Forest Society Joins Senator Shaheen at Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act Launch Event

Matt Leahy | September 28, 2023
Tags:
Advocacy
Sen Shaheen and the conservation staff pose in front of Cherry Pond in Whitefield.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen met with conservation groups on September 8 in Whitefield at Cherry Pond, part of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. (Left to Right: Clint Savage, NH Bureau of Trails; Chris Thayer, Appalachian Mountain Club; Markelle Smith, Friends of Conte; Senator Shaheen; Matt Leahy, Public Policy Director, Forest Society; Jim O’Brien, Nature Conservancy)

Forest Society staff recently joined our conservation partners in helping U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen announce the introduction of the Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act. Senator Shaheen introduced the CRWPA in August. The Act proposes to establish a partnership among federal, state, local and private entities to promote conservation, restoration, education and recreation efforts in the important watershed.

It would also create a voluntary grant program to support the stewardship of fish and wildlife habitats, the protection of drinking water sources, the enhancement of flood resilience while promoting access to the Watershed’s public spaces.

“The Connecticut River is one of the most significant river watershed systems in our country,” said Jack Savage, President Society for the Protection of NH Forests.  “Its environmental, economic and cultural impacts are as broad as the geographic area it covers in New England.  Stewarding this unique region must be a priority. The Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act will help support all the stakeholders meet this important responsibility.  The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests is pleased to support this legislation and we want to express our thanks to Senator Shaheen for her leadership.”