First Cromwell Riverport
Festival, September 1997.
Our Mission...
...is to protect
and preserve the waters and riparian habitat in the Mattabesset River Watershed
for the benefit of present and future generations.
What Will
We Do?
sponsor river and streams clean-ups and other
improvement projects.
increase public access and recreational opportunities.
sponsor public involvement and education activities
to increase awareness of the river's values and problems.
work with town officials to reduce the impact
of polluted runoff to streams and rivers.
encourage watershed towns to better manage
this shared resource.
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ABOUT US
The Mattabesset River Watershed Association (MRWA) is dedicated to the
protection and preservation of the Mattabesset River Watershed. This
watershed provides many recreational opportunities and habitat for a broad
range of flora and fauna. This large drainage basin is part of the
Connecticut River Watershed and influences the water quality of the major
river.
Unfortunately, the Mattabesset River is polluted. It may look
clean, but data collected by the Connecticut River Watch Program has shown
otherwise. High levels of fecal coliform bacteria make it unsafe
to swim in. High levels of nutrients promote excessive growth and
decay of plants that deplete the river of oxygen necessary for fish and
other river critters to survive.
In response to the watershed's degradation, a group of concerned individuals
formed MRWA. This non-profit organization was incorporated in March
1997. The board members represent most of the towns in the watershed.
The association organizes monitoring, clean-up, educational, and recreational
activities. The organization also collects and distributes valuable
information about the watershed to towns and other interested parties.
The success of the association is attributable to dedicated people, cooperation
between the organization and government officials, and volunteers.
You can contact the association at the following address:
Mattabesset River Watershed Association
PO Box 7174
Kensington, CT 06037
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