Around Town

July 23 is Deadline to Comment on Possible Watertown Dam Removal

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Charlie BreitroseThe Watertown Dam near Watertown Square slows the flow of the Charles River. A group is advocating removing the dam. The consultants examining the possible removal of the Watertown Dam presented their findings after studying the area near the dam over the Charles River just west of Watertown Square. The public can comment on the proposal until July 23. The dam was discussed at a public meeting held on July 9 at the Watertown Library.

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DCR Hosting Public Meeting About Future of Watertown Dam

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Charlie BreitroseThe Watertown Dam near Watertown Square slows the flow of the Charles River. A group is advocating removing the dam. The Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation, DCR, will share its plans for studying the options for the future of Watertown Dam. Recently, the DCR studied the area around the Dam as part of its Removal Alternatives Analysis to develop conceptual design alternatives for the Dam.

Around Town

Take a Trip Down the Charles River on the Proposed Water Shuttle Route, Grant Being Sought

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Drew Rollert, right, and Will Congram hope to be making trips down the Charles River from Watertown Square to Beacon Hill in Boston on a water shuttle. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

On a sunny spring day, the two men behind the effort to create a water shuttle from Watertown to Boston hopped on a small motor boat to give Watertown News a preview of what a trip down the Charles River would be like. Drew Rollert, who came up with the idea after being stuck in traffic trying to get to Fenway Park from Watertown as the waters of the Charles River remained quiet, hopes to start a pilot shuttle by the fall of 2024. The company, called Wada Hoppah, has applied for a grant to get the electric-powered shuttle sailing. The Watertown Yacht Club with the Arsenal on the Charles behind it.

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State Looking for Lifeguards for DCR Pools & Beaches, Offering Bonuses

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The DCR’s Dealtry Pool in Watertown. The following information was provided by the Department of Conservation and Recreation:

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced the agency is accepting applications for lifeguards, swim instructors and other pool and waterfront roles across the state for the 2024 summer season. Qualified candidates, who apply early and work through the end of the season, can earn up to $1,250 in bonuses, in addition to a competitive hourly rate of between $22 and $27, dependent on the position and associated certifications. 

“Every summer, we welcome thousands of children and families from all over to our beautiful beaches and pools,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Hiring qualified and trained lifeguard and water safety staff is critical to ensuring we can provide our residents and visitors with a fun, safe and enjoyable summer.”  

“As a former lifeguard, I know firsthand what a great summer job it is – you’ll get to spend your summer outdoors, make good money, and potentially help save some lives,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “DCR lifeguards also become leaders in their communities – they are first responders trained to prevent injuries and calmly and efficiently prevent a crisis at our waterfronts and pools.

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See When DCR Camp Sites Can be Reserved

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The Department of Conservation and Recreation sent out the following announcement:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced that reservations for camping at parks across Massachusetts will open to the public on March 6, 2024, at 9 a.m. Visitors can make reservations for one of DCR’s campgrounds up to four months in advance of their arrival date through ReserveAmerica. Reservations are available for DCR’s 25 campgrounds beginning in April and running through October.  

“One of our goals at DCR is to get more families outside and exploring our state’s beautiful natural resources,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “We know fresh air and the outdoors play a critical role, not only for our physical health but our mental health. Camping in our DCR parks is a fantastic opportunity for people to experience nature, and we hope to see some new faces during the 2024 camping season.” 

Over the past year, DCR has made significant investments in many of our campgrounds across the state. The campground at Mohawk Trail State Forest underwent a $1.4 million renovation following the discovery of algae in the water source feeding the bathhouses in February 2023, including installing a new water system, repaving the campground’s roads, replacing roofs on the cabins and administrative buildings, upgrading the bathroom facilities, and repairing and restoring the chimneys in the Civilian Conservation Corps-era (CCC) cabins.

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February Vacation Activities Available at DCR Properties

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The following information was provided by the Department of Conservation and Conservation:

The Department of Recreation and Conservation (DCR) announced its plans today to help make February school vacation week a walk in the park for parents. From guided hikes to animal tracking, craft making, and maple sugaring, the agency is offering 81 free or low-cost engaging and educational activities for kids and families across the state from Saturday, February 17, through Sunday, February 25. The programming is part of DCR’s commitment to expanding access to Massachusetts’ State Park system, while also inspiring kids to get outdoors and fostering a connection with the environment.  

“School may be out, but the learning doesn’t have to stop. Our February break programming is a tremendous way to connect kids and nature and help us grow the next generation of environmental stewards,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo.

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Charles River in Watertown to be Treated for Invasive Plant Species

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MassDCR announced that a stretch of the Charles River in Watertown will be treated for invasive aquatic plant species this week. See the announcement below. On Thursday, August 24, 2023, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will conduct invasive aquatic species control work in the Charles River from approximately the Newton Yacht Club in the City of Newton to the Arsenal Street Bridge in the City of Boston. The Charles River will remain open to the public, however, DCR encourages those on the river that day to avoid the treatment area and the treatment vessels. If left unmanaged, invasive aquatic species will outcompete native plant species and inhibit water flow and recreational access. Alternative local state parks include the downstream portions of the Charles River Reservation in the City of Boston, Mystic River Reservation in the City of Medford, Beaver Brook Reservation in the Town of Belmont and Middlesex Fells Reservation in the Town of Stoneham.  

WHERE:  Charles River from the Newton Yacht in the City of Newton to the Arsenal Street Bridge in the City of Boston 

WHEN: Thursday, August 24, 2023 

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DCR Announces Arsenal Street Lane Closures Beginning This Week

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A lane will be closed on the east end of Arsenal Street, the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation announced. The DCR sent out the following announcement:

Beginning on Monday, August 21, 2023, and continuing through Friday, September 8, 2023, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will close the right lane of Arsenal Street (westbound) from Greenough Boulevard to Greenough Boulevard in the Town of Watertown to accommodate curbing and guardrail installation work. Traffic patterns will be clearly marked, and a police detail will be on site.  

WHERE: Arsenal Street (westbound) from Greenough Boulevard to Greenough Boulevard in the Town of Watertown 

WHEN: Monday, August 21, 2023 – Friday, September 8, 2023