Connecticut River Flow Restoration Study
The Connecticut River Flow Restoration Study is a watershed‑scale analysis exploring whether operational changes at major U.S. Army Corps dams can restore more natural flow patterns. Led by The Nature Conservancy and USACE, with support from USGS and UMass Amherst, the study evaluates ecological benefits while maintaining drinking water, flood control, and hydropower services.
Subject Tags
- Rivers
- Watersheds
Summary
The Connecticut River Flow Restoration Study is a watershed-scale assessment of the potential for flow restoration through dam re-operation. Initiated by The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and completed in June 2018, the study is designed to examine whether operational changes at the watershed’s largest dams could restore more natural flow patterns, creating environmental benefits, while maintaining important services, including drinking water, flood management, and hydropower.
The study—the first of its kind in the Connecticut River watershed—focused specifically on 14 flood-management dams operated by the USACE. Other partners collaborating on the study included the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Department of Environmental and Water Resource Engineering, and the USACE Hydrologic Engineering Center.
For more information reach out to Katie Kennedy at kkennedy@tnc.org
Related Documents
Connecticut River Flow Restoration Study Overview
Connecticut River Flow Restoration Study Report
Appendix A. Large Dams of the Connecticut River Watershed
Appendix B. Flow-Ecology Hypotheses
Appendix C. Demonstration Model
Appendix D. Connecticut River Variable Inflitration Model
Appendix F. Sub-Daily CROME Synopsis
Appendix G. Connecticut River UnImpaired Streamflow Estimator
Appendix H. Connecticut River HEC-ResSim Model
Appendix I. Description of Modeled Reservoirs
Appendix J. Connecticut River Optimization Model