An Integrated River Management Model: the Connecticut River Management Program

• Published in: Journal of environmental management Vol. 41; no. 4; pp. 337 - 348
• Main Author: Wilson, Roy R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 1994; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Connecticut, river, management, integrated; Continental surface waters; environmental degradation; Exact sciences and technology; Freshwater; land use planning; Natural water pollution; Pollution; programs; rivers; water management; Water treatment and pollution; Connecticut; United States; North America; America; USA, Connecticut; Connecticut, river, management, integrated; Stream; Pollution prevention; Water resource management; Environmental protection
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1006/jema.1994.1053

The state of Connecticut faces unprecedented demand for use of its rivers. Water diversions, waste dilution, recreation and wildlife values on the state's streams are often in conflict. In an effort to balance use among these competing interests, the state has initiated an integrated approach to river management. The program has two phases: conducting a rivers inventory and devising a comprehensive river management strategy. The primary goals of the inventory are to identify uses and characteristic of specific rivers, critical river issues and river segments of special significance. The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection will then use this state-wide database to devise a river management strategy. This paper gives a brief overview of integrated river management and then describes and analyzes the Connecticut program. The study addressed the following questions: what is integrated management? How and why was the Connecticut program initiated? What institutions were created to manage the program? How is the public involved? How is the state conducting the inventory and assessment? Can this program serve as a model for other river management programs?