Environment

Charles River Watershed Group Pushing for Removal of Watertown Dam

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A short distance from Watertown Square the waters of the Charles River back up in a placid pool and then cascade several feet down into an area frequented by birds and other animals. This area, however, could be vastly changed if the Watertown Dam, which holds back the river, is removed as proposed by the Charles River Watershed Association (CWRA). 

A dam was first built in the location in 1632 as a fish weir. The dam was rebuilt in 1962 after it suffered damage from flooding in 1918 and Hurricane Diane in 1955. Earlier this month, Elisabeth Cianciola, aquatic scientist with the CWRA, spoke to the Conservation Commission about the possibility of removing the dam. “There is no recognized use for the dam,” Cianciola said.

Charity

Paddle to Work and Raise Money for Charles River Watershed Association

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On Friday, July 28, people will paddle the Charles River on their way to work to celebrate a healthy river and raise funds for Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA). People participating in Paddle to Work Day hosted by Charles River Canoe and Kayak will kayak from Soldier’s Field Road in Allston/Brighton 5 miles downstream to Kendall Square in Cambridge. Individuals who work in Kendall Square will have paddled to work, while others can take public transportation to their desired destinations. People can purchase tickets for the event at paddleboston.com/paddle2work and may reserve a single or double kayak or sign up to bring their own boat. Charles River Canoe and Kayak will donate all ticket proceeds to Charles River Watershed Association to support its work protecting and restoring the Charles River.

CWRA

Watertown Road Chosen to be Part of Green Street Pilot Project

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Watertown’s Edenfield Avenue will be the site of a “Green Street” pilot project by the Charles River Watershed Association (CWRA) which will target pollution, stormwater runoff and erosion. 

The CWRA sent out the following announcement:

CRWA has received a grant of $194,648 from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to implement a “Green Street” pilot project in Watertown as part of roadway improvements in the town. This project is one of nine projects targeting water pollution from storm water runoff and erosion that the Baker Administration has recommended for more than $1.29 million in grants utilizing funds from the U.S. Environmental Protections Agency (EPA). Charles River Watershed Association, a research, design, and advocacy environmental non-profit, will manage the pilot project to design and install green infrastructure on a residential street in Watertown. Project partners include Watertown’s Department of Public Works which will manage engineering and construction, and Watertown’s Stormwater Advisory Committee (SAC), which will help with public outreach and education. Watertown’s Superintendent of Public Works, Gerald S Mee Jr. said “This grant provides an exciting opportunity for Watertown to install green infrastructure practices in coordination with a future roadway reconstruction project.