CT river went from polluted to nationally recognized stewardship designation. Can it be a model?

The Connecticut River was once one of the state’s most polluted waterways, but after decades of environmental activism, it has been transformed into a cleaner, safer waterway for tourism and recreation, activists say.At 410 miles, the Connecticut River also is the longest in New England, flowing through four states with over 2.4 million inhabitants that live near it. The river provides 70% of the fresh water that enters Long Island Sound. In 2012, it was designated the first and only National Blueway.The story of that transformation—and risks and challenges that remain for the river — will be the focus of a symposium hosted by the Connecticut River Museum at Wesleyan University’s Beckham Hall from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 23.U.S. Army Corps proposes adding herbicide to CT River to control invasive weeds. What to know.
The event intends to gather leading environmental experts, scientists, and policymakers to discuss issues that still face the Connecticut River, according to its organizers. The symposium will explore the river as a case study for challenges facing rivers and estuaries across the nation.The symposium will feature panel discussions and presentations focusing on various aspects of the river’s health, including water quality, habitat restoration, wildlife management and climate change impacts, according to organizers.“The Connecticut River is not just a regional treasure, but a tremendous ecological success story,” said Elizabeth Kaeser, executive director of the Connecticut River Museum.“This would have seemed unlikely in the 1960s when the river was filthy and unsafe. The river was transformed through the hard work and engagement of activists, students, politicians, and concerned citizens—work which is ongoing and requires a new generation of river stewards. The Museum’s mission is to foster that new generation of river stewards, and we are thrilled to host this symposium as a way of bringing together important voices to inform, inspire, and educate.”Speakers at the symposium will include state Rep. Christine Palm of the 36th District; Johan Varekamp, Smith Curator at Joe Webb Peoples Museum and Harold T. Stearns, Professor Emeritus of Earth Science; Mark Tedesco, director, USEPA Long Island Sound Office; Lisabeth Willey, Science Coordinator at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Rebecca Todd, Executive Director of the Connecticut River Conservancy; Markelle Smith, Director of Friends of Conte; Barry Chernoff, Director & Chair of Wesleyan University Bailey College of the Environment; Charles DiMarzio, Associate Professor of Northeastern University’s Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical, and Industrial Engineering, Bioengineering; and Randall Erb, Associate Professor of Northeastern University’s Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.The cost to attend is $85 for non-members, $70 for members and $30 for students. Lunch will be included and table reservations and sponsorship inquiries are welcome, according to the Connecticut River Museum. For more information visit ctrivermuseum.orgStephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com

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