Designated: August 26, 1984
Location: The 14-miles of the West Branch and mainstem winds though Connecticut - from Hartland, downstream through Barkhamstead, New Hartford, and Canton.
Outstanding Resources: Rich history, recreation, fish and wildlife
Management Approach: A partnership between the Farmington River Coordinating Committee and the National Park Service.
Overview: Bordered by scenic state forests and timeworn structures, the Farmington River is celebrated for its simple beauty, abundant resources, and rich history. Conservation efforts are of great interest to the River's growing constituency. Fertile spawning grounds along rivers like the Farmington are at the heart of efforts to restore Atlantic salmon to the Connecticut River basin. Environmentalists believe that salmon will return once downstream obstacle are eliminated. Today, this flourishing freshwater habitat supports major trout and river otter populations, and is home to the state's only nesting site for bald eagles.
The past comes to life along the Farmington River, with rustic mills and historic settlements gracing the riverbank. Yet, conservationists and archeologists are not the only ones who appreciate the Farmington and its and its surroundings. This picturesque area is a favorite of sports enthusiasts who fish, canoe, and kayak on the river or hike along the shoreline.
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