RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
Advocacy Update
It’s been a busy month at the State House! Listen to our recent testimonies for CRWA’s legislative priorities.
Supreme Court Slashes Clean Water Act Protections
In today’s decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the court radically redefined which waters are protected by the Clean Water Act, leaving nearly 51% of wetlands and 18% of streams without protections nationwide.
Charles River in the Budget!
We are so pleased to announce several budget successes! Final budget negotiations will soon be underway, and we’re advocating for this critical funding to be included.
TAKE ACTION: Urge Legislators to Create the Flood Risk Protection Program
We need your help––share why you support the creation of the Flood Risk Protection Program to protect our watershed from catastrophic flood damage.
Protect Communities from Flooding & Preserve River Health (PRESS RELEASE)
Charles River Watershed Association will join with partner advocates to urge the Joint Committee of Environment and Natural Resources to support and move these important bills forward on Wednesday, May 16th at 12:30 PM at the Massachusetts State House.
Charles River Watershed Association Urges Swift Action on Lethal Rodenticides (PRESS RELEASE)
Charles River Watershed Association will join with countless advocates to urge the Joint Committee of Environment and Natural Resources to report An Act Relative to Pesticides (HB.825, SB.487) favorably at the hearing on Wednesday, May 10th at 1PM at the Massachusetts State House.
Rights of Nature - WBUR
“Rights of Nature would be a powerful voice for protection and stewardship of the river," says Jennifer Ryan, Deputy Director of Advocacy.
ACTION ALERT: Charles River in the Budget!
The House budget debate is well underway––and we need you to take action! Speak up for budget amendments that will steward a healthier, more resilient watershed. Find your Representative and give them a call today!
Solutions for Future Flooding in Natick & Wellesley
Thank you to all who attended our webinar about Charles River Flood Model Priority Projects in Natick & Wellesley!
Charles River Legislative Briefing
Thank you for joining us for our briefing on our six legislative priorities–the Drought Management Bill, MVP+ Bill, Outdoor Recreation Act, Flood Reduction Protection Act, Invasive Species Bill (H.890, S.508), and Pesticide Bill.
Charles River Climate Adaptation Briefing
Thank you to all who attended our Charles River Climate Adaptation Briefing, hosted with Rep. Thomas Stanley!
CRWA Advocates for Legislative Priorities at Lobby for the Rivers Day (PRESS RELEASE)
Lobby for the Rivers Day is a biennial day of action organized by Massachusetts Rivers Alliance to bring together advocacy staff, volunteers, and constituents from over eighty member organizations across the Commonwealth to push for legislation to protect Massachusetts rivers in a changing climate.
Tragic Death of Bald Eagle by Poisoned by Lethal Rodenticides
We are heartbroken by the recent tragic and unnecessary death of yet another bald eagle in the greater Boston region. This is now the third bald eagle poisoned by rodenticides in Massachusetts in two years––underscoring the critical need to ban these poisons as a means of pest control.
CRWA Applauds Governor Healey's Historic Proposed Investment in Environmental Agencies (PRESS STATEMENT)
Charles River Watershed Association Applauds Governor Healey's Historic Proposed Investment in Environmental Agencies
Celebrating the Public Lands Preservation Act!
We are grateful for the extraordinary leadership of Rep. Ruth Balser + Sen. Jamie Eldridge, the support of Speaker Ron Mariano, Rep. Aaron Michelwitz + EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper, and the hard-working advocates who championed this legislation.
Environmental Justice in the Charles River Watershed
Recent CRWA analysis found that approximately 25% of our watershed is classified as an Environmental Justice Population––meaning one-fourth of our watershed faces these hazards and lacks the environmental benefits they deserve for health, happiness, and overall wellness.
Water for Rivers, Not Lawns
We are pleased that MassDEP’s new Water Management Act Regulations have been approved! CRWA has long advocated for these changes.
CPA on the Ballot in Natick
The Community Preservation Act is a smart growth tool that helps communities preserve open space and historic sites, create affordable housing, and develop outdoor recreation facilities.
Protecting Public Access to the Charles River
The Boston Globe reported on our advocacy in support of public access requirements at Harvard's Weld & Newell boathouses. Chapter 91, the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act, protects public access to the Commonwealth's tidelands and waterways, including along the Charles River.
Reduce the Lanes, Restore the River
We hired engineering consulting firm Geosyntec to review MassDOT’s plans for the Allston I-90 project, and earlier this month hosted a virtual meeting on their findings.