RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
An Update on South Natick Dam
Dam removal is underway in South Natick! This update comes four years after the Natick Select Board voted in favor of removing the spillway and restoring the river back in 2022. Last week, water levels in the impoundment were drawn down in anticipation of spillway removal, which is expected to begin on July 16th. Water levels are being lowered through the use of the sluice gates, which have been opened to allow for draining.
3rd Annual Herring Festival, Anticipating Dam Removal
On May 17, 2026, we were joined by hundreds of community members, Rep. Steve Owens, Rep. John Lawn, and members from the Wampanoag Nation to celebrate the annual spring migration of herring into the Charles River to spawn.
CRWA in the News—“Advocates push for removal of ‘defunct’ Charles River dams that pose flood risk, disrupt ecosystems”
CRWA’s River Restoration Director Lisa Kumpf was interviewed this week by WBZ News Boston for a story on the importance of dam removal for river restoration. Watch it now or read the article.
Watch it Now: Reconnecting Rivers
We’re excited to announce the public release of Reconnecting Rivers, a short film exploring dam removal efforts in the Charles River watershed and beyond to restore ecosystem health, wildlife habitat, and Indigenous sovereignty.
Thank you for joining us! Reconnecting Rivers Screenings
This month, we hosted two screenings of our new short film, Reconnecting Rivers, which we produced with Turnaround Films.
ACTION ALERT: Show Your Support for Dam Removal!
Submit a comment to DCR before December 19, urging them to proceed with the removal of the Watertown Dam!
Governor Healey Launches Nation-Leading Biodiversity Initiative
Earlier this month, the Healey-Driscoll Administration launched a nation-leading 25-year biodiversity initiative that will help restore rivers, forests, and habitats across the state.
Natick Completes MEPA Process: A Step Closer To Removing The Charles River Dam
Exciting news! The Town of Natick has completed the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) process and received its MEPA certificate for removing the Charles River Dam at South Natick.
ACTION ALERT: Comment in Support of Removal of Watertown Dam
Following the public meeting on September 25th, at which the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (Mass DCR) presented the Alternatives Analysis Study results on the Watertown Dam, a comment period has been opened for community feedback. You have until October 17 to make your voice heard!
North Bellingham Dam Site Visit
On September 20th, CRWA hosted a site visit to North Bellingham Dam. The site visit included Senator Rebecca Rausch, Dana Hanson from Congressman Jake Auchincloss’s office, State Representative Mike Soter, as well as members of Bellingham's Department of Public Works, Conservation Commission, and Select Board.
Gov. Healey Awards Nearly $14 Million in Funding for Dams and Coastal Infrastructure
Gov. Maura Healey today announced over $13.9 million in grants to support the repair of dams and coastal infrastructure across Massachusetts.
Watertown Dam Removal Community Meeting
On July 9, DCR hosted the first of two Watertown Dam community meetings to present the goals of their Watertown Dam Removal Alternatives Analysis.
Indigenous-led Paddle on the Quinobequin
On June 29 we partnered with Indigenous Peoples Day (IPD) Newton for the second annual Quinobequin Intertribal Paddle, bringing together Indigenous community members, river enthusiasts, and environmental advocates to celebrate our shared commitment to protecting the Charles River and its natural flow.
CRWA Gifts Watertown Poster for Commitment to Climate Resiliency (PRESS RELEASE)
On June 25th, in a gesture of appreciation, Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) staff Zeus Smith, Arrianna Proia, and Emilia Dick Fiora del Fabro presented a framed commemorative poster to the Watertown City Council.
Hooray for Herring!
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Watertown Dam Herring Festival to honor the annual migration of Alewife, Blueback herring, and American shad up the Charles River!
ACTION ALERT: Write to MEPA showing support for the removal of the South Natick Dam.
The Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office is allowing community members to show their support for the removal of the South Natick Dam, which was rated to be in “poor condition” by the MA Office of Dam Safety. We need your help demonstrating community support for removing the Charles River Dam in South Natick.
Consultant Hired for Watertown Dam Removal
Progress! Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation(DCR) has hired GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc. to prepare a Dam Removal Alternatives Analysis for the Watertown Dam, a necessary step toward removal.
“Why I Kayaked the Entire Charles River”
“After hundreds of years, dams along the Charles River could come down to let the currents run wild and free—and help the environment. To get a closer look, our intrepid river rat set out to become the second person ever to kayak the iconic waterway's complete length.”
Devastating Flooding & What We Can Do - AP, WBUR, Mass Live
CRWA is working on tangible, nature-based solutions––flood storage, ending sewage overflows, removing defunct dams, building green infrastructure, and more. Read our statement and articles in the Associated Press, WBUR, MassLive, NBC 10, and Worcester Telegram.
DCR, DFG Tour Watertown Dam!
Thank you to MA Department & Conservation Recreation Commissioner Brian Arrigo and MA Department of Fish & Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea for joining us for a tour of Watertown Dam to learn more about this exciting opportunity for urban river restoration!