The Boquet River in Northeastern New York …
Our River.

The main stem of the Boquet River originates on Dix Mountain in Keene; is 47 miles long; and empties into Lake Champlain in the Town of Willsboro.

Major tributaries include: the North Branch; The Branch (aka The Little Boquet); Spruce Mill Brook and Lincoln Pond / Black River.

The Boquet River is the steepest river in NYS, descending more than 2,700 feet in 47 miles, making it prone to flash floods and erosion. Sediment from erosion destroys fish habitat, exacerbates flood conditions and loads excess nutrients into the river and Lake Champlain.

The Boquet River watershed drains 280-square miles and largely includes the towns of Elizabethtown, Essex, Lewis, Westport and Willsboro.

Important watershed resources include sport fisheries, fertile agricultural and timber lands, recreational opportunities, scenic vistas and bluffs, critical natural areas, as well as significant cultural and historical sites.

According to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Boquet River watershed is 82.4% forested, 7.5% wetland, 3.6% urban and 6.4% agriculture.

BRASS Watershed Management Plan Progress
By Ann Ruzow Holland, Ph.D., AICP, WBE, Consultant

Why should we care about Water Quality in the Boquet River Watershed?

What happens to and within the Boquet River watershed affects the people, economy, and environment of our towns, Essex County, the Lake Champlain Basin, and the Adirondack Park. It is in everyone’s best interest to improve water quality, and for the river to be fishable, swimmable, and drinkable (with treatment).

The devastating effects of recent high water events, including those of 2011, harshly reminded people of the damage floodwaters can cause. Yet the river is not a monster to be tamed, if such is even possible, it is also a source of joy and inspiration. For these reasons and more, the Boquet River watershed plays a central role in the economic and cultural vitality of our communities. Watershed management planning is one way Boquet River citizens can work together to help protect habitat, as well as the roads, bridges, businesses, and homes in our communities. By working together to write a plan that reflects our needs, we can achieve the goals of sustainable economic development, community enhancement, government efficiency, improving recreational opportunities, and restoring the environment.