Our small state boasts a surprisingly varied collection of rivers. For our first-ever short video, we’ve been out and about, talking to river champions from North Adams to Ipswich. Here are a few shots from the shoots. First stop was North Adams. The Hoosic River travels through downtown North Adams in concrete chutes, the result of an Army Corps flood control project 60 years ago. As a result, the river has lost its ecological, recreational, and even scenic value – it is no longer an asset to its community. The Hoosic River Revival and the Hoosic River Watershed Association are working to improve the river and reconnect the community with its river, once an important part of the region’s economy. We interviewed Judy Grinnell of the Hoosic River Revival.
Hoosic River in North Adams, looking upstream
Hoosic River in North Adams, looking downstream
Here are upstream and downstream views from the same bridge. Looking upstream, the river’s appearance is fairly natural. It meanders to the right and vegetation grows along the banks and upstream. To the left, the river has been straightened, confined in a concrete channel, and surrounded by grassy berms. Check out some more photos from our day of filming in the area and speaking with local river advocates: