RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
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.
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
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)
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)
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.
With Leaders and Community Partners, Three Boston Watershed Associations Announce Annual EPA Water Quality Report Card Grades (PRESS RELEASE)
On August 23, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined Charles River Watershed Association, Mystic River Watershed Association, Neponset River Watershed Association, state and local leaders, and community partners to announce the 2023 Water Quality Report Card Grades for the three rivers that flow into Boston Harbor––the Charles, the Mystic, and the Neponset.
Massachusetts legislature fails to act on climate (PRESS RELEASE)
Leaders languish in protecting communities from flooding, drought, heat
ACTION ALERT: Show Support at the First Official Watertown Square Vote
CRWA and Housing for All Watertown encourage all who support more housing, a more walkable and bikeable community and a more vibrant downtown to join the first official Watertown Square vote in person or by Zoom to advocate for its passage.
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.
ACTION ALERT: Advocate for budget amendments to support the watershed!
The FY25 House budget debate has begun, and we need your help! We urge you to encourage your legislators to support two crucial budget amendments that will strengthen our watershed's climate resilience and sustainability.
Five Priority Bills Voted Out Favorably
Five priority bills were voted out of their respective committees and are now before the House/Senate Ways and Means committees.
Newton City Council Unanimously Votes “No” on PFAS
Exploring Rights of Nature for the Charles River
Thank you to all who attended our fireside chat on Rights of Nature with Hartman Deetz of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, and moderated by Boston Area Sustainability Group, at Venture Cafe in Cambridge.
Charles River Watershed Association Celebrates Climate Chief Hoffer’s Recommendations, Calls for Watershed Planning and Restoration (PRESS STATEMENT)
We are pleased to see first-in-the-nation Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer’s urgent report, which outlines dozens of recommendations for state action to coordinate efforts across agencies to meet the Commonwealth’s ambitious climate goals and reduce emissions.
CSO Briefing: Ending Sewage Discharges in Rivers
Exciting New Bill Promises to Generate $55 Million Annually to Address Inequities in Access to Outdoor Recreation & Bolster Climate Resilience (PRESS RELEASE)
Many communities in Massachusetts enjoy a wealth of year-round outdoor recreational opportunities, yet stark disparities exist in access to outdoor recreation––underserved and Environmental Justice communities see fewer investments in parks, trails, and open spaces.
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!
First in the Nation Biodiversity Goals!
Kudos to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for announcing much-needed, ambitious biodiversity conservation targets.
Wetlands Abloom, and Exciting News for Preserving Biodiversity
Did you know wetlands hold over 40% of the world's biodiversity? At this point in the summer, our watershed's wetlands are awash with life––filled with lush greenery, blooms, and birdsong
Progress Toward A Swimmable Charles!
Thank you to all who joined us at Portico Brewing Company to present our annual 2022 Water Quality Report and launch the Dam Free Ale, a collaboration beer highlighting our work to improve migratory fish passage.