How We Work

Executive, Steering Committees, and Staff

Like similar partnerships, our structure employs a Steering Committee and Committee/Working Group model with an Executive Committee providing decision-making authority and a Director who is responsible for coordination.

Executive Committee

Chris Campany, Windham Regional Commission - Chair

Kristin DeBoer, Kestrel Land Trust

Jocelyn Forbush, Mass Audubon

David Houghton, WildLandscapes International

Jillian Liner, Audubon Vermont

Alisha Milardo, Connecticut Audubon Society

Lauren Oates, The Nature Conservancy (VT)

Rebecca Todd, Connecticut River Conservancy

Staff

Director - Markelle Smith, Mass Audubon

Steering Committee

The CRWP Steering Committee includes balanced representation from public and private sectors working in the Watershed. At minimum the Committee contains the following representatives plus one Alternate member:

  • National NGO (2)

  • New England Regional NGO (2)

  • Statewide NGO (2)

  • Local NGO (2)

  • All-volunteer/Community-based NGO (2)

  • Tribal entity (2)

  • Regional planning commission (2)

  • State of Connecticut (2)

  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts (2)

  • State of New Hampshire (2)

  • State of Vermont (2)

  • US Fish and Wildlife Service (1)

  • Natural Resources Conservation Service (1)

  • National Park Service (1)

  • US Forest Service (1)

  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (1)

Committees and Working Groups

The work of the Partnership is done both through participation on standing committees, representing the varied missions of our partner groups and via the voluntary formation of working groups, focused on specific timebound initiatives.

Committees (Active)

Advocacy Committee

Our members make annual trips to Washington D.C. and host local field trips to inform and educate our Congressional representatives about the importance of the Connecticut River Watershed. We prepare an annual ‘Look Book’ highlighting critical land conservation, restoration, trail and stewardship project opportunities in all four Watershed states. The Advocacy committee is also responsible for tracking legislation important to the watershed and ensuring the membership is aware of federal funding opportunities. In addition to federal funding opportunities, we are also working to increase state funding for open space and trails in underserved communities.


Recreation and Education Committee

Our members are working on making the river accessible for all and bringing Watershed resources to Watershed communities. We are also working to share Watershed exhibits and curriculum within the network of museums working in the region. We seek to connect colleges and universities located in the Watershed, exploring opportunities to collaborate on shared initiatives.

Committees (Inactive)

Conservation Committee

Restoration Committee

Science and Research Committee

Working Groups (Active)

Legislative Working Group

The CRWP is currently working to advance the Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act (CRWPA): federal legislation to create a dedicated funding stream to leverage state, local, and private investments in nonregulatory conservation, restoration, education and recreation efforts in the watershed. The CRWPA is modeled on successful partnerships enabled by federal legislation via the Chesapeake WILD Act (2020), and the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act (2015). The Act will enhance coordination among federal agencies and state, regional, tribal, and local public and private partners. The legislation is supported by a broad coalition of public and private organizations throughout New England who seek to diversify the organizations and sources of funding for programming within the Watershed. This collaborative effort will help promote access to the Watershed’s public spaces, particularly for excluded and marginalized communities. To learn more or join our effort please contact us at friendsofconte@gmail.com

Conte Urban Partnership (CUP) Working Group

Our CUP work is focused on promoting land conservation, restoration, education, trail and other project opportunities particularly in and around Springfield, Massachusetts and Hartford, Connecticut. We seek to remedy inequities in access to nature, enhancing transportation options for residents of cities in our Watershed.