House Republican Press Release

April 16, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Ferrari applauds vote for scenic designation of Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook

State Rep. Richard Ferrari (R-62) applauded the unanimous vote in the House of Representatives in favor of H.B. 5143, An Act Concerning the Designation of the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Within the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

“Many folks from my district think a great deal of the Farmington River and Salmon Brook watershed area. They want us to look for ways to protect and preserve this irreplaceable natural resource. Our experience with the Scenic Rivers Act enacted a number of years ago for the upper west branch of the Farmington River gave us a good model to follow. I expect that our Senate colleagues will pass the bill and send it to the Governor,” said Rep. Ferrari.

The Farmington River and Salmon Brook are important resources, both for its historical and recreational value.  The upper portion of the Farmington River between Colebrook and Canton was designated in 1994 as “Wild and Scenic” by the U.S. Congress.  The Lower Farmington River & Salmon Brook Wild & Scenic Study Committee has been working since 2003 to advocate for the same designation as the upper Farmington River.