The upper part of the Housatonic River could be designated as wild and scenic. The legislature's Environment Committee has forwarded a bill to the state Senate for consideration. The Housatonic from the Massachusetts border down to New Milford would gain the designation if approved by the General Assembly and the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.
The bill, introduced by Kent Representative Roberta Willis, says the Northwest Hills Council of Governments will act as the administering agency on behalf of the Housatonic River Commission.
Among those submitting testimony in favor of Bill 81 was New Milford Mayor David Gronbach. He says the town is fortunate to have the Housatonic flowing through the heart of the community. Gronbach notes that it plays a vital role in shaping recreational opportunities, scenic character and river-friendly economic development.
Kent First Selectman Bruce Adams submitted testimony in support of the designation. He said the designation will protect the river from major projects that might negatively impact the water quality and scenic beauty of the river.
Officials from North Canaan, Sharon, Cornwall, Salisbury, and Canaan also submitted testimony in support of the bill.
The Connecticut Land Conservation Council also submitted testimony in favor of the bill. Calling the Housatonic nationally recognized for its outstanding natural, scenic and recreational values, The Council said the designation provides national acknowledgement of the river's unique and important characteristics. They added that this offers a formal platform to best protect the ecological, historical, cultural and recreational attributes of the river and the region.
Local land use decisions within the designated stretch will continue to be subject to each town's respective land use regulations. The designation neither prohibits nor gives the federal government control over private property.
The Housatonic River Commission says with the increase in extreme weather events, including an ice dam formed on the Housatonic flooding parts of Kent this month, flooding in river ways has increased, and development along waterways can be particularly problematic. The Commission said in testimony that they want to be sure to create the guide lines to ensure that when development does happen, it is done wisely and that the designation can be important to ongoing protection of the river.
