RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
Two Ways To Help Build Climate Resilience!
Two Ways To Help Build Climate Resilience!
We are excited to announce the release of the Charles River Climate Adaptation and Flood Mitigation Plan, a report which concludes an 18-month investigation by the Charles River Climate Compact into future flooding and mitigation strategies.
Now, we want to hear from you! We are looking for input on two of our major climate resilience initiatives.
Welcome, Zeus!
Welcome, Zeus! Zeus Smith joins CRWA as a Policy Advocate.
Report: Charles River flooding will increase considerably with climate change (WBUR)
A new report finds communities along the Charles River will experience an appreciable increase in flooding within the next 50 years.
#OptOutside this weekend.
November is Native American Heritage Month!
This Native American Heritage Month, join us in celebration of the rich history, achievements, and ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples in our watershed.
For over twelve thousand years, the Indigenous people of Northeast Woodlands have stewarded our watershed, cultivating interdependent relationships with our river and fighting for its protection.
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.