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Latest Updates: View Bill # H.R. 6825 To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate segments of the Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers as components of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes. View Stewardship Plan and Full Appendices View “Nashua, Nissitissit, and Squannacook Rivers: Forever Wild and Scenic” Video View Upcoming Events View National Park Service "River Connections: Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers" Video |
NEXT STEPS - OCTOBER 2018
Since its inception in 2015, the Nashua River Wild and Scenic River Study Committee has worked to identify our river-related outstandingly remarkable resource values, consider the eligibility and suitability of the rivers for designation, and develop a voluntary stewardship plan with much public input. A major milestone in this process was reached this spring with the acceptance by all eleven participating communities at their 2018 annual town meetings of the "Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers Stewardship Plan" and its recommendation to seek federal designation of the rivers as "Wild and Scenic." The “Stewardship Plan” is a companion document to the “Study Report” currently being prepared by the National Park Service for congressional review. Numerous letters of support are being collected for inclusion in the Study Report. On September 20, 2018 Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (MA-03) announced that she has introduced a bill to Congress, the Nashua River Wild and Scenic River Act, that is authored by herself and Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02) that would add segments of the Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers to the national Wild and Scenic Rivers System. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by MA Senators Markey and Warren, and NH Senators Hassan and Shaheen. Once Congress votes in favor of such, the President will then be asked to sign the legislation to officially designate the rivers as Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers. As this legislative process proceeds, the group that has served as the Study Committee will continue its work and begin implementation of the voluntary recommendations that comprise the action item portion of the approved Stewardship Plan. When designation occurs, the Study Committee will morph into the formal Stewardship Council, as described in the Stewardship Plan. Work to protect our outstandingly remarkable resources -- our biological diversity, scenic & recreational, and historical & cultural values -- will continue! |