The River Current || July 18, 2008 || Issue 72

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)    Action Alert: DCR stormwater funding
2)    Shad release tomorrow
3)    Blue-green algae bloom in Muddy River
4)    Win Jack Johnson tickets from CRWA
5)    Last chance - Vote for CRWA to win $4000

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1) Action Alert! DCR stormwater funding in jeopardy
In our last River Current, we reported on a MA budget success - an increase in stormwater funding for the MA Department of Conservation (DCR). Since then, Governor Patrick has vetoed the increase, cutting DCR’s budget for stormwater by $150,000. Please help us reverse this harmful veto by calling or emailing your Senators and Representatives; ask him/her to help override Governor Patrick’s budget cut. DCR has begun to make significant improvements in their stormwater management program, including adding staff and purchasing new equipment. Cutting their budget only hampers their efforts to reduce flooding and improve water quality in our rivers, lakes and beaches.

To find your legislators and contact info, go to www.wheredoivotema.com or just call 617-722-2000 and mention your town, and the operator will connect you.

2) Shad fry release in Waltham today
Several hundred thousand shad fry will be released into the Charles River this morning at the Woerd Ave. boat launch in Waltham. Representatives from MA Division of Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, CRWA Executive Director Bob Zimmerman provided brief remarks about the Shad restoration efforts in the Charles River. For more information about the Shad restoration, and to see photos of previous releases, visit CRWA’s website at http://www.crwa.org/projects/shad_stocking.html

3) Blue-green algae bloom in the Muddy River
On Tuesday, CRWA scientists sampled in the Muddy River and confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in a portion of the Muddy River Fens area. CRWA’s monitoring work indicates that blue-green algae are present in potentially harmful levels, based on standards established by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.  With the authorization of the Boston Parks Department, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy has posted warning signs in the lower Fens area.  Humans and pets should avoid contact with the water in these areas.

Blue-green algae (formally known as cyanobacteria) is an aquatic, photosynthetic bacteria that has recently become a serious problem because of abundant growth. It can pose a public health risk by produce toxins which can cause skin irritation and digestive problems in humans and illness or death in pets.

For more information about blue-green algae, including a fact sheet and photos to help with identification, go to http://www.crwa.org/water_quality/algae.html 

) REMINDER: Donate to CRWA and win Jack Johnson tickets!
When you support CRWA’s science and advocacy work between now and July 31, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a pair of tickets to the August 6th show. Each $35 donation qualifies for an entry into the drawing. CRWA is one of five local organizations that was invited to participate in the “Village Green”, promoting environmental awareness during the concert. Come visit our booth at the show and learn how you can help with our work to promote clean and abundant water in the Charles River.
As part of our partnership, Jack Johnson will donate $1 to CRWA each time our video is viewed on his community action website at  http://www.jackjohnsonmusic.com/allatonce/explore (to find our video, click on the ‘Filter Videos’ drop down menu, then select ‘Community Groups’ and choose CRWA).

For more information or to donate via Paypal, go to http://www.crwa.org/jackjohnson.html, or contact Leigh Heffernan, CRWA membership coordinator, at 781-788-0007 x231. Thanks for your support!

5) LAST CHANCE: Vote for CRWA to win $4000!
CRWA is being showcased during an in-store campaign at Patagonia Boston that will end this Saturday, July 19. You can help us win $4000 - please stop by the store at 246 Newbury Street and vote for CRWA (no purchase necessary)!