Press Releases FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: April 7, 2008 CONTACT: Wayne Ives, 603 271-3548

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services approved the establishment of protected instream flows for the Souhegan Designated River on April 1, 2008.  The Souhegan River Instream Flow project is the first study to recommend protected instream flow values under the Rivers Management and Protection Act.

The Souhegan Designated River comprises 32 miles beginning in New Ipswich and continuing to the confluence with the Merrimack River in Merrimack.  These protected instream flows apply to the Souhegan Designated River, to water users in the watershed that are required to be registered with the state, and to dam owners in the watershed with impoundments greater than 10 acres.

“Establishing the Protected Flows on the Souhegan River signals a vital step toward protecting New Hampshire’s riverine resources for their many uses,” said DES Commissioner Tom Burack.
“New Hampshire’s approach has been unique in describing instream flows that protect the range and variability of stream flow to maintain its natural condition.  This process will move forward with the continued support and involvement of the many stakeholders who have assisted in this program.”

The Souhegan River Protected Instream Flow Report details the methods and results used to identify the Protected Instream Flows for the Souhegan Designated River. Copies of the report are available at the public libraries in New Ipswich, Milford and Merrimack and the DES file review room in Concord.  The entire report is also accessible online at www.des.nh.gov/rivers/instream/souhegan/study.html.

For more information about the report, please call Wayne Ives, Instream Flow Specialist, at 603 271-3548.

Print Version