Featuring the French River Watershed

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At one time, the color of the river was related to the color of the dye being used at the mill on any given day.  Since the enactment of the Clean Water Act, the water quality in the river has improved, but there are still perception issues to overcome.  Fortunately, efforts are being made by organizations such as the French River Connection to change the view of the river through volunteer water quality monitoring, river cleanups and greenway projects.  The Thompson Together Environment Committee is actively involved with conservation efforts along the French River on the Connecticut side of the border.  The Town of Thompson partnered with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to replant a riparian buffer along the French River at Riverside Park.

For information on the current state of the water quality in the French River, click here for Massachusetts and here for Connecticut.

The US Army Corp of Engineers maintains two flood control projects in the French River watershed.  These include Buffumville Lake in Charlton and another at Hodges Village. While the primary function of these areas is for flood control, the properties also offer an assortment of recreational opportunities, including a French River Water Trail for paddling enthusiasts.

The French River watershed is the location of Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggauggagoogchaubungungamaugg (aka Webster Lake).  This year's Floating Workshop on Webster Lake is being co-sponsored by the Webster Lake Association.  They are key partners in The Last Green Valley Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program.

Funding support for this year's Thames River Basin Partnership Floating Workshop has been provided by The Last Green Valley.