RESOURCES
Frequently Asked Questions About the Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Study
What makes the Eightmile River so unique?
The Eightmile is an exceptional natural and cultural resource. The river’s
watershed is a healthy, interconnected ecosystem that controls and protects
the water supplies of East Haddam, Lyme, and Salem. Over 80% forested, the area
is home to diverse and rare animal and plant life, and an abundance of recreational
activities. It is a source of natural beauty and pride for the residents of
the communities in which it lies.
Who sought the Eightmile River Study and why did they
do so?
The desire to protect the Eightmile River watershed originated locally in 1995
when local officials and citizens began working on protection efforts. A variety
of local, state and federal watershed protection programs were considered. A
key part of the program selection process was the need to retain local control
over decisions involving the watershed. A Wild & Scenic River study and
designation was determined to be the best way to achieve the local vision of
a protected watershed.
Who is conducting the Study?
The Eightmile Wild
& Scenic Study Committee was formed in 2002. Members include the First
Selectmen from the communities of East Haddam, Lyme, and Salem, representatives
of local land trusts, and representatives from land use commissions in each
town. Other members include a representative from the Connecticut River Estuary
Regional Planning Agency, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Connecticut
Department of Environmental Protection, and The Nature Conservancy. The National
Park Service provides staff support and overall coordination.
What conclusions has the Wild and Scenic Study reached?
The Study found that six special “resource values” are present in
the Eightmile River Watershed. They are: Watershed Hydrology, Water Quality,
Unique Species and Natural Communities, Geology, the Watershed Ecosystem, and
the Cultural Landscape. Preserving and enhancing these values is the basis of
the Eightmile River Management Plan and the Wild and Scenic Designation.
Isn't the Eightmile River already protected?
Towns have accomplished much and have been proactive for protection, but the
character of the watershed continues to be altered. Ongoing degradation of river
corridor lands harm water quality, wildlife and fish habitats, and increase
flood potential. Increases in stormwater runoff from roadways, rooftops, and
parking lots impact water quality, river flow, and bank stability. The fragmentation
of large habitats threatens species survival. Slowly but steadily, the area’s
special rural character is being incrementally lost.
What is the Eightmile River Watershed Management Plan?
The plan is a non-regulatory document reflecting a partnership in which local,
state and federal interests have come together to establish resource protection
standards and identify key actions to promote the long-term preservation of
the Eightmile River Watershed. The roles and responsibilities of local land
use planning and regulatory commissions do not change as a result of the plan,
nor are any federal mandates or new regulatory powers created. The costs to
local partners of implementing the plan are generally negligible, and if designation
does occur funds are typically provided to support local partners as they put
the plan into practice.
Are local officials supporting the management plan?
YES. A systematic review process has involved six local land use commissions
in the towns of East Haddam, Lyme, and Salem. Regulatory commissions in each
of the three towns have endorsed the plan. The First Selectmen in each of the
three towns have endorsed the plan, the Wild & Scenic Study Committee has
endorsed the plan, and a coalition of local land trusts and other groups support
the plan.
Must all of the recommendations in the Management Plan
be implemented?
NO. The management plan is an advisory document with no regulatory power. The
plan identifies protection strategies that the various town commissions have
agreed are important to the watershed’s future. Priorities in implementing
the plan will be determined by each town’s local regulatory commissions
with the help of the Eightmile Wild & Scenic Coordinating Committee. If
there is no designation, local communities may act independently on the plan
recommendations
What is a Wild & Scenic River designation?
The Wild and Scenic Rivers Program protects our nation’s best rivers.
The Eightmile River Watershed is proposed for designation as a "Partnership
Wild and Scenic River," which means that it would be managed through a
locally-based Eightmile Wild & Scenic Coordinating Committee, financial
and advisory assistance from the National Park Service could be available to
support the Committee’s work and the watershed would be protected from
federally funded or permitted projects that could harm the river.
Would designation help bring funding to the Eightmile
River communities?
History says YES. The established Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers each receive
annual appropriations from Congress to assist in implementing their Management
Plans. In Fiscal '05 the amount was $151,000 per river. Wild and Scenic status
has also proven an effective vehicle for leveraging additional funds through
other sources and partners at local, state and federal levels.
As a private property landowner, will designation mean
new regulations or permits?
NO. No new permits or regulations are associated with designation - local land
use remains subject to existing local and state statutes. The Wild & Scenic
Rivers Act requires other federal agencies to respect the protection of the
identified outstanding river values as they deal with the river, and charges
the National Park Service to review federal actions/decisions to ensure this
consistency
Will access to the River be restricted or hunting and
fishing regulations affected?
No. Access rights along the river will not change and hunting and fishing laws
are unaffected by the designation.
Will a Wild & Scenic designation affect the ability
to complete the planned extension of Route 11?
No. We understand the current plan for the Rt. 11 extension, which would be
in the watershed for approximately one half mile, has specific features incorporated
within the design (such as implementing bridges to span streams and wetlands
instead of culverts) that are consistent with protecting the watershed’s
special resource values.
Will I have an opportunity to vote for Wild & Scenic
designation?
YES! The final action in the Wild & Scenic Study process is to take a vote
at a town meeting in each community to determine public support for designation.
Separate town meeting votes will be taking place in East Haddam, Lyme and Salem
in early 2006. A postcard will be sent to every household announcing the date,
time and location.
Continue on to: Management Plan Overview