Housatonic River Commission Awards Conservation Grant, Reviews River Access Issues

NEW MILFORD, CT — The Housatonic River Commission approved a $20,000 community grant to support a conservation land acquisition survey, received updates on river access management and resource protection efforts, and discussed environmental concerns affecting communities throughout the Housatonic River watershed during its July 14 meeting.

The commission unanimously approved a $20,000 grant to the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy to help fund an A-2 boundary survey associated with the planned acquisition of the Honey Hill/McEver property in North Canaan. Amanda Branson of the conservancy said the organization is under contract to purchase about 245 acres of largely undeveloped land that includes roughly 1.5 miles of Housatonic River frontage. She said the survey is required before the purchase can close because state and federal funding agencies require an updated boundary survey. Branson told commissioners the conservancy also intends to work with the commission on future public access planning, including a potential portage route near the former Canaan Dam.

Treasurer Marc Andreotto reported the commission held $4,274.63 in its working and services account and $10,543.72 in its Northwest Hills Council of Governments subaccount. Commissioners also unanimously approved payment of five invoices totaling $24,189.63 and authorized automatic monthly payments of $33.60 for Google Workspace services.

The commission received several updates on environmental stewardship initiatives throughout the watershed.

Jackie Dias of the National Park Service presented an overview of Section 7 of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, explaining how federally assisted or permitted water-resource projects within designated river corridors are reviewed to ensure they do not adversely affect the river's protected values. Dias emphasized the importance of involving the National Park Service early in project planning to avoid conflicts and reduce redesign costs later in the permitting process.

Bruce Bennett reported that the commission's Resource Protection Subcommittee is refining its priorities, including identifying significant natural and historic river resources, expanding invasive species mapping through drone imagery, studying the effects of road salt on aquatic ecosystems and improving communication with local zoning and inland wetlands commissions about river corridor regulations. Members also discussed invasive plant infestations and opportunities for volunteer cleanup efforts along the river.

The River Use and Access Subcommittee reported on efforts to improve public access at several locations.

Commissioners discussed identifying a future portage route around the former Canaan Dam, where the remaining dam structure continues to impede river navigation. They also reviewed visitor management issues at the North Kent Road access area, where heavy Fourth of July weekend use prompted temporary closures because of concerns about traffic, trash, emergency vehicle access and impacts on nearby residents. Representatives from local governments, law enforcement agencies and the commission plan to meet regularly to develop long-term management strategies before next summer.

Julia Rogers reported that visitation at the New Milford Fisherman's Access Lot, also known as Gunn's Eddie, has declined this summer following the Town of New Milford's decision to station a police officer at the site on weekends. She said the temporary closure of North Kent Road during the recent holiday weekend shifted more visitors to River Road in Kent and to the public access area near New Milford's power plant. A comprehensive River Information and Outreach season report will be presented after the summer concludes.

Commissioners also received updates from member towns.

Among the issues discussed were invasive species removal efforts in Falls Village, concerns in Cornwall about herbicide applications along the Housatonic Railroad corridor, roadway erosion along River Road in Sharon, riverfront property clearing in Kent and greenway acquisition efforts in North Canaan. Members also noted that North Canaan is seeking a new commissioner following the expected resignation of Commissioner Jack Anstine.

During communications, the commission learned that Connecticut Department of Transportation officials have approved moving a Route 8 scenic byway sign project into the encroachment permit stage. Members also discussed concerns about security lighting at an Eversource staging area in Falls Village after reports that the lighting may affect birds, insects and other wildlife. Bennett agreed to contact Eversource on the commission's behalf.

Commissioners observed a moment of remembrance for Salisbury Commissioner Stacie Weiner, who recently died following an illness. Members recognized her years of service to the commission, particularly her work involving the Amesville area. They also learned that Housatonic Valley Association Project Manager Madeline Scherff will leave her position later this month to accept an environmental engineering position in New York.

The meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m. The commission's next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 11.