RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
Indigenous-led Paddle on the Quinobequin
On June 29 we partnered with Indigenous Peoples Day (IPD) Newton for the second annual Quinobequin Intertribal Paddle, bringing together Indigenous community members, river enthusiasts, and environmental advocates to celebrate our shared commitment to protecting the Charles River and its natural flow.
The End of the 2024 Herring Count
It's officially summer, and the herring have finished migrating from the ocean to the Charles to spawn.
Meet Our 2024 Summer Interns!
We are excited to welcome seven new interns for the summer!
ACTION ALERT: Show your support for more testing after a CSO event!
Today, the House of Representatives is voting on the Economic Development Bond Bill. Please encourage your legislators to support this amendment to set a precedent for more testing and funding to end combined sewer overflows.
CRWA Gifts Watertown Poster for Commitment to Climate Resiliency (PRESS RELEASE)
On June 25th, in a gesture of appreciation, Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) staff Zeus Smith, Arrianna Proia, and Emilia Dick Fiora del Fabro presented a framed commemorative poster to the Watertown City Council.
Massachusetts Senate Unanimously Prioritizes Climate Adaptation (PRESS RELEASE)
During today’s formal session, the Massachusetts Senate voted on its comprehensive 96-page Climate Omnibus Bill. Notably, the Senate unanimously adopted the CRWA’s priority amendment, Statewide Flood Risk Assessment and Standards, filed by Senator Marc Pacheco. Additionally, the Senate approved Senator Jamie Eldridge’s Drought Management amendment, supported by the CRWA and its allies.
Charles River Watershed Association and Indigenous Peoples Day Newton to Host Quinobequin Intertribal Paddle (PRESS RELEASE)
Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) and Indigenous Peoples Day (IPD) Newton are co-hosting the second annual Quinobequin Intertribal Paddle on Saturday, June 29, on the Auburndale section of the Charles River.
ACTION ALERT: We need your support to pass the omnibus climate bill!
The 96-page climate bill reaches across topics like clean energy, plastic bags, flood risks, and drought. Senators will vote on Thursday, June 20th, meaning we need your help now!
CRWA Associate Attorney Zeus Smith joins the Water Resources Management Advisory Committee
Join us in congratulating CRWA Associate Attorney Zeus Smith, a new member of the Water Resources Management Advisory Committee.
“Resilient-forward thinking or not” Leading Climate Solutions Panel
CRWA Executive Director Emily Norton emphasized the importance of a healthy Charles River and avoiding highway overbuilding at the June 11 Harvard Alumni Leading Climate Solutions panel.
ACTION ALERT: Show Support at the First Official Watertown Square Vote
CRWA and Housing for All Watertown encourage all who support more housing, a more walkable and bikeable community and a more vibrant downtown to join the first official Watertown Square vote in person or by Zoom to advocate for its passage.
Hooray for Herring!
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Watertown Dam Herring Festival to honor the annual migration of Alewife, Blueback herring, and American shad up the Charles River!
“Root for wetlands, natural turf, mature trees, and neighbors” CRWA mentioned in Jamaica Plain Gazette
A new article by the Jamaica Plain Gazette highlights the importance of preserving Canterbury Brook, a largely buried tributary of Stony Brook, which flows to the Charles River: “The Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) has examined the project’s potential impact on the fragile wetlands at 550. The wetlands there are fed by the nearby Canterbury Brook which discharges via a culvert into the Stonybrook, then discharges into the Charles River. CRWA Associate Attorney Zeus Smith submitted comments to the DEP in February, which DEP and Brooke and everyone involved should take seriously.”
Charles River Apparel Sustains Its Namesake - ASI Central
A new article by ASI highlights the generosity of Charles River Apparel, who participated in our 2024 Earth Day Clean Up and donated 100 shirts to CRWA for our 2024 Run of the Charles paddling race.
Happy Pride!
This month and every month, we celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community in our watershed and beyond.
It’s National Rivers Month!
Did you know? June is National Rivers Month!
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $41 Million in Grants to Upgrade Stormwater and Sewer Infrastructure
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of nearly $41 million in funding through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program to help communities address stormwater and sewer infrastructure needs.
2024 Board Retreat
On May 21st CRWA’s Board of Directors met at Bocca Bella Restaurant in Auburndale for a retreat led by Board member Paul Levy to lay the groundwork for the next strategic plan, as the current one expires in 2025. We are grateful for this extraordinary group of individuals who provide vital leadership and guidance for a cleaner Charles.
ACTION ALERT: Write to MEPA showing support for the removal of the South Natick Dam.
The Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office is allowing community members to show their support for the removal of the South Natick Dam, which was rated to be in “poor condition” by the MA Office of Dam Safety. We need your help demonstrating community support for removing the Charles River Dam in South Natick.
Consultant Hired for Watertown Dam Removal
Progress! Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation(DCR) has hired GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc. to prepare a Dam Removal Alternatives Analysis for the Watertown Dam, a necessary step toward removal.