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Farmington River Watershed Association Fall 2014

Issues and Activities in the Farmington River Watershed.

860-658-4442 www.frwa.org

Look inside for ways to help me and my friends on the river! Want FRWA’s enews? Text FRWAENEWS to 22828.

Citizens of the Watershed, We Salute You! “Citizens” doesn’t even begin to describe all you accomplish.

A better phrase for you is “amazingly committed people!” In this issue, you’ll see a lot about your fellow river friends. To get started, here are two snapshots of watershed citizens in action. Kudos to them and to all! Bill Moorhead, Botanist. For years, Bill has kept the high floodplain forest community at Fisher Meadow in Avon from complete takeover by invasive non-native plants. His squads of volunteers uproot the invaders by the thousands, year after year. Where Bill and his people labor, the native plants that support wildlife are holding their own. It takes hundreds of hours of his donated time, not to mention the hard work of his helpers! Sally Rieger, advocate extraordinaire. Since 2007, she’s been the tireless volunteer chair of the extraordinary group known as the Lower River Wild & Scenic Study Committee. After all her years of speaking up for our favorite river, Federal agency staffers and Congressional offices know Sally well. Trust us, your river is safer with Sally keeping an eye on things!

You’re in the picture too!

Amazing commitment has many forms. Our lasting awe and gratitude goes out to river friends who have given time or donations for ten, twenty, thirty years and more. That really matters. It sustains the good work over the long time needed to bring about healthy land and water, smart policies, and a good heritage for our kids and grandkids.

THANK YOU and have a great summer!

Above: Bill Moorhead & Sally Rieger at Fisher Meadows in Avon Below: Sally with Representative John Larson.

Farmington River Watershed Association Summer 2015

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The Farmington River Watershed Association

Board & Staff

Officers President - David Donaldson, Jr. Vice-President - John Laudati Treasurer - Victor Schoen Secretary - Michael Feldman

Directors Susan Barney Chip Harrison Katonya Hughey Ann Jurkiewicz Deborah Leonard Matt Reichin 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.

www.frwa.org

Joyce Went West! If you’ve ever dropped in at FRWA, you may know Joyce Kennedy Raymes. For years, she’s been the friendly face who greets you when you arrive. But there’s more to the story than that. Joyce’s real work was organizing, gathering, compiling, coordinating, communicating, and motivating.

Back in 2001, then-Director Kevin Case hired Joyce to research and write the State of the Watershed Report, a comprehensive description of the Farmington River Watershed. Her findings showed, among many other things, that FRWA should monitor the river’s water quality. So, when Joyce completed the monumental Report, she went on to become FRWA’s Water Quality Coordinator. In 2007, Joyce switched jobs but stayed right in the FRWA office, this time working for the National Park Service to coordinate the Lower Farmington River/Salmon Brook Wild & Scenic Study. That study (another monumental task) wrapped up in 2011. And Joyce stayed on, starting up river projects that were recommended in the study’s Management Plan and Report. After fourteen years of finding what needs to be done and then doing it, Joyce is the Queen of Follow-Through! Her impact on Farmington River stewardship is immense and will be felt for years to come.

In June, Joyce migrated to a new life in Colorado. Farewell, good luck, best wishes, and a huge “thank you” to one of our best river friends!

Aimee’s Dedicated Decade Please join us in congratulating Aimee Petras, FRWA’s Outreach and Education Coordinator, who just had her 10th work anniversary here!

Since 2005, Aimee’s been making sure that FRWA’s messages get out to you smoothly, clearly, and on time. And she does a great deal more: school programs and field trips, keeping all the donor records, the website, the newsletter, taking questions by phone and email. That adds up to full time work already, but there’s more: she’s our resident expert on river-friendly organic lawn care and landscaping, and on collaborative work with land trusts.

Aimee’s long experience provides the knowledge, judgment, and efficiency that you expect from your watershed organization. Thanks, Aimee, for ten great years!

Farmington River Watershed Association Summer 2015

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Meet the 2015 Team! Your river will be well looked-after this summer. An energetic team of helpers are already active on land and in the water! Water Quality Intern Maurice Patterson (at right, on the water) is doing water sampling, sample analysis, and other water quality monitoring and outreach tasks with Alisa Phillips-Griggs.

Stream Continuity Interns Steve Burger, Mike Steeves, Heather Roman-Stork, Melissa Higley, Scott Birmingham, Ella MacPherson, and Shawn Greenlaw are under bridges and culverts, gathering data for a region-wide investigation of whether fish and other animals can move freely up and down our streams. (The study also helps towns identify culverts in need of upgrades. For more information on this initiative, turn to page 7) At left, Steve Burger and Ella MacPherson assessing a culvert in Simsbury during one of our Training Days. Our thanks to you and to the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving for providing FRWA’s interns with stipends and valuable career-related experience!

In Memoriam—Vince Bishop Vince was Colorado cowboy with a colorful past as a stunt man, poet around tourist campfires, and carpenter. He and his young family came to Connecticut, where Vince had a brother in the military, when employment for carpenters in Colorado became scarce. In 1985, Vince met Wanda Colman at a Parents without Partners Event and their first dance sealed the deal for the next 30 years.

Vince worked as a private carpenter-contractor in Connecticut until he became Property Manager at Folly Farm in Simsbury in 1991 where he worked until his death on April 20th.

Vince loved life especially the outdoors, and his love and caring for the Farmington River was evident. Wanda, his life partner, said “ I want to thank everyone who has expressed their sympathy over Vince's death so much for their kind words, prayers, and donations to FRWA. Vince was a very spiritual, outgoing, supportive person who was appreciated by everyone he knew, but I think he would be humbled and amazed by this huge outpouring of caring.“

We will miss you Vince!

Farmington River Watershed Association Summer 2015

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Jamie’s Legacy Lives On for Whitewater Paddlers You Keep the Triple Crown Races Going Strong

Were you there too? True to a fine tradition, the Jamie MacEwan Triple Crown races in Tariffville Gorge on April 24-26 warmed the hearts and froze the extremities of the paddlers. And as they navigated the thundering whitewater, the racers provided a stunning spectacle for us watchers on the shore. The event has a new name this year to honor Jamie MacEwan, the Olympic whitewater paddler who, some years ago, led the revival of whitewater competition in Tariffville Gorge. Thanks to Jamie and his comrades, the Triple Crown races regained the glory of the past, as a high profile competition that draws paddlers from all over North America and beyond. When Jamie passed away in June 2014, his colleagues were bereft but determined to carry on with a race that’s first, last, and foremost for the paddlers. Combining a slalom, a wildwater race, and a freestyle event (which has to be seen to be believed), it gives them a chance to try everything. It also gives young local beginners a chance to mingle with, and even compete with, the reigning royalty of whitewater competition. If you were lucky enough to be there, you encountered the wonderful spirit of the Triple Crown. It’s locally organized by a few very dedicated volunteers, who strenuously prepare on a shoestring budget and provide hospitality to the paddlers who flock in. Even in the bone-chilling mornings of that crisp weekend, organizers and competitors were cheerful and enthusiastic. Competitors loaned boats to each other and cheered one another on. Winners were even presented with medals cut from the stone of Tariffville Gorge! Who needs, gold, silver, or bronze when you can have the basalt of the earth? And did you know? This year, FRWA was honored to resume our former role as sponsoring organization for this terrific event that celebrates the wildest part of a wild, scenic river. We salute the winners and all the competitors, as well as the amazing volunteers, the generous sponsors, and all you FRWA members who made it happen! See more at http://www.tvilletriplecrown.com/!

There should be a word to denote that special euphoria, that divine nonalcoholic drunkenness that comes at the end of a long, active day on and in cold water and snow, when you are driving home through the blizzard with the car heater blasting, eating a sandwich or energy bar and drinking a hot drink from the gas station, trading stories from the day’s racing while your fingertips throb with the flush of renewed blood and your face glows and your toes can wriggle once more. Warmth! Life! Food! ...First or last, we’d been there. We’d shown up.

Jamie MacEwan

Jessie Stone, Barrett Phillips, and David Silk, with Andy Kuhlberg announcing the winners of the Jamie MacEwan Triple Crown Races.

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FRWA Livens Up our Lessons Have you noticed? A lot of education reform calls for immersion in real, local, investigations and problem solving-- what FRWA’s Watershed Curriculum is all about! Now, thanks to intern Elly Schrang, the Curriculum has a fresh look. She and Aimee Petras took it apart, re-organized it, and made it easier to use online. They did a fantastic job! [Teachers, you can see the results at frwa.org/what-we-do/education/school-programs ]

Now comes Phase Two. Over the next couple of years— with your help—we’ll keep the river and kids together by adapting our lessons to the Next Generation Science Standards and the style of the Common Core. Luckily Joe Schrank, Science Department Supervisor at Henry James School in Simsbury, Dr. David Moss and his education graduate students at the University of Connecticut, and the Werth Family Foundation are all helping with the work. Thank you all for keeping kids’ toes in the water!

Is the River Clean Enough for Swimming?

The answer depends on your own state of health, the recent weather, the activities of animals, and other factors unknown to us. If you call FRWA we won’t ever say “Yes, jump in!” What we will say is that there are times when swimming is reasonably safe because bacteria levels are low. You can make an informed judgment for yourself and your family by keeping these guidelines in mind: Avoid swimming right after

heavy rain. A lot of bacteria and other pollutants enter the river in stormwater runoff.

Avoid areas heavily used by animals (and pick up after your own pet).

Avoid submerging your head, or swimming with open cuts and abrasions.

Don’t swim if you are already ill, or if your immune system is weakened.

Go upstream where there’s less input to the river from paved areas, farms, or trails.

Farmington River Archeology Canoe Trip –Saturday July 18, 9AM Paddle along our own ancient Native American canoe trail as we explore the fascinating culture of the people who inhabited the Farmington River Valley thousands of years ago. Learn about the latest archeological discoveries from Ken Feder, Professor of Anthropology, Central Connecticut State University, and founder of the Farmington River Archeology Project.

To participate pre-registration is required. Space is limited and trips sell out quickly so please contact FRWA at (860) 658-4442, or email: river@frwa.org to register.

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: $20; Have a boat: $15; Non-members: Need a boat: $25; Have a boat: $20

Ken Feder will lead us on an exploration of Farmington Valley history.

You Gave Us Green Wheels! We really DO have green wheels—

thanks to Simsbury Free Bike,

Larry Linonis and Simsbury High

Schoolers: Gabby Coutinho, Lila

Salinardi, Claire Alix, and Kelsey

Watt! These four high school

artists painted a bicycle with a

watershed theme (and green tires)

and donated it to FRWA for low-

impact local travel. Ladies, we

love it! Thank you so much!

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Farmington River Watershed Association Summer 2015

860-658-4442 www.frwa.org

Stream Habitat Continuity? What?, Why? And Where? Stream habitat continuity describes the ability of fish and wildlife to move up and down the length of a stream. FRWA is assessing stream continuity to help us understand where stream habitat is interrupted by road crossings. Some crossings may obstruct the movement of fish and wildlife.

The assessments are a first step in planning projects that will restore continuity. Crossings that block fish and wildlife, such as badly placed or under-sized culvert pipes, can also be a public hazard due to their risk of failure during floods. They can contribute to road closures in emergency situations and be expensive for municipalities and the state to maintain.

Where will stream continuity be assessed? In general, assessments will be where roads cross over streams. FRWA is interested in working with your community to understand which crossings are priorities in terms of roadway management, flood preparedness and emergency services.

Here’s the good news about road/stream crossings: the same design principles that ensure safe passage for fish and wildlife make for safer, more resilient crossings that require less maintenance. Fixing these problematic crossings can be a real win-win for communities and the environment. FRWA wants to focus on crossings where replacement will accomplish multiple objectives.

FRWA staff and trained volunteers will perform the actual assessments. Assessments began in 2013 will continue at least through 2016.

FRWA staff are available to discuss how this project can benefit your town. For more information on this project or to schedule a meeting in your community, please contact Eileen Fielding, Executive Director, at 860-658-4442 ext. 205, or efielding@frwa.org.

Stream Crossing Survey FAQs:

I Have a Stream Crossing Near My Property! Will it be Inspected?

If you have a stream crossing near your home you can look it up on the Stream Continuity Website Database to see if it has been inspected yet and if so, what the results are. Just visit www.streamcontinuity.org and click on database to navigate to the stream near your home. The database will have stream crossings from Maryland to Maine.

What Will FRWA do with the Data Collected from the Stream Crossing Near My Home?

We will enter the information to the Stream Continuity Database where it will receive a rating based on our measurements. Of special concern is any crossing that might be at risk of collapse or has significant damage. These crossings might be at risk to cause flooding to roadways, or even your home. Note, the database is purely informational; it does not trigger any sort of regulatory action.

Stream Crossing Volunteers will be out this summer inspecting stream crossings under roads in your town.

Natural Lawn Care Workshop July 26th, 10:30—11:30 am Barkhamsted Senior Center

Aimee Petras, Education & Outreach Coordinator wants you to get your lawn in shape without using chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Skeptical? Attend her upcoming workshop on July 26, from 10:30 to 11:30 at the Barkhamsted Senior Center. She will outline tips for mowing, seeding, watering and ways to manage common weeds and pests that can complicate natural lawn care. Can’t make that date? Catch Aimee’s presentation to the Simsbury Library and Simsbury Community TV at simsburytv.org or by entering in this URL in your browser: http://tinyurl.com/frwagreenlawn

Name: ________________________________________________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________________________________

City:____________________________________ State:__________________ Zip Code: ______________

Phone Number: _____________________________ Email:______________________________________

Check one: □ I want to donate now: □ $40 □ $60 □ $120 □ $150 □ $250 □ $_____ other amount

___ 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 06070

Credit card donations may be submitted online at www.frwa.org via our secure online contributions server or

phoned in to Aimee Petras at (860) 658-4442 x 201.

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Farmington River Watershed Association Summer 2015

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Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID Hartford, CT

Permit No. 158

The Farmington River Watershed Association 749 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070

Protecting The Farmington River, For You, For All, Forever. Printed on 100% recycled paper, always.

FRWA 2015 Events Farmington River Archeology Canoe Trip: Saturday July 18, 9am, registration required Natural Lawn Care Workshop: July 26th, 10:30—11:30 am, Barkhamsted Senior Center 28th Annual River Clean-up: September 26th, 2015, 10am to 2pm, Various locations Streambugs: September 27, 10 am - 12pm, Nature’s Porch, Winding Trails.

Please visit FRWA.org or read more inside about specific events and registration requirements.