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Winter 2001 Currents

Saugus River Watershed Council Adopts 2001 Work Plan As the Saugus River Watershed Council prepares to begin celebrating its 10th Anniversary, our Board of Directors recently approved an expanded budget and workplan for the year 2001, which includes the following priorities: Increase Flow to the River SRWC will work with watershed communities, the Department of Environmental Management, the Lynn Water and Sewer Commission, and others to increase flow to the Saugus River. Strategies to be pursued include identifying the level of flow needed to restore habitat and wildlife, reducing water withdrawals, and promoting water conservation strategies. Evaluate and Improve Water Quality With help from over 30 volunteers, SRWC will continue to monitor and report on water quality conditions throughout the watershed. Sampling during the summer months will be expanded to include evaluations of wildlife and vegetation. SRWC will use its water quality data to advocate for continued water quality improvements. During 2001, advocacy efforts will focus on ensuring removal of the Combined Sewer Overflows from Strawberry Brook and the Saugus River/Lynn Harbor estuary, addressing sewer discharges associated with the Boston Street pumping station, addressing other “hot spot” pollution problems, and reducing stormwater pollution throughout the watershed. The Council will also continue working in partnership with Revere and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to address stormwater pollution in Town Line Brook. Host Special Anniversary Events This year, SRWC will host a series of special events to celebrate the natural resources and beauty of the Saugus River watershed. These will include canoe trips, birding trips, an art show, and natural history walks. Create Saugus River Guide SRWC will write and publish the first Saugus River Guide to highlight existing access, natural resources and recreational opportunities throughout the watershed. Education This spring, SRWC will hire a part-time education coordinator to coordinate seasonal education programs throughout the watershed. Innovative field studies will be offered in coordination with MDC rangers at Belle Isle Marsh, Camp Nihan and other watershed locations. Launch Campaign to Address Illegal Dumping SRWC will launch a comprehensive effort to address illegal dumping in the watershed. Strategies include: identifying problem sites, coordinating community cleanup projects, and working with local public officials to implement signage, creative landscaping, barriers or fines to prevent future dumping. Expansion of disposal options will also be pursued. Increase Public Access Opportunities SRWC will expand its efforts to advocate for physical improvements to public access along the Saugus River and its tributaries. Public amenities such as landscaping, riverwalk, seating and park areas, canoe launches, and interpretive signage will be pursued. Restore Wildlife Habitat SRWC will advocate for special projects to enhance and improve habitat throughout the watershed. Strategies include salt marsh restoration projects, and acquisition or other protection of land parcels to protect or enhance wildlife corridors or buffer zones along the River. Saugus River Watershed Council Grantmaking SRWC will revise and distribute new grantmaking guidelines in late spring. Small grants will be made available for projects throughout the watershed. Multi-year projects will be considered in celebration of the Council’s 10th Anniversary.

Annual Meeting 29 March 2001
Dredging Improves Access to Saugus River
Editorial — Role of Volunteers
Water Quality Update
Saugus River Watershed Council Adopts 2001 Work Plan
North Coastal Basin Team Adopts Work Plan
Lake Quannapowitt Sediment Study
Just for Fun!
Around the Watershed
State Halts RESCO Expansion by Upholding Moratorium on Incinerators
Public Forum a Success!
Make a Difference