HooRWA is dedicated to protecting the Hoosic and its landscape, and we take an active role in all of the above.
Reducing NPS Pollution
“Non-point-source” or NPS pollution is pollution that cannot be traced to a single-source outfall such as a factory pipe discharging into the river. Examples of non-point-source pollution include stormwater runoff from lawns, roads, parking lots, building sites, and agricultural fields. This runoff can contain petroleum products, salt, animal waste, fertilizers, pesticides, heavy loads of sand and silt, or other contaminants. Failing septic systems or other contamination of groundwater can also contribute to NPS pollution.
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Restoring and Protecting Habitat
Here are a few essentials for good habitat:
- Water that is clean, clear, the right temperature, has enough oxygen, and has reliable flow.
- A river bottom free of toxins or excess sediment.
- Streambanks that are vegetated– but not dominated by invasive plants.
- Passageways for wildlife to move freely up and down stream, in the water and on shore.
- A landscape that can adapt to natural floods and meandering of the riverbed.
Remediation Projects
Volunteers extracting a truck from the riverbank
A quote from HooRWA’s own guide to paddling the Hoosic:
Soon after you pass automobiles embedded in the riverbank, left, you will see the second bridge…
This is a reminder that our beautiful river still contains relics of its dumping-ground past!
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Sound Land Use
Because the Hoosic Valley is relatively undeveloped as yet, we still have a chance to develop wisely — and protect what should be protected before it is gone. It’s up to the residents of the watershed to be proactive in guarding the health and beauty of their region.
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River and Trail Access
One of our trail bridges
A day of paddling, fishing, or hiking brings home a river’s value better than all the data in the world. HooRWA has a long history of improving river access points and hiking trails for low-impact recreational uses–because the river speaks to those who visit it.
What HooRWA does. See our Recreation page.
What you can do.
- Try the river and trails! Again, our Recreation page can help.
- Volunteer for trail maintenance or river cleanups.
- If you are a landowner, consider granting rights-of-way for boaters or hikers.