© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Connecticut River First to Receive National Blueways Designation

Mike Cline (Wikimedia Commons)

http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/Heather/Morning%20Edition%2005-31-2012.mp3

The Connecticut River has been designated the country's first National Blueway. 

The National Blueways System is part of the Obama administration's America's Great Outdoors Initiative, which aims to conserve natural resources while encouraging recreational use of the land. The National Blueways system recognizes river systems that through various public and private advocates work together for the benefit of both the river and watershed.

The designation coordinates three federal agencies - the USDA Natural Resources Conservation and Forest Service, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service - to work with state and local partners to create various projects for the blueway. 

Kim Lutz is the director of the Connecticut River Program for the Nature Conservancy. She says there are several reasons why the Connecticut River was chosen as the first National Blueway:

"It's really New England's iconic river, but I think more importantly, it's the partnerships that have already been in place for decades, that have worked tirelessly to put together the pieces to restore the river."

Lutz says the Blueway designation will mean more land acquisition along the river for recreational purposes, restoration of flood plains, and improved standards and upgrades for culverts. 

Ray Hardman is Connecticut Public’s Arts and Culture Reporter. He is the host of CPTV’s Emmy-nominated original series Where Art Thou? Listeners to Connecticut Public Radio may know Ray as the local voice of Morning Edition, and later of All Things Considered.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content