Farmington River News

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Peter Lee
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Our net catch was over $7,000 dollars; we garnered many new friends and supporters and rallied a very creative and talented artist community with deep appreciation for the Farmington River and

As always, success can be attributed to all our partners who worked together with us to create this watershed event.

FRWA water quality volunteer Carolyn Smith loved the idea, knew where to get the fish and volunteered to lead the project.

1 Farmington River News Save paper, get FRWA newsletters online and see our photos in their full color glory! Go to to sign up. Issues and Activities in the Farmington River Watershed. $7,000 Netted for Water Quality Programs The Fabulous Fish for the Farmington fundraiser was a fabulous success as a celebration, an outreach, and as a fundraiser. Our net catch was over $7,000 dollars; we garnered many new friends and supporters and rallied a very creative and talented artist community with deep appreciation for the Farmington River and surrounding watershed. The culminating gala held on the eve of the 2010 fishing season was an awesome event. As always, success can be attributed to all our partners who worked together with us to create this watershed event. The idea for the Fabulous Fish for the Farmington spawned during a routine water quality monitoring reconnaissance. FRWA water quality volunteer Carolyn Smith loved the idea, knew where to get the fish and volunteered to lead the project. We are grateful to the committee, funders, friends, all the amazing artists who created the fabulous fish and to our generous bidders who help FRWA to continue protecting water quality in your community. You can continue to support FRWA by supporting the businesses that support us. Special Thanks to our Supporters: Carolyn Smith, Don Ferency, Pia Sjölin and Pia Sjölin Design, Laura Hart, Debbie Leonard, Nancy Dunn, Nancy Gworek, Sue Quirk, Michael Francis, Bill Selig. Food: Louise Albin, Café Louise Graphic Design: Susan Quirk Design Fish photography: Tom Kutz Photography, Collinsville Show Lighting: Rick Bunyon of Show Lighting Corp. Fly tying demonstration: Bill Case, Trout Unlimited Music: Dana Pomfret and friends Photos, top to bottom. (Visit frwa.org/publications.html to see photos in color) 1. Fabulous buffet spread donated by Café Louise and prepared by Chefs Louise Albin and Carolyn Smith (Carolyn at top left). 2. Don Ferency (front, second from left) monitors the auction boards as Fish bidders stand by ready to up their bids as necessary to hook a fish. 3. Dana Pomfret (second from right) and friends entertain with original river songs in the Pia Sjölin Design Gallery. One

The Farmington River Watershed Association Board of Directors Officers President - Matt Reichin Vice-President - Diana Goode Vice-President - Sia Bauer Treasurer - David Donaldson, Jr.

Robinson David Sinish Marlene Snecinski Staff Executive Director Eileen Fielding Education & Outreach Coordinator Aimee Petras Water Quality Coordinator Alisa Phillips-Griggs GIS Specialist Jeff

2 The Farmington River Watershed Association Board of Directors Officers President - Matt Reichin Vice-President - Diana Goode Vice-President - Sia Bauer Treasurer - David Donaldson, Jr. Secretary - Michael Gagne Directors Susan Barney Michael Feldman Cherie Griffith-Dunn Anthony Healy Sarah Hincks John Laudati Debbie Leonard Alesia Maltz John E. Robinson David Sinish Marlene Snecinski Staff Executive Director Eileen Fielding Education & Outreach Coordinator Aimee Petras Water Quality Coordinator Alisa Phillips-Griggs GIS Specialist Jeff Bolton The Farmington River Watershed Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of the Farmington River and its Watershed through research, education and advocacy. Rain Barrels & Composters Delivery August 7 In the 4 years we have partnered with the New England Rain Barrel Company we have sold over 500 rain barrels; that means over 27,500 gallons of stormwater held back each time it rains. This year the Rain Barrel Company added the Bio-Orb Composter to their eco-friendly offerings. The Bio-Orb is a 13 cu. ft. composter made of recycled plastic in Wisconsin. If you have missed our previous distributions, add our August 7th date to your calendar, and order early. We will be at Collinsville Canoe & Kayak from 11 am - 1 pm. Rain Barrels are with a $10 donation going to FRWA and the Composters are $99.95 also with a $10 donation to FRWA. Please visit our FRWA s website for more details. Although it may look small, this composter holds 13 cu ft! Natural Lawns & Gardens - August 26 Did you miss our spring workshop series on Natural Lawns & Gardens? We have a new summer date for those of you looking to learn about how to manage your lawn without using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Join FRWA s Education & Outreach Coordinator on August 26th, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Beardsley & Memorial Library in Winsted. Our lawn whisperer will cover the 6 steps to a chemical free lawn. Additional topics include: what your lawn weeds say about your lawn, common lawn problems such as thatch and compaction and deer resistant plants good for landscaping in Jack-in-the-Pulpit is great for those the Northeast climate. shady moist spots on your lawn. Join the Discussion Did you know FRWA has a Facebook page? Become a fan on facebook and start a discussion. Do you have a favorite river spot or favorite photo? Join us on Facebook and share it with our community. Sign Up for Our Newsletter List Many of you know that FRWA has an list. We often use that list to remind you about our upcoming events and to let you know when our newsletter is posted online. However, if you are not signed up for our newsletter list, you are missing out on special event and volunteer announcements. To sign up visit: newsletter_signup.html. Advice from a River: Go with the flow Immerse yourself in nature Slow down and meander Go around the obstacles Be thoughtful of those downstream Stay current The beauty is in the journey Two

A Greenway for Granby Last winter, one project led to another for FRWA s GIS specialist Jeff Bolton.

such as - you guessed it - waterways. In fact, one of the long-term goals of the Management Plan itself is to seek Greenway designation for the whole Farmington river corridor.

The first step was to find a town to partner with FRWA on nominating a waterway as a Greenway luckily, the Town of Granby was ready and willing to nominate Salmon Brook.

3 A Greenway for Granby Last winter, one project led to another for FRWA s GIS specialist Jeff Bolton. While helping prepare the Lower Farmington/Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Management Plan, he found himself compiling information that is also perfect for meeting the criteria for a Connecticut Greenway designation. CT Greenways are defined as corridors of open space that protect natural resources and scenic areas, provide recreational access, connect existing protected areas, and may be along natural features such as - you guessed it - waterways. In fact, one of the long-term goals of the Management Plan itself is to seek Greenway designation for the whole Farmington river corridor. Why not get started right away on turning those waterways into new Greenways? The first step was to find a town to partner with FRWA on nominating a waterway as a Greenway luckily, the Town of Granby was ready and willing to nominate Salmon Brook. Over the winter, Jeff worked with the town on the documentation needed for the nomination. In May, we received word that it had been accepted by the Connecticut Greenways Council. On June 4, Jeff represented FRWA for the recognition of the new Salmon Brook Greenway, at the 11th Annual Greenways Awards and National Trails Day ceremony in Putnam. The Salmon Brook greenway will be included in future revisions of the State Plan of Conservation and Development and incorporated into any greenways plans developed by the CT DEP. Congratulations to Granby for taking this step! And to Jeff for his hard work. We look forward to more waterways becoming Greenways next year. Winchester Land Trust Drive to Pay Back $180,000 Loan! On July 31, the Winchester Land Trust must pay back a $180,000 loan from the Norcross Wildlife Foundation. The Land Trust took out the one-year, no-interest loan in July 2009 when it bought Hurlbut Field, a gorgeous 37 acres of field and forest on Winchester Lake. To encourage donations to help the Land Trust, three anonymous donors have awarded a $20,000 challenge grant. If the land trust can raise $20,000 between April 24 and July 30, every dollar will be matched! In addition, artist Victor Leger has donated a beautiful oil painting of Hurlbut Field. As in a silent auction, the individual who makes the largest donation to the land trust between April 24 and July 30 will receive this painting. (Currently, the bidding is at $500!) The Winchester Land Trust was organized in 1988 to serve as a steward of the town's rural character and natural resources. It is a nonprofit organization and has preserved more than 190 acres of open space through direct ownership or through conservation easements. In November 2009, it was awarded a Conservation Leadership award by the Northwest Conservation District for its local land conservation work. From l-to-r: Jeff Bolton, FRWA GIS Specialist, Bob Viens, mayor of Putnam, Susan Frechette, deputy DEP commissioner, and Bill O'Neill, chairman of the Greenways Council To help the Winchester Land Trust pay back Norcross, send This Victor Leger Painting will go to the highest bidder. tax-deductible donations to: Winchester Land Trust, P.O. Box 10, Winchester Center, CT For more information on Victor Leger s work, go to his website For more information on the land trust, go to the Winchester Land Trust Facebook page, or the land trust at winchesterlandtrust@yahoo.com Three

Water Quality Monitoring Summary 2009 In 2009 FRWA monitored water quality at 46 unique sites in the Watershed with help from our diligent volunteer water monitoring team.

4 Water Quality Monitoring Summary 2009 In 2009 FRWA monitored water quality at 46 unique sites in the Watershed with help from our diligent volunteer water monitoring team. From April through November we monitored chemistry, metals and bacteria at 15 Upper River sites in the Farmington River from Riverton downstream to New Hartford and also in the Still River, Mad River and Morgan Brook Tributaries. Upper River samples were analyzed by the MDC water lab. Bacteria levels were monitored weekly for 20 sites in the Lower Farmington River and tributaries throughout June, July and August with our Idexx Colilert bacteria lab housed in the Simsbury Wastewater Treatment plant. Starting in September, we conducted intensive sampling weekly for 11 sites in Morgan Brook and Mallory Brook. Most Upper River parameters fall well within State Water Quality Standards. However, as seen in previous years, bacteria levels increase substantially throughout the Watershed after heavy rains, especially in less forested areas that lack adequate riparian buffers (streamside vegetation). We compare the geometric mean of all samples from May through October to the State Water Quality Standard of 126/100 ml (this is a count of bacteria cultured from a water sample). Results in 2009 were generally better than previous years tested. The 2010 sampling season is well underway; we ll be monitoring to see how this season measures up Lower Farmington River Tributaries Geo mean June - August E. coli OB-S1 HB-S1 RB-S1 MS-S1 NB-A1 TB-A1 PR-F1 RO-F1 CB-C ML-W1 PB-W1 SB-EB-1 SB-WB MB-S1 Lower Farmington River, Pequabuck River Geo mean E. coli Upper Farmington River & Tributaries Geo mean E. coli May 1 Oct FR - 3 FR - 2 FR - 1 MB - 3 MB - 2 MB - 1 FR SR - 2 SR - 1 MR - 4 MR - 3 MR - 2 MR SR - 4 SR - 3 Year comparison Upper F R & Tribs Geo mean E. coli FR FR-F1 FR FR - 3 FR Pequabuck FR-F2 MB - 1 MB FR-S1 MB MR - 1 FR-S MR - 2 MR - 3 FR-S3 MR FR-W1 SR - 1 SR - 2 SR - 3 SR - 4 CIGNA employees bagging Japanese Knotweed River Street Buffer Project FRWA is working to enhance the riverside vegetative buffer at River Street Park in Windsor. Landscape designer Ruth Klue of the North Central Conservation District has created a beautiful planting plan which we are implementing with the help of volunteers and the Town of Windsor. Volunteers from ING removed bittersweet and helped us plant native vegetation such as Silky Dogwood, New England Aster, Swamp Milkweed, and 5 varieties of native sedges along the banks of Farmington River in May. In June, with the help of volunteers from CIGNA we cut, dug and bagged 1.2 tons of Japanese Knotweed that had invaded an adjacent stream bank choking out the native flora. Riparian buffers are destroyed one piece at time and with the help of FRWA volunteers and caring Watershed citizens, the buffers are being replanted and enhanced one piece at a time Four This project is funded in part by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.

Canoe Trips and River Walks 2010 Paddle: Twilight on the River - Friday, July 9, 5:45 PM: Paddle the River in the cool of evening in the company of great blue herons, beavers, and other wildlife.

Jay Kaplan, Naturalist and Director of Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton will share his vast knowledge of local plants and animals visible along the River at sunset. (Trip lands after nightfall.

being relocated for their safety before dredging of sediment-choked Walton Pond at Winding Trails in Farmington.

Help is needed to clean, tag, measure, and photograph them, and to record data. Volunteers will be trained, no experience required.

popular books including Stories in Stone: How Geology Influenced Connecticut History and Culture.

5 Canoe Trips and River Walks 2010 Paddle: Twilight on the River - Friday, July 9, 5:45 PM: Paddle the River in the cool of evening in the company of great blue herons, beavers, and other wildlife. Enjoy the music of native songbirds with the Talcott Mountain Music Festival in the background. Jay Kaplan, Naturalist and Director of Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton will share his vast knowledge of local plants and animals visible along the River at sunset. (Trip lands after nightfall.) Volunteer Project: Eastern Pond Mussel Tagging Day - Saturday, July 17, :00 AM to 1:00 PM, Winding Trails, Farmington: FRWA seeks volunteers to help tag and photograph fresh-water mussels being relocated for their safety before dredging of sediment-choked Walton Pond at Winding Trails in Farmington. As part of a long-term study outlined in the DEP permit for the dredging, 300 of the eastern pond mussels must be tagged. Help is needed to clean, tag, measure, and photograph them, and to record data. Volunteers will be trained, no experience required. Please bring a digital camera, dress to get wet and dirty, bring a water bottle and lunch, and kindly do not use insect repellent or anti-bacterial soap on your arms and hands as it can transfer to the mussels. Contact river@frwa.org for more details and to sign-up. Paddle: Geology & the River - Saturday, July 24, 9:30 AM: Paddle the Farmington River with Jelle Zeilinga de Boer, Geoscientist, Professor Emeritus at Wesleyan University, and author of several popular books including Stories in Stone: How Geology Influenced Connecticut History and Culture. So why does our River flow the tortuous path it does, and how has the geology shaped the River, and the River shaped the land and inhabitants of the valley? Explore the forces that shaped our landscape from drifting continents, to lava flows, earthquakes, glaciers, and climate change. Walk: Dragonflies & Damselflies - Saturday, August 14, 9:00 AM to Noon: Spend the morning with dragonfly experts Greg Hanisek and Mark Szantyr in search of some of the most ancient and beautiful insects that ever roamed Earth. Marvel at these colorful watershed carnivores, with a voracious appetite for insects including mosquitoes and other biting flies, that spend most of their lives as aquatic nymphs then emerge into a world of acrobatic flight. Mark and Greg have been working with Dave Wagner of UConn on the state odoantate database, (with Mark collecting a lot of digital images). They have also conducted a big dragonfly survey of the Housatonic River in Massachusetts. To participate in any of these events pre-registration is required. Space is limited and trips sell out quickly so please contact FRWA at (860) , or river@frwa.org to register. Canoe Trips: Canoe trips take from 2-4 hours and paddlers must be able to handle a canoe in flat water. Canoes courtesy of Huck Finn Adventures, Collinsville, CT. Cost per person: Members: Need a boat: $15; Have own boat $10; Non-members: Need a boat: $20; Have own boat: $15 Walks: $10/person members; $15 non-members Five

A Summery Summary Ah, summer! Water sampling canoe trips and wrapping up our fiscal year to see what the numbers tell us. How did the year play out?

Since FRWA members are real people in a really tight economy, we adapted to that reality with a frugal operating budget. Long term projects kept our momentum.

Fab Fish Night? Board members, volunteers, and surprise donors generated thousands of dollars more than we had expected. YOU came through!

6 A Summery Summary Ah, summer! Water sampling canoe trips and wrapping up our fiscal year to see what the numbers tell us. How did the year play out? We could sum it up like this Our hats are off - to you. The numbers tell a good story and you, our members and supporters, had a lot to do with it. Here are a few reflections: Lean planning paid off. Since FRWA members are real people in a really tight economy, we adapted to that reality with a frugal operating budget. Long term projects kept our momentum. Projects that were funded back in 2008 for multi-year efforts helped us keep moving. Spontaneous fundraising broke out! FRWA s friends rallied round and got creative. Remember Country Fair Day? Fab Fish Night? Board members, volunteers, and surprise donors generated thousands of dollars more than we had expected. YOU came through! Whether you bought a folk-art fish, provided a free service, or made the all-important decision to respond when we asked for a gift or membership renewal, congratulate yourself for continuing to support what you value. FRWA members didn t fade away, even if their gifts had to be smaller. In fact FRWA has more members now than a year ago. Thank you, one and all. Our sleeves are rolled up -- for you. Because you continue to look out for the Farmington, we can plan the year ahead with confidence. Here s what you can expect: No cutbacks on programs or projects. Water quality monitoring, trips and programs, public outreach about pollution prevention, and river restoration projects are all on the calendar for the months ahead. Groundwork laid for the future. All year, we ve been busy planning. There s an updated strategic plan, a technology plan to make river information more accessible, even engineering plans for restoring sections of river. In all of them, your support and help are key ingredients! We thank you again in advance, for your part in preserving, protecting, and restoring a fine river for years to come. License Plates Float a Project in the Headwaters In May, FRWA was awarded a grant of $30,450 over three years by the Massachusetts Environmental Trust. The grant will enable FRWA to do river stewardship in the Massachusetts headwaters of the Farmington Watershed, especially in Otis, Sandisfield, and Becket. By doing this, FRWA will address a need that has been identified by both the Massachusetts DEP and the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. Funded activities include streambug monitoring that is, checking water quality by sampling insects and other invertebrates from the stream bottom. Finding out whether the most pollution-sensitive species are present or missing is a cost-effective way to spot water quality problems that might otherwise be missed, and also document clean waters that should not be allowed to degrade. FRWA will also do an inventory of stream crossings where the river or its tributaries pass under roads, in order to identify crossings that obstruct fish travel - for example, where culverts may be placed too high off the streambed. This information is useful for choosing and planning future stream improvement projects. Third, the grant will support community outreach programs about keeping the river free of pollutants and alien species. FRWA is especially pleased to be working with a diverse array of partners, including the MA Department of Ecological Restoration, Tolland State Forest, the Housatonic Valley Association, the Otis Reservoir Property Owner s Association, Watershed Assessment Associates, and Jacob s Pillow Dance Festival. Other interested parties are welcome to contact us about the project, including adult volunteers with cars, who are willing and able to work in south Berkshire County. The Massachusetts Environmental Trust will provide over $500,000 to more than 30 organizations this year, thanks to motorists who purchase one of the Trust s specialty MA license plates. Trust plates, including the signature Whale Plate, are the only MA specialty plates that exclusively fund environmental initiatives. The Farmington River in Otis, MA Six

New Member Benefits from FRWA! Thanks to all of you who renewed your memberships this spring! Membership cards went out several weeks ago to those who renewed.

Here s a sample: Maplewood Lodging Bed & Breakfast, Otis MA The owners of Maplewood Lodging (www.maplewoodlodging.com) are extending FRWA members a third night free when you stay two nights with them.

, Chesterwood, Berkshire Theatre Festival, Camp Lenox, Stockbridge, Great Barrington, Butternut Mountain and the Appalachian Trail.

She is offering FRWA members a 10% discount on Pia Sjölin Design items in the gallery located in the Shoppes at Farmington Valley on Route 44.

7 New Member Benefits from FRWA! Thanks to all of you who renewed your memberships this spring! Membership cards went out several weeks ago to those who renewed. If you forgot to send in your membership renewal, just return the form below. Over the past year we have added several new benefits to your FRWA membership. Here s a sample: Maplewood Lodging Bed & Breakfast, Otis MA The owners of Maplewood Lodging ( are extending FRWA members a third night free when you stay two nights with them. Their 1850 home sits beside the Farmington River in Oits, MA and is near Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, Otis Reservoir, Tanglewood, Norman Rockwell Museum, Shakespeare & Co., Chesterwood, Berkshire Theatre Festival, Camp Lenox, Stockbridge, Great Barrington, Butternut Mountain and the Appalachian Trail. Pia Sjölin Design, LLC - a unique art gallery, Canton, CT If you made it to our Fabulous Fish Auction in April you would have had a chance to see all of the great art Pia has in her gallery. She is offering FRWA members a 10% discount on Pia Sjölin Design items in the gallery located in the Shoppes at Farmington Valley on Route 44. Pia Sjölin began her artistic career in 1971 at Orrefors Glass School in Sweden, as an engraver at Kosta Glass. Her works are widely held in private collections as well as in museums. She begin designing textiles in the 80s. Now Pia has developed a concept that embraces all her experience and celebrates her love of both her home countries: America with its vibrancy and boldness, and Sweden with its Nordic light and long, proud, craft tradition. Today, the magical design traditions and natural environment of both these countries combine kaleidoscopically in Pia's unique glass and textile design. Please support our local artists and our local businesses. Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone Number: Check one: I want to renew my membership now: $40 (Individual) $60 (Family) $120 $250 $500 $ other amount New Member Campaign (select amount below) $6.09 $16.09 $26.09 $46.09 $60.90 $ $609 Gift Membership to In Memory donation to Other Donation Amount, please specify: $ Please send acknowledgment to (if different from above): Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: I have enclosed my check payable to FRWA, or please charge my MasterCard or Visa. Card #: Expiration Date: Amount $ Name on Card: Signature Please send to: Farmington River Watershed Association, 749 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT Credit card donations may be phoned in to Aimee Petras at (860) x. 201 or submitted online at via our secure online contributions server. Seven

FRWA Summer 2010 Events Date Event Location July 9 Twilight on the River Canoe Trip, starting 5:45 pm Pre-Registration Required July 17 Eastern Pond Mussel Tagging Day, 8 am - 1 pm Winding Trails,

8 FRWA Summer 2010 Events Date Event Location July 9 Twilight on the River Canoe Trip, starting 5:45 pm Pre-Registration Required July 17 Eastern Pond Mussel Tagging Day, 8 am - 1 pm Winding Trails, Farmington July 24 Geology & the River Canoe Trip, starting 9:30 AM Pre-Registration Required August 7 Rain Barrel Distribution, 11 am - 1 pm Collinsville Canoe & Kayak August 14 Dragonflies & Damselflies Riverside Walk, 9am-12 Pre-Registration Required August 26 Natural Lawns & Gardens at 6:30 pm Beardsley & Memorial Library, Winsted, CT Please RSVP to (860) ext. 0 to ensure we have adequate food and supplies for all events. Visit us at for more information on our events. Printed on 100% recycled paper, always. The Farmington River Watershed Association 749 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Simsbury, CT Permit No. 26 Protecting The Farmington River, For You, For All, Forever.

Farmington River News

Farmington River News Save paper, get FRWA newsletters online and see our photos in their full color glory! Go to to sign up. Issues and Activities in the Farmington River Watershed. Where Top-Down Meets