The Farmington River, “the top priority watershed in the state,” according to the state’s environmental agency, has been named one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers by the organization American Rivers.
The 47-mile river, which flows into the Connecticut River, “has the potential to be the biggest positive environmental impact to fish restoration,” according to Paul Woodworth, senior ecological restoration project manager for Save the Sound.
The reason it’s listed as endangered is the hydroelectric Rainbow Dam, which is only partially operating, Woodworth said. The dam is run by the Farmington River Power Co. in Windsor, which is owned by Stanley Black & Decker.
“The Farmington River supports diverse fish and wildlife, is a vital source of clean drinking water for the region, and provides boating and other recreation opportunities, but this dam is an ongoing threat,” said Katie Schmidt of American Rivers, in a statement. Click here to read the entire article.