Federal Bill To Protect NH Rivers Signed Into Law

NASHUA -- The permanent authorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund on Tuesday designates portions of the Nashua, Squannacook and Nissitissit Rivers in New Hampshire and Massachusetts as scenic rivers under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968 to "preserve certain
rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. The Act is notable for safeguarding the special character of these rivers."

New Hampshire U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan introduced joint legislation as part of the LWCF bill that would create a locally appointed advisory committee to oversee protection of the rivers and preserve existing uses. The legislation is a companion to a bill introduced by New Hampshire U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster in the House of Representatives.

“This legislation includes provisions that will have a real impact here in New Hampshire," Kuster said in a statement. "Preserving our beautiful landscape and waterways will help to maintain the Granite State as a wonderful place to visit and raise a family.”

President Donald Trump signed the law to permanently reauthorize LWCF, which helps preserve and maintain national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and recreational areas in all 50 states and nearly every congressional district at no cost to American taxpayers. The LWCF uses royalties earned from offshore oil and gas revenues to fund its programs.

“Permanently reauthorizing LWCF will bolster our outdoor economy and help preserve the sites we treasure most in New Hampshire,” Shaheen said in a statement.

The bill also re-designates Saint-Gaudens in Cornish as a National Historical Park.

“I will continue to build on efforts like this that help to preserve and strengthen the beautiful natural resources that are vital to our economy and help define us as a state,” Hassan said in a statement.

The Saint-Gaudens site preserves the home and artwork of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the foremost American sculptor of the late 19th century. During his career, Saint-Gaudens created over 150 works of art, many of them commemorating heroes of the Civil War, including the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial in Boston and the Standing and Seated Abraham Lincoln monuments in Chicago.