The latest news, events, and updates from
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Solutions for Future Flooding!
Thank you Congresswoman Katherine Clark for securing $400K in federal funding for the Charles River Flood Model!
Along with state and local leaders, we recently joined Congresswoman Clark to announce this important support. In light of the recent devastating storms in Vermont and Western Massachusetts, and this weekend’s severe flooding on Storrow Drive, federal investment in climate resilience could not be more timely. This funding will support the continued development of the Charles River Flood Model to design and further flood mitigation solutions––including advancing eight existing priority projects to construction, such as the Natick High School project.
Special thanks to State Rep. David Linsky, the office of State Sen. Pres. Karen Spilka, members of Natick Select Board, town staff, and Communities Responding to Extreme Weather for joining us. Learn more on our blog and coverage in Metrowest Daily News, Natick Report, and Natick Patch.
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Amid Devastating Floods, Remove Defunct Dams Now |
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Thank you to WGBH for important coverage of the dangers of obsolete dams in a changing climate. Climate Resilience Specialist Robert Kearns is featured to weigh in on hazardous dams across the watershed. “A lot of these structures are just either totally left forgotten or are really not designed for the strongest storms, the more increased rainfall that we're seeing here in the Northeast with climate change," said Robert Kearns. See the full article and video.
Additionally, thank you to the Boston Globe for publishing our letter “Four things Mass. can do now to lower flood risk from failing dams” with Mystic River + Neponset River Watershed Associations. “Key dams in the Charles, Mystic, and Neponset watersheds are unsafe, putting people, property, and the environment at risk. Above all, [the Commonwealth must] make it state policy to prioritize removal of unnecessary dams and river restoration over more costly options such as dam repair or disaster recovery.”
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Curbing Stormwater Pollution
A judge denied the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) motion to dismiss a suit filed by Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) and Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), which aims to hold EPA accountable for implementing stormwater runoff protections in the Charles, Mystic, and Neponset River watersheds. In addition to denying EPA’s motion to dismiss, the presiding judge stayed the litigation until September 2024, meaning that the suit will recommence if EPA fails to issue the permit by that time. This keeps the pressure on EPA to finish its permitting process and is a significant step towards fully realizing the shared goal of clean, fishable, swimmable urban rivers. Read more on our blog and Boston Herald.
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Stream Restoration in Action!
Thanks to all who joined us for a tour of Fuller Brook in Wellesley! Brandon Schmitt, Natural Resources Commission Director for the Town of Wellesley, presented how extensive stormwater improvements and invasive species management helped to restore the ecosystem, improve water quality, and create the thriving linear park system of today. River Restoration Program Manager Lisa Kumpf presented CRWA's current stream restoration priorities, the Muddy River in Boston and Brookline, Canterbury Brook in Boston, and Cheesecake Brook in Newton. Stream restoration can boost biodiversity, curb pollution, build flood resilience, and beautify public spaces. Learn more.
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EVENTS
AUGUST 3RD | Working Together for Water Quality: 2022 Three Rivers Report Card Grades | Register here >>
NEW DATE! AUGUST 3RD | Climate Action On + Off the Screen: Magazine Beach | Register here >>
AUGUST 17TH | Climate Action On + Off the Screen: Herter Park | Register here >>
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Charles River on the State Budget!
We are so pleased to announce many initiatives that support a clean, resilient, restored Charles River are included in the almost-final state budget! This includes $50K for climate resilience planning in Allston-Brighton filed by Rep. Michael Moran, $100K for aquatic invasive species control in the Mystic and Charles Rivers filed by Rep. Kay Khan, $250K for dam removal and river restoration filed by Rep. John Lawn, and $100K for the Hardy Pond restoration project in Waltham filed by Rep. Thomas Stanley. A huge thank you to all of the amendment sponsors and co–sponsors! We will continue to advocate for Governor Healey to include these critical amendments in the final budget.
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$250K for Dam Removal in 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, a defunct high-hazard potential dam rated in “poor condition” by the Massachusetts Office of Dam Safety. Read more in our blog, 22 News, Natick Report.
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Double-Check Public Health Advisories Before Swimming.
The Boston Globe reported over 70 Massachusetts beaches remain closed for swimming due to bacterial pollution from sewer overflows and stormwater pollution. Just this weekend, heavy rainfall caused five combined sewer overflows (CSOs) to discharge untreated sewage for nearly five hours in the Charles River. This comes on the heels of the release of nearly 9 million gallons of combined sewage discharged the weekend prior!
Additionally, as temperatures rise, our waterways are also more likely to see toxic cyanobacteria blooms, as reported in WBUR. Our communities deserve clean, safe beaches for swimming––not sewage-filled, toxic waters. We continue to call for an end to combined-sewer overflows, stronger stormwater regulations, and more green infrastructure to restore water quality for all. Learn more and sign up for water quality alerts here.
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Three Rivers Report Card Announcement
This Thursday, August 3, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will join U.S. Senator Ed Markey, Charles River Watershed Association, Mystic River Watershed Association, Neponset River Watershed Association, state and local leaders, and community partners to announce the 2022 Water Quality Report Card Grades for the three rivers that flow into Boston Harbor. We hope you can join us!
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You're invited! Champions of the Charles Gala
Royal Sonesta, Cambridge
Thursday, October 5
6:00 PM–9:00 PM
The Champions of the Charles Gala is our opportunity to celebrate YOU, the friends and supporters who make our work to protect and preserve the Charles River Watershed possible. Additionally, we are so pleased to honor Congresswoman Katharine Clark and White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy for their commitment to clean water and climate resilience. Mark your calendars and get your tickets today!
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THE CHARLES RIVER, AT DAWN Ever wonder what the Charles River sounds like at dawn? Turn that volume all the way up! You don't want to miss the delightful sounds of birdsong, free-flowing water, and frogs. Video: Skyler Kim
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REGIONAL COLLABORATION Thank you Yale Climate Connections for the great piece on local climate collaboration with the Charles River Flood Model.
“If you’re not looking at that holistic picture, one, you’re not really going to understand the problem correctly and, two, you’re not going to have the full toolbox of solutions,” says Climate Resilience Director Julie Wood. “What’s happening upstream will impact what’s happening downstream.”
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Tracking Cyanobacteria––with your help!
Do you walk, bike, roll, or row along the Charles River? Are you looking for a way to make a difference? Sign up to be a Visual Cyanobacteria Monitor!
Cyanobacteria are naturally occurring organisms that in high quantities, are toxic to humans and pets. Blooms can develop quickly, and we need volunteers like you to be the eyes and ears of the river.
It’s as easy as a quick photo on the go––sign up today to help us protect public health!
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Calling all interns!
Looking to kick-start your career in water? Today is the last day to apply for our Fall Watershed Science Internship! This is a part-time, paid opportunity where you’ll learn everything from water sampling and invasive plant management to data analysis and science communication. Apply today!
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Charles River Watershed Association | www.crwa.org
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