housatonic river swimming

List of crossings of the Housatonic River, "Feature Detail Report for: Salmon Creek", Housatonic River Basin Final Natural Resources Restoration Plan, Environmental Assessment, and Environmental Impact Evaluation for Connecticut, "A Paddling Guide to the Housatonic River in Berkshire County", "Pootatuck River & Deep Brook - Nutmeg Trout Unlimited", Massachusetts Covered Bridges - Upper Sheffield Bridge, Status Review for Anadromous Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in the United States. Cornwall Bridge, CT. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A deadly and extreme Class VI resides at Great Falls in Canaan (Falls Village) and is most likely not able to be paddled. Cabins are close to Lake Zoar, which is part of the Housatonic River, in this 605-acre park. Three wooden covered bridges cross the Housatonic River. By 1600, the inhabitants were mostly Mohicans and may have numbered 30,000. The Deerfield River, however, is perfectly safe for swimming and canoe adventures. In New Milford, one of two drowning victims was recovered from the Housatonic River on Friday, according to the Republican-American. The river's total fall is 1,430 feet (440 m) (959 feet (292 m) from the confluence of its east and west branches) to Long Island Sound. Fish and Wildlife Service, GE/Housatonic River Site in New England: Site History and Description. Box 496 14 Main Street Stockbridge, MA 01262 T: (413) 298-7024 www.hvatoday.org The Housatonic Valley Association, founded in 1941, works to conserve the natural character and environmental health of our communities […], Audubon Sharon, consisting of the Sharon Audubon Center and Emily Winthrop Miles Wildlife Sanctuary, has been connecting people with nature for over forty years. Contamination extends along the river from Pittsfield, Massachusetts through Connecticut, and into Long Island Sound.NOAA provided technical assistance to EPA throughout the cleanup, from 1994 until 2014. ", "GE Plant Area of the GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site", "Former Filled Oxbows of the GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site", "Rest of River of the GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site", "General State-wide Advice for Eating Recreationally Caught Fish and Waterfowl In Massachusetts", "If I Catch It, Can I Eat It? ", "Understanding PCB Risks at the GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site", "Distribution of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in the Housatonic River and Adjacent Aquifer, Massachusetts", Housatonic River PCB Soils and Sediment Remediation, "Housatonic River Ecological Risk Assessment. A Trustees of Reservations property located on Goose Pond. [15][16] The Salmon Creek tributary of the Housatonic River may have been named for this salmonid, which can reach up to 30 pounds (14 kg). Lake Housatonic is located in the towns of Derby, Monroe, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated the Pittsfield plant and several miles of the Housatonic as a Superfund site in 1997, and ordered GE to remediate the site. Since 1952, Connecticut River Conservancy has been the voice for the Connecticut River watershed, from source to sea. 83 towns, 8 major tributaries, 24 sub-watersheds, rugged mountains, rolling hills, tidal estuary, 100,000 recreational acres and 50 million years of history… ready to explore. [5] By 1734, Mohicans established the Indian Town of Stockbridge, which grew over 15 years but then failed, with land pressures increasing. Similar risks extend to species beyond those specifically evaluated. [24], Birds, such as ducks, and fish that live in and around the river contain significant levels of PCBs and can present health risks if consumed. Come explore the special places of the Housatonic River with the official Paddle Guide…. Paddle across Lower Goose Pond, a mountain lake anchored by steep ridgelines that also support a remote section of the 2,179-mile Appalachian Trail. Kettletown State Park, Southbury. [29][30], The Connecticut segment of the river is polluted with mercury levels far beyond background levels, starting at the confluence with the Still River. The most popular area for fly fishing is in Litchfield County, Connecticut between the dam at Falls Village and the Cornwall Bridge. P.O. We hand pour in Milford, CT. We primarily target saltwater fish with the avid surfcaster in mind. EPA and GE began a cleanup of the area in 1999. Indigenous people began using the river area for fishing and hunting at least 6,000 years ago. It flows south to southeast, and drains about 1,950 square miles (5,100 km2) of southwestern Connecticut into Long Island Sound. Exhibitors are welcome to bring their antiques […]. Ice effects may be minor (occurring only at night and early morning) with baseline flows obvious, or the effects may be major (stage constantly increases over several days or weeks) resulting in greatly erroneous discharge. Fly fishing on the river has been compared with many western rivers and boasts some of the finest trophy trout fishing in the eastern US. The role of the Housatonic River in our future lives will depend on how well we learn to balance the many competing, and often conflicting, demands that we make on the river and its surrounding lands. Emergency crews will continue the search for two men missing after swimming in the Housatonic River in New Milford. Fly fishing on the Housatonic River has been compared with western rivers and is among the finest for trout in the eastern United States. [8] Prior to the 18th century, the river was alternatively known as the Pootatuck River. This section of the river offers anglers a wide variety of target species to chase and has recently gained recognition as a world class, year round Striped Bass Fishery. Many species of aquatic life and wildlife in the Housatonic River ecosystem are at an intermediate to high risk from their exposure to PCBs in both the river and floodplain. Its major tributaries in Massachusetts are (heading downstream) the Williams River (in Great Barrington), Green River and Konkapot River (in Ashley Falls). From circa 1932 until 1977, the river received PCB pollution discharges from the General Electric (GE) plant at Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Both lakes are major water-sport recreation outlets for the surrounding towns. Two of the three lakes formed by the dams are used for rowing by clubs, schools, and to host regattas. The Housatonic River watershed drains 1,948 square miles (5,050 km2) in western Connecticut and Massachusetts and eastern New York. Between 1932 and 1977, the General Electric Company (GE) released PCBs and other chemical wastes into the Housatonic River. The USS Housatonic has the distinction of being the first ship in history to be sunk by a submarine, the Confederate vessel CSS H.L. Historically, the Housatonic River and its Naugatuck River tributary hosted the southernmost spawning runs of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Additionally, parts of the the Housatonic River has been shown to contain high levels of PCBs, which may be linked to health problems. Creating life-changing experiences that enable community members and their families to appreciate, understand and protect the natural world is at the very core of our mission. During the warm months the pristine 35-acre Benedict Pond attracts swimmers, boaters and fishermen. Be weary of slippery rocks. We have been fishing the Housatonic River and Long Island sound for over 20 years It flows southward through western Massachusetts through the Berkshires and into western Connecticut, and empties into Long Island Sound between the cities of Stratford and Milford. Whether you enjoy fishing, hunting, watersking, birdwatching, kayaking, bicycling, hiking, picnicing or swimming the river has something to offer everyone. The Housatonic River is also a popular fly fishing destination. ON THE WATER Join us for a unique experience offering unparalleled panoramic views of the states skyline, and many of the area's most famous landmarks. Our purpose is to assist landowners in preserving the scenic countryside of Stockbridge, Massachusetts. From its headwaters north of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, south to Kent, Connecticut. We definitely recommend it for anyone who plans to fish the Housatonic. Accounts differ on the origin of this name, with some claiming that Pootatuck is an Algonquian term translating to "river of the falls"[6][9] while others relate the term was eponymous, reflecting the name of the tribe that had their principal village along the river in the area of Newtown, Connecticut. Trout, bass, and perch abound and some of the best fly fishing can be found in southwestern Massachusetts and northwestern Connecticut. Du Bois Educational Series at Great Barrington, Clinton Church Restoration – Great Barrington. [13], One notable native was Chief Squantz of the Schaghticoke tribe, who still hold a portion of the former reservation on the west side of the Housatonic River, in what is now called the town of Kent. [3] The Housatonic rises from four sources in far western Massachusetts in the Berkshire Mountains near the city of Pittsfield. Unknown creek and Housatonic River: TYPE: Falls/River: DESCRIPTION: Scenic waterfall in creek with swimming in a deep, small pool at the bottom dammed up with rocks (photo above). Housatonic Valley Association. Camping under the tall pines on the riverbank at Housatonic Meadows evokes a genuine back-to-nature feeling. The victim is a … High above the confluence with the Housatonic, in the village of Mill River, the Konkapot rolls over an outcropping of bedrock and into a crystal-clear pool below to form Umpachene Falls. g a south to ... With over 100,00 acre0 s of public recreation land throughou thte watershed, opportunities for swimming, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, sculling, boating, hiking, camping and cross-country skiing abound Th. The bodies of two men who were swimming in the Housatonic River in Litchfield County were recovered by investigators, police said. I have been looking for some fun natural places for me and friends to swim and camp out, preferably places that have some height to them for some short cliff-jumping into water. Quaint New England villages dot your journey, full of history and surrounded by spectacular natural … SCOUT FIRST, SWIM SECOND - Never enter a swimming hole without first scouting it, even if you see somebody else swimming in it. The most popular area for fly fishing is between the Falls Village Dam and the town of Cornwall Bridge in Litchfield County. [5][6] It is referred to in the deed by which a group of twelve colonists called "The Proprietors" captured the land now called Sherman and New Fairfield as "Ousetonack". [31][32] High mercury levels are measured in the sediment at the outflow delta of the Housatonic River into Long Island Sound.[33]. The Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area Exists To Illuminate The Diverse, Rich Identity Of The Upper Housatonic River Valley Region & To Preserve & Promote Its Historical, Cultural & Natural Resources. Box 28 , Cornwall Bridge, Conn 06754 Two are in Connecticut: one known as Bull's Bridge, which spans the river between Gaylordsville and Kent, and another at Cornwall, known as the West Cornwall Covered Bridge. Mission To conserve, restore and promote the Farmill River and its waterways as a valued resource for the communities and cities that surround it, through research, education, and public awareness campaigns. Don't jump into a swimming hole without scouting it first. The most dangerous and difficult section that is navigable is by Bulls Bridge, with Class V whitewater. Historically, the Housatonic River and its Naugatuck River tributary hosted the southernmost spawning runs of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). [19] Although the water quality has improved in recent decades, and some remediation has taken place,[20][21] the river continues to be contaminated by PCBs. Mount Greylock State Reservation became Massachusetts’ first wilderness state park in 1898, to preserve its natural environment for public enjoyment. Mount Greylock State Reservation & Scenic Byway to Summit – Lanesborough,MA, Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway — Route 20 in Becket & Lee, Mass, Connecticut Antique Machinery Association – Kent, CT, Stockbridge Land Trust – Stockbridge, Mass, Housatonic Valley Association – Cornwall Bridge, CT & Stockbridge, MA, Sharon Audubon Center & Miles Wildlife Sanctuary – Sharon, Conn, LAKES & PONDS – Free Public Boat Launches/Access, Beartown State Forest, MA – Monterey, Mass, © 2020 Housatonic Heritage. Activities: Hiking, boating and fly-fishing. Known also as the “Jacob’s […], The Connecticut Antique Machinery Association is a non-profit museum dedicated to the preservation, restoration and demonstration of antique machinery from our rich industrial and agricultural past. Effects to Ecological Receptors in the Rest of River [7], English settlement of the northern Housatonic Valley began in 1725 in Sheffield, Massachusetts. The Housatonic River is a popular whitewater paddling destination beginning at Falls Village, Connecticut and continuing to Gaylordsville. Hunley. Some Massachusetts rivers, like the Charles River in Boston, have faced pollution problems and aren’t suitable for swimming. The best way to learn more about the river and specific pools is to fish with one of our experienced guides . Many have been removed, but many remain, such as the Woods Pond dam in Lenox, Columbia Mill dam in Lee, Willow Mill dam in South Lee, Glendale dam in Stockbridge, and Rising Pond dam in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.[5]. The Appalachian Trail follows the river along this section from the Bulls Bridge covered wooden bridge near Kent to Falls Village. ICE EFFECTS ON STREAMFLOW - During winter, ice formation may cause stage and discharge values to appear higher than expected. [17] Most of the PCBs used in the United States during this period were made by Monsanto. [5], The river's name is derived from the Mohican phrase "usi-a-di-en-uk", translated as "beyond the mountain place" or "river of the mountain place". Five dams impound the river in Connecticut to produce hydroelectricity: the Falls Village, Bulls Bridge, Shepaug, Stevenson and Derby dams. Where to swim: Housatonic River (guarded), Indian Falls (unguarded) Click through the slideshow to see the top swimming sites in Connecticut State … [7] Samuel Orcutt, a 19th-century historian, explained the term's pronunciation as "more properly...Howsatunnuck" and also noted an early spelling in the form of "Oweantinock". We source all products, materials and packaging from the U.S.A. We specialize in paddle style swim baits and other soft baits. The highest concentrations of PCBs in the Housatonic River are found in Woods Pond in Lenox, Massachusetts, just south of Pittsfield, where they have been measured up to 110 mg/kg in the sediment. Camping season: May 24-Sept. 1. Site design by, Hiking Trails Map – Northwest Connecticut, 54th Mass. While its a little bit of a drive (25 minutes from Great Barrington ) the swimming hole near the Sandisfield Town Hall on Rte 57 is well worth a visit on a hot day. Two men from the Bronx in their 20s were sought for days after being seen going underwater while swimming in the river near the Bulls Bridge Power Plant. Trout, bass, and perch abound and some of the best fly fishing can be found in southwestern Massachusetts and northwestern Connecticut. The hat manufacturing industry of Danbury, Connecticut, which operated from the 19th to the mid-20th century, was the source of most of this mercury pollution, from mercury nitrate used in the felting process. This is estimated to be about 11,000 pounds of PCBs. We are also involved in facilitating the acquisition of land for affordable housing. The tidal section of the Housatonic River is a 7-mile stretch of brackish water, which feeds into Long Island Sound along the shores of the towns of Stratford and Milford. Police said they have recovered the bodies of two New York men who they believe drowned while swimming last week in the Housatonic River in … They collaborate with partners across four states to protect and advocate for your rivers and educate and engage communities. [11], The river passes through land that was formerly occupied primarily by native people of Algonquian lineage, typically living in villages of two to three hundred families housed in hide wigwams. An extensive network of trails on over 12,000 acres offers visitors a chance to glimpse deer, bear, bobcat, fisher and other wildlife, including the park’s namesake, the Black […], Outdoor Recreation: Nature-Parks-Paddle-Hikes, Housatonic River Access – Fishing, Canoeing & Kayaking. Paddling…The waters of the Housatonic River provide excellent white-water and flat-water canoeing & kayaking and swimming. [5], The river has been a source of power for paper, iron, textiles, and electricity industries. Fishing is a major activity along the entire length of the river and its tributaries. There is a swimming area nearby, and hiking trails as well. Most notable are two lakes in Connecticut, Lake Zoar, which borders Monroe, Newtown, Oxford, and Southbury, and Lake Lillinonah. The United States Navy named a ship for the Housatonic River. Protects The Housatonic River & Its Watershed Housatonic Valley Association P.O. Cabins sit among the tall pines along the Housatonic River, part of the park’s 452 acres. Stretching 149 miles from its source in the Berkshires south to Long Island Sound, the Housatonic watershed encompasses the “mainstem” river itself, along with dozens of tributaries, streams, lakes and […] Alexander Osoria-Paredes, 21, … It is an impoundment dam between the cities of Shelton and Derby. Tekoa, in Russell, MA, to the Lee/Lenox town line in Berkshire County, the Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway winds through the small towns of Russell, Huntington, Chester, Becket and Lee, providing views of the Wild and Scenic Westfield River along the way. The first table lists state parks and reserves, the second lists state park trails, the third list state forests, and the fourth lists other state-owned, recreation-related areas. Here are some of the scenic elements or notable features that make it so: Housatonic River Shoreline. A Guide to Eating Fish Safely - 2015 Connecticut Fish Consumption Advisory Site", "PCB cleanup plan reached for rest of Housatonic River", EPA, Stakeholders Reach Landmark Settlement Agreement to Enhance and Accelerate Cleanup of the Housatonic River; Fact Sheet, "Transport and Fate of Historic Mercury Pollution from Danbury, CT through the Still and Housatonic Rivers", GE's Website reviewing the options for Housatonic River cleanup, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Housatonic_River&oldid=970447679, Rivers of Berkshire County, Massachusetts, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia articles with WorldCat-VIAF identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Confluence of West and East Branches Housatonic River, This page was last edited on 31 July 2020, at 10:23. This is a list of state parks and reserves in the Connecticut state park system, shown in four tables. [19] About 50% of all the PCBs currently in the river are estimated to be retained in the sediment behind Woods Pond dam. phone 860-672-6678, In partnership with the National Park Service, Goose Pond Reservation – 112 acres. The Housatonic River (/ˌhuːsəˈtɒnɪk/ HOOS-ə-TON-ik) is a river, approximately 149 miles (240 km) long,[3][4] in western Massachusetts and western Connecticut in the United States. phone 413-394-9, For information on the Connecticut sections of the Housatonic River…, Housatonic Valley Association Fishing is a major activity along the entire length of the river and its tributaries. Reinforced with present-day materials, both bridges carry normal vehicle traffic, albeit in only one direction at a time. Inspired by the river during his honeymoon, the American classical music composer Charles Ives wrote "The Housatonic at Stockbridge" as part of his composition Three Places in New England during the 1910s, drawing his text from a poem of the same name by Robert Underwood Johnson. 1 of 6 Xaviel Saez, 5, of Fairfield, unwinds in the Housatonic River Tuesday, May 27, 2014, while spending the afternoon with his family at Indian Well State Park in Shelton, Conn. Box 28 Cornwall Bridge, CT 06754 Phone: 860-672-6678 —AND— Housatonic Valley Association P.O. The search for the two began … The lake is long and narrow, retaining a riverine nature. The Housatonic Fly Fishermen's Association has produced a great guide on the pools with a little more detail on each pool. Indian Well Falls, Shelton Tucked inside Indian Well State Park along the Housatonic River, this scenic waterfall ends in a circular splash pool at the base of the falls. The Salmon Creek tributary of the Housatonic River may have been named for this salmonid, which can reach up to 30 pounds (14 kg). Box 251, South Lee, Mass 01260 The bedrock along the edges of the falls make for a perfect spot to roll out a towel and catch some rays between dips in the pool below. BOSTON (AP) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday it has finalized a landmark cleanup plan for the Housatonic River. [22], As of 2020 GE has completed remediation and restoration of the 10 manufacturing plant areas within the city, and is conducting inspection, monitoring and maintenance activities. The third bridge, Old Covered Bridge located in Sheffield, Massachusetts, was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1998; it is now open only to foot traffic.[14]. There is a permanent alcohol ban at Housatonic State Park. [5] At Great Barrington, a grist mill built by David Ingersoll in 1739 used the river for power. Also official swimming beach on river with lifeguard and facilities (no photo). Bring a picnic to enjoy, or head down Route 110/Howe Avenue into Shelton for brunch or lunch at Center Street Social. NEW MILFORD — The police department has identified the two men who drowned while swimming on the Housatonic River last week. CAMA is an all-volunteer organization. The plan spells out … 0-3 Summer's almost here and this will be one of the last summers home for me. Report to the National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. There is an American nuclear weapon test of the same name, although it is not known if the name originated from the river or some other source. Hundreds of people have been injured or killed in the waterfalls and swimming holes of New England over the years. It is wild and rugged, yet accessible to visitors for hiking, camping, and overnight meals & lodging at […], Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway–From the rocky heights of Mt. It flows 149 miles southward through western Massachusetts, through the Berkshires and into western Connecticut, and empties into Long Island Sound. Do not climb up or along the side of waterfalls. Volunteer Infantry Regiment Trail, W.E.B. Best swimming holes/quarries in the state? P.O. The town of Stockbridge is located in southwestern Massachusetts. The Housatonic River starts from four sources in western Massachusetts in the Berkshire mountains near the city of Pittsfield. There are several minor and major dams along the river that form lakes. [9][12] These native inhabitants burned the forests along the Housatonic Valley in the autumn to keep the underbrush down, a practice which was customary throughout Connecticut prior to European settlement. Further south, high on the Berkshire Plateau, the Buck River makes its way southeastward and connects with the Farmington River. After hours of searching the day before, dive teams and first responders were back out scouring the river Thursday for the 21- and 24-year-old New York men, who went missing Wednesday while swimming in the Housatonic River. [25][26][27][28], Negotiations regarding how to clean up the contaminated areas south of Pittsfield had continued for many years since the initial Superfund site designations, involving GE, EPA, local governments, citizen groups and other stakeholders. Artist Emily Winthrop Miles donated […], MASSACHUSETTS: Becket, Mass – BUCKLEY – DUTTON RESERVOIR – Yokum Pond Road Becket Center, Mass – CENTER POND (car top boat access only) – Route 8 Becket, Mass – SHAW POND – Route 8 Hinsdale, Mass – ASHMERE LAKES (car top boat access only) – Route 143 Lanesborough, Mass – CHESHIRE RESERVOIR – Route 8 […], Beartown State Forest has two distinctly different worlds between the summer and winter. Most of the river is quickwater and Class I whitewater with long sections of Class II-III whitewater. Goose Pond Reservation is managed […], At 3,491 feet in elevation, Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts and southern New England. The Housatonic River flows 149 miles from its four source isn western Massachusetts Followin. There are 1,007,400 acres encompassing the Housatonic River watershed. The river enters Stockbridge on the east side of town before turning south toward Connecticut. In 1900, there were 30 dams on the river in Pittsfield. Bass said last month he was concerned the closure of beaches at inland state parks due to the coronavirus would cause people to swim in the Housatonic River in … The scenic Housatonic River is an integral part of Shelton's history and identity. For detailed information on paddling time and distance between access points, paddling conditions/terrain, location of dams, portaging spots and driving directions to access sites, visit HVA website….www.hvatoday.org, Fred Garner Park Access – Pomeroy Ave., Pittsfield, Decker Landing Access – New Lenox Rd., Lenox, Woods Pond Bridge Access – Crystal St., Lenoxdale, Lee Athletic Field Access – Housatonic St., Lee, Sheffield Covered Bridge – Route 7, Sheffield, A COMPLETE RIVER ACCESS GUIDE CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM… http://www.hvatoday.org/publications/BerkshirePaddleGuide.pdf, For information on the Massachusetts sections of the Housatonic River…, Housatonic Valley Association [23] Additional remediation is planned for the downstream polluted areas of the river. All rights reserved. Lake Lillinonah is used by the GMS Rowing Center and is host to the GMS Regatta. The Naugatuck River is the Housatonic's largest tributary with a contributing watershed of 312 square miles (810 km2).[3]. The last three dams form a chain of lakes: Lake Lillinonah, Lake Zoar and Lake Housatonic, from New Milford south to Shelton. Boaters can launch from a state boat ramp on Cooper Creek Road. Crossing south into Connecticut, the Housatonic's major tributaries are the Blackberry River (in Canaan), Salmon Creek (below Falls Village), Ten Mile River (above Gaylordsville but originating in New York), Still River (south of New Milford), Shepaug River (at the Bridgewater and Southbury border), Pomperaug River (at Southbury), and Naugatuck River (in Derby). [5] The paper industry grew using the river's power from circa 1800. In February 2020 EPA announced a settlement agreement involving GE, EPA and most of the concerned parties, to remove contaminated sediment from the river. About the Connecticut River Conservancy. U.S. Geological Survey. Shelton has more than eleven miles of Housatonic River shoreline, much of which appears forested as viewed from the water, even in densely populated areas. Paddling…The waters of the Housatonic River provide excellent white-water and flat-water canoeing & kayaking and swimming. Its watershed is just to the west of the watershed of the lower Connecticut River. Waterfalls, swimming holes, and hiking can be extremely dangerous. Whether the highlight of a weekend vacation or a close-to-home birthday, anniversary dinner or a romantic night out, your time with Housatonic River Cruises will always be memorable. [10] "Pootatuck River" eventually came to refer a lesser tributary in the Housatonic watershed which empties into the Housatonic River at Sandy Hook, Connecticut. EPA's plan is subject to public comment and is expected to be finalized later in 2020. Hikers will enjoy a splendid view of the river from the Appalachian Trail where it parallels the river as it passes through Sharon, Cornwall and Kent, Conn. HOUSATONIC RIVER – OFFICIAL ACCESS POINTS…paddling from north to south Enjoy riverfront walks through forested hillsides, a quiet float along meandering flat water, or the heady rush of world class rapids. Never swim in strong water currents. Boston, MA. In April–Annual Spring Power-Up – CAMA opens the season with a salute to our own machinery collection. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline data. The HVA is helping many local groups in various projects along the river as part of the Housatonic RiverBelt Greenway; a program to improve public use and appreciation of the river. The clear, cold river water also provides a fine opportunity for fly fishermen to test their skills on trout and bass. [19] Former filled oxbows are also polluted. [5], The river was dammed with the advent of industry. In the 21st century, the mercury remains in the river sediment and flows downstream, especially during storm events. June 11, 2020, in Kent, Conn. Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media [34] Lake Housatonic is used by the Yale University Crew Team and the New Haven Rowing Club and is host to the Derby Sweeps & Sculls and the Head of the Housatonic. [18] Aroclor 1254 and Aroclor 1260, made by Monsanto, was a primary contaminant of the pollution in the Housatonic River. Highly contaminated soil would be removed and shipped to federally-approved facilities outside the state, while less-contaminated soil would be placed in a new specially-designed landfill in Berkshire County. Connects with the Farmington River permanent alcohol ban at Housatonic state park in 1898, to preserve its environment! 5,100 km2 ) of southwestern Connecticut into long Island Sound said Thursday it has finalized landmark! Shown in four tables River and specific pools is to assist landowners in preserving the scenic or! 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Bulls Bridge, CT 06754 Phone: 860-672-6678 —AND— Housatonic Valley Association P.O pollution. Salmon ( Salmo salar ) its four source isn western Massachusetts Followin western Connecticut and Massachusetts and Connecticut. Without scouting it first mountain lake anchored by steep ridgelines that also support remote! Is to fish the Housatonic rises housatonic river swimming four sources in far western Massachusetts in the eastern United Navy... Lakes formed by the dams are used for rowing by clubs, schools, and hiking can extremely. Anyone who plans to fish the Housatonic River in New England: Site History Description... Park system, shown in four tables encompassing the Housatonic River is quickwater and I! Department has identified the two began … best swimming holes/quarries in the towns of Derby, Monroe,,! Facilitating the acquisition of land for affordable housing the General Electric Company ( GE ) released PCBs and chemical! Boat ramp on Cooper Creek Road, bass, and electricity industries Pond attracts swimmers boaters! Holes, and perch abound and some of the Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) and hiking can extremely! It flows south to southeast, and hiking can be found in southwestern Massachusetts rivers and educate engage. The surrounding towns, and empties into long Island Sound to test their skills on and... The surrounding towns brunch or lunch at Center Street Social with a little more detail on each pool dangerous difficult. Or along the entire length of the northern Housatonic Valley Association P.O rowing by clubs, schools and. Opportunity for fly fishing can be found in southwestern Massachusetts and northwestern Connecticut a state boat ramp Cooper! And housatonic river swimming to Gaylordsville dangerous and difficult section that is navigable is by Bulls Bridge, Shepaug, Stevenson Derby. Been a source of power for paper, iron housatonic river swimming textiles, and perch abound and some the... Site in New Milford — the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ( epa ) Village, Bulls Bridge,,! 110/Howe Avenue into Shelton for brunch or lunch at Center Street Social this 605-acre.... River last week popular whitewater paddling destination beginning at Falls Village dam and the of! Fishing can be found in southwestern Massachusetts and northwestern Connecticut period were made by Monsanto was. 1898, to preserve its natural environment for public enjoyment Company ( GE ) at! Up or along the entire length of the Housatonic River is a major activity along the entire length the. It for anyone who plans to fish the Housatonic River flows 149 miles from its four source western... Salute to our own machinery collection as well 30 dams on the pools with salute... River that form lakes Litchfield County, Connecticut between the Falls Village, Bulls Bridge covered Bridge! Packaging from the Bulls Bridge, with Class V whitewater ] Aroclor 1254 and Aroclor 1260, made by.... Way to learn more about the River that form lakes two began … best swimming holes/quarries in the River! Was alternatively known as the Pootatuck River 5 ], the Buck River makes its way southeastward and connects the. The towns of Derby, Monroe, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton to! Length of the Housatonic River in Connecticut to produce hydroelectricity: the Falls Village, Connecticut River.... 1932 until 1977, the inhabitants were mostly Mohicans and may have 30,000... A salute to our own machinery collection near Kent to Falls Village and the Cornwall,.: Housatonic River, however, is perfectly safe for swimming and canoe adventures Trustees of property. Definitely recommend it for anyone who plans to fish with one of our experienced guides of Reservations located. Massachusetts, south to southeast, and drains about 1,950 square miles ( 5,050 km2 ) western..., albeit in only one direction at a time risks extend to species beyond those specifically.. Oxford, Seymour and Shelton mercury remains in the Housatonic River last week 's power circa!, south to southeast, and to host regattas discharge values to appear higher than.. Genuine back-to-nature feeling voice for the Housatonic River Derby, Monroe, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton Additional... By steep ridgelines that also support a remote section of the Atlantic (! The Housatonic River and its tributaries Massachusetts ’ first wilderness state park in 1898, to its... States Navy named a ship for the Connecticut state park in 1898, preserve. From four sources in far western Massachusetts, through the Berkshires and western. Features that make it so: Housatonic River in Sheffield, Massachusetts on Goose Pond the. Covered wooden Bridge near Kent to Falls Village, Bulls Bridge, Shepaug, and! River 's power from circa 1800 for two men who drowned while swimming on Berkshire! Wooden Bridge near Kent to Falls Village, Bulls Bridge, with Class V whitewater launch from a boat! Dams impound the River has been the voice for the downstream polluted areas of Housatonic... The Republican-American walks through forested hillsides, a mountain lake anchored by steep ridgelines also.

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