Erin Bertrand

Erin Bertrand, who will help the Housatonic Valley Association coordinate its stream team program, sits by the Housatonic River at Addis Park in New Milford.
...
Erin Bertrand, who will help the Housatonic Valley Association coordinate its stream team program, sits by the Housatonic River at Addis Park in New Milford.

Looking for an excuse to take your canoe out on the Housatonic River?Well, the Housatonic Valley Association is looking for you.
...
"By involving area residents in our stream team efforts, in a fun and educational manner, we can develop terrific partnerships and cultivate long-range stewardship of the Housatonic River," said Erin Bertrand, who will be helping HVA to coordinate and implement the stream team program.

Bertrand, who is majoring in environmental chemistry at Bates College, said team members will record the types of river bottoms they find which indicate the type of ecosystem in those portions of the river.

The team will also look for pipes discharging into the river, pollutants, and invasive species.

At the end of the process in mid-July, the teams will reconvene to report their findings and to help produce a follow-up action plan.

The HVA will share the final reports with local governmental agencies so that they may take action if they see fit.

From left, Shauna Barry, Joanne Barry and Erin Bertrand prepare to launch their canoe as they inspect the Housatonic River.
...
From left, Shauna Barry, Joanne Barry and Erin Bertrand prepare to launch their canoe as they inspect the Housatonic River.
...
Erin Bertrand, HVA's project coordinator, said she expects to get individual reports back over this week, but through informal conversations with volunteers, she said many of their experiences have been positive.

"I'm getting a really good response.Everyone is saying what a beautiful day they had and what a great experience it was for them," Bertrand said."The other good thing is people are curious and want to find out more."

Volunteer Bob Rush, 58, of New Milford, said the scenic stretch of river he surveyed - from the Bleachery Dam to the Still River - had a few drainage pipes, but it looked good overall.

"I like the river and I think we're lucky to have a river coming through our town," he said."I'm pleased it appeared to be in good shape."

The volunteers are reconvening to go over the report at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 20 at the Richmond Citizen Center.The public is welcome to attend.

Contact Joe Gould