The Connecticut River is a central part of our local and regional ecosystems, and its health is fundamental to supporting Hanover’s human and nonhuman communities. Whether or not you swim, fish, paddle, or simply admire the scenic beauty of the Connecticut, we encourage you to participate in the public comment period for Wilder Dam’s relicensing, open now until April 11. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has prepared a draft certification that would clear the way for federal recertification of Great River Hydro LLC’s license to operate Wilder Dam. You can review the draft certification on NHDES’s webpage at this link.

The Hanover Conservancy is encouraged by proposed changes to the river flow management regime outlined in the document. However, we see an opportunity to strengthen the Water Quality Certificate to ensure the new rules for the hydropower company’s use of the public’s river adequately address erosion, public access, aquatic invasives, and other questions. You can read our full comments to the Department of Environmental Services here (link to pdf).

The relicensing process occurs once in a generation, and now is the time for the public to weigh in and make their voices heard. For more information about this process and how you can get involved, visit the Connecticut River Conservancy’s webpage. Visit the NHDES webpage linked above to view the full draft certificate, and for more details about submitting feedback. Comments will be accepted until 4 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2025. Only written comments will be accepted. Comments may be sent by postal mail, or email (email is preferred). Please include the Project name, certification number, your name, organization, mailing address, email address and telephone number with your submittal.

By Mail: Water Quality Certification Program (Attention: Daniel Demers)
NHDES Watershed Management Bureau
P.O. Box 95
Concord, NH 03301-0095

By email: Send to wqc@des.nh.gov