[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 32 (Monday, March 12, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S2164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. DODD (for himself and Mr. Lieberman):
  S. 513. A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act by designating 
a segment of the Eightmile River in Connecticut for potential addition 
to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes; 
to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, today, I am pleased to introduce the 
Eightmile River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2001, along with my 
colleague Senator Lieberman. Representative Simmons of Connecticut 
introduced similar legislation in the House. The Eightmile River system 
is an important water resource within the Lower Connecticut River 
watershed.
  For more than 30 years, the Wild and Scenic River program has been a 
successful public-private partnership to preserve certain select rivers 
in a free-flowing state. Designation as a Wild and Scenic River would 
ensure that the river and surrounding watershed are protected from 
development projects under the locally controlled Conservation 
Management Plan, which works to preserve a river's natural and 
significant resources.
  But before a river receives Designation status as Wild and Scenic, a 
comprehensive study must be undertaken to determine whether a river 
possesses recreational, ecological, and scenic significance. Further, 
it must be demonstrated that there is a strong local and long-term 
commitment to preserving a river.
  I am confident of the Eightmile River's significance and community 
support. Five years ago, the Connecticut towns of Salem, East Haddam 
and Lyme joined with educational and environmental groups to form the 
Eightmile River Watershed Committee and signed a Conservation Compact 
to preserve the river. Another local group, the Connecticut River 
Watershed Council, has been working with local, state, and federal 
agencies to restore migratory fish to the Eightmile River. The building 
of fish ladders means that the area can now serve as a restored 
spawning area for Blue-backed Herring and Atlantic Salmon. Finally, 
property owners support designation for the Eightmile River in order to 
preserve the natural resource that flows by and near their property. 
Clearly, there is a grassroots commitment to retain the integrity of 
this river.
  The State of Connecticut has recognized the Eightmile River as a 
``River of Importance.'' Eighty-five percent of the Eightmile River 
Watershed is forested and more than 180 species of birds, fish, plants 
and reptiles live there. It is truly one of the most diverse and 
thriving ecosystems in the lower Connecticut River Valley.
  Connecticut is a small state, less than 5,000 square miles, and is 
densely populated. While the State is actively working to preserve open 
space, the state consistently ranks near the bottom in the amount of 
Federal land. Our citizens are committed to balancing conservation and 
growth. That is why this designation is so important. While the state 
and local groups have done exceptional work so far, this designation 
would bring in federal technical assistance and foster coordination 
among the many concerned groups. It is time to get the formal process 
started.
  For all of these reasons, I am pleased to introduce the Eightmile 
River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2001.
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