Exeter River

Exeter River is a significant watercourse in New Hampshire, flowing through Rockingham County and Stratham, before emptying into the Squamscott River. The river's watershed encompasses various towns, including Exeter, Stratham, and Newfields, and is influenced by the Great Bay and Piscataqua River ecosystems. The Exeter River's course is characterized by its meandering path, which is shaped by the surrounding geology and hydrogeology, including the Merrimack River and Androscoggin River watersheds. The river's proximity to Portsmouth and Dover makes it an important component of the regional Coastal New Hampshire environment, with connections to the Gulf of Maine and Atlantic Ocean.

Geography

The Exeter River's geography is marked by its location in southeastern New Hampshire, where it flows through a mix of agricultural and forested areas, including the White Mountain National Forest and Bear Brook State Park. The river's watershed is bounded by the Merrimack River to the west and the Piscataqua River to the east, with connections to the Saco River and Androscoggin River basins. The Exeter River's course is influenced by the surrounding topography, which includes the Belknap Mountains and Ossipee Mountains, as well as the Lakes Region and Merrimack Valley. The river's proximity to Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Sunapee makes it an important part of the regional hydrology, with connections to the Connecticut River and Saint Lawrence River watersheds.

History

The Exeter River has a rich history, with evidence of human presence dating back to the indigenous peoples of the region, including the Pennacook and Abenaki tribes. The river played a significant role in the colonial era, with the establishment of Exeter and other surrounding towns, which were influenced by the Massachusetts Bay Colony and New Hampshire Province. The Exeter River was also an important transportation route, with connections to the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor, as well as the Merrimack River and Lowell, Massachusetts. The river's history is closely tied to the development of the region, including the industrial revolution and the growth of textile manufacturing, with connections to the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company and Lowell Manufacturing Company.

Hydrology

The Exeter River's hydrology is characterized by its water cycle, which is influenced by the surrounding geology and climate, including the northeastern United States weather patterns. The river's flow is affected by the precipitation and snowmelt in the region, with connections to the National Weather Service and United States Geological Survey (USGS). The Exeter River's watershed is also influenced by the tides in the Gulf of Maine and Atlantic Ocean, as well as the water levels in the Squamscott River and Piscataqua River estuaries. The river's hydrology is closely monitored by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES), with connections to the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act.

Ecology

The Exeter River's ecology is diverse, with a range of aquatic ecosystems and terrestrial ecosystems present in the watershed, including the freshwater ecosystems of the Squamscott River and Piscataqua River estuaries. The river is home to various fish species, such as Brook trout and salmonids, as well as other aquatic animals, including mollusks and crustaceans. The Exeter River's watershed is also an important habitat for bird species, such as the Bald eagle and Osprey, as well as other wildlife, including the White-tailed deer and Black bear. The river's ecology is influenced by the surrounding land use and water quality, with connections to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Recreation

The Exeter River offers various recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and hiking, with connections to the New Hampshire State Parks and United States Forest Service. The river's watershed is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Exeter River Park and Stratham Hill Park, as well as the Bear Brook State Park and White Mountain National Forest. The Exeter River is also a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking, with connections to the American Canoe Association and United States Canoe Association. The river's recreational opportunities are managed by the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development and the United States Army Corps of Engineers, with connections to the Recreational Trails Program and National Trails System. Category:Rivers of New Hampshire