Charles River Watershed Association

BIG NEWS! ?? Governor Maura Healey?just signed the MA Climate Bill. This legislation will accelerate MA's clean energy transition and includes key language to protect MA citizens from flooding. Thanks to everyone who worked to pass this bill, especially Senate President Karen Spilka, Representative Roy, Senator Will Brownsberger, Senator Mike Barrett, Senator Marc Pacheco, and Speaker Ron Mariano. #mapoli

November is #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth! For over twelve thousand years, Indigenous Peoples have been the caretakers of our watershed, fostering deep, interwoven relationships with the river and advocating for its protection. This Native American Heritage Month, we honor the river's original name, Quinobequin, and emphasize the crucial role of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in our efforts to restore the Charles River and prepare for the challenges of climate change. In June, 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. ?? This video, "Thank You, Quinobequin" features the 2024 Intertribal Paddle and highlights the importance of dam removal for Indigenous Sovereignty: https://lnkd.in/eVN6sqVX

?? Breaking news: The Massachusetts House of Representatives has passed the MA Climate Bill with crucial flood mapping provisions drafted by CRWA! This is a significant milestone for CRWA and a major step in protecting communities from inland flooding. We look forward to the Governor signing the #ClimateBill into law ?? #mapoli

After more than three months of below-normal rainfall, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs declared a Level 3-critical drought in the Charles River watershed. Streamflow in the Charles River is at critically low levels, with some sections showing zero flow. CRWA will continue to monitor conditions closely in partnership with state agencies, but we need everyone to do their part! Please conserve water use and do not burn outdoors. Pictured below is the now-dry riverbed of Powissett Brook in Dover, a stark reminder of the impact of this drought. For more information, read our full press release: https://lnkd.in/exEjmxhu

I shared this message with the CRWA community earlier today. Dear Friend, --CRWA was founded in 1965. --We were here when the EPA was just a glimmer in President Nixon’s eye. --We were here before the Clean Water Act. --We were here before the Standells sang “Love that Dirty Water”. We have persisted and triumphed through eleven presidential administrations. And we will continue to do so under the next one. How? By doing what we always do: --Ground advocacy in science and data; --Be willing to take legal action against those polluting the river and against government entities not doing their jobs to protect the river; --Empower you with the data and information you need to amplify your voice as an advocate; --Be strategic and savvy with our advocacy. With you by our side for nearly six decades, we have achieved extraordinary results for a cleaner, healthier Charles. However, the work is far from over, and shifting political winds do not change the facts on the ground, which is that the public likes clean water. They want swimmable, fishable rivers. They support biodiversity and healthy habitats. They want to be protected from the weather extremes of climate change including drought, extreme heat, and flooding. YOU are our partner in protection, and we need you now as much as ever. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for being in this fight with us. Emily crwa.org/donate Photo credit: Nancy Downes

?????? ???????? ?????? ?????? ??????????????! ?? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just released a draft stormwater permit to cut pollution in the Charles, Mystic, and Neponset Rivers. Currently, 20% of properties in the Charles River Watershed account for 50% of the stormwater runoff, the primary source of pollution in the river. Under the EPA's new plan, large property owners (like big-box stores and private universities with an acre or more paved surfaces) would be required to implement stormwater reduction measures—like rain gardens or underground infiltration systems. This plan helps clean up our rivers, boosts climate resilience, reduces flooding and heat impacts, and supports ecosystem health. ?? Read the full press release: https://lnkd.in/e7NN_7Qv

Exciting news! ?? After months of hard work and advocacy, the MA Climate Bill - featuring CRWA's critical provisions for improving flood mapping and protecting environmental justice communities - has successfully passed the Massachusetts Senate! This advancement will enhance our understanding of the areas most vulnerable to flooding, marking a significant step towards safeguarding Massachusetts residents from inland flooding and the impacts of Climate Change. We look forward to support from the House and the Governor. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important milestone! ??

Are you looking to kick-start your career in water? ?? Apply for an internship with CRWA! We're now accepting applications for the following Spring 2025 Internships: ?? Data Visualization Intern ?? Volunteer Engagement Intern ?? Community Engagement Intern Apply by December 1st: crwa.org/employment

Thank you Tori Bedford GBH for interviewing us for this important story! Climate impacts are here - but there are things we can do to protect ourselves. “What once was a body of water is now the site of a road or a home,” said Emily Norton, executive director of the Charles River Watershed Association. “And as we have more precipitation, that’s where the water is coming back to.” “Right now, the government is not stepping up, whether it’s with updated flood maps or disclosure requirements. We’re not doing what should really be the low-hanging fruit of protecting people from flooding and climate change.” Full story here: https://lnkd.in/eeUtMjA3

On Monday, CRWA celebrated the Quinobequin during Indigenous Peoples Day Newton's ceremonial #IndigenousPeoplesDay celebration. Despite the rain, we enjoyed a meaningful day honoring the heritage, history, achievements, and resilience of Indigenous Peoples. We acknowledge that CRWA operates across the traditional territories of the Massachusett, Nipmuc, and Wampanoag #nations and recognize Indigenous peoples as our watershed's past, present, and future stewards. Thank you, IPD Newton for hosting such an incredible event, and Kari Percival for your help making fish hats! ??