CITIZENS for a CLEAN HAMMONASSET RIVER(CCHR)

Citizens for a Clean Hammonasset River is a grass-roots organization of local citizens who care deeply about preserving and protecting the beautiful Hammonasset River and its saltwater marshes and estuaries . As advocates for the River our ultimate goal is to elevate the classification of the Hammonasset River to a Class A/SA river and protect it from assaults which threaten to degrade water quality and damage the fragile Hammonasset watershed environment.

The Hammonasset River is a 30 mile watercourse which originates in Durham and forms the eastern boundary of Madison between Killingworth and Clinton. Its waters then travel through Clinton Harbor to the Long Island Sound.

This pristine river is the source for the Regional Water Authority reservoir above Route 80. It travels through forested and rural residential areas until it crosses under Route I-95 where it widens into a brackish marsh estuary bordering Hammonasset State Park. The area is comprised of salt marshes and coastal wetlands which provide the foundation for the estuarine food chain while filtering out excess nutrients. It is the nesting ground for shore birds and other wildlife. And it stabilizes tide and storm waters - a role the September 2005 devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina has reminded us all is critical!

The Hammonasset River offers outstanding recreational, scientific, artistic and educational opportunites in one of the most beautiful settings along the Connecticut shoreline. Just as our forbearers bequethed this treasure for our use and enjoyment - so we have the obligation to protect it for all who follow us.

There are numerous serious threats facing the Hammonasset River today and CCHR is actively advocating for the River in those challenges. See our INFORMATION page for details.

We welcome your support and ideas. If you would consider a contribution to help offset our expenses it would be greatly appreciated. Please provide your printed name and address so that we may acknowledge your donation and keep you apprised of our progress.

Thank you for your interest. .

CITIZENS for a CLEAN HAMMONASSET RIVER
362 Durham Road, Madison, CT 06443
e-mail us at cleanhamm@hotmail.com