The West River Coalition recently celebrated its 5th anniversary at the West River Water Festival. The coalition is made up of over 35 organizations, towns and many dedicated individuals working together to improve the West River, its watershed and its tributaries. The watershed and its tributaries flow through Prospect, Bethany, Woodbridge, Hamden, Orange, New Haven and West Haven before entering New Haven Harbor and eventually Long Island Sound. The Watershed drains approximately 35 square miles and is roughly 25 miles in length from source to sound. Some 75,000 people live within this watershed.
This wonderful group of dedicated coalition members has secured Connecticut Greenway Status, contributed to the West River Watershed Plan, developed Greenway trail signage, supported the Pond Lily Dam removal project and subsequent habitat restoration. They have partnered with South Central Regional Council of Governments to develop a comprehensive Greenway Map and initiated planning conversations with the CTDOT and municipalities about pedestrian and bike access and management of highway water runoff.
For more information contact: westriverwatershedcoalition@gmail.com or visit the West River Watershed Coalition website at the link below.
From left to right in the photo:
Kathy Faye (New Haven Neighborhood Services), Stephanie Fitzgerald (West River Coalition Steering Committee, New Haven), State Senator George Logan (17th district), Beth Heller (Woodbridge First Selectman), Derry Gorski (Bethany First Selectman), Frank DeLeo (West River Coalition Steering Committee, Woodbridge), David Carr (Inland Wetlands Commissioner, West Haven), Stephanie Ciarleglio (West River Coalition Steering Committee, Woodbridge), and Frank Cochran (West River Coalition Access Committee, New Haven).