Taunton River One Step Closer to Wild and Scenic Designation

Senate passage of measure is major milestone in designation process for New England's most intact coastal river

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS — January 16, 2009 — The Taunton River rises from Hockomock Swamp, a 17,000-acre wetland where small streams meander through grassy fens and white cedar and red maple woodlands. Uninterrupted by dams, the Taunton is the main artery of a freshwater system that drains 562 square miles of Southeast Massachusetts, providing valuable services like water filtration, flood protection and recreation to 38 towns. Commercially and ecologically important fisheries run from Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay through the River and its tributaries.

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed legislation that granted the 40-mile federal Wild and Scenic River status. The designation is intended to preserve rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Following Senate passage, the legislation now returns to the House, where it is expected to be acted on quickly.
“The Taunton River is an extraordinary natural resource,” said Wayne Klockner, director of The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts. “We thank Senator Kennedy, Senator Kerry, Congressman Frank and Congressman McGovern for securing this designation. The benefits of their hard work will be felt for generations to come.”

Senator Kennedy’s spokesperson Melissa Wagoner said, “Senator Kennedy is extremely pleased that Taunton River will now be part of the national Wild & Scenic River system. The river’s unique history and biodiversity eminently justify this national recognition. Many volunteers in the cities and towns in the Taunton River watershed have worked hard for this day, and they deserve great credit for this important achievement.”

“The Taunton River’s natural beauty, important ecology and cultural heritage make it one of our state’s most critical natural resources,” said Senator Kerry. “It is the longest coastal river in New England without dams, making it a haven for countless species of fish and other wildlife. For years, the communities and associations have maintained and preserved the river, and I’m proud to have been part of passing legislation to permanently protect the river for future generations to enjoy.”

“I am very grateful to Senator Kennedy for leading the effort to pass this bill,” Rep. Frank said. “I’m confident that the House will repeat its vote of last year and concur, and the hard work of the environmentally concerned citizens in Southeastern Massachusetts will have resulted in a great step forward for our region.”

“I’m very pleased that the Taunton River has finally received this designation,” Rep. McGovern said. “This day has been a long time in coming. The communities along the Taunton deserve enormous credit for all of their hard work and advocacy to make this designation a reality.”

In the last 40 years, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act has protected over 11,000 miles of rivers in the country by preventing activities that could harm their natural and cultural resources. The Act is notable for safeguarding the special character of these rivers, while also recognizing the potential for their appropriate use and development. It encourages river management that crosses political boundaries and promotes public participation in developing goals for river protection.

As the longest free flowing coastal river in New England, the Taunton River provides important habitat for fish and wildlife, including the largest spawning population of river herring in New England. Fish from the Taunton herring run are used in restoration projects region-wide and have been shipped as far away as Michigan to augment diminished runs.

The Taunton watershed’s nursery and foraging habitats support herring, rainbow smelt, silversides and other fish that play a critical role in supporting marine food webs. Striped bass and bluefish, which enter the river to feed on these species, are a significant recreational and commercial fishery.

The upper River provides spawning habitat for migratory fish, is home to the Northern redbelly cooter (a federally-listed turtle), the globally rare bridle shiner, river otters, and seven freshwater mussel species.

For more information on The Nature Conservancy’s effort to preserve freshwater systems in Massachusetts, visit www.nature.org/massfreshwater.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.