RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
December Drought
Even though it’s winter, half of our watershed is still in a drought, worsening to Level 2–Significant Drought in November.
CRWA Concerned About Flooding, Pollution with MassDOT Allston I-90 Project (Press Release)
PRESS RELEASE– Charles River Watershed Association has strong concerns about MassDOT’s decision to move forward with the existing proposal for a modified at-grade design for the Allston I-90 Multimodal Project, especially in terms of flood risk, polluted stormwater runoff, and impact on river health.
Dam Removal Moment
More Support for Dam Removal! Read letters from Watertown City Council, Watertown Con. Com, Waltham Con. Com., Weston Con. Com, and Dedham Sustainibility Committee!
Let’s Cut the Crap–Sewer Overflows That Is.
On Thursday, December 15th at 6 PM, the City of Cambridge, the City of Somerville, and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) are hosting their second virtual public meeting to discuss Combined Sewer Overflow Control Planning.
Let’s finish the job of cleaning up Boston Harbor and the rivers that flow into it! Attend the meeting, ask questions, and express concerns you have about sewage in the Charles River.
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.