Here are just a few of the reasons why.
It helps level the balance of power
Elected officials pay attention when they see that we are paying attention.
Your action stays on the record
If a state or federal agency finalizes a harmful action, the record of public comments provides a basis for holding them legally accountable.
It’s the law
State and federal agencies must pause what they’re doing and ask for —and consider— public comments.
It works
Citizen action and advocacy has a long, proven track record of bringing about meaningful change and upholding protections for the environment.
The rivers can’t speak for themselves
While our rivers speak to us in many other ways, they depend on you to be their voice, speaking up for their needs and protections.
Action Alerts
Current action alerts will be posted below. Want to get important CT river news and updates sent directly to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter.
This Wednesday, March 4th, the Environment Committee will hold a public hearing on two bills that directly impact the health of Connecticut’s rivers, lakes, and drinking water supplies.
We need you to take action.
✅ SUPPORT the Riparian Buffers Bill
HB 5334 An Act Concerning Riparian Areas is an important step forward. It makes clear in statute that protecting natural vegetation along our watercourses — our “wild edges” — is essential to:
- Filtering pollution before it reaches our waters
- Reducing flooding and erosion
- Protecting cold water habitat
- Safeguarding drinking water sources
Healthy, vegetated buffers are one of the most cost-effective tools we have to protect water quality. This bill reflects collaborative work among a broad coalition of stakeholders and gives local commissions clearer authority to do what science has long supported.
Use our testimony guide to submit your own comments
Even a short, personal message of support makes a difference.
❌ OPPOSE the Wake Surfing Bill As Written
SB 313 An Act Concerning Wake Surfing on Certain Lakes in the State proposes a 200-foot distance from shore for operation of a motor boat in wake surf mode. This is not nearly sufficient to protect Connecticut’s relatively small and shallow lakes.
Connecticut has thousands of inland waterbodies and hundreds that allow motorized boating. A 200-foot-only standard would apply broadly across the state’s inland waters wherever a vessel can physically operate that distance from shore
Wake boats operating in surf mode generate amplified, high-energy waves and powerful propeller wash that:
- Erode shorelines and damage nearshore infrastructure
- Increase the risk of harmful algal blooms
- Have public safety impacts and create conflicts among other recreational users
A single, minimal distance requirement without consideration of lake size, depth, or other ecological factors does not reflect the realities of Connecticut waters. Connecticut’s lakes are small, shallow, and environmentally fragile.
There is a bright spot in the bill, however. It recognizes that local communities can and should be able to set higher standards.
We are urging lawmakers to either strengthen the bill so that any statewide standards truly protect water quality and lake health or hold off on action until DEEP completes it’s wake boat and wake surf study.
Use our wake surfing testimony guide to submit your own comments
How to Participate
You can submit written testimony to the Environment Committee or sign up to speak at the public hearing. Written testimony is powerful and becomes part of the official record. Instructions on how to submit are included in the testimony guides.
Legislators pay attention when they hear from people who care about their local lakes, rivers, and drinking water. Let them know that the decisions made this week will shape how well they are protected for years to come.