MAPPING THE CRITICAL AREAS IN HOLLISTON

Release date: October 14, 1999

Holliston, MA - An analysis by the Charles River Watershed Association of current land use in Holliston has identified areas of town that, if developed according to current zoning, could impact water supplies and local streams.   CRWA will present the results of the analysis and give a preview of options for land use planning at a public meeting on October 21 in the Holliston High School Auditorium from 7 to 9 pm.

CRWA's analysis is a major piece of a multi-faceted, ongoing project in Holliston to demonstrate "environmental zoning."  The joint initiative by CRWA and the Conservation Law Foundation is designed to check unplanned growth and preserve natural resources and quality of life.  “Everyone is concerned about sprawl,” explains CRWA’s Executive Director Robert L. Zimmerman, Jr.  “ But there are few practical planning tools available to control it.  The project in Holliston could be a model for other municipalities around Massachusetts.”

Recognizing that unplanned growth in the upper Charles River watershed threatens the quality and quantity of water available for drinking water and flow in the river, CRWA is working with several towns on water management issues.  A non-profit organization, CRWA has developed computer simulation models and mapping capabilities to help analyze and better predict changes in water resources in the upper watershed.

Call 617-965-5975 or check on CRWA’s website (www.crwa.org) for more information.

Back to index