediments up over years old, lies in western Hartland and is the edge of Proto-North America, leaving a piece of Proto-North America. In the a bit of Proto-North American bedrock far distant past, the Proto-North Ameri- in northwestern Hartland uncovered. can continent and the African continent Today, according to Ralph Lewis, were separated by the ancient Iapetos Sea. “e former eastern margin of North Offshore from Proto-North America lay America is represented by the billion year the Shelburne Volcanic Island Arc. About old gneisses and schists to the west of million years ago the two continents Cameron’s line. Remnants of the Iapetos began to converge. Eventually they Ocean in the form of metamorphosed crushed and metamorphosed the volcanic deep ocean sediments and a portion of island arc, squeezed out the ancient sea, the Shelburne Volcanic Island Arc under- lie the area between Cameron’s Line two periods of glaciation. As thick sheets The geologic resources of the Wild and the Hartford Basin.” of ice slowly ground their way over the & Scenic Study Area not only include land from the north, they scraped up soil soils that are valuable for growing food TEAR: About million years ago and rock in their paths, carrying the ma- and ridges that offer both refuges for the continents were shifting again as terial along in the ice. When the glaciers wildlife and open space for recreation North America and Africa began to began to melt, a mixture of accumulated but also include the sand and gravel separate. Rifts developed in the earth’s debris was left behind. at unsorted aquifers that are the source of much crust. The actual tear that ultimately material is called till. Somewhere in your of our area’s drinking water. Over separated the two continents devel- town you will find till. When you dig in the years, geologic resources have oped into the Atlantic Ocean, but a it, you find rocks of various sizes, along been important to our communities number of other less significant rifts with sand and gravel. A common feature in many other ways. Some examples also formed, including the Hartford of our area’s uplands, till is one reason include sand and gravel operations in Basin. There, some tears in the crust that many New England farmers aban- Farmington, a traprock quarry in East of the earth were deep enough to al- doned Connecticut farms to travel to the Granby and brownstone quarries in low lava to flow out. In some places Midwest where soils are much better. Simsbury which provided building ma- it flowed out under the earth’s surface In what might seem like a contra- terials for the Belden Building (Town and cooled underground. This is how diction, the glaciers also provided some Hall today). the Barndoor Hills in Granby and of our towns excellent soil for farming, One of the responsibilities of the Onion Mountain in Simsbury and a very valuable natural resource. As the Wild & Scenic Study Committee is Canton, made of a kind of traprock, glaciers melted, glacial debris blocked to develop an advisory Management diabase, were formed. The softer the flow of watercourses including the Plan with protection goals, priorities material above and around the diabase Farmington River. Glacial debris in and protection tools to conserve and has since eroded, leaving these land- the Farmington area caused the river’s enhance the s, including Geology. scape features we enjoy today. In some water to back up, forming glacial Lake For geology, protection priorities in- other places where rifts developed, Farmington on the west side of the clude protecting agricultural soils and the magma flowed across the land’s Talcott Mountain ridgeline. Silt and local farms, protecting drinking water surface, over sedimentary material sand settled out of the melt water and aquifers, protecting significant and that had eroded from the mountains eventually became the basis of the diverse geologic features and planning formed during the “Crunch” phase. alluvial soils of the Farmington Valley. for a changing, dynamic river. Some of This magma hardened into the basalt, On the east side of the ridge, melt these priorities are already being ad- another type of traprock, that makes water that formed glacial Lake Hitch- dressed by town and state regulations, up Penwood and Talcott Mountains. cock carried sediments which are the by purchase of conservation easements basis of the excellent soils of the Cen- to protect working farms and by acqui- SCRAPE: “Scrape” sums up the effects tral Valley, including prime farmland sition of open space. For more discus- of glaciation on our landscape. Most soils in Bloomfield and Windsor. The sion on what might be done to safe- of the glacial deposits in Connecticut international tobacco trade that was guard important geologic resources, result from the Wisconsinian glaciation a major Connecticut export business see the advisory Management Plan on between , and , years ago, for many years was possible because of the Wild & Scenic Study website at: although two ages of glacial till indicate these alluvial soils. www.lowerfarmingtonriver.org. that Connecticut has undergone at least
National Park Service 119 /RZHU)DUPLQJWRQ5LYHU6DOPRQ%URRN :LOGDQG6FHQLF6WXG\ Page 3 :H¶UH*RLQJWR&RQJUHVV
nd we’re working hard to make it happen this ington and Salmon Brook. e Management Plan, which will coming summer! accompany a Study Report, will provide guidance for protecting It is almost three years since the Lower Farmington the Outstanding Resources Values which make the two water- River/Salmon Brook Wild & Scenic Study Committee began the courses eligible for designation. processA of seeking a Partnership Wild & Scenic designation for While the documentation of the Outstanding Resource Values these two high quality watercourses with very special attributes that is based on science, the process of getting a designation is a political make them great assets to the ten towns through which they run. one. Congressman Chris Murphy, whose office has been immensely e Committee has determined that there are five Outstanding helpful in dealing with a number of Wild & Scenic related questions, Resources Values (Geology, Water Quality, Biodiversity, Cultural will put together a bill to go before Congress this summer. at means Landscape and Recreation), any one of which would make the that all our work must be completed by April and turned in to him. lower Farmington and Salmon Brook eligible for designation. We’ve relied on help and support from many sources, including e Committee has worked hard to inform town governments, the staff and elected officials, leaders of the ten towns involved in local other organizations and the people of the towns about what the study, local organizations, our representatives to the Connecticut a Wild & Scenic designation would mean for their communities. legislature, our legislators at the Federal level (Congressmen Chris A number of organizations and individuals have already written Murphy and John Larson, and Senators Lieberman and Dodd), Jamie letters to the Committee supporting the designation, as have some Fosburgh from the Boston office of the National Park Service, and of the ten towns. Gathering endorsements is one project in which of course, all those Study Committee members who have come to Committee members are engaged because without the support of meetings, attended public events and talked to visitors, written articles, the town governments and the people they represent, the Congress produced posters and videos, provided refreshments, buttonholed and the Senate of the United States will not vote to designate our friends and talked about the project, put personal plans on hold to watercourses as Partnership Wild & Scenic. Public support makes work on the Committee, and most likely done many other unrec- the lower Farmington and Salmon Brook suitable for designation. ognized things to help. We offer our heartfelt thanks to all, and look e Committee, and especially Joyce Kernnedy Raymes, our forward to the benefits of having our watercourses become part of the National Park Service Study Coordinator, are also busy putting National Park Service’s Partnership Wild & Scenic Rivers System. together the advisory Management Plan for the lower Farm- Sally Rieger, Chair of the Study Committee
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he first inhabitants of present-day was independent from Great Britain for even ice was harvested. Burlington were members of the three decades, tradition held that the new Today the Town of Burlington is a rural Tunxis Indian Tribe. e first name for West Britain be selected by the combination of forest, watershed land and English settlers of Connecticut arrived in General Assembly to honor England’s unique neighborhoods. .T In , John Haynes, governor of rd Earl of Burlington. Burlington is home to Sessions Woods, Connecticut, negotiated on behalf of the While most th century Burlington a -acre wildlife management and learn- settlers a purchase from the Tunxis Indians residents engaged in farming, several small ing center that boasts three hiking trails of a large tract of land west of Hartford. e industries were established, utilizing the with access to the Tunxis Trail. e Burl- newly acquired land was renamed Tunxis water power of Burlington’s numerous ington Land Trust dedicates its efforts to /RZHU)DUPLQJWRQ5LYHU6DOPRQ%URRN:LOGDQG6FHQLF6WXG\ Plantation and in was incorporated as brooks and streams. Burlington’s small preserving the natural resources of the town Page 4 the Town of Farmington. e original land mills and manufactories produced a wide including over miles of the Blue-Blazed area of Farmington included the present- variety of products, such as cider brandy, Tunxis Trail. e Farmington River Water- day towns of Avon, Berlin, Bristol, Burling- flintlock muskets, wooden shingles, mantel shed Association keeps watch over our sec- ton, Farmington, New Britain, Plainville, clocks, satinet, carriages, coffins, needles tion of the Farmington)HDWXUHG7RZQ +DUWODQG River and its banks. Southington and parts of other towns. and charcoal. Burlington’s numerous e Farmington Valley Greenway’s “Rails- Disagreement between two Bristol natural resources were harvested, includ- to-Trails” multi-use path runs along side the parishes led to a split and in the ing copper from an ore deposit which Farmington and connects to Collinsville to General Assembly allowed the Parish straddles the Bristol/Burlington border, the north and Unionvilleartland to liesthe east.in the western highlands of Connecticut, half a century ago, yet we are not immune from today’s pressures with the distinction of being the highest incorporated of development. Open space lands make up over of Hartland, of West Britain to establish itself as the granite for building, chestnut for railroad by Paul Rochford Town of Burlington. Although America ties and other building materials. In winter town in the state. In geological terms, we have the oldest owned primarily by the Metropolitan District Commission () bedrock of the Lower Farmington River/Salmon Brook Wild & and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection HScenic Study Area. It is in our western section, dates back a billion (). In , after leasing the Gaylord House for years to the years, and is part of Proto-North America. In town, elders know of town, the transferred it to the Hartland Historical Soci- the much younger esker, named the “Windrow”, and the glacial ice ety, and after many years of work, in , it was dedicated as a erratic, “balance rock” is monumental. e microclimate caused by meeting place and museum. In a town-wide survey, access elevation and atmospheric moisture produces hot, humid sum- to natural resources was a high priority and a land trust was sup- mers with sometimes very violent thunderstorms (even tornadoes), ported by the majority of respondents. With the help of a grant and long cold winters with heavy snowfall and severe ice storms, from the Farmington River Coordinating Committee () the as recently witnessed in late . Although the resident moose Hartland Land Trust was formed with a mission to conserve and population feels at home, today’s Hartland residents seem to know manage significant lands. they are “a breed apart” and that for all of Hartland’s beauty and Within our , acres of land, Hartland possesses a signifi- charm, it is not a place for everyone. cant network of streams, rivers and waterways. Our water quality Early records indicate the Tunxis (the point where the river is outstanding and supplied to over , Hartford county bends) Indians used the extensive acreage in our section of Con- residents. We are fortunate to be a dual Wild & Scenic corridor necticut primarily as a summer preserve. Records show that the town, participating in both the National Wild & Scenic first white men to settle here arrived in the s. By Hartland “Partnership River” designation and the current Lower Farming- was incorporated as the State’s th town. ton River/ Salmon Brook Wild & Scenic Study. e headwaters of e colonial settlers carved many farms and homesteads out the West Branch of the Salmon Brook originate in East Hartland of the rough terrain and virgin forests. Many stone walls were and flow into the Lower Farmington River. Hartland’s extensive built and today endow cultural, natural, and aesthetic beauty. e forest system provides exceptional protection for the waterways streams on the East and West Mountains were sources of water and both Upper and Lower Wild & Scenic are supported in our for oxen and power for mills and the “Hollow” was fertile bottom Plan of Conservation and Development. land. Saw mills, grist mills, tanneries, blacksmiths and shops were Our legendary forefathers eloquently write of Hartland as “this operating. One of the first calico factories in America, Ward’s Mill, little strip of earth we affectionately call, is Land of Ours, and opened in on the West Branch of the Farmington River north we foresee we will continue to be one of the most beautiful small of Hitchcocksville and did a thriving business. towns not only in the State of Connecticut, but in the ”. Although farming moved west to greener rock-free pas- By Sue Murray tures and the flooding of the valley for the Barkhamsted Reservoir removed all traces of the village of Hartland Hollow Sources: our townspeople continue to be united, hard-working, caring Hartland Natural Resource Inventory people and actively involved with our community and volun- Hartland Plan of Conservation and Development tarily offer their time and talents. History of Hartland, Stanley A. Ransom Today, Hartland is one of the state’s most rural communities e Gaines Notes, Hartland Historical Society and still enjoys much of the same rural character it had more than e Paul Crunden Journal, Hartland Historical Society
120 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 /RZHU)DUPLQJWRQ5LYHU6DOPRQ%URRN :LOGDQG6FHQLF6WXG\ Page 5 0HHWWKH&RPPLWWHH0HPEHUV
Sue Murray ~ Hartland Paul Rochford ~ Burlington
Born and raised in , Sue spent a memorable year abroad in Paul Rochford is one of a high school work/study program. She received her degree two Burlington repre- in Environmental Biology from the University of Colorado, sentatives on the Wild & and married a college classmate, Don, and relocated to his Scenic Study Commit- hometown of Hartland. tee. He is also president Sue is an all season’s of the Burlington Land person, treasuring her Trust and a member of organic vegetable and Burlington’s Conserva- winter hardy cactus tion Commission. gardens, and thriving on Paul moved to Con- athletic activities. necticut in from She has been a Queens, New York. He Materials Manager for credits his conserva- over twenty-five years, tion “bona fides” to experiencing the contrast of c lose quarter at Sorenson Lighted living in New York to the Farmington Valley’s seemingly Controls, Inc, head- abundant forest and trails. “I was immediately taken with the quartered in Hartford, Blue Trail system”, says Rochford. “A friend from work took a leading indicator light me out on the Tunxis Trail and I instinctively saw the value in manufacturer with integrated technology. preserving this resource.” Sue’s strong environmental commitment has driven her to Paul has lived in Burlington since with his wife and pilot successful green programs at her workplace and locally by three children. her work on Hartland’s Natural Resource Inventory and Plan of Conservation and Development, as well as her participation Sarah Hincks ~ Burlington on the Hartland Land Trust Board and the Lower Farmington River/ Salmon Brook Wild & Scenic Study Committee. Sarah has been on the Board of Directors of the Farmington River Watershed Association since and is the representative to the Study Committee. A resident of Burlington, Sarah was Kathy Dunn ~ East Hartland Executive Director of the Kathy Dunn is a resident of East Har tland and a former Quinnipiac River Water- board member of the Hartland Land Trust. She serves as the shed Association from Associate Director of the Middle School at the Kingswood- to . Sarah received Oxford School in West her Masters in from Hartford, where she Antioch New England’s also teaches French. Environmental Advocacy Kathy is a canoer, alpine and Organizing Program. and nordic skier, and She spends a lot of time a hiker and camper so hiking and biking and is a conservation efforts are watershed watchdog, as well of great interest to her. as chairing the fund raising She works with students committee for . FRWA daily to cultivate their Hopmeadow Street love of the outdoors and to develop their ability Tom Small ~ Burlington Simsbury, CT to organize and to make Tom Small is a long time Burlington resident. He is an avid a difference in the world hiker and fly fisherman. Tom serves on the board of the around them. Burlington Land Trust. e Study Committee would like to thank the following organizations that have written endorsement letters in support of the Wild & Scenic designation. If you or an organization www.lowerfarmingtonriver.org www.salmonbrookwildandscenic.orgyou belong to would like to provide a letter of support please contact Sally Rieger at [email protected] or Joyce Kennedy Raymes at joycekennedy@yahoo.com. Avon Land Trust Canton Historical Society Community Farm of Simsbury Granby Land Trust Holcomb Farm Learning Center McLean Game Refuge Roaring Brook Nature Center Salmon Brook Watershed Association Simsbury Land Trust Tariffville Village Association Wintonbury Land Trust Keep the Woods
Printed on recycled paper. Printed with vegatable based inks.
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e Study Committee’s membership includes locally appointed representatives from each town in the study area, and representatives from e 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: FRWA : Diane Field*-Riparian Landowner Carolyn Flint*-Conservation Commission Sarah Hinks*-FRWA Board, Volunteer Harry Spring*-Former Inland Wetlands Eric Lukingbeal*-Land-use attorney, Wetlands Eileen Fielding*-FRWA Executive Director Commissioner Commission member Aimee Petras-FRWA Staff Rob House-Conservationist Hartland: CFPA: Bloomfield: Sue Murray*-Hartland Plan of C&D Committee, Eric Hammerling*-Executive Director Paula Jones*-Conservationist Hartland Land Trust TVA: Kevin Gough*-Conservationist Kathy Dunn*-Hartland Land Trust Wanda Colman-Member, Photographer Burlington: Simsbury: SBWA : Paul Rochford*-Burlington Land Trust Sally Rieger*-Simsbury Land Trust, FRWA David Tolli*-SBWA Board omas Small*-Burlington Land Trust Volunteer PRWA : Canton: Margery Winters*-Simsbury Inland Wetlands & Mary Moulton-PRWA President Cynthia Griggs-Conservationist Conservation Commission CT DEP: David Leff*-Author, Former Deputy Commissioner Suzanne Battos-Conservationist Susan Peterson* of DEP Windsor: Maryann Nusom Haverstock* East Granby: Frank Davis*-Chair, Conservation Commission, National Park Service: Ian Clark*-East Granby Land Trust Riparian Landowner Jamie Fosburgh-Rivers Program Manager Mike Krammen*-Engineer Betsy Conger-Loomis Chafee School Science Dept. Joyce Kennedy Raymes-Study Coordinator Farmington: Terry Langevin-Friends of Northwest Park Board Walter Sargent*-Executive Director, Farmington Member * Officially Appointed Land Trust Melissa Vanek-Environmental/Science Educator Larry Schlegel*-Angler e Stanley Works: Josef Treggor-Ecologist/Educator, MERA Kurt Link*-Lean, Productivity & Facilities Mgr., TSW
National Park Service 121 Posters and Postcard Lower Farmington River Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study
The Wild
The Scenic
The Designation
The Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild & Scenic Study is a partnership of town representatives, river organizations, CT DEP, and other river stakeholders who are gathering evidence and developing support for a National Park Service “Wild & Scenic” river designation. This designation recognizes the outstanding resource values of the very best rivers in the United States. Partnership “Wild and Scenic” status provides funding for river conservation while keeping river management in the hands of town government. Your support for designation helps ensure the protection and enhancement of these waterways. W&S psotcard front/back.indd 1 4/21/08 9:30:09 PM Please attend our upcoming Spring Forums and visit our websites for more information.
Did You Know That Your River Is “One of the Nation’s Best”? NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE A Wild & Scenic designation for the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook will help protect their PAID outstanding resource values (ORVs). What makes them so special? SIMSBURY, CT www.lowerfarmingtonriver.org Geology: The geology of our area is highly diverse. It has a variety of geological features such as traprock ridges, PERMIT NO. 26 river gorges and prime agricultural soils, and also has features from a wide span of geological eras. Geology has been important in determining human settlement patterns and land uses and also supports a wondrous diversity of plant and animal communities. www.salmonbrookwildandscenic.org Water Quality: Salmon Brook, “one of the last true cold water fisheries in Connecticut” has excellent water quality. The Lower Farmington River has very high water quality for most of its length. High water quality supports biodiversity, recreation and the cultural landscape. Biological diversity: For six of our towns, the Farmington Valley Biodiversity Project has developed a solid data base on unique species and special natural communities in the river corridor. The area supports regionally and globally rare species and communities of plants and animals. There will be further research in the four towns of Burlington, Hartland, Bloomfield and Windsor, which were not included in the Biodiversity Project. Cultural Landscape: Our towns have a rich history. The Farmington River and Salmon Brook corridors hold important evidence of Native American settlements, trading sites, and agricultural fields predating European arrival. Colonial history and the development of industry in New England are closely connected to both Salmon Brook and the lower Farmington River, as are present day farms, concert venues, and various river-related businesses. Recreation: The rivers and their scenic corridors provide many, varied recreational opportunities. Fishing, paddling, picnicking in the towns’ riverside parks, hiking, birding and biking along the Rails-to-Trails paths are just some of the activities the public enjoys. Help preserve these wonderful assets by supporting a Wild & Scenic designation. For more information visit our websites at:
www.lowerfarmingtonriver.org
www.salmonbrookwildandscenic.org. 749 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070 860.658.4442 Ext. 203
W&S psotcard front/back.indd 2 4/21/08 9:30:12 PM
122 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 National Park Service 123 Press Releases, Articles, and other Communications
March 7, 2008
Mr. Michael Clark, Chair Farmington Town Council 18 Morgan Place Unionville, CT 06085
Dear Mr. Clark: The Lower Farmington River/Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Committee would like to update you on our activities, and we ask that you please share this letter with your Council Members. In April, the Study Committee – including representatives from 10 Farmington Valley towns, the National Park Service, the Farmington River and Salmon Brook Watershed Associations, and others –began a Congressionally authorized feasibility study on the potential designation of the lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook as “Wild & Scenic.” Once again we thank your town for appointing community members to represent Farmington in this effort!
As you may know, the process undertaken by the Study Committee has three components:
Determining if the river is eligible for inclusion in the Wild & Scenic Rivers system by demonstrating it has cultural, natural, or recreational values of regional or national significance (these are called “Outstandingly Remarkable Values” or ORV’s); Determining if the river is suitable for Wild & Scenic designation by substantiating local support and commitment to designation; and Developing a river Management Plan with local support that details the strategy for future protection of the area's outstanding values.
Below is a summary of the activities that have been ongoing in these three areas:
Eligibility Thus far, the Study Committee has considered a variety of ORV’s of the lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook. Ken Feder and Marc Banks, local archeologists with expertise in Native American history and culture, have spoken to the committee committee will need to prioritize the proposals submitted in order to use the federally about various sites along the river where artifacts such as spear points, arrow heads allocated funds available for the studies effectively. One proposal currently in and animal bones indicate that as long ago as 10,000 years, Native Americans traded consideration is to fill some of the gaps in knowledge on Native American sites and camped along the river. Hank Gruner, the Interim Museum Director of the between Tariffville Gorge and the confluence of the Farmington River and the Children’s Museum, also presented a program to the Study Committee based on the Connecticut River in Windsor and along Salmon Brook. Another proposal to be Farmington Valley Biodiversity Project. Data from the Project indicates that the lower considered is for aerial photography of the river corridor, which would enable the Farmington harbors a regionally important diversity of freshwater mussels, that its Study Committee to determine the status of the vegetative buffer along the river, a floodplain is the site of the major population of the plant, starry campion, in New healthy buffer being vital to water quality. A third area needing study is to measure England and that the river corridor is an important migratory bird route. Also, Salmon the economic benefits of recreational use of the river. An economic study of the Brook has been recognized as having exceptionally good water quality. The Study Upper Farmington River documented a $9.5 million total economic benefit to the 5 Committee has noted the recreational value of the river and of Salmon Brook, both of towns stretching from Canton to Colebrook, and we believe the economic benefit to which are important resources for fishing. Additionally, boating is important on the the 10 towns involved with this Study is likely quite considerable, but it is currently lower Farmington, both on flat water sections and in the Tariffville Gorge, which has unknown. been the site of Olympic kayak trials. Suitability Although much information is available about the archeological, biological and Local community understanding and support for a potential Wild & Scenic designation recreational resources of the lower Farmington and Salmon Brook, there is a need for is essential to achieving Congressional approval of the designation. The Outreach and further research in some areas, so the Study Committee will be making and reviewing Education Subcommittee of the Study Committee has started working on how best to requests for proposals (RFP’s) for research projects to fill in gaps. Of course, the provide information on a regular basis to town officials, businesses, and the public at large, and expects to be very active starting this fall. The Subcommittee is also charged with listening to and addressing any questions or concerns about the Wild & Scenic program and its implications for the towns involved that may arise during this Study.
Management Plan Determining and understanding the resources that the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook offer is only one part of the Wild and Scenic feasibility study. Under Please Join Us! Tell Your Friends! the Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers program, a river management and protection plan needs to be developed before the final application for the designation is made to Congress. If Congress should designate the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook as Wild and Scenic, the management plan for them will be comparable to the one in place for the upper Farmington River. A guiding principle of the Management Plan is that private landowners along the river will continue to be the primary stewards of their property, that towns will continue to be the regulators of land use along the river, and that there will be no federal ownership of land as a result of the Wild & Scenic designation. The Management and Protection Plan Subcommittee of the Study Committee is just beginning its work. ...cordially invites you to attend a More information about the feasibility study for designating the lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook as Wild and Scenic rivers can be found at www.lowerfarmingtonriver.org. Also, as the Chairman of the Study Committee, I want Fall Open House to invite you to contact me directly via phone at 658-7317 or e-mail at [email protected] if you should have any immediate questions or concerns. Of The Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild & Scenic Study course, you can also contact your town representatives,(names and contact is well underway. We want to share our Study information with you, and information) and/or Eric Hammerling, Executive Director of the Farmington River Watershed Association (658-4442, ex. 205).
we need your input! Best regards,
Come and talk with Committee members and resource experts who have worked for three years to bring you the most relevant information Walter L. Sargent about the Wild and Scenic River designation. Larry Schlegel
Tell us what you think about our findings, draft management plan, Farmington Representatives and the benefits of Wild & Scenic designation for your town. Lower Farmington River/Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Committee
Open House dates and locations: Canton Community Center – 40 Dryer Ave, Collinsville Thursday, October 15 – 5:00 to 8:30 pm
East Granby Community Center – 9 Center St, East Granby Thursday, October 29 – 5:00 to 8:30 pm
Farmington Library – 6 Monteith Dr, Farmington Thursday, November 5 – 5:00 to 8:30 pm Refreshments will be served
These forums are an excellent opportunity to comment before the Study concludes!
For more information and to download our existing reports please visit: www.lowerfarmington.org or www.salmonbrookwildandscenic.org
124 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011
Media Alert August 6, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Joyce Kennedy Raymes 860.658.4442 x.203/ 860.707.5765 or Sally Rieger, 860/658-7317
Also see: Photo Attachment with individuals in photo from left to right: Eric Hammerling/Executive Director Connecticut Forest & Park Assoc., Joyce Kennedy Raymes/ Wild & Scenic (W&S) Study Coordinator, Susan Frechette/ DEP Deputy Commissioner, Rep. Clark Chapin, Rep. Ruth Fahrbach, Rep. Linda Schofield, Rep. Richard Ferrari, Governor Jodi Rell, Josef Treggor/W&S Study Committee-Farmington, Sally Rieger/W&S Study Chair-Simsbury, Will Violette/W&S Intern-Granby, Eileen Fielding/Executive Director Farmington River Watershed Assoc. (FRWA), Sarah Hincks/W&S Study Committee-FRWA, Harry Spring/W&S Study Committee-Avon
Connecticut Supports Wild and Scenic Designation for the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook
On May 7, 2008, H.B. 05143 was signed into law by Governor Jodi Rell. The bill expresses the State of Connecticut’s support of a federal Wild and Scenic designation for the lower Farmington River and its tributary, Salmon Brook. The bill also commits the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection to “cooperate with all relevant federal, state and local agencies to provide for such designation and to implement any management plan developed in accordance with the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.” A federal Wild and Scenic designation for the streams would recognize their outstanding resource values, afford them some extra legal protections and provide annual federal funding to be used in the river towns for river-related projects.
Senator Donald J. DeFronzo, Representative Demetrios Giannaros, Representative Richard Ferrari, Representative Dick Roy, and Representative Linda Schofield played key roles in shepherding the bill through the state legislature. Wild and Scenic Study Committee members became regular visitors at the state Capitol as they met with representatives and senators from the ten Wild and Scenic Study towns, Avon, Bloomfield, Burlington, Canton, East Granby, Farmington, Granby, Hartland, Simsbury and Windsor. In testimony before the Environment Committee, Sally Rieger, chair of the
Wild and Scenic Study Committee said, “Many people feel, as I do, that it is “their” river, their special place, and want to see it healthy, for themselves, their children and grandchildren and for the citizens of their towns.” There were a total of 17 legislators representing all ten towns who expressed their support for the bill, and the bill passed unanimously.
“In our region, the Farmington River has value that is truly priceless. This legislation is the best opportunity imaginable to protect the river and an opportunity that in years to come will be looked back on with great pride. This designation will help sustain our region’s quality of life, quality of water, quantity of water, recreational opportunities and biodiversity,” said Sarah Hincks, Chair of the Farmington River Watershed Association and representative to the Wild & Scenic Study Committee.
If the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook receive a federal Wild and Scenic designation, they will join the Upper Farmington River and the Eightmile River as Connecticut’s only Wild and Scenic Rivers. The Upper Farmington River was designated in 1994 and the Eightmile River was designated in 2008. The Lower Farmington River/Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Committee is currently meeting with town officials and land use boards and commissions to discuss the benefits of the Wild and Scenic designation and to gather local input for an advisory management plan that the Study Committee hopes to complete in draft form late this fall. The Study Committee is also planning three public forums for spring, 2009, and hopes to submit the materials for the Wild and Scenic designation to the U. S. Congress in 2009 or 2010.
If you are interested in learning more about the Wild & Scenic feasibility study of the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook, feel free to contact Study Chair, Sally Rieger at 658-7317 or Study Coordinator, Joyce Kennedy Raymes at 658-4442, extension 203. You can also visit the website established to provide the public with ongoing opportunities to understand and give input to the Wild & Scenic Study, www.lowerfarmingtonriver.org.
National Park Service 125
http://www.courant.com/community/news/fv/hc-ctfarriver0822.artaug22,0,4641833.story
Hartford (CT) Courant Friday, August 22, 2008
'Wild And Scenic River' Support Grows For 'Wild And Scenic River' Effort By REGINE LABOSSIERE
Courant Staff Writer
A group working to preserve Farmington Valley waterways is getting strong Support from area agencies and officials in its quest to place most of the Farmington River under federal protection.
The coalition of public and private organizations is seeking the federal designation "Wild and Scenic River" for 65 miles of the lower Farmington River and the Salmon Brook tributary. The designation would ensure annual funding through the National Park Service to support river restoration, environmental education, land protection and other community-based environmental projects. With the designation, the lower region would join 14 miles of the upper Farmington River named wild and scenic in 1994.
But before the waterways can be included, the group of watershed associations, environmental agencies and representatives from 10 Farmington Valley towns must conduct a costly and exhaustive study and present the results to Congress, said Eileen Fielding, executive director of the Farmington River Watershed Association.
The Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Committee has been pleading its cause and gaining support.
In 2006, the federal government approved the study as well as $350,000 in grants to be paid out over three to five years. The group came together last year to begin the study and started searching for more aid. In July, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving gave $156,000 to the Farmington River Watershed Association to help with the study. This month, Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed a bill calling for the commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Protection to work with federal, state and local agencies to get the lower Farmington and Salmon Brook federally designated.
"That's of great help when ultimately we go before Congress to ask for the designation. Congress really likes to see the state is behind the idea," Fielding said of Rell's action.
The federal money, she said, should be enough to conduct a study on the 65 miles of river that flow through public and private land in Avon, Bloomfield, Burlington, Canton, East Granby, Farmington, Granby, Hartland, Simsbury and Windsor. Portions of the river in Windsor and the Collinsville section of Canton are not included because they have dams. Also, the study does not include the Massachusetts section of the river.
"The study budget is adequate, but modest," Fielding said. "What the Hartford Foundation grant has enabled us to do is look more thoroughly at issues."
Those include creating vegetation buffers to decrease storm-water pollution and developing a management plan for the dwarf wedge mussel, an endangered freshwater mussel that lives in a stretch of the river in Avon and Simsbury. The Hartford Foundation's grant is to be paid out over three years.
"We're very interested in projects that improve the quality of life in the region, and taking good care of natural resources is one of the ways to do
that," said Sharon O'Meara, senior program officer at the Hartford Foundation.
With a watershed of 609 square miles, the Farmington River is the most fished river in the state, according to the DEP. It also provides drinking water for more than 600,000 people.
The Farmington River Watershed Association has been working for five years to start the designation process. The nonprofit organization began by getting support from the towns and working with the state's federal representatives to introduce legislative bills, leading to the 2006 approval of the study. Local governments also will benefit from the study, said Joyce Kennedy Raymes, the study coordinator from the National Park Service. She said towns will learn what is living, growing and flowing in their areas and the information can be used for planning, development and educational purposes.
"The towns are really interested in the kinds of things that we'll be learning," Kennedy Raymes said. "It's pretty much a win-win situation."
Contact Régine Labossière at [email protected]
126 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 Lower Farmington River Up for Wild and Scenic Status
HARTFORD, Connecticut, May 20, 2008 (ENS) - Governor M. Jodi Rell has signed a bill that seeks to preserve the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook as open space under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
"Our goal is to have the federal government designate the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook a Wild and Scenic River," Governor Rell said. "Under this bill, our Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection commissioner will work with federal, state and local agencies to obtain that designation.
The governor said the measure represents a commitment by the state of Connecticut to preserve this section of the river from development projects that pose a threat to the future enjoyment of the river. The legislation takes effect on October 1, 2008.
"This is great news for the towns that border the river and all the communities in the Farmington River Region," Governor Rell said. "Our rivers are environmental treasures that provide us with hours of fishing, boating and simple relaxation. We must do everything in our power to preserve them, not only for ourselves, but for future generations."
In 1994, 14 miles of the Upper Farmington River, stretching from Colebrook to Canton, was Part of the Lower Farmington River in its natural state (Photo added to the National Wild and courtesy National Park Service) Scenic Rivers system with an act of Congress.
In the fall of 2003, the Farmington River Watershed Association began an effort to have the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook considered for this distinction.
The Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook run through 10 towns - Avon, Bloomfield, Burlington, Canton, East Granby, Farmington, Granby, Hartland, Simsbury and Windsor. Senators Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman introduced a bill that passed the Senate in late 2005, and in November, 2006 the House passed a companion bill. On November 27, In Congress, the Connecticut delegation began introducing bills authorizing2006 the bill, the S. study 435, wasof signed into law by President George W. Bush. the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook as a Wild and Scenic River in 2004. The bill authorizes a three-year feasibility study that involves volunteers from the 10 towns who will oversee research into areas of interest, and will work with the National Park Service to develop a management plan to help protect the outstanding natural, recreational, and/or cultural values of the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook.
Meanwhile, according to the state law just passed, the state of Connecticut will not approve any development that could degrade the area and keep it from designation as a Wild and Scenic River.
"This new law is good news for all of those who enjoy the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook," said State Representative Kevin Witkos, a Republican who represents Canton, one of the 10 towns through which these waterways run. "This will ensure that this pristine natural resource will remain a destination for the many anglers, kayakers and others who utilize these waterways."
People enjoy the river and the brook for paddling, hiking at Tunxis State Forest and picnicking at Granbrook Park. Salmon Brook is known for its free flowing water and native brook trout populations. The West Branch of the river is inhabited by trout, river otters and bald eagles.
The state legislation also requires the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection to implement any management plan developed pursuant to the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act protects free-flowing rivers with important scenic, natural, recreational, historic, cultural, or similar values. It designates specific rivers for inclusion and prescribes the methods and standards by which additional rivers may be added.
Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2008. All rights reserved.
National Park Service 127 6SHFLDO'HVLJQDWLRQIRU)DUPLQJWRQ5LYHUDQG6DOPRQ %URRN%ULQJV1DWLRQDO5HFRJQLWLRQ
In , miles of the Upper Farmington River – stretching from Colebrook to Canton – were added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers system, which ushered in resources for river protection and funding benefits. In April , local volunteers and organizations formed the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Commit- tee and began collaborative efforts to bring this Na- tional Park Service designation to these waterways. To be considered “Wild and Scenic” under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, a river must have at least one outstanding resource value, be it natural, cultural or recreational. Current research projects, funded by the National Park Service and conducted by the Study Committee, have helped establish five areas in which the lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook meet this standard: geology, water quality, biodiversity, the cultural landscape and recreation. Achieving the Wild and Scenic designation would help ensure steady funding for local projects to protect and enhance these streams. An advisory management plan, developed by the Study Committee, would guide these and other river- related conservation efforts. Under the management plan, private landowners would continue to be the primary stewards of their property and towns would continue to be responsible for regulating land use along the river. Please join us at our upcoming Open House to learn more about what a Wild and Scenic designation means for you and your town. /RZHU)DUPLQJWRQ5LYHU6DOPRQ%URRN:LOGDQG6FHQLF67XG\ Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT .. Ext. www.lowerfarmingtonriver.org www.salmonbrookwildandscenic.org
Farmington River Plan To Be Presented Next Week
• Topics • Museum Dioramas • Government • Farmington (Hartford, Connecticut) • See more topics »
• X
4:08 p.m. EDT, October 20, 2009
EAST GRANBY — - The management plan for designating the rest of the Farmington River as wild and scenic, which qualifies a waterway for federal funding for water management, will be presented at an open house at the East Granby Community Center on Oct. 29.
The upper Farmington River, which runs from the Massachusetts border to the Canton-New Hartford line, was designated a wild and scenic area in 1994. In 2007 Congress approved the rest of the river, which runs from Canton to Windsor, for a feasibility study for the same designation.
During the past two years The Lower Farmington River/Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Committee, which consists of representatives of towns along the river, watershed groups and property owners, have prepared a management plan. After response by citizens, this plan will be sent to Congress as part of the process of designating the lower river with wild and scenic status.
The open house, which will include a presentation of the management plan and an opportunity for the public to respond, will run from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
Another open house presenting the management plan will be held at the Farmington Public Library on Nov. 5, also from 5 to 8:30 p.m.
— Rinker Buck
128 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011
Lower Farmington River/Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 10, 2009
CONTACT: Sally Rieger, Wild & Scenic Study Committee Chair @ 860 658 7317 or Joyce Kennedy Raymes, Wild & Scenic Study Coordinator @ 860 658 4442 x.203
River Recreation Enhances Local Economy, Real Estate Market, Quality of Life
A recently completed study in ten towns of the lower Farmington watershed shows very strong support for a Wild and Scenic River designation for the lower Farmington and Salmon Brook. The study targeted residents, recreational river users and businesses. The study also showed that these river corridors are heavily used by local residents, adding to local quality of life and to real estate values.
The study was conducted by Dr. Ben Tyson, Dr. James Thorson and David Maliar, a graduate student, through the Center for Public Policy and Social Research at Central Connecticut State University, and was funded by the National Park Service. It is part of a larger, comprehensive study coordinated by the Lower Farmington/Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Committee, as a step in the 3- to 5-year process of obtaining National Wild and Scenic River status for these waterways. Its specific purpose was to investigate the “Use and Economic Importance of the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook”.
Conducted from May through October 2008, the project involved personal interviews, counts of people engaged in recreation at 30 locations along the river and brook, and mailed surveys. Based on the information obtained, the researchers estimate over 124,000 recreational visits to the watercourses or their corridors per year. This estimate was described as “very conservative” because it excludes early morning and evening hours and the months of November through April. Walking or jogging is apparently the most common pursuit along the river. Biking, dog walking, and paddling sports are also common.
About 73% of recreational users who responded strongly agree that the river or brook contributes a lot of beauty to the area, as do about 62% of the residents surveyed. Both groups look to a Wild and Scenic river designation as an “important” or “very important” way to preserve the beauty of the river/brook, to preserve open space and to improve fish and wildlife habitat.
Economic Impact
Not surprisingly, the study showed that the amount of money that river recreation brings into the local economy is smaller than that of the Upper Farmington River (which was designated a Wild and Scenic River in 1994). Study Committee Chair Sally Rieger explains, “We know the Upper Farmington draws out-of-state fishermen as well as locals, and they spend on overnight accommodations, food, and fishing-related items. This has an economic significance of about 3.6 million dollars a year, according to a study similar to ours that was released in 2003. The corresponding figure for the lower Farmington and Salmon Brook is between 1.2 and 1.6 million. But,” she added, “we need to look
more closely at the local economic effect of the kayakers who come to Tariffville Gorge, which is a regional white- water kayaking destination. Study committee members familiar with the Gorge feel its economic impact was underestimated.”
Although the economic impact of the river is not as large as the Study Committee had hoped, it still has substantial economic importance. Local proprietor Sue Warner commented, “The vitality of the Farmington River is critical to Collinsville. The Farmington River attracts visitors from all over the state as well as New York and Massachusetts. Collinsville Canoe & Kayak depends on the clean waterway for hundreds of lessons and rentals every season. The town and our business would not thrive without the river.”
Studying the relationship of real estate values to the presence of the river suggests that home buyers are willing to pay approximately $14,000 extra to be a mile closer to the Farmington River/Salmon Brook. The watercourses are clearly amenities for which home buyers are willing to pay.
To be designated as “Wild & Scenic,” a river must be shown to have at least one regionally or nationally outstanding resource value (ORV). The Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook far exceed this minimum. Five such values have been identified for the Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook: Geology, Water Quality, Biodiversity, the Cultural Landscape and Recreation, and the volunteer Study Committee is currently compiling relevant information about all five. The Committee is comprised of locally appointed representatives from ten Farmington Valley towns, plus the Farmington River Watershed Association, the Salmon Brook Watershed Association, the CT DEP, The Stanley Works, the Connecticut Forest and Park Association and the National Park Service.
The Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild & Scenic Study is a partnership of town representatives, river organizations, CT DEP, and other river stakeholders who are gathering evidence and developing support for “Wild & Scenic” designation. Partnership “Wild and Scenic” status provides funding for river conservation while keeping river management in the hands of town governments. Local support for designation would help ensure the protection and enhancement of this local treasure for generations to come. Please visit our websites for more information: www.lowerfarmingtonriver.org or www.salmonbrookwildandscenic.org or call Sally Rieger, Wild & Scenic Study Committee Chair @ 860 658 7317 or Joyce Kennedy Raymes, Wild & Scenic Study Coordinator @ 860 658 4442 x.203
National Park Service 129
Lower Farmington River/Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 2009
CONTACT: Sally Rieger, Wild & Scenic Study Committee Chair @ 860 658 7317 or Joyce Kennedy Raymes, Wild & Scenic Study Coordinator @ 860 658 4442 x.203
Wild & Scenic Study Committee Announces a Series of Community Forums
The Lower Farmington River/Salmon Brook Wild & Scenic Study committee invites you to any one of three Community Open Houses to be held this fall. The Open Houses will offer:
• information on the benefits of a Wild & Scenic designation • a look at the special natural and cultural resources of the Wild & Scenic Study Area • copies of the draft Management Plan • the opportunity to have input into the advisory Management Plan for protecting those resources • a chance to talk with the community volunteers who make up the Study Committee and to ask any questions you may have.
Please join the Study Committee on one of the following dates in a town nearby:
• October 15 at the Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Avenue • October 29 at the East Granby Community Center, 9 Center Street • November 5 at the Farmington Public Library, 6 Monteith Drive
All Open Houses are scheduled from 5:00PM to 8:30PM. Refreshments will be served.
The Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild & Scenic Study brings together town representatives from Avon, Bloomfield, Burlington, Canton, East Granby, Farmington, Granby, Hartland, Simsbury and Windsor , river organizations, CT DEP, and other river stakeholders, who are gathering evidence and developing support for National Park Service designation of the lower Farmington and Salmon Brook as “Wild & Scenic”. The “Wild & Scenic” designation recognizes the outstanding resource values of the very best rivers in the United States. Under the New England Partnership model, “Wild & Scenic” status provides funding for river management while leaving river management in the hands of town governments. Your support of the Study and the designation helps ensure the protection and enhancement of this local treasure for our communities now and for generations to come.
130 Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Report and Environmental Assessment November 2011 What Does Partnership Wild & Scenic Mean?
A Partnership Wild & Scenic Designation Would Not: • Change land use regulations along the river. Our ten towns would retain control of local land use along the river and brook. The Wild & Scenic Rivers Act does not authorize the federal government to enact land use regulations for private lands along a designated river • Deprive landowners of their . land The Partnership Wild & Scenic program was designed to respect private land ownership in the Northeast. When a river receives a Partnership Wild & Scenic River designation, the federal government actually loses its existing right to condemn land in the corridor. Nor can landowners be forced to sell their property. • Prevent recreational uses of the river such as fishing and paddling. There is nothing in the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act that requires a change in fishing regulations. The State of Connecticut will continue to be the regulatory authority. A benefit of a Wild & Scenic designation is that with the designation, some annual National Park Service funding that could be used to improve fish passage paddling on the river. In regard to and canoeing, the situation is similar. Because one of the ORVs for the Lower Farmington and Salmon Brook is Recreation, National Park Service funding associated with a Wild & Scenic designation could be used to improve river access points for paddlers • Prevent Canton, Avon and Burlington ir from using the dams for hydropower. Although the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act requires that designated rivers -‐ be free flowing, segments of a river can om be excluded fr a Wild & Scenic designation. The lower Farmington already has an operating hydropower facility at Rainbow Dam in Windsor and that will be excluded from the designation. • Require funding from the town. Towns don’t pay anything for the Wild & Scenic Study or for the designation. If the lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook are designated Wild & Scenic, we can expect annual funding from the National Park Service that could be spent on a wide variety of local river-‐related projects. • Prevent the town from doing necessary projects near the river, such as bridge replacement. If the lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook are designated water Wild & Scenic, resource ojects pr that alter the flow of the river, or that are Federally funded, licensed or permitted would need to be reviewed by the National Park Service. The National Park Service would suggest changes to the project if the project were found to interfere with the flow of the river. Because the proposed bridge on Avon Old Farms Road was a concern to the Town of Avon, the National Park service reviewed the project and sent a letter to the town saying that new bridge would be an improvement from standpoint. the River’s • Impose new water quality standards on towns. The Department of Environmental Protection in Connecticut currently enforces Federal Clean Water Act standards which include a “no degradation” requirement. The Farmington River is already held to a high standard by the DEP. The Study Committee has obtained a letter from the DEP stating that higher water quality standards would not result from a Wild & Scenic designation.
National Park Service 131 Land Use Leadership Alliance Workshop Participants
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