Appendix B. Description of the Connecticut River Basin

The Connecticut River is the longest river in New England. It begins in the Fourth Connecticut Lake (2,625 feet above sea level), and collects water from several major tributaries as it flows South between the States of New Hampshire and Vermont, and through Massachusetts and Connecticut. After collecting water from the 11,250 square mile drainage basin, the river flows into Long Island Sound at Old Saybrook, Connecticut, over 400 miles from its origin.

The river basin environment varies from highly developed and urbanized stretches in the lower river valley to more rural and forested reaches in the tributary and headwater areas. Atlantic salmon habitat exists throughout the basin (Table 2). Major tributaries of significance to the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program are shown on the basin map in Figure 1.

The natural streambed gradient profiles are interrupted by artificially ponded stretches created by the numerous dams located on the river and its tributaries. Over 1,000 dams in the basin provide for highly regulated flows, particularly in the mainstem. Summer water temperatures in the mid-Connecticut River mainstem average between 70o and 80oF with temperature peaks sometimes reaching 90oF in July and August. Tributaries generally have cooler water temperatures and, as such, provide better habitat for juvenile salmon. Water quality throughout the basin supports all freshwater life stages of salmon. However, degraded reaches exist, particularly in the mainstem river in Connecticut and Massachusetts, where 84% of the basin's 2.3 million people reside.

The Connecticut River and its tributaries support a diverse group of fishes (Table 3) and invertebrates. Both intentional and accidental introductions have altered native fish communities within the basin. Currently, at least fourteen species of migratory fish inhabit the Connecticut River, including Atlantic salmon, American shad, alewife, blueback herring and shortnose sturgeon.

¹ From mouth of the Connecticut River, starting at Saybrook Breakwater Light, 0.5 mile below Lynde Point

² Estimated and surveyed combined; rounded to nearest 100 m2

³ Stretch between Gilman Dam and Canaan Dam.

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Figure 1. Major Tributaries in the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program. (Click the image to see a larger version in a separate window.)

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