III. Local Support
The high degree of public support for this nomination, including support from businesses and industries along the river is extremely impressive. Public hearings along the river brought out approximately 216 people to comment on the nomination. An overwhelming majority of the comments were in support of the nomination. In addition, the Department has received written testimony from over 600 people in support of the nomination. The Connecticut River Valley Resource Commission distributed 1,400 questionnaire's to riparian landowners along the Connecticut River. Twenty-nine percent of the landowners responded to the survey. Ninety-eight percent of the respondents felt that the river contributed to the quality of life in their community. River values that were recognized as very important were scenic quality, water quality, wildlife and waterfowl habitat, and recreational opportunities on the river.