We are locked in a war to protect the Connecticut River at Turners Falls, and I applaud the decision of the Connecticut River Conservancy’s refusal to sign the proposed agreement to relicense FirstLight’s Northfield and Turners Falls hydro projects. The public did receive some hope from FirstLight for improved conditions for migratory fish passage at Turners Falls and erosion at the Northfield pumped storage facility. But FirstLight is given seven years to finish the projects, far too long to help protect only two migratory species — the shortnose sturgeon, a vital denizen of Turners Falls, for example, would get no help.

Furthermore, the operating license is good for the next 50 year? Fifty years in the midst of climate change? FirstLight has proudly announced that their improvements will reduce their bottom line by $350 million — that’s $7 million per year, not including inflation! What a measly pittance! Two other points: FirstLight has still not agreed to fund cultural resource and recreational improvements. This means that paddlers still have no way, other than a nasty portage, to pass by Turners Falls Dam. Far more important, however, is the lack of support for Native American concerns. Native names for Turners Falls are Peskeomskut (place of the split rocks) and Wissatinnewag (shining hill). The great falls was the gathering site for all Northeastern Indian tribes during spring fish migration. In this era of reconciliation, we must insist on paying homage to more than ten thousand years of history. What to do?

The public has not yet spoken, and we look forward to a public comment period, perhaps this coming summer, when we can demand better from those to whom we give so much. We are not indebted to FirstLight, rather we, the public, allow them to operate and provide the infrastructure and opportunities for them to conduct business. Ask not what we can do for FirstLight, but what they can do for us. The battle for the Long River is far from over.

John Sinton, Connecticut River Conservancy honorary trustee

Florence

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