Ashuelot River Corridor Management Plan Update

The Ashuelot River flows through ten towns in Southwest New Hampshire beginning in Washington and ending in Hinsdale where it meets the Connecticut River.  The project objective is to update the Ashuelot River Corridor Plan which was last updated in 2006.  Since that time, the effects of climate change have impacted the watershed with more frequent storm events of greater magnitude causing erosion and flooding in various reaches of the river. Seasonal water quality monitoring reflects the effect of nonpoint source pollution with high E. coli levels following heavy storm events. 

Lake Ashuelot Estates peninsula, Washington, NH

The project includes an updated assessment of the condition of the land and uses in the river corridor with a focus on climate change, stormwater run-off and water quality.  To help meet the data collection needs, a survey tool was developed and used to assess the river corridor.  Members of the Ashuelot River Local Advisory Committee (ARLAC) and other volunteers conducted the assessments along sections of the river.  Click on the appropriate town to see some of the assessments for Gilsum, Hinsdale, Keene, Lempster, Marlow, Surry, Swanzey, Washington, and Winchester.

The updated river corridor plan will identify those areas that should be given consideration for remediation and plan implementation.  The plan will also assist by providing the basis for seeking the needed implementation funding through multiple sources such as NHDES Watershed Assistance grants (Environmental Protection Act 319), Clean Water State Revolving Fund, NH Conservation License Plate Grant program, FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Planning Grant program, and others.

Upon completion of the plan update, members of ARLAC will attend meetings in each corridor community to present the plan and encourage its adoption as a component of their local master plans as well as other appropriate applications. 


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