The River Current || September 25, 2007 || Issue 58

The twice monthly e-newsletter of the Charles River Watershed Association
...bringing our backyard river to your door...

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In this issue:
1)       Wetlands appeals action alert update
2)       Newton EMS Grand Opening October 5-8
3)       Waltham Island Cleanup October 20
4)       CRWA Annual Meeting November 19

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1)       Congratulations CRWA advocates – success in protecting citizen wetlands appeals!
Back in July, we sent out an action alert asking you to voice your opinion about protecting the right of ten citizens to appeal in wetlands permitting. In a dramatic victory for citizen participation, the Patrick administration reversed its decision to eliminate the longstanding right of ten residents of a town to appeal a decision by DEP involving wetlands to an administrative hearing.  More than 500 people from across the state protested the change on the Deval Patrick Committee website, and CRWA and over 30 other organizations wrote to the Governor asking him to protect the rights of Massachusetts citizens and to honor his commitment to increase civic engagement and participation.  

For more information and to read the letter environmentalists sent to the Governor, as well as Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles Ian Bowles’ response announcing that 10 resident appeals would be kept, visit http://www.crwa.org/alert/wetlands.html

2)       Grand Opening of Newton Eastern Mountain Sports store will support CRWA
Eastern Mountain Sports, one of the nation’s leading outfitters of outdoor gear, apparel, footwear and accessories, is celebrating its 40^th anniversary with the grand opening community celebration of its new store in Newton, Mass and weekend celebration open to all. One percent of the proceeds from the opening weekend will be donated to the Charles River Watershed Association.

The new EMS store, located at 300 Needham Street, Newton MA 02464, features a 100 percent rain recharge system that captures all rain water that falls onsite. The water is then recharged into the ground, replenishing the ground water aquifer, stopping silt and overland runoff to the Charles River and reducing the warming of the river during heavy rains.

3)       Volunteers needed for Waltham island cleanup
On Saturday, October 20 from 10am to 3pm, CRWA will co-host a cleanup of an island on the Charles in Waltham. MA Department of Conservation and Recreation, WCRB radio and the Watermill Office Complex will also be participating in the event, which will include trash pick up and dismantling an illegal structure on the island. More information will be available soon - please reply to this email or call Rebecca at 781-788-0007 x200 if you’re able to help out!

4)       CRWA Annual Meeting will take place on November 19
The Charles River Watershed Association’s Annual Meeting will take place on Monday, November 19^th from 5:30 to 9:30pm at the Newton Marriott Hotel. The yearly event is metro Boston’s premiere river celebration. Join community advocates, government officials, academics, and river enthusiasts from all 35 towns and cities in the Charles River watershed and learn about CRWA’s recent accomplishments at the local, regional and national levels; we will also honor dedicated volunteers, civic leaders, and key players in efforts to clean up the Charles River.  Noted river conservationist, author, and photographer Tim Palmer will present the keynote address.

Tickets for the Annual Meeting, including a buffet dinner, are $60 for CRWA members and $75 for the general public; CRWA volunteers receive a discount. To reserve a space, contact Lorraine Burke at CRWA (click here for contact information) or visit www.charlesriver.org/annmeeting.html