Housatonic River Commission Reelects Officers, Focuses on Dam Safety And Invasive Species

NEW MILFORD, CT — The Housatonic River Commission unanimously reelected its slate of officers and continued discussions on river access improvements, dam safety concerns and the spread of invasive hydrilla during its June 9 meeting.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on resource protection issues. Commission member Colter Rule identified hydrilla, an invasive aquatic plant, as a growing threat to the Housatonic River. Rule said the species has become a serious concern in Connecticut waterways and urged the commission to monitor its potential spread into the river. National Park Service representative Jackie Dias noted that extensive hydrilla monitoring is already underway in the Connecticut River and suggested a similar effort could be considered for the Housatonic.

Commission members also discussed safety concerns at the Canaan Dam in North Canaan. Vice Chair William Tingley said accumulated debris and portions of the structure create hazards for boaters and suggested modifying the site to allow safer passage while preserving fish habitat. HRC Project Manager Madeline Scherff reported she is coordinating discussions with river restoration specialists and federal officials regarding possible improvements.

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The commission reviewed several river access projects affecting New Milford and other river communities. Scherff confirmed that New Milford plans to station a town employee at Fisherman's Cove in Gaylordsville from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each weekend this summer, allowing the popular river access area to remain open. Members also discussed concerns about FirstLight Power's proposal to remove a portable restroom and dumpster from the site, citing potential sanitation issues.

At Ruggles Landing in North Canaan, Scherff reported that a proposed lease agreement has been submitted to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and is awaiting review. The commission also continued discussions with FirstLight and the National Park Service regarding shoreline management plans and recreational access along the Housatonic River corridor.

Commission members received updates from towns throughout the river valley. In Falls Village, Rule reported invasive bittersweet plants are overtaking the canoe access area. In Cornwall, commissioners are investigating unauthorized placement of stone riprap along a riverbank near a boat launch on River Road. Sharon representatives reported progress on several development and infrastructure projects, including reconstruction of a culvert and bridge on River Road.

The commission also reviewed a proposed community grant application submitted by the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy for conservation-related work at the McEver property in North Canaan. Members said additional information is needed before the proposal can be formally considered. Approximately $20,000 remains available in community grant funding through September 2026, enough for one additional grant award.

Commission members unanimously approved amendments to the organization's rules of procedure, extending officer terms from one year to two years and limiting officers to two consecutive terms before requiring a two-year break from that position. The commission then unanimously elected Jesse Klingebiel as chair, William Tingley as vice chair, Marc Andreotto as treasurer and James Saunders as secretary for terms running through May 2027.

Members also unanimously approved payment of a $157.50 invoice and approved minutes from the commission's May 12 meeting. Treasurer Marc Andreotto reported a checking account balance of $4,465.73 and a Northwest Hills Council of Governments subaccount balance of $10,543.72.

The meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m. The commission's next regular meeting is scheduled for July 14.