Shaheen, Hassan & Kuster Introduce Legislation to Protect Nashua River and its Tributaries

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) introduced legislation in the Senate to designate portions of the Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers in New Hampshire and Massachusetts as scenic rivers under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The legislation would create a locally appointed advisory committee that works with state and federal agencies to protect the river. It would also direct the rivers to be managed in accordance with the Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers Stewardship Plan, while preserving existing uses. This legislation is a companion to a bill introduced by Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) in the House of Representatives, and follows up on the recommendations of a study commissioned by Congress in 2014 that assessed the potential inclusion of these rivers in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

“This legislation will benefit communities across the region by protecting the Nashua River’s waters, wildlife, and natural and historical resources,” said Shaheen. “Protecting and preserving the Nashua River, and surrounding environment, is a critical investment towards safeguarding today’s natural beauty for generations to come, and I will continue advocating for efforts to that end Congress.”

“I am pleased to join my New England colleagues in introducing this important legislation to protect and preserve the Nashua River and help ensure that the river and its tributaries can be enjoyed by future generations,” said Hassan.

“I am proud to support this legislation that will designate the Nissitissit River under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System,” said Kuster. “This designation enjoys broad, local support from conservation groups, regional planning commissions and individual towns that have a vested interest in protecting the Nissitissit River for years to come. This area serves as a critical habitat for many local species in New Hampshire, and I encourage my colleagues in Congress to bring this legislation to the floor.”

A copy of the legislation can be found HERE. 

A list of town endorsements may be found here, and a list of endorsements from federal and state agencies, federal and state officials, and other organizations may be found here.