Connecticut River Conservancy

The River Makes the Valley

Since 1952, the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) has been a leading advocate for the Connecticut River watershed — including New Hampshire’s 255-mile stretch of river from the Canadian border through Coos, Grafton, Sullivan, and Cheshire Counties.

In New Hampshire, the Connecticut River is more than a border — it’s a lifeline for our communities, economy, and environment. CRC works to restore and protect clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities through science-based solutions and strong local partnerships.

We’ve made meaningful progress — and with your support on New Hampshire Gives Day, we can do even more.

Your Gift Supports Critical Work Across New Hampshire

🐟 Migratory Fish Protection

CRC is advancing science to protect and restore migratory fish. Our team conducts sea lamprey nest surveys in the Ashuelot and Sugar Rivers and is expanding environmental DNA (eDNA) research to track endangered shortnose sturgeon across New Hampshire tributaries.

🌱 River Restoration Projects

From removing obsolete dams in Colebrook and North Stratford to restoring eroding riverbanks and planting thousands of native trees, CRC is improving water quality and climate resilience across the state.

This year alone, restoration projects are underway in Pittsburg, Landaff, Walpole, and Orford — with more on the horizon.

⚖️ Hydropower Advocacy

Hydropower dams impact more than 175 miles of river in New Hampshire. CRC plays a critical role in advocating for river health during relicensing processes, ensuring stronger protections for water quality, fish passage, and ecosystems.

🌿 Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention

With the addition of a full-time Aquatic Invasive Species Manager, CRC is expanding efforts to protect New Hampshire waterways through volunteer water chestnut removals, boat launch inspections, and public education.

💧 Water Quality Monitoring

Through partnerships and community science programs like VRAP and Salt Watch, CRC engages volunteers year-round to monitor water quality and track pollution impacts across New Hampshire rivers.

🤝 Advocacy & Community Engagement

CRC’s New Hampshire River Steward works with local communities to advocate for river-friendly policies, respond to environmental threats, and connect people to the river through educational programs, events, and hands-on experiences.

🧹 Source to Sea Cleanup

For 30 years, CRC has organized one of the largest river cleanups in the region. In New Hampshire alone, hundreds of volunteers remove tons of trash each year — helping to protect rivers while building community stewardship.

🚣 Recreation & Local Economy

CRC supports New Hampshire’s growing outdoor recreation economy by connecting people to the river through paddling, fishing, and community events — strengthening both local businesses and conservation outcomes.

Help Protect New Hampshire’s Rivers

Your gift today helps ensure that New Hampshire’s rivers remain clean, healthy, and accessible for generations to come.

Together, we can protect the Connecticut River — from its headwaters in the North Country to the communities that depend on it every day.

Thank you for supporting healthy rivers and resilient communities in New Hampshire.

photo credit: Michael Tessier