OLD SAYBROOK — This year, the Connecticut River Conservancy has completed more than 20 river restoration projects across the four-state Connecticut River watershed (in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut).

These projects will restore natural river flow, improve wildlife habitat, and protect clean water, the agency said. They also boosted local economies and local businesses like plant nurseries, tree planting crews, construction crews, engineering and design firms and more.

"We are very proud of our restoration work and continue to build momentum with each successful project and each passing year," Ron Rhodes, director of restoration programs at CRC, said in a prepared statement.

"Our team of partners, landowners, and funders work tirelessly for years to bring these projects to completion. These partnerships bring the benefits of clean water and healthy rivers to people and wildlife in all four states of the Connecticut River basin," he added.

The river restoration projects completed by CRC in 2021 include the cnstruction of a living shoreline in the Fenwick section of Old Saybrook, where the river flows into Long Island Sound, the news release said.

Dam removals this year have opened 27 miles of river by removing barriers for fish and other aquatic life to pass freely upstream. These other projects have also increased access to valuable floodplains, reduced erosion along 4.7 miles of stream habitat, and restored over 25 acres of riparian and floodplain habitat.

In addition, the living shoreline project improved tidal flow, replaced a culvert, and restored 0.4 acres of tidal marsh and 500 feet of coastal beach, the nature conservancy said.

Since 1952, the Connecticut River Conservancy has been the voice for the Connecticut River watershed, from source to sea, according to its mission. They collaborate with partners across four states to protect and advocate for your rivers and educate and engage communities.

They bring people together to prevent pollution, improve habitat, and promote enjoyment of the river and its tributary streams. Healthy rivers support healthy economies.