Potsdam board approves law recognizing rights of Raquette River watershed
The Potsdam Town Board unanimously approved a law recognizing rights for the Raquette River and its 1,900-square-mile watershed and creating a committee to monitor its condition.
By Jessica Hale, ClickNNY North Country Desk
The Potsdam Town Board unanimously approved a law Nov. 9 recognizing rights for the Raquette River and its 1,900-square-mile watershed to remain free of pollution and maintain healthy ecosystems. The measure also creates a committee intended to monitor the watershed and recommend protections.
The law recognizes the river and watershed’s rights to exist, regenerate, flourish, evolve, adapt and thrive. It does not establish an enforcement framework for potential environmental violations.
The Raquette River and Watershed Protection Committee will have at least five members appointed by the Town Board to two-year terms. Members must live in the town or watershed. The board intends to include Indigenous community representatives, farmers, business owners, anglers, environmental researchers and other residents.
The committee is expected to advise the board, monitor watershed conditions, recommend environmental practices and issue an annual report on threats and possible changes to town policies and regulations. It must meet at least four times a year in publicly advertised sessions, while its recommendations and proposed spending remain subject to Town Board approval.
The law also directs the town to review its existing laws, regulations and procedures within six months for compliance with the new provisions. Supervisor Marty Miller said the law would likely be added to the town code within 30 days, after which the board could begin forming the committee.
The effort follows a 2022 Town Council resolution supporting legally enforceable rights for the river within Potsdam. Talking Rivers, an organization that supports rights-of-nature efforts, has backed the campaign. In March 2025, advocates also asked the Village of Potsdam to approve a similar resolution.
Residents can check the Town of Potsdam website for updates on the law and the committee appointment process. Talking Rivers also provides information through its Raquette River petition page.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
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