Hydroelectric facilities create obstacles to river recreation and because of that, hydro companies are required to accommodate for recreation as part of their operating licenses. Wouldn’t it be great to have a river access location for canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards at Unity Park? Shouldn’t there be a walkable portage around the Turners Falls Dam? Join Connecticut River Conservancy, Appalachian Mountain Club, American Whitewater, and other recreation partners to highlight recreation investments these hydro companies should be making in our local communities as part of their new operating licenses being finalized now. 

Two Portage Paddle Parades will focus on much needed upgrades to portage routes around the Bellows Falls and Turners Falls Dams as examples of infrastructure investments that would benefit our local communities. Join us on 7/10 in Turners Falls (7/17 in Bellows Falls) for a short press event to learn about the issues, followed by a public parade along the proposed portage routes. This is your opportunity to speak up for the river and your recreation rights. Tell the hydro companies you want better access to the river.  Bring signs & noise makers!

Parade Plan:

11:30am  Press Conference & Speakers - Unity Park

12:00pm  Parade down Canalside Rail Trail to area below the dam

For more information on the parade or if you're interested in joining us for the morning advocacy paddle, contact Andrea Donlon (adonlon@ctriver.org)