| President's Message | 10th Annual River Symposium | Storm Drain Stenciling | | Stream Connectivity Surveys | Salmon Stocking | Upcoming Events |
	The President's Message Dear Westfield River Watershed members and supporters: If you're thinking "I just got a newsletter a few weeks ago", you're right! But, lots of planning for spring and summer events has been completed since that February newsletter arrived in your mailbox! We'd also like to let you know how well the 10th Annual Westfield River Symposium went on Saturday, March 27. You'll find articles about those topics in the pages that follow. The theme of this year's symposium was "Habitat", and I'd like to direct your attention to two issues regarding governmental funding of programs that have had significant impacts on the habitats of our Watershed: (1) The first is the Atlantic Salmon Restoration program, which has been in high gear for more than a decade, but with disappointing returns of salmon over the past several years. As Ted Williams, conservation editor for Fly Rod & Reel magazine, has pointed out, the salmon program has enjoyed major success in restoring aquatic habitats along the Connecticut River and its tributaries and has led to the recovery of numerous other species including shad, sea lamprey, blueback herring and American eels. The program has also spawned a number of educational efforts, including the ASERP, which WRWA has helped introduce to several public schools in the Watershed. Despite the disappointing numbers of returning salmon, it seems premature to me to terminate the program at this point. To do so would mean giving up just at the moment when, for the first time in two centuries, we do have both a population of Atlantic salmon returning to the Connecticut River and excellent habitat to welcome them back. It would mean giving up without understanding what problems in the river or in the North Atlantic are responsible for the weak returns. Funding for the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission was cut significantly in the FY 2004 federal budget, and further cuts (possibly complete elimination of funding) are being considered for FY 2005. If you support continuation of the program for at least a little longer, please write to your U.S. Senators and Representative to express that sentiment. (2) The second issue is funding of the Riverways program in the state of Massachusetts. Riverways, part of the Department of Fish & Game, has been an important asset to WRWA in our efforts to protect and restore the natural resources of the Westfield River Watershed. They were instrumental in planning and carrying out the removal of two unused dams in Becket during 2003, have supported ASERP in the Becket schools, are overseeing some culvert replacement projects within the Watershed, and are currently partnering with several groups, including WRWA, to survey the Watershed's culverts and bridges to assess the impacts they are having on stream continuity. Despite its small size, Riverways is a very effective program and deserves to see its funding restored to the FY 2003 level of $399,880. Again, your support is needed - in the form of letters to your State Senator and Representatives. As always, I hope that this newsletter will point you toward a rewarding volunteer activity or adventure within our Watershed. Best, Mike Young President