RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
Governor Baker signs Public Lands Preservation Act into law!
Late Thursday, November 17, 2022, Governor Charlie Baker signed into law An Act preserving open space in the Commonwealth (H.5381), also known as the Public Lands Preservation Act (PLPA), thus ending a more than two-decade effort to codify a policy of “no net loss” of public land.
Consider the Culverts
Planting trees, conserving water, transitioning to renewable energy…and culverts? When we talk about climate solutions, culverts are rarely at the top of anyone's list.
As Governor Baker put it, culverts "are not sexy" and "don't generate a heck of a lot of votes.”
But, these little-known, often overlooked features of our built environment can actually play a huge role in our watershed’s resilience to climate change.
50+ Organizations Sign Letter to Support State Parks
Speak Up for Water Conservation
More than 50% of non-essential public water supply doesn't have water conservation requirements, even in drought. Now, MA DEP is creating new regs that will apply to ALL withdrawals, not just new and increased ones.
JOINT STATEMENT: Advocates Applaud Enactment of the Public Lands Preservation Act
Today the Massachusetts Legislature voted to adopt An Act preserving open space in the Commonwealth (H.5381), also known as the Public Lands Preservation Act (PLPA), and sent it to Governor Charlie Baker’s desk for his signature.
Natick Select Board Votes for Dam Removal & River Restoration!
We are so pleased to report that Natick Select Board voted 4-1 in favor of dam removal and restoration of a free-flowing Charles River for future generations.
CLF + CRWA Sue EPA for Failure to Fully Protect Boston Rivers
Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) and Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) have filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failing to take necessary actions to protect three Boston-area rivers from polluted runoff.
After 48 years, it’s official: Boston you’re my home (WBUR)
"I think the Charles River clinched it. A ribbon of light in the middle of everything," writes best-selling author Anita Diamant.
Drought Remains, Even in Fall
October may be here, but drought persists in our watershed with over half our watershed still in Level 2- Significant Drought.
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.
Greener Streets in Boston
We applaud Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston for taking bold steps on the first-ever Green Infrastructure standard for city infrastructure to address stormwater pollution, build climate resilience, and create safer streets for all to enjoy.
Charles River Flood Model on the Road!
Climate Compact Director Julie Wood and Dr. Indrani Gosh of Weston & Sampson will present our work to advance regional flood resilience with the Charles River Flood Model at the 5th Annual National Adaptation Forum in Baltimore, MD today.
Climate Resilience 101 for Watertown
On Tuesday, we presented to Watertown City Council as part of our Climate Resilience 101 training for local elected officials on climate impacts and how dam removal, tree and stormwater utility ordinances, and strong wetlands protections help Watertown build climate resilience.
Charles River Watershed Association Presenting Climate Solutions to Watertown City Council
Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) will present to the Watertown City Council on Tuesday, October 25th as a part of our Climate Resilience 101 trainings for local elected officials.
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.
50 Years of Clean Water Protections!
On October 18, 1972, the landmark legislation that transformed our river from the “Dirty Water” of the past to the Charles River we know and love today was enacted.
Charles River Climate Compact Receives Funding for Regional Climate Planning
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).
Green Jobs in Blue Fields
Training the next generation of stormwater professionals with X-Cel Conservation Corps.
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day!
Indigenous Peoples Day recognizes and celebrates the heritage of Native Americans and the history of their Nations. How will you celebrate the heritage, history, achievements, and resilience of First Nations peoples this October?
‘It was disgusting’: There’s a cellphone junkyard at the bottom of the Charles River
FROM THE BOSTON GLOBE: When Deb Laufer stepped off the dock and into a boat at Charles River Canoe & Kayak’s Kendall Square dock about a month ago, and her iPhone slipped out of her pocket and into the murky depths, she figured it was gone for good.