RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
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.
Massachusetts' New Climate Law and the Crucial Role of Flood Maps in Protecting Our Future
This new climate bill requires the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to review existing flood risk maps and support additional mapping resources as necessary within six months of passage.
Thank you, Wellesley
CRWA Executive Director Emily Norton was the Fall Educational Speaker for the Wellesley Conservation Land Trust (WCLT) on November 13.
CRWA to Join Watertown’s Collaborative Public Art Initiative Promoting Environmental Stewardship
CRWA’s River Restoration Project Manager has paired with Boston-based artist Sophy Tuttle to create a temporary, educational public artwork centered on locally relevant environmental topics as a part of the Edible Watertown initiative.
Mass. House Approves Climate Bill; Bill Goes to Governor’s Desk Next (Press Release)
Massachusetts House Approves Climate Bill; Legislation Includes Key Language Requiring Flood Risk Mapping
Critical Drought in Charles River Watershed — CRWA In the News
This month the Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) declared a Level 3-Critical Drought in Massachusetts' Central and Northeast regions, including the entirety of the Charles River watershed. Read more in Universal Hub and the Revere Journal.
Massachusetts Declares “Critical” Drought As Wildfires Flare And Low Streamflow Persist (Press Release)
Massachusetts Declares “Critical” Drought As Wildfires Flare And Low Streamflows Persist (Press Release)
How We Are Meeting the Moment
Over 100 Culverts Assessed: Advancing Aquatic Connectivity on the East Coast
This field season, CRWA assessed over 100 culverts! Our sites ranged from urban tributaries like the Muddy River, to suburban streams such as Godfrey Brook, and even rural stream crossings in the upper reaches of our watershed.
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
For over twelve thousand years, Indigenous people have stewarded our watershed, cultivating interdependent relationships with our river and advocating for its protection.
EPA Acts to Cut Stormwater Pollution — Coverage in WBUR, WGBH, and The Boston Globe
EPA Acts to Cut Stormwater Pollution — Coverage in WBUR, WGBH, and The Boston Globe.
EPA Takes Major Step To Reduce Water Pollution in Charles, Mystic, Neponset Rivers (Press Release)
EPA Takes Major Step To Reduce Water Pollution in Charles, Mystic, Neponset Rivers (Press Release)
ACTION ALERT: Protect Wildlife and End The Use Of Toxic Rodenticides (SGARs)
Restrict the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) to protect wildlife, our environment, and community!
Zillow added climate risk data to its for-sale listings. Not everyone in the real estate game is happy. – CRWA in The Boston Globe
Check out what CRWA Executive Director Emily Norton had to say about Zillow’s new climate risk assessment in this Boston Globe story.
Much of Charles River Watershed In Level 1 Drought
Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs has declared a Level 1 Mild Drought for much of the Charles River watershed.
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!
Muddy River in the News — Read more in The Boston Guardian and the Fenway News!
Following two successful webinars discussing the current conditions, ongoing work, and future plans for the Muddy, we were happy to be featured in The Boston Guardian and the Fenway News!
Cyanobacteria Bloom Advisory for Charles River Lifted (PRESS RELEASE)
The cyanobacteria bloom advisory in the Charles River downstream of the Longfellow Bridge was lifted yesterday afternoon.
Translated 2023 Water Quality Report Cards Now Available!
Translated 2023 Report Card Grades Map versions are now available in Simplified Chinese, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and Spanish.
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.