WATERSHED

Exploring Watersheds for Farm & Wilderness Conservation along the Connecticut River.

The Connecticut River, stretching approximately 406 miles, holds the distinction of being the largest river in New England. Originating in Canada, it gracefully flows southward, forming the Vermont-New Hampshire border, before traversing Massachusetts and Connecticut, eventually merging with the Atlantic Ocean at the Long Island Sound.

Farm & Wilderness finds its home within the captivating Ottauquechee and Black River sub-basins, nestled in Basin 10. This expansive watershed encompasses a collection of sub-basins, spanning 23 towns ranging from rural to urban. Enveloped by a diverse landscape of majestic mountain peaks and rolling hillsides, this area also boasts an abundance of lakes and ponds, covering approximately 1,610 acres.

As stewards of the land, we recognize the importance of preserving these invaluable watersheds. Through our conservation efforts, we strive to safeguard the natural beauty and ecological balance of this unique watershed system.

Farm & Wilderness encompasses landholdings strategically situated across two sub-basins within Basin 10. These sub-basins play a crucial role in the overall watershed dynamics; for this reason, it's  important to know the water bodies and their impact:

Woodward Reservoir and the Ottauquechee River:

    • Woodward Reservoir and its surrounding streams flow northward, contributing to the Ottauquechee River.
    • Proper management of Woodward Reservoir is essential to mitigate stressors and maintain water quality throughout the entire Basin.
Lake Ninevah and the Black River:
    • Lake Ninevah, accompanied by the encompassing wetlands, flows southward, nourishing the Black River.
    • Similar to Woodward Reservoir, Lake Ninevah holds a prominent position as one of the largest lakes in Basin 10 within its respective sub-basin; effective management of Lake Ninevah is vital in reducing stressors and preserving the overall health of the Basin's water quality.
Farm & Wilderness Conservation recognize the significance of these vital water bodies and their role in maintaining the ecological balance of Basin 10. Through responsible management practices, we strive to minimize stressors and protect the water quality of the Black River and the Ottauquechee River, ensuring a healthy watershed for the entire Basin.  The sub-basins in which Woodward Reservoir and Lake Ninevah are located in are approximately 91% forested. Farm & Wilderness Conservation helps to protect a portion of those trees and does not harvest timber near waterbodies, including streams, vernal pools, and intermittent streams.

Watersheds

                                                                                                                       Source: Maps from the Resilience at Farm & Wilderness. An Ecological Study by Conway School

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