Rivers

In Windham, Willimantic Whitewater Partnership's project area lies at the convergence of four greenways, where the Willimantic River Greenway intersects with the Hop River Trail , the Airline Trail, and the East Coast Greenway, at several sites that comprise our proposed linear park and arts and recreation hub. The Willimantic River watershed is 225 square miles and lies within all or part of 17 towns in Connecticut and Massachussetts. All the waters of the Willimantic River watershed funnel into Willimantic and converge at WWP's Bridge Street property, over bedrock gneiss (similar to granite) and ledges on a reach of river historically known as Willimantic Falls, where the Willimantic River drops quite precipitously, approximately 80 feet over the course of a mile.  This is the ideal setting for building a class II/III whitewater rodeo feature that can be used for whitewater kayakers year-round, and the lack of such features in Southeastern New England will make this a popular destination.  AMC Outdoors' article "Waves of the Future" discusses the benefits and issues of whitewater park design.

Left:  Boland dam, site of a future rodeo wave, at low water

Right:  Jerry Brisson running Boland dam

Below:  play boater at Glenwood Springs whitewater park, Colorado, a feature similar to what we are proposing to build in Willimantic

WWP's vision for the Willimantic River is to restore its free-flowing state for the dual purposes of restoring migratory fish passage and developing whitewater recreational opportunities. While a primary motive for whitewater recreational development is economic development, when coupled with WWP's overarching objective to restore the Willimantic River and its migratory fish, developing whitewater recreation becomes a novel approach to habitat restoration. John Anderson's innovative design solution for the Willimantic River, the "catcher's mitt," will permit fish to by-pass whitewater play features, continuing their arduous journey to their historic spawning grounds. On the Willimantic River, the project is expected to provide anadromous fish access to 7.5 miles of high quality cold water habitat and restore the historic diadromous fish runs of American shad, river herring, and American eel. Additionally, 4.5 miles of significant high-quality habitat will be restored to the Hop River Downriver, restoration of the Willimantic River will improve the natural functions of the Shetucket and Thames Rivers into which the Willimantic discharges. 

The same characteristics that converge to make the site attractive for whitewater development, make the site attractive for hydro-electric power generation, as well. Willimantic Whitewater Partnership supports eco-friendly hydro-power generation and promotes the development of hydro-power systems that do not interfere with the natural processes and functions of our rivers. Restoring the free-flow, natural functions and migratory fish to the Willimantic River and creating whitewater recreational opportunities are complimentary objectives. Any effort to maintain and develop hydro-power on the Willimantic River should be complimentary, as well. We take seriously our stewardship of the river, fish and wildlife, and natural habitats. For the health and vitality of Willimantic's citizens, any plans for the river must address environmental restoration, preservation and sustainability. In the Willimantic River watershed, all waters lead to Willimantic.

kayaker does a barrel roll off a kayak ramp at Bridge Street, Riverfest '08