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WATERSHED RESOURCES AND LINKS


Conservation Tips

Conservation is never an easy task; it is one that takes constant vigilance and commitment, but it also reaps limitless rewards, such as healthier waterways and communities.

While there are no fifty simple ways to save the earth, CRWA has compiled some conservation strategies - on both an individual and public level - for conservation that we know are successful. Click on the links below to find out more.

Tips for Residents | Tips for Businesses | Tips for Municipalities

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online Mapping

GIS is a collection of computer hardware, software, and geographic data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information. GIS can be used at its most simple level to generate cartographic maps representing watershed features, their boundaries and spatial relationships. To learn more about how CRWA uses GIS, and to try make a map for yourself, click here!

Charles River "No-Nasties" Stream Team

As part of the Massachusetts adopt-a-stream program, this volunteer group is the official steward of the Charles River in Dedham, Needham, Newton, Weston, and Wellesley. The NoNasties (named after the Norumbega to Nahanton Areas) was formed in 1997 by several local volunteers interested in preserving and protecting the Charles River. Read more about the Stream Team's work.

River-related books, films, and articles

CRWA receives information about a wide variety of river-related materials and happenings. This is a list of some current publications and films which may be of interest:
  • Reel Paddling Film Festival
  • The Charles River: Exploring nature and history on foot and by canoe - Published by Bliss Publishing,which has also done other field guides to area rivers such as the Sudbury River, Assabet River, and Concord River.
  • A Tribute to Rita Barron - this booklet describes the efforts of a former CRWA former executive director (1974-1988) to clean up the Charles (PDF).
  • CRWA events - find out about upcoming river-related happenings.

CRWA Store

All of your purchase at CRWA's online store help support our work to protect the Charles River watershed. Check out our selection of t-shirts, hats, notecards, and other items here.


Other links

Federal Government Agencies
MA Government Agencies
Local Government Agencies
Environmental Protection and Conservation Groups
Other Rivers in Massachusetts
Water-related Education
Recreation Links


Federal Government Agencies

Environmental Protection Agency - The EPA home page includes links to offices and labs, laws and regulations, projects, events, and databases. Resources for children, students and teachers, researchers, industry and concerned citizens are also provided.

Environmental Protection Agency: Region I - The EPA Region I web site includes information on laws and regulations, projects, grants, data, and places and groups in New England.

Environmental Protection Agency's Charles River Web Page - The web page provides information about the history and progress of the river's health and the Clean Charles 2005 Initiative.

Environmental Protection Agency EMPACT Project - The Environmental Monitoring for Public Access & Community Tracking program supports the Charles River Watershed Association's Lower Basin Pollution Warning Program. EMPACT aims to work with communities to make timely, accurate, and understandable environmental information available to millions of people in the largest metropolitan areas across the country so that communities and individuals can make informed, day-to-day decisions about their lives.

Environmental Protection Agency Index of Watershed Indicators - The Index of Watershed Indicators is the EPA's first national picture of watershed health. The Index organizes and presents aquatic resource information on a watershed basis.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water - The Office of Water includes the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds, Office of Science and Technology, Office of Wastewater Enforcement and Compliance, and the Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water.

Environmental Protection Agency Surf Your Watershed - This EPA site provides an environmental profile for the Charles River Watershed.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Coastal Restoration and Protection Division - Besides providing meteorological information, NOAA provides tools and information to better understand and mitigate the effects of oil and hazardous materials in the Charles River and other waters. The site includes contaminant data and applications associated with the Charles River data.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - This federal agency protects and preserves the "Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area," 17 scattered wetlands in the upper and middle Charles River watershed. The wetlands provide flood control, fisheries and wildlife management, and recreation.

U.S. Geological Survey Real-time Hydrologic Data - Data from real-time streamflow gages are relayed to the Massachusetts District office in Marlboro through the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) data-collection system. Data are transmitted from each station at intervals of either 3 or 4 hours and are loaded onto the Massachusetts District computer system.

U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources - The U.S. Geological Survey has the principal responsibility within the Federal Government to provide the hydrologic information and understanding needed by others to achieve the best use and management of the nation's water resources.

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Massachusetts Government Agencies

Department of Conservation and Recreation - The Department of Conservation and Recreation oversees all state park lands as well as managing and protecting public water supply watersheds. Explore the many reserves, beaches and historic sites along the Charles River with this on-line guide.

Department of Environmental Protection - The DEP administers the Commonwealth's environmental regulatory programs for the protection of water, air, and land.

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority - The MWRA web site provides extensive information about water supply and sewage treatment in the Metropolitan Boston area. It also provide reports on the water quality of the harbor, bay, and rivers, as well as beach updates and the 2002 State of Boston Harbor report , the latest of which is available in both html and pdf formats.

Massachusetts Riverways (Dept. of Fisheries, Wildlife & Environmental Law Enforcement) - The DFWELE Riverways project promotes the restoration and protection of the ecological integrity of the Commonwealth's watersheds: rivers, streams, and adjacent lands.

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Local Government Agencies

Boston Water and Sewer Commission - Boston Water and Sewer Commission's web site provides information on water and sewer regulations, water conservation tips, services related to the water and sewage systems, and their annual water quality report. The commission also provides hourly, monthly, and year-to-date rainfall data at five locations: Allston, Dorchester, Hyde Park, Roslindale and the South End.

Cambridge Water Department - The CWD web site provides information on water quality, lead in drinking water, and water treatment and supply.

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Environmental Protection and Conservation Groups

The Belmont Citizens Forum - The Belmont Citizens Forum was created in 1999 to preserve the natural and historical resources of Belmont, limit traffic growth, and enhance pedestrian safety. A great deal of their work deals with the environment, including projects to protect contiguous undeveloped land that stretches from Belmont into Waltham and Lexington, and on flooding in the Alewife watershed.

The Boston Harbor Association - The Boston Harbor Association (TBHA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1973 to promote a clean, alive and accessible Boston Harbor. TBHA brings together diverse interests - harbor users, environmentalists, developers, waterfront businesses and decision makers - to develop balanced solutions for maritime development, environmental protection and public access around the Harbor.

The Charles River Conservancy - The Conservancy is a non-profit advocacy group dedicated to the renovation, maintenance, and enrichment of the Charles River Basin and its surroundings, particularly its parks, parkways, and bridges.

Charles River "NoNasties" Stream Team - An entirely volunteer-run, non-profit organization whose mission is to protect, enhance, promote and enable public access to the natural beauty, ecological diversity, and biological health existing in the Cutler Park to Commonwealth Avenue segment of the Charles River.

Earth Share of New England - Formerly known as the Environmental Federation of New England, it is the only large-scale coalition of environmental non-profits based in New England. Earth Share promotes workplace giving programs that support environmental groups in the region.

Environmental League of Massachusetts - This non-profit organization is dedicated to protecting the air, water and land for the people of the Commonwealth. They voice citizens' concerns, educate the public, advocate for strong environmental law and ensure that the laws are implemented and enforced.

The Esplanade Association - A dynamic, non-profit collaboration of citizens working to protect, restore, and beautify Boston's historic Charles River Esplanade. The organization is dedicated to raising funds, building partnerships, and recruiting volunteers to protect this historic landmark.

The Friends of Hemlock Gorge - The Friends of Hemlock Gorge Reservation is a community organization dedicated to preserving and improving Hemlock Gorge, a 23-acre reservation along the Charles River.

Friends of the Middlesex Fells - The all-volunteer Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation exists to protect and preserve the natural and historic resources of the Fells. The Friends conduct natural and cultural history programs and recreational hikes year round, offer community service projects, and conduct cleanups, trail work and special events. The Friends also advocate for the Fells with local conservation boards, and with government agencies and elected officials.

Green Decade Coalition/Newton - The Green Decade Coalition/Newton is a grassroots volunteer environmental non-profit, representing households, businesses, schools and institutions in Newton and elsewhere with goals of implementing measurable improvements in the way we use resources. They host an online archive of articles published in The Environment Page, a monthly feature of the Newton TAB dedicated to providing current information about environmental science, policy and local conservation activities.

Massachusetts Audubon Society - The largest conservation organization in New England works to preserve the natural world through conservation, education, and environmental advocacy. The group maintains the Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in Natick which serves as a land base for education and conservation programs.

Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition - An informal association of land trusts and conservation organizations of Massachusetts who are dedicated to increasing the individual and collective effectiveness of their organizations. The coalition promotes public understanding and public policies that support private and public land conservation efforts. One local member trust is the Metacomet Land Trust, which holds conservation land along the Charles River in Bellingham, Franklin, Norfolk and Wrentham.

Massachusetts Waterwatch Partnership - The Massachusetts Water Watch Partnership (MassWWP) provides training and other technical assistance to citizen organizations who conduct water quality monitoring programs on the lakes, rivers, and estuaries of Massachusetts. Founded in 1990, MassWWP operates under the administration of the Water Resources Research Center of the University of Massachusetts - Amherst.

MIT Sea Grant Center for Coastal Resources - This site serves primarily as a clearinghouse for data and information, directing users to agencies and other contacts, specific research projects, geographic information and sources of data.

Newton Conservators - The Newton Conservators is a citizen's group that advocates for Newton's open spaces. Since their founding in 1961, they have helped preserve over 200 acres of open space and created several major parks for public enjoyment. Save the Harbor/Save the Bay Save the Harbor/Save the Bay is a grass-roots environmental advocacy group whose mission is to restore, protect and promote Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay.

The Trustees of Reservations - A private, statewide conservation and preservation organization dedicated to protecting 33,000 acres of scenic, historic, and ecological landscapes in Massachusetts. The organization also offers expert assistance and advice on conservation and preservation techniques.

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Other Rivers in Massachusetts

Ipswich River Watershed Association - The Ipswich River Watershed Association is a group of citizens, scientists, businesses, and municipal managers concerned about the health of the Ipswich River and its watershed. They work together to restore the river and ensure a sustainable water supply for the region.

Merrimack River Watershed Council - This organization is dedicated to protecting the Merrimack River Watershed, located in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

Mystic River Watershed: Eastern Massachusetts - Their goals are to bring to public attention the enormous wealth of information that is available concerning water quality issues in the Mystic watershed, and to raise awareness about the water quality problems that could threaten sustainable uses of the watershed's many waterways. Brought to you by Tufts University.

Neponset River Watershed Association - The Neponset River Watershed Association (NepRWA) works to protect and restore the natural resources of the Neponset River Watershed for the use and enjoyment of both present and future generations.

Organization for the Assabet River - The Organization for the Assabet River (OAR) is a non-profit group established to preserve and protect the Assabet River and its tributaries and to protect open space and environmental quality in the Assabet watershed.

Parker River Clean Water Association - The Parker River Clean Water Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the restoration and protection of the ecological integrity of the Parker River and Plum Island Sound as well as their tributary streams and adjacent lands.

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Education

The Global Water Sampling Project - In this science project, middle school and high school students gather and share data to compare the water quality of a local river, stream, lake or pond with other freshwater sources around the world. Projects run in fall and spring. This project is developed and managed by the Center for Improved Engineering and Science Education (CIESE) located at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey.

The Urban Ecology Institute - The mission of the Boston-based institute is to promote the stewardship of urban ecosystems through discovery, learning and empowerment. The education program assists local public high schools in developing long-term ecological research programs along the Charles River.

Water - Use It Wisely Water Saving Tips - A site providing easy tips to conserve water both indoors and outdoors, as well as educational tools and contact information for local water authorities across the nation.

H2ouse.net - See how much water your household uses with the water budget calculator. Useful, everyday tips are provided here to help conserve water in every room of the house and in the garden.

Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) - A website for teachers and educators with curriculum ideas, products and workshop opportunities - all dealing with water and watershed education. This is also a great site for parents and communities.

H2O CONSERVE - Water-saving hints and information on water usage are available here as well as a calculator to determine your daily "water footprint".

World Water Monitoring Day - World Water Monitoring Day helps to promote public awareness of water quality issues and water resource protection. On this day, citizens from around the world conduct simple monitoring tests on rivers, lakes and streams in their communities. Register a site near you, and participate this year!

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