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Summer 2002 Currents

Editorial: Rumney Marsh Threatened by Clean Elections This past June, environmental advocates were faced with the possible sale of 27 acres of Rumney Marsh in Saugus to fund the Clean Elections campaign. The land is part of the Rumney Marshes Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC), a 2,634 acre urban salt marsh extending into Boston, Revere, Winthrop, Lynn and Saugus. The region was designated as an ACEC to preserve its critical environmental value as one of the most biologically significant salt marshes north of Boston. The marsh contains flounder, alewife, american eel, clams, mussels, and a variety of native and migratory birds. Considering the numerous ongoing state, local, and federal efforts to restore the natural resources of Rumney Marsh, it was appalling that such an important area would be considered for public auction. While the stated intent of the Clean Elections campaign was to achieve a more well represented political system, the lack of funding, and court process resulted in a situation where crucial decisions about the future of our environment were being made with no public process. Luckily our region has an active environmental community that responds quickly to unexpected challenges. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of public officials and environmental activists including Saugus Town Manager Steve Angelo, State Representative Kathi-Anne Reinstein, State Representative Mark Falzone, Senate President Tom Birmingham, Senator Tom McGee, Revere Mayor Tom Ambrosino, Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment, and the Saugus River Watershed Council, the decision to auction off Rumney Marsh land was taken off the table. It is our hope that those working to fund the Clean Elections campaign have learned that decisions with such far reaching consequences cannot be made behind closed doors without considering their impact on the community and the environment. Joan LeBlanc, SRWC Executive Director

Summer 2002 Currents

Viewing the Watershed by Canoe
2002 Environmental EducationWorkshops
Steve Angelo Announces Retirement
Urban Coyote Field Study
"Alewife" finds Home at Saugus Iron Works
Volunteers Clean up Riverfront
Editorial: Rumney Marsh Threatened by Clean Elections
Learning About the Watershed
SRWC 2002 Annual Picnic
RESCO Seeks Expansion
Potential Trucking Facility Threatens Watershed
Interning at SRWC
Around the Watershed
Saugus River Watershed Council 2002 Canoe Trip Schedule