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SPRING 2001 Currents

Restoring Rumney Marsh View to Rumney Marsh from the new nature trail at RESCO, Fall 2000. Collaborative efforts among state and federal agencies and environmental advocacy organizations are helping to protect and restore the wildlife and natural resources of Rumney Marsh. Rumney Marsh is one of the most biologically significant salt marshes north of Boston. Designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) in 1988, the marsh contains winter flounder, alewife, American eel, soft-shelled and razor clams, mussels, and a variety of native and migratory birds. The Rumney Marsh ACEC includes two highly productive estuarine systems - Rumney Marsh in Lynn, Revere and Saugus; and Belle Isle Marsh in Boston, Revere and Winthrop. Thanks to the efforts of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the MA Department of Environmental Management, the North Coastal Basin Team and many others, the following progress has already been made to restore this important natural resource: Ten innovate self-regulating tidegates replaced broken standard type tidegates in Revere, restoring tidal flow to 24 acres of the Central Country Ditch wetlands, 16 acres behind Revere Beach, and 5 acres at Town Line Brook. Four additional acres of the abandoned I-95 embankment were removed to restore clam flat and salt marsh habitat bringing the total I-95 fill removal acreage up to 25 acres. Over 50 acres of salt marsh have better tidal flow and fresh water drainage because of ditch maintenance and Open Marsh Water Management projects completed in Saugus and Revere. During 2001, additional self-regulating tidegate projects are planned for the 30+ acre Ballard Street site, and the the 30+ acre Oak Island project in Revere. In addition, a Salt Marsh Restoration Plan for the Rumney Marshes ACEC is being drafted under the leadership of the Massachusetts Wetlands Restoration Program and the state's ACEC Program. The Plan recommends restoration projects for 200 acres spread over at least 15 sites in Rumney Marsh. Special thanks to Liz Sorenson and Tim Smith of the Wetlands Restoration Program for drafting the plan with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Metropolitan District Commission, Department of Marine Fisheries, Riverways Program, North Coastal Basin Team, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Environmental Management, Massachusetts Bays Program, the Saugus River Watershed Council and others. (Public review of the plan will begin next month). Recent public access improvements to Rumney Marsh include the new nature trail at Bear Creek Wildlife Sanctuary created by RESCO. The trail is available for public programs by appointment by calling (781) 233-7600. When complete the $2 million nature trail will feature 10 bioshpheres and 13 acres of restored grassland habitat to attract a wide range of migrating birds

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