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.
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!
Amid Devastating Flooding, Dam Failure in Leominster, Four Things the State Can Do Right Now
Amid widespread, devastating flooding in Leominster, the collapse of Brooks Pond Dam, and the evacuation of the Barrett Park Pond Dam, we again urge the state to make it a priority of the Commonwealth and the Secretary to remove defunct dams and protect residents from catastrophic flooding.
$585K for Charles River Priorities!
We are pleased to announce numerous Charles River priorities are included in the final Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget!
CRWA Applauds Healey-Driscoll Administration for $5.6 Million for Defunct Dam Removal–Including $250K for Natick!
Charles River Watershed Association applauds the Healey-Driscoll Administration for expediting $5.6 million in state funding to protect communities from the hazards of catastrophic dam failure. This includes $250K for the Town of Natick to advance the removal of the Charles River Dam in South Natick.
As the climate changes, obsolete dams put Mass. at risk for flooding similar to Vermont - WGBH
Thank you GBH News for the important feature on hazardous dams that are at risk of failure with climate change.
American Rivers Calls for Dam Removal!
National organization American Rivers has joined with Charles River Watershed Association and fifteen other state and local partners to call for the swift removal of Watertown Dam to restore the river.
Spring Herring Celebration!
Thank you to all who joined us for our first-ever Spring Herring Celebration! We enjoyed connecting with so many at Watertown Dam for a conversation about the small-but-mighty migratory fish that return to the Charles River each season.
Dams & Migratory Fish
Thank you to all who attended our webinar about dam removal & river restoration in the Charles River watershed! In case you missed it, watch the full recording.