The National Wild & Scenic River System was established by Congress in 1968 to protect certain outstanding rivers from the harmful effects of new federal projects such as dams and hydroelectric facilities.  Since then, 160 rivers or river segments have been protected nationwide, including six in New England.  To be considered “Wild & Scenic” a river it must be free flowing and have at least one outstanding natural, cultural, or recreational value.  Today, the Wild & Scenic Rivers program is being used effectively to create river protection approaches that bring communities together in protecting and managing local river resources.

 A Wild & Scenic River Study is conducted to determine whether a particular river or river segment should be included in the National Wild & Scenic River System.  To establish a study of the Eightmile River, letters from town residents were submitted to Congressman Rob Simmons and Senator Chris Dodd requesting that a Wild & Scenic River Study be authorized and funded by Congress.  The entire Connecticut congressional delegation supported the bill and on November 6, 2001 it was signed into law by President Bush (Public Law No. 107-65).  The study is expected to be completed in the Spring of 2005.  More...