Farmington Valley Trout Unlimited Submits Comments on Farmington River Flow Plan

January 22, 2025 – Farmington Valley Trout Unlimited (FVTU) has officially submitted public comments on the draft Farmington River Flow Plan. This critical plan, developed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (D.E.E.P.), outlines strategies to optimize flow management on the Farmington River.

FVTU supports the overarching goals of the plan and has offered detailed recommendations to enhance its effectiveness. Key areas of focus in our comments include:

Adjustments to Flow Targets: Suggestions for modifying flow levels during specific months to better support trout populations, aquatic insects, and overall river health.
Enhanced Decision-Making Processes: Advocating for the development of dynamic, AI-driven models that incorporate real-time data on inflows, weather forecasts, and reservoir levels.
Future Planning: Proposing discussions on utilizing additional storage capacity and conducting an updated in-stream flow study to address evolving environmental and recreational needs.

Our full comments (pdf) emphasize the importance of balancing ecological, recreational, and safety considerations while ensuring the Farmington River remains a vibrant and sustainable resource for generations to come.

Key Highlights of FVTU’s Recommendations

Flow Adjustments: Suggested changes to cubic feet per second (CFS) targets for specific months to reflect seasonal patterns, protect trout habitats, and avoid detrimental temperature spikes.
Data-Driven Management: Emphasized the value of engineered computer modeling to improve flow decisions, mitigate rapid releases, and prevent reservoir spillway overflows.
Long-Term Improvements: Called for updated in-stream flow studies and consideration of expanded water storage as part of a future management strategy.

Get Involved

FVTU encourages community members to review the draft plan and provide their input by January 31, 2025. Attend the public informational session tonight, January 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM (via Zoom), to learn more.

For additional details about the draft plan or to submit comments, visit the Farmington River Flow Plan DEEP website.

Farmington Valley Trout Unlimited is dedicated to protecting and preserving the Farmington River and its surrounding ecosystems. Together, we can ensure its future health and vitality.