In 2012, the Connecticut River landed a lofty designation as the first and only “National Blueway” for its access and availability for recreational use, among other reasons.
The designation under the Obama administration’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative seems befitting given all that the 410-mile-long river’s watershed does for the 2.4 million residents across some 400 communities from the Canadian border to the Long Island Sound. The mighty waterway provides drinking water for millions and supports recreational uses, important fisheries, and healthy landscapes.
From the Vermont border, the Deerfield River forms Franklin County’s western-most boundary in Rowe, stretching through Charlemont to Montague. While small in comparison to much larger rivers, it’s mighty, serving as a backbone for daily life. There are 10 hydroelectric dams built on its 73-mile length, harnessing economic power from nature.
Our region was settled along waterways for this reason. For centuries, Native Americans fished these rivers and gathered along their banks for trade. In the 20th century, they powered a thriving industrial center.
Today, our region’s rivers play a key role in Massachusetts’ recreation economy.
During peak season, an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 people float down the Deerfield River each day, contributing to a statewide $16 billion recreation industry that employs about 120,000 people, generating $900 million in annual tax revenue.
Recreation companies such as Zoar Outdoor, Crab Apple Whitewater Inc. and Berkshire Whitewater rely on the power of our rivers, which boast varied difficulty ratings from class one to four. The Fife Brook section of the river is the most popular rafting destination in the state.
It’s not just whitewater that’s a tourism boon for our region.
Recreational trails like those at Mount Sugarloaf Reservation in South Deerfield, the Quabbin Reservoir — one of the largest unfiltered water supplies in the United States — and Erving State Forest, through which traverses the New England Trail, are popular hiking destinations. In the winter, Berkshire East Mountain Resort is a regional center for alpine skiing, and outdoor businesses like Stump Sprouts Ski Touring Center in Hawley offer groomed cross-country Nordic skiing trails.
Those who call Hampshire and Franklin counties home know the region’s landscape is its wealth.
We’re happy to see state lawmakers taking notice, too.
Recently, Sen. Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield, introduced legislation to establish an office within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs with the purpose of collaborating across tourism, economic development, health agencies, and businesses to promote and improve outdoor recreation, expanding the state’s recreation economy. The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. If approved by that committee, both the state Senate and House will vote on it.
A recreation office could help to better manage our rivers — minimizing trespassing, littering, alcohol and drug use and maximizing positive impacts like spending money in the area on food and lodging. It could also coordinate marketing campaigns and boost communities in need of an economic jolt.
Right now, western Massachusetts is being outspent by neighboring New York and Vermont in promoting itself to visitors, according to Hinds. Passing such a bill could move the dial in the other direction and help our beautiful region become the outdoor tourism destination it deserves to be. Hampshire and Franklin counties sprawling landscape and mighty rivers have always fueled its economy. In this new evolution, we hope the state will throw its weight behind Hinds’ endeavor and create a recreation office.
It’s a win for everyone.