Press Releases

Washington, DC – Representatives Lori Trahan (MA-03) and Annie Kuster (NH-02) today applauded House passage of the Natural Resources Management Act, which contained language to designate portions of the Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire as scenic rivers under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The bill authorizes a local advisory committee to work with state and federal agencies to protect values intrinsic to the river and directs the rivers to be managed in accordance with the Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers Stewardship Plan, while preserving existing uses. The legislation previously passed overwhelmingly in the Senate, and now goes to President Trump for his signature.  

“I was proud to take up the mantle of my predecessor, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, and introduce legislation along with my colleagues to designate the Nashua River as a wild and scenic river. Though it is hard to believe, just a half century ago the Nashua River was considered among the most polluted in the country,” said Rep Trahan. “While great strides have been made over the years to remove pollution and conserve swaths of the region, there is still much work to be done. With the passage of this bill, the new wild and scenic designation will support that critical mission and help us to preserve this precious resource for generations to come.” 

“Safeguarding our state’s beautiful natural resources and habitats is crucial to ensuring future generations can enjoy the New Hampshire that we know and love,” said Rep. Kuster. “I’m thrilled that we’ve come together to pass legislation to designate the Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This designation will play an important role in protecting the river system for years to come.”

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