Washington (September 20, 2018) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) introduced a legislation (S.3468) to designate portions of the Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire as scenic rivers under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This legislation is a companion to a bill introduced by Rep. Niki Tsongas (MA-03) and Rep. Ann Kuster (NH-02) in the House of Representatives (H.R.6825). The Senate legislation would create a locally appointed advisory committee that works with state and federal agencies to protect values intrinsic to the river and directs the rivers to be managed in accordance with the Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers Stewardship Plan, while preserving existing uses. It follows up on the recommendations of a study commissioned by Congress in 2014 that assessed the potential inclusion of these rivers in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
“Since the 1960s, the Nashua River has gone from one of the top ten most polluted rivers in the nation to an acclaimed model for river restoration, and that’s because its neighbors cared enough to make a difference,” said Senator Markey. “This legislation recognizes the deep relationship that local communities have with the Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers. It will help us continue to safeguard this watershed, so that generations to come can canoe and fish in its waters and hike on its trails. This bill will preserve the region’s specific ecological and historical values, building up our knowledge of the past and protecting important species into the future.”
“I am pleased to support Senator Markey and Congresswoman Tsongas in implementing the Stewardship Plan and designating these rivers in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System,” said Senator Warren. “This bill would bring much-needed federal funding to these communities, and would go a long way towards protecting and maintaining the Commonwealth’s waterways. I look forward to working with my colleagues to see this bill signed into law.”
“This legislation will benefit communities across the region by protecting the Nashua River’s waters, wildlife, and natural and historical resources,” said Senator Shaheen. “Protecting and preserving the Nashua River, and surrounding environment, is a critical investment towards safeguarding today’s natural beauty for generations to come, and I will continue advocating for efforts to that end Congress.”
“I am pleased to join my New England colleagues in introducing this important legislation to protect and preserve the Nashua River and help ensure that the river and its tributaries can be enjoyed by future generations,” said Senator Hassan.
A copy of the legislation can be found HERE.
A list of town endorsements may be found here, and a list of endorsements from federal and state agencies, federal and state officials, and other organizations may be found here.
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