Charles River Watershed Association Announces $600K Climate Resiliency Grant from Barr Foundation (PRESS RELEASE)
OCTOBER 30, 2023: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BOSTON, MA––Charles River Watershed Association is pleased to announce the organization is the recipient of a generous $600K climate resiliency grant from Barr Foundation which will support our continued work to prepare communities for climate impacts.
This two-year grant will bolster the organization’s work to advance regional adaptation efforts with the Charles River Climate Compact and educate local leaders about adopting climate-smart policies and practices through the Climate Resilience 101 program.
“Together, these powerful efforts will advance equitable, community-led, nature-based solutions for climate change to protect the nearly one million people who call the Charles River watershed home,” said Kalila Barnett, Climate Resilience Senior Program Officer for Barr Foundation. “We’re proud to support CRWA’s efforts to mobilize a diverse constituency for action on climate risks, impacts, and resilience strategies.”
“This support from the Barr Foundation allows us to help the thirty-five cities and towns from Hopkinton to Boston take action meaningful action to protect people and property from the weather extremes of climate change,” said Emily Norton, CRWA Executive Director. “Flooding does not respect municipal boundaries, and decisions made upstream affect downstream communities. There is no time to wait when it comes to adopting climate-smart policies and investing in nature-based solutions to keep our communities safe.”
CHARLES RIVER CLIMATE COMPACT
Founded in 2019, the Charles River Climate Compact (CRCC) is a voluntary partnership of over two dozen communities that takes a watershed approach to climate adaptation and mitigation to address precipitation-based flooding, sea level rise, extreme heat, and ecosystem health through regional collaboration and information sharing.
“Thanks to the continued support of Barr Foundation, the Climate Compact has grown significantly in membership and impact––completing a strategic plan to guide regional adaptation efforts with a focus on equitable investments across the region,” said CRWA Climate Resilience Director Julie Wood. “In the coming year, we plan to focus on defining and operationalizing climate justice in our work ––advancing nature-based solutions for flood resilience, assessing and expanding tree canopy, and collaborating closely with local organizations working to address disproportionate impacts of climate change.”
“Cambridge understands the importance of working as a region to face resilience issues associated with our changing climate,” said Kathy Watkins, Commissioner of Cambridge Public Works. “The Charles River Climate Compact is a great vehicle for local change––allowing communities to work together on both mitigation and adaptation strategies.”
CLIMATE RESILIENCE 101: TRAINING FOR LOCAL LEADERS
Since 2020, Charles River Watershed Association has led Climate Resilience 101 trainings for local leaders––presenting to select boards, conservation commissions, and sustainability committees in Dedham, Franklin, Medfield, Milford, Natick, Norfolk, Sherborn, Waltham, Watertown, Westwood, and Wellesley on better policies and practices. This essential funding will support the continued growth and efficacy of this program.
“We work with municipalities to help them identify and incorporate local climate resilience policies that are right for them. These include wetlands protections, stormwater utilities, and tree protection by-laws to build natural resilience back into our cities and towns,” said CRWA Watershed Restoration Specialist Robert Kearns.
“Here in Dedham, we are lucky to have the support of Charles River Watershed Association in preparing for climate change,” said Leon Goodwin, Dedham Town Manager. “The essential training and continued partnership will help our town make sound, science-based decisions about land use and water management, and implement effective nature-based solutions.”
“Franklin has been proud to collaborate with Charles River Watershed Association on a number of projects including the installation of green stormwater infrastructure and the passage of a municipal stormwater utility,” said Cobi Frongillo, Franklin Town Councillor. “We are grateful for their assistance and partnership.”
