Connecticut River Coordinator's Office: Land Use Solutions

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		Land Use Solutions Since fertilizers and pesticides are contaminants that harm the health of fish and aquatic habitat, and poor livestock management and urbanization results in habitat degradation, solutions are needed. What can you do about pesticides and fertilizers? Create or protect existing riparian zones so contaminants can be absorbed before they reach the river Limit the use of pesticides and fertilizers to minimize the likelihood of water contamination Follow best management practices when applying fertilizers and pesticides Build manure pits to prevent inadvertant nutrification of the river Benefits Healthy stream habitat supporting fish survival Healthy private water supplies free of fertilizers and pesticides Assistance For information on pesticides and their affects on aquatic animals and Pesticides in Stream Sediment and Aquatic Biota There are grants available to manage manure pits. Refer to the Environmental Quality Incentives Program Information on best management practices What can you do about livestock concerns? Relocate livestock to fields with other water sources to protect river banks Construct a fence around the stream and provide a different water source, like a well Restrict livestock crossing and access to the stream Benefits A reliable well water source for livestock Healthier livestock Assistance Agriculture easements for grazed land "Partners for Fish and Wildlife" grants for fences and installation of new water sources What can you do about sewer system concerns? Ensure home septic systems are functioning Rehabilitate outdated municipal systems to separate storm water drains from sewers preventing combined sewage overflow (CSO). Benefits Swimmable and fishable streams free of contaminants Assistance State grants available at low interest to address septic system repairs in MA For more information on CSO policy What can you do about concerns associated with urbanization? Implement and enforce zoning that protects the river and its immediate surroundings Reduce the amount of debris going into the waterway Benefits Healthier river Agricultural land preservation Consolidated infrastructure with economic efficiencies Local economic benefits of recreational and commercial fishing Assistance Information on waste disposal, waste generation, and waste storage The solutions for habitat problems caused by land use include limiting toxins going into streams from urbanization, managing livestock, and repairing old septic systems. About Us \| Recreational Fishing \| Work With Us \| Fisheries Management Habitat Restoration \| Fish Production \| Invasive Species Data \| Education \| Contacts \| Links \| Site Map \| Home U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service This page was last updated on