The River Current || July 8, 2008 || Issue 71

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. 1. Volunteer to remove invasive plants
   2. State budget success story
   3. Presentation on Everett Street Greening demonstration project
   4. Green Masterpieces concert
   5. Help CRWA win $4000

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   1) Volunteers needed to remove invasive plants from the Charles
   
   Charles River Watershed Association and Charles River Canoe and Kayak are partnering to remove water chestnut, an invasive aquatic plant, from the Newton and Waltham area of the Charles River during the month of July. Volunteers will work from canoes and pull out water chestnuts from the river, which grow very densely, and can choke the water in shallow sections of the river and along the shoreline. We will have volunteer events on July 15 from 5:30 – 8:00pm, and July 19 & 20 from 10:00am – 2:00pm. All volunteers will have the chance to enter a raffle to win tickets to Jack Johnson’s August 6th concert. To sign up or for more information, contact Rebecca by replying to this email or calling 781-788-0007 x200. Come help reclaim the river!

   2) State budget success – MA DCR gets more money for stormwater!
   
   CRWA worked closely with the Emerald Necklace Conservancy to promote an increase in funding for the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to deal with rain run-off and managing stormwater, in part to support DCR’s work to improve stormwater infrastructure along the Emerald Necklace Parkways. Last week, our efforts paid off as the Massachusetts FY 09 Operating Budget signed by the legislature provides $1,094,643 for DCR’s stormwater management program, an increase of $153,355 over FY 08.  Thanks to those of you who made calls to your legislators in support of this funding.

   Stormwater remains the biggest source of pollution to Massachusetts waters, and we will continue to work with DCR, and with the legislature, to improve this program. Our state’s stormwater management programs – from infrastructure to operational practices – will need significant resources in the coming years if we are to prevent flooding, and protect water quality. 

   3) Presentation on Everett Street Greening Demonstration Project on July 16
   
   As part of the Allston Brighton Green Space Advocates annual Summer Slam on Wednesday, July 16th, CRWA will present on our Everett Street Greening Demonstration project, discussing low impact development retrofit concepts for the St. Anthony's site.

   If you’d like to attend the Summer Slam picnic, beginning at 6:30pm, please bring a potluck food item to the Brian J. Honan Apartments at 57 Everett Street, Allston. Following the picnic, there will be a guided walking tour to St. Anthony’s Church at 53 Holton Street, Allston. CRWA’s presentation will take place at St. Anthony’s Church in the auditorium in the German School at 7:30 pm, followed by feedback and discussion. Please contact Kate Jordan at Allston Brighton CDC at 617-787-3874 x216 or at jordan@allstonbrightoncdc.org if you would like to attend. 

    4) Green Masterpieces Concert on July 16
   
   Join CRWA on Wednesday, July 16th at 7:00 pm at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade for the 2nd Annual Green Masterpieces: Air and Water, an evening of free outdoor music inspired by nature, featuring the Landmarks Orchestra. The night promises to be an exciting celebration of clean air and water, and the performing arts. For more information, contact Peggy at 781-788-0007 x235.

   5) REMINDER: Vote for CRWA to win $4000!
   
   CRWA is being showcased during an in-store campaign at Patagonia Boston from now through July 19. Please stop by the Newbury Street store and vote for CRWA to win a $4000 donation!

    

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   River Current is published by the Charles River Watershed Association and hosted by NPOGroups.org, a service of Electric Embers. List information can be found at http://lists.charlesriver.org.