DCR, DFG Tour Watertown Dam!

DAM REMOVALADVOCACY
Written By Charles River

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!

Watertown Dam is a highly visible site on a nationally iconic river––its existence has long been opposed by Indigenous people, it does not serve a purpose, it negatively impacts the river ecosystem, and it was not built to withstand the storms of today. Removing the dam, restoring migratory fish passage, and healing the river is a transformative, positive act in a time of great change and uncertainty.

We’re so grateful for all who attended to show support for river restoration including State Rep. Steve Owens, Rep. Kay Khan, and Rep. Thomas Stanley, Watertown City Councillors Vincent Piccirilli, Mark Sideris, Nicole Gardner, Lisa Feltner, John Gannon, Caroline Bays, and Emily Izzo, Watertown Conservation Commissioners Maria Rose and Leo Martin, MA Division of Ecological Restoration Director Beth Lambert, Watertown City Staff George Proakis, Steve Magoon, Laurel Schwab, and Katherine Swan, Hartman Deetz of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, and allies from the Nature Conservancy, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, Newton City Council, Newton Conservators, Waltham Land Trust, Sierra Club Massachusetts, Charles River Regional Chamber, Green Newton, Greater Boston Trout Unlimited, Watertown Historical Society, First Church of Watertown, and Native Fish Coalition.

Above all, we greatly appreciate Commissioner Arrigo & Commissioner O’Shea’s committed partnership and enthusiasm for answering remaining questions and determining the future of this site. We look forward to working together!

THANK YOU, STATE REPS! Thank you to State Representatives Thomas Stanley, Steve Owens, and Kay Khan for showing your support for a restored Charles River!

THANK YOU, WATERTOWN CITY COUNCIL! We are so grateful to members of Watertown City Council who joined to share they support dam removal.

Charles River

Charles River Watershed Association’s mission is to use science, advocacy, and the law to protect, restore, and enhance the Charles River and its watershed. We develop science-based strategies to increase resilience, protect public health, and promote environmental equity as we confront a changing climate.

https://www.crwa.org
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