Charles River Climate Compact Receives Funding for Regional Climate Planning
OCTOBER 17, 2022: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BOSTON– Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) announced today that it was recently awarded a three-year, $30,000 grant from the Foundation for MetroWest to expand the work of the Charles River Climate Compact (CRCC). The CRCC is a coalition of communities in the Charles River watershed, convened by CRWA, that promotes a regional or watershed approach to climate adaptation. Grant funds will be used to develop a strategic plan for the CRCC and a regional tree protection and planting plan for the Charles River watershed.
“We are thrilled and honored to have been awarded this grant, which was one of only two of the Foundation’s environmentally focused grants for the year,” said Julie Wood, CRWA Climate Compact Director. “Foundation for MetroWest and CRWA share a belief in the importance of local action for global change and we are grateful for their support.”
The CRCC addresses precipitation-based flooding, sea level rise, extreme heat, and ecosystem health through regional collaboration and information sharing. The CRCC focuses on how actions and policies of individual communities impact neighboring or downstream communities. This important and innovative coalition drives multi-community and cross-sector collaboration and learning, with the goal of improving our environment and building climate resilience.
“Medway has been involved with the CRCC since its inception and it’s been a great forum to collaborate with neighboring communities,” said Stephanie Carlisle, Compliance Coordinator with the Town of Medway. “This funding will allow us to engage the public more than we have in the past, and raise awareness of the CRCC’s mission, all while establishing a concrete plan for our collective work in the coming three to five years.”
The strategic planning process, already underway, is being facilitated by Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) and is expected to be complete in 2023. The regional tree protection and planting plan will kick off in early 2023.
“Joining the Climate Compact was one of the best decisions I have made” adds Kimberly Donovan, Compliance Coordinator with the Town of Needham. “I am amazed at what this group has accomplished in only two short years and I'm extremely grateful for these efforts. It is beneficial to understand how communities in our area are meeting challenges we all share rather than having to recreate the wheel in each community.”
Foundation for MetroWest is a community foundation that improves the quality of life in 30+ MetroWest communities. Since 1995 the Foundation has been providing financial and educational resources to local nonprofit organizations, sharing essential data about the region to inform decisions, and partnering with donors to help guide and align their giving with the areas of greatest need in the community. The Foundation is supported by various businesses, individuals, and other philanthropic organizations. Currently, the Foundation stewards more than $30 million in charitable assets for immediate needs and future impact.
Charles River Watershed Association’s mission is to protect, restore and enhance the Charles River and its watershed through science, advocacy, and the law. CRWA develops science-based strategies to increase resilience, protect public health, and promote environmental equity as we confront a changing climate.
Julia Hopkins
Communications & Outreach Manager
Charles River Watershed Association
(617) 540-5650 x1071
