Around the Watershed
Smart Sewering in Littleton
In a groundbreaking study, CRWA is developing climate change mitigation and adaptation, and smart economic growth in a package that is economically desirable for the Town of Littleton to pursue. Smart sewering is a new take on conventional wastewater, part of CRWA’s on-going work to make environmental protection and restoration the engine of sound economic growth and development. Read the final report (pdf) on this study authored by Natural Systems Utilities, Boston University professor Don Zizzi and CRWA.
Action Alerts
Help Protect River Herring!
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) recently determined that river herring should be considered for listing as a “threatened” species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Alewife and blueback herring, collectively known as “river herring,” are very important to the Atlantic ecosystem and feed countless marine and freshwater animals. Today, where millions of these fish once swam, they now number in the thousands, or even mere hundreds. If river herring are listed as “threatened” under the ESA - as NMFS promised to consider doing - they will be better protected against bycatch in ocean fisheries, which studies estimate kills roughly 12 million fish annually. They would also be better protected against water pollution, dams and other harms. Act now to protect river herring by urging NMFS to undertake a comprehensive and fully-independent scientific review. Click here to send NMFS an email letter.
Attend Public Meetings on MBTA Fares and Service
The MBTA will hold public meetings around the region in response to its recent announcement of plans to significantly raise fares and cut service. Find the schedule of public meetings here. For the good of the environment, the economy, and our quality of life, transportation options should be expanded, not reduced. Please call your elected State Senator and Representative to tell them why public transit is important to you and ask them to support a more complete package of funding for transportation than simply raising MBTA fares. For further information, please visit the Transportation for Massachusetts website.
Remembering Alexandra Dawson 
Alexandra Dawson, renowned environmentalist, lawyer and teacher passed away on December 30, 2011 at age 80. Beginning her career at the Conservation Law Foundation, Alexandra was known throughout Massachusetts and the region as a spectacular advocate for the environment. She helped preserve hundreds of acres of wetlands and forests from development and she fought for water resource protection. The environment was her client and when Alexandra took up your cause, you felt like you couldn’t lose. In 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency honored Alexandra with its Environmental Merit Award for Lifetime Achievement.
"For me personally, Alexandra was a role model and I learned something new every time I saw her. I never left a meeting, hearing or event where Alexandra spoke without wishing I could be as articulate, convincing and forceful as she was. CRWA will miss and always remember Alexandra for her feistiness, humor and common sense on environmental issues." - Margaret Van Deusen
Read more about Alexandra’s legacy. Read a tribute to Alexandra Dawson by Judith Eiseman.
Announcements
Medfield State Hospital Cleanup Public Involvement Meetings
A meeting is scheduled for February 9, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Medfield Town Hall to discuss scoping of alternatives for the Division of Capital Assets Management’s (DCAM) remediation of the contaminated site. On March 8, 2012, 7:00 p.m. DCAM is scheduled to present its Remedial Evaluation and its Remedy Implementation Plan at Town Hall. CRWA, which has been working to ensure an environmentally-protective cleanup with restoration of the riverbank, riverfront area and contaminated sediments in the river will be attending these meetings.
Registration Opens for the Run of the Charles Canoe and Kayak Race
Early registration for the 30th Run of the Charles Canoe and Kayak Race is now open. Please consider joining us as a participant, volunteer or sponsor at New England's largest canoe and kayak race. More information.
13th Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup April 21
Join more than 3,000 other volunteers along all 80 miles of the Charles River in the 13th Annual Earth Day Cleanup on Saturday, April 21 from 9am-12pm! You will be part of a group picking up trash (including plastic bottles, old tires, and shopping carts) from along the banks of the Charles River at one of 100 sites from Boston to Bellingham. Volunteers are provided with gloves, trash bags, and a free t-shirt for participating, and you will have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped improve the health and beauty of the Charles River! More information.
Watertown Community Foundation Still Accepting Applications for Riverfront Mini-Grants Program
The Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) is still accepting applications for its 2011 Watertown Riverfront Mini-Grants Program. The purpose of these small grants is to encourage utilization, enjoyment and revitalization of the Watertown riverfront. All eligible Watertown groups and organizations are encouraged to apply for a $500 mini-grant. For a copy of the one-page application form, contact Jennifer Ross, Watertown Riverfront Coordinator, at jross@watertownfoundation.org or 303-250-6396. More information.
“Get Outdoors Massachusetts” Contest Now Open!
The Get Outdoors Massachusetts contest is open to the public and seeks public participation in developing technologies that feature Massachusetts outdoor and natural resources. The contest invites smart phone mobile application developers to create applications to help the public find outdoor recreation hot spots in Massachusetts. The submission deadline is March 30, and registration is free. Entrants will compete for prizes including the opportunity to showcase their work to local technology executives. EEA will announce the winners on April 18. More information. |
CRWA in the News
Read more about the recent release of the “Smart Sewering” report.
CRWA signed on to a letter to EPA opposing modifications to a permit that would delay recovery of the Blackstone River.
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WATERSHED INFO
