Wild and Scenic River
For info about other events related to this project visit www.WildandScenicNashuaRivers.org.
Bolton’s 2018 Annual Town Meeting unanimously supported the Nashua River and its possible designation as a “Wild and Scenic River”. Bolton has been participating with nine Massachusetts and two New Hampshire towns as part of a Nashua River Wild and Scenic River Study Committee to explore designation of segments of the Nashua River from Lancaster to the New Hampshire border, and all of its two main tributaries, the Nissitissit and Squannacook Rivers, as Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers. The Study Committee has developed a locally-driven, voluntary Stewardship Plan. At Town Meeting in Bolton, voters were asked if they wish to accept that voluntary River Stewardship Plan and its recommendation that the Nashua, Nissitissit, and Squannacook Rivers be designated as Wild and Scenic Rivers.
Here are a few facts about the Wild and Scenic project:
What is a “Wild and Scenic River” designation? The designation of “Wild and Scenic River” is a national recognition given under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act that was passed by Congress fifty years ago to preserve rivers in this country that are unique and special. Only rivers that are shown to have ‘outstandingly remarkable resource values’ can qualify for this designation. The outstanding values can relate to biological diversity; recreational and scenic values; and historical and cultural values. Less than one-quarter of one percent of all American rivers are designated “Wild and Scenic”.
Do the Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers have outstanding value? Yes, is the answer from the Nashua River Wild and Scenic River Study Committee that has been studying the river for the past two and a half years. These three rivers have exceptional biological diversity, and are home to more than a dozen threatened, endangered, or species of special concern, from turtles to mussels to dragonflies, including a notably large population of state-listed Blanding’s turtles. Bolton has a MA “Priority Natural Community”: an alluvial red maple swamp. The oxbows along the Nashua River in Harvard are one of the largest freshwater wetlands in all of eastern Massachusetts. These rivers are also of great value for recreation. Peaceful and scenic views are afforded from the Nashua River due to the extent of forested shoreline in the Bolton Flats Wildlife Management Area and the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge (more than eight miles). Canoe access is provided at the Bill Ashe Visitor Facility in Devens, and a scenic view is found at Fruitlands Museum. Over 8,000 unique visitors annually recreate on the rivers. The area has given rise to many influential conservationists--including Benton MacKaye--and the area experienced a breathtaking insurgence of conservation activities in the 1960s that had lasting impact on the cultural fabric of the region. The “Marion Stoddart Story” & the clean-up of the Nashua River has merited international acclaim & has been a model for watershed groups across the country.
What are the benefits of designation? If the Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers are designated as a Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers, they will be elevated to a level of national significance. A locally-appointed Stewardship Council will be eligible to receive annual federal funding and technical assistance to implement the voluntary River Stewardship Plan. The three rivers will be protected from adverse federal actions including new dams, and designation could help prevent the potentially negative effects of activities such as in-stream utility line crossings. The designation is meant to empower the local communities to care for and protect their rivers.
What are the costs of designation? There are none. There is no cost to residents of Bolton, or to the other ten towns. There is no federal taking of land. There is no impact on hunting and fishing. The designation does not stop local development, does not impact local zoning and property rights, and it does not require landowners to provide access to their lands. The Stewardship Committee is made up of local individuals and actions taken are locally driven.
What is in the voluntary Stewardship Plan? The locally-developed, voluntary Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers Stewardship Plan was developed by the Study Committee with extensive public input. It includes recommendations on how to protect water quality and wildlife habitat, as well as recommendations for how to increase awareness and appreciation of the river and its special attributes. It also contains extensive information on the biological diversity of the area, the recreational use of the rivers, and the historical connections between the rivers and local communities. To view the Stewardship Plan, visit www.WildandScenicNashuaRivers.org.
What happens after the Town Meeting vote? The nine Massachusetts communities involved in the Study, that adjoin the segments of the Nashua, Nissitissit, and Squannacook Rivers, have voted to accept the voluntary River Stewardship Plan and its recommendation to seek Wild and Scenic designation. The towns of Brookline and Hollis in New Hampshire have also voted “yes” on the question. Since all 11 towns have voted, it is now up to the US Congress to pass legislation awarding the designation and up to the President to sign it.
Where can I get more information? Visit the Study Committee’s website, www.WildandScenicNashuaRivers.org. You can also contact Al Futterman, Nashua River Wild and Scenic River Study Committee, at alf@NashuaRiverWatershed.org, or 978-448-0299.