Millions To Be Spent On Merrimack River Watershed: Watch

CONCORD, NH — Federal officials and local and regional organizations have teamed up to preserve water and habitats in forests and along the Merrimack River.

U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH) was in East Concord on Tuesday to tour a conservation area along the river and hear about how a new $6.8 million USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service grant will protect source water, revitalize wildlife habitats, and boost climate resilience within the river's watershed. On hand for the event were conservationists, other federal officials, and representatives of partner organizations who will be working together during the next five-years to utilize the money for the Merrimack River.

While a number of residents were beating the heat by frolicking in the river, Becky Ross of the USDA said a lot of the money will be used to protect the upstream forest land to infiltrate nutrients and pesticides before stormwater runs into the river. The more intense rains, she said, during drought conditions do not give the ground the ability to absorb the water. The orgs will work with local farmers, too, to learn to shift crops or plant different types of plants to create climate resiliency, she said.

"Bringing all of these partners together allows us a lot of flexibility that we don't have in the farm bill," Ross said.

Planting ryegrass, she said, after corn crops can help to treat the soil used in pesticides. Berry growers, too, Ross said, have strategies to treat water.

In the North Country, officials are also using rock structures and logs to guide runoff from mountains into streams and rivers, which then creates strong currents downstream. Colin Lawson of Trout Unlimited, who is working on a few projects in Franconia Notch and elsewhere, said these structures are labor-intensive — but slow down the velocity of the water.

Matthew Thorne of the Merrimack River Watershed Council said the agreement between the partners was an extraordinary opportunity for a lot of different interest groups to work together for a common cause — preserving the Merrimack. He said he was proud of everyone involved.

Jim O'Brien of The Nature Conservancy of New Hampshire added that the agreement was a meaningful first step and exciting opportunity to restore the land and water in the region and state.

Kuster said she was impressed with the seriousness of all the regional partners coming together to protect the forests and improve the watershed. She joked about the days when people were not allowed to swim or boat in the Merrimack River because it was so polluted. Today though, it is used a lot and is very popular during the summer.

"The Merrimack River is a treasure for New Hampshire — not just for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, but more importantly for its drinking water supply for our communities and its ecological importance for wildlife," she said. "It's critical we invest in the protection of our lands and forests, and this federal grant will enable our conservation partners to do just that. I look forward to amplifying this success story of public and private investment in drinking water source protection, wildlife habitat, and climate resiliency."

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