OLR Bill Analysis

HB 5143

AN ACT CONCERNING DESIGNATION OF THE LOWER FARMINGTON RIVER AND SALMON BROOK WITHIN THE NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS SYSTEM.

SUMMARY:

This bill declares it state policy that the portion of the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook being studied for designation as a national wild and scenic rivers system be preserved according to the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

It requires the environmental protection commissioner to cooperate with all federal, state, and local agencies to provide for designation under the federal act, and to implement a management plan as the act requires. Once Congress designates the area, the commissioner must notify the Environment Committee of any statutory changes needed to preserve it according to the act. She must send a copy of the bill to the state's Congressional delegation.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2008

BACKGROUND

Lower Farmington Wild and Scenic Feasibility Study Area

Towns in the study area include Avon, Bloomfield, Burlington, Canton, East Granby, Farmington, Granby, Hartland, Simsbury, and Windsor.

Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (P. L. 90-542) protects free-flowing rivers with important scenic, natural, recreational, historic, cultural, or similar values. It designates specific rivers for inclusion and prescribes the methods and standards by which additional rivers may be added.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Environment Committee

Joint Favorable