The mission of the funder, while not explicitly detailed, centers around the restoration, protection, and enhancement of the Connecticut River watershed upstream of the confluence of the White River and Connecticut River. This involves caring for the river, wetlands, and shore lands within this specified area, which is influenced by the broader goal of environmental preservation and restoration, particularly in relation to the impacts of hydroelectric dams.
The Upper Connecticut River Mitigation and Enhancement Fund aims to support projects focused on the restoration, protection, and enhancement of the river, wetlands, and shore lands within the Connecticut River watershed upstream of the confluence with the White River. This includes areas at White River Junction, VT, and West Lebanon, NH. The fund was established as a result of a settlement agreement during the federal process to relicense three hydroelectric dams at Fifteen Mile Falls near Littleton, NH, and Ryegate, VT. It offers grants of all sizes, with those requesting $10,000 or less subject to a simplified application process. This initiative reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship and the sustainable management of natural resources affected by hydroelectric projects.