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Winter 2002 Currents

Editorial: Bush Wetland Guidelines Results from the Saugus River Watershed Council’s 2001 Water Quality Sampling Program indicate that water quality in the Saugus River and its tributaries continues to be impaired by elevated levels of bacterial pollution. During 2001, only 68% of samples were within the state’s boating standard and 43% of the samples met the swimming standard. Improving water quality in the Saugus River is a long-term undertaking that requires upgrading faulty storm drainage and sewerage systems, removing combined sewer overflows, and reducing stormwater pollution. At the same time, preserving wetlands and vegetated buffer zones along the river will help prevent increased stormwater pollution. Unfortunately, the Bush Administration’s recent announcement to revise regulations protecting wetlands and streams increases the burden on local Conservation Commissions, neighbors, and environmental advocacy organizations working to protect the many unique environmental benefits of wetlands on the local level. Under the new guidelines, certain projects would receive less scrutiny, particularly on the federal level, if a project has “minimal” impact on the environment. Public officials and environmental organizations working at the local level understand that protecting wetlands on site is vital to preserving the unique ecosystems, wildlife habitat, flood storage capacity, and buffer zone protection that they provide. Sacrificing one area to achieve more generic regional milestones will not result in maintaining the values provided by existing wetlands. Joan LeBlanc SRWC Executive Director

Town Line Brook Project Update
Groundbreaking for New Breakheart Visitor's Center
Editorial: Bush Wetland Guidelines
Exploring Nature with Children
SRWC Hosts Natural History Events
Environmental Debate Set for 19 February
Birding News
Crystal Motors, Lynnfield DEP Decision
SRWC Youth Education Programs
Become a "Fish Spotter"
Around the Watershed
SRWC Awards $8,400 in Small Grants
SRWC Announces 2002 Work Plan