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SPRING 2001 Currents

Around the Watershed Massachusetts Environmental Trust Funds Town Line Brook Project The Massachusetts Environmental Trust recently awarded funding to the Saugus River Watershed Council and GeoSyntec Consultants to conduct public education and outreach for communities in the Town Line Brook watershed. Together, SRWC and GeoSyntec will work with Revere, Melrose, Malden and Everett to conduct education aimed at reducing pollution in Town Line Brook. This two-year project will include: 1) Technical training sessions on flood protection, storm water pollution prevention, water quality improvement projects, implementation of NPDES Phase II Stormwater Program regulations and other topics; 2) Community meetings to educate and involve residents and businesses in reducing flooding and improving water quality; and 3) Projects such as storm drain stenciling, creation of a Town Line Brook web site and CD-ROM, and community cleanup projects. The Saugus River Watershed Council will receive approximately $20,000 over two years to implement portions of this new initiative. ~~~ The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program of the Mass. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has recently published the Massachusetts Aerial Photo Survey of Potential Vernal Pools. This publication is the first comprehensive aerial photo survey of potential vernal pools statewide that have been identified from aerial photographs. The survey provides information on the occurrence of possible vernal pools that can be verified in the field. For a copy of the report, call (508) 792-7270, ext. 200. ~~~ Lake Quannapowitt enthusiasts gathered at the old Lanai Island site on 28 May for a special groundbreaking ceremony for the new Gertrude Spaulding Park. The Town of Wakefield's newest park is named in honor of Friends of Lake Quannapowitt founder, Gertrude Spaulding. ~~~ General Electric recently proposed plans to remove a dilapidated wharf, pier and unused pump house at their facility in Lynn along the Saugus River estuary. Restoration work along the GE property is a welcome improvement to this industrial waterfront. In our comments on the project's Environmental Notification Form, the Council recommended strategies to minimize the impact of debris and turbidity on the Saugus River and avoid work during fish spawning periods. ~~~ The Saugus River Watershed Council recently submitted comments on the Alexan Saugus project, which proposes developing 326 residential units on a 79-acre wooded area behind the Square One Mall in Saugus. In response to concerns raised by Saugus residents and public officials, Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment, and SRWC, the project has been scaled back and 68 acres (85%) of the site will remain open space. The Secretary of Environmental Affairs' MEPA Certificate included the Council's recommendations to address wastewater capacity and storm water pollution issues. ~~~ The Metropolitan District Commission continues to host a wide range of FREE environmental education programs at Camp Nihan in Saugus. For information about Marsh Ecology for middle school students contact Nicole Cave at (617) 727-5117, ext. 437. To find out about elementary school programs such as Biodiversity Discovery, contact Matthew Nash at (617) 727-5380, ext. 205. ~~~ A special Biodiversity Days program for all ages will be held at Camp Nihan on Friday, 8 June and Saturday 9 June. MDC park rangers, friends and neighbors will identify as many species of plants and animals as possible at Camp Nihan. To pre-register, please call 617-727-5380 ext. 205. ~~~ Join the Friends of Lynn Woods for Kids Day on Saturday, 21 July from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This family-oriented event includes free outdoor entertainment on stage all afternoon, guided tours of Dungeon Rock, and many fun environmental education programs, games, and crafts to keep you entertained and educated. The event will be held in the Amphitheatre, Pennybrook Road entrance. (Rain Date - Sunday 22 July) ~~~ The 9th Annual Bike to the Sea Day will be held on Saturday, 3 June at 9:00 a.m.. The event will include a 20-mile family ride followed by a light brunch. Proceeds will support the Bike to the Sea Trail. The Saugus River Watershed Council will sponsor a water stop at Vitale Park along the Saugus River. For a registration form or to volunteer call 781-397-6893 or go to www.biketothesea.com

Annual Picnic 26 June 2001
Restoring Rumney Marsh
Editorial: Protecting Lynn Woods
Saugus River Scenes
SRWC Launches "Fish Spotter" Program
Environmental Educator Workshops
Help Keep the River Flowing:
Water Conservation Tips for Garden & Lawn Care
Around the Watershed
Saugus River Water Quality 1998-2000 Report Available
SRWC Annual Meeting a Success!
Overlook Ridge, Rowe Quarry: Project Update