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Summer 2001 Currents

Around the Watershed In a site out of the history books, the Lewis H. Story, a Chebacco boat commissioned by the Essex Shipbuilding Museum, sailed up the Sauhgus River this Spring. SRWC trustees Him Hohmann, Ray Maes, and Kathy Wrynn joined trip organizer Charles Burnam fo rhte sail from Vitale Park to the Boston Street Bridge and back. Thanks to Charles Burnam for his committment to promoting access on the Saugus River. Avoid leaf peaping traffic by enjoying scenic fall foliage in the Saugus River watershed. The Saugus River Watershed Council will host a Fall Foliage Canoe Trip during October along the Saugus River. Date will be scheduled during peak foliage. Call (781) 233-5046 for early reservations or information. If you prefer cycling, Bike to the Sea will host a Fall Colors Ride in October that includes areas of Breakheart Reservation and Lake Quannapowitt. For information about the ride call (781) 397-6893. ~~~ The Saugus River Watershed Council will be accepting proposals for its Saugus River Watershed Small Grants program this Fall. Projects aimed at improving water quality, habitat, wildlife, and/or public access throughout the watershed will be considered for funding. For a copy of the guidelines and application information, please leave your name and mailing address at the Council’s voice mail, (781) 233-5046. ~~~ The Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office recently launched a website that provides information about the MEPA regulations and review process, and the MEPA office’s services. Members of the public can find out about projects under review and how to submit comment letters to Bob Durand, Secretary of Environmental Affairs. Access to information on past projects is also available through an on-line database. The site can be found at www.state.ma.us/envir/mepa/index.htm For general questions about the website or the MEPA environmental permitting process call the MEPA office at (617) 626-1020. ~~~ The Department of Environmental Protection has extended funding for the Rivers Protection Act Circuit Riders program through June 2002. The funding will allow DEP to keep their five circuit riders who provide assistance to Conservation Commissions and local advocacy organizations in interpreting and implementing the Rivers Protection Act. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection recently announced funding for its Municipal Recycling Incentive Program. Funding for the Saugus River watershed included $14,230 to the City of Revere, and $3,890 to the Town of Lynnfield. Funds can be used to increase recycling access to residents, improve collection of hazardous products, and increase municipal purchases of recycled products. ~~~ With funding from the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, the Natural Heritage Program has developed a BioMap to identify areas most in need of protection to preserve native biodiversity. The map can be viewed online at www.state.ma.us:80/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/nhbiomap.htm. Full reports and a poster are available by sending an e-mail to natural.heritage@state.ma.us. ~~~ Members and friends joined the Saugus River Watershed Council for our Annual Picnic at the Saugus Iron Works in June. Warm breezes combined with music by Pillayella helped make the evening enjoyable for all. Children explored the Iron Works and enjoyed face painting. The evening ended with a delicious cake to help celebrate the Saugus River Watershed Council’s 10th Anniversary. Special thanks the Saugus Iron Works for hosting the picnic and to Dave Simmons and Dick Lynch for coordinating music.

Bird Watching in the Watershed
Saugus River and the Whaling Industry
SRWC Comments
Editorial: Pollution at Henkel Site
Patrick’s Place (Wiley Street, Wakefield)
Volunteers Clean Town Line Brook
CoastSweep 2001Team SRWC
Around the Watershed
Sediments Reveal Environmental
History of Lake Quannapowitt