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A Wild and Scenic Missisquoi River

Montgomery Center, Vermont - July 17, 2009

A study is underway in the northern part of the state to determine if the Missisquoi River should be designated as "wild and scenic." The federal label could bring big bucks to the area but some people say it is not worth it.

With headwaters in Lowell and a path that takes it north to Canada then back down into Vermont, the Missiquoi river is a 74 mile stretch of mostly undeveloped waters. The Missisquoi River Basin Association has been working on the river for years, trying to reduce the amount of phosphorus it brings into Lake Champlain, and keeping it clean for fisherman and other waters sports enthusiasts. Now the MRBA is spearheading the effort to get the federal "wild and scenic" label.

"We're hoping that it's going to bring more attention to the river," says MRBA president John Little.

Attention and dollars. A "wild and scenic" designation prevents the federal government from developing the river through dredging or damming. It also means the state, communities along the river, and groups like MRBA will be eligible for more grants.

"It's very unique for Vermont and unusual in the context of New England and the northeast," says Jamie Fosburgh of the National Parks Service.

New England only has six "wild and scenic" rivers. Nationwide there are about 200. Most are on federal land and that has some Vermonters worried. They fear the designation means interference from the federal government especially when it comes to logging, hunting, and farming.

"It will to a certain degree slow down development, it will interfere with property rights, and there's a lot of other things that go along with it," says Paul Beaudry of Swanton.

The Missisquoi River Basin Association says the designation could actually help farmers, especially those who are working to keep the river clean.

"It's our hope when the farmers need extra money for doing something for the state to improve water quality that we'll have some extra money at that point to bring to the table to help them out," says Little.

The Missiquoi is one of the biggest contributors of phosphorus to Lake Champlain. That leads to algae blooms like one detected in the Missiquoi bay this week. So supporters say the wild and scenic designation will be good for the river and good for the lake.

A local committee has been formed to do a three year study of the river. That will determine if the river qualifies for the designation, and what the surrounding communities would want to do to improve or protect it.

The study will also look at securing the designation for the Trout River, which flows into the Missisquoi.

Bianca Slota - WCAX News