Fall 2001 Streamer Newsletter, Charles River Watershed Association

8/9/2019 Fall 2001 Streamer Newsletter, Charles River Watershed Association

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A PUBLICATION OFTHE CHARLES RIVERWATERSHED ASSOCIATION VOL. 32, NO. 3, WINTER2001

(continued on page 2)

Fisheries on the Charles

Go with the FlowBy Kathy Baskin

D

evelopment in the upper Charles River

watershed is thefastest in Massachu-

setts and the demand for drinking water is the highest ever. Mean- while, new pavement and buildings

are cutting off rainwater fromgroundwater,

and the watersupplies tob u s i n e s s e s ,

homes, andthe Charles

River are de-creasing. Resi-

dents, politi-cians and mu-nicipal offi-

cials areacutely awareof the low

flow problemsas summer

watering bans are regularly in effectand development of new water sup-plies becomes increasingly difficult.

To prevent water shortages, CharlesRiver watershed communities such

as Holliston and Bellingham haveproposed recharging treated wastewater effluent to groundwater.

Bellingham, Franklin, and Medfieldhave also proposed recharging

stormwater to the groundwater as away to offset development and wa-ter demand pressures.

Water supply is not the only fea-ture of the Charles that suffers with

diminishing flows. Fish and other

aquatic organisms are seriouslyharmed when food supply, oxygen,

habitat, and spawning areas are lim-ited during low flows. Tempera-

ture increases can become inhospi-table to certain fish under lowflows. Riverbanks, needed by fish

for protective cover, dry up. Fishrequiring therun of the

river becomestranded in

larger pools asc onne c t i onsbetween the

pools nearly

dry up. Even-tually, the fishpopulation canshift from a

group of fishmost comfort-

able living in aflowing river

or stream to a group better suited

for lakes and ponds.With a grant from the Massa-

chusetts Environmental Trust,CRWA is looking to the river it-self to determine effects of low

flow. CRWA is working with theU.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to

assess aquatic habitat and to deter-mine minimum streamflow re-quirements in the Charles River

watershed. In October, USGStrained CRWA staff to perform

habitat assessments, using proce-

Protecting Wildlife

.........................................2

BU Sailing Pavilion Update

.........................................3

CRWA Annual Meeting

.........................................4

On the Charles in the 1920s

.........................................5

News from Along theCharles

......................................6-7

Volunteer Opportunities

.........................................8

Staff Changes at CRWA

.........................................8

Meet Jim Fitzgerald

.........................................9

Ted LittlefieldRemembered

.........................................9

Watchdog for the River

........................................10

Calendar

........................................11

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Dudley Bonsal, CRWA Field Scientist,

collecting sample.


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Protecting Wildlife

dures established by the U.S. Envi-ronmental Protection Agency.

CRWA is examining vegetation,land use, sediment, available cover,channel alteration, bank stability,

and protection at several locationsin the river. CRWA staff has al-

ready begun to assess aquatic habi-tat in the river, starting just down-stream of Echo Lake, a drinking

Fisheries(continued from page 1)

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

By Kelly McClintock

You have read much in these pages about CRWAs work toassure clean, sustainable water supplies for watershed com

munities, and our strikingly successful efforts to raise waterquality standards to fishing and boating levels. These are im-

portant goals of CRWA, and will continue for the foreseeable future.

We strive to make the river continually healthier, more beautiful andfun for the people who live, work, and visit in our watershed.

But CRWA is also concerned with wildlife: the bass, herons, turtles,muskrats and countless other species that join us in calling the CharlesRiver home. Another of our major goals is to restore a diverse aquatic

and wildlife habitat to the river and its banks.The lead article in this Streamer describes a new CRWA project. In

conjunction with the United States Geological Survey (USGS), we areassessing the suitability of our river as aquatic wildlife habitat.

Certainly, our on-going work to clean up the river for the benefit

of its human dependents naturally also benefits wildlife. But other fac-tors for instance, the speed and depth of water passing over shallow

riffles might be uniquely important to certain fish species and otheraquatic organisms we would consider necessary indicators of a healthy

river system. Calculating those hydrological requirements is impor-tant because they will help USGS determine necessary stream flowsfor these species. These requirements, in turn, will ultimately provide

a firm scientific and legal basis for regulators to incorporate the needsof wildlife in determining the timing and amount of permissible water

withdrawals.This is a small project, a little step down a long road. But it is

CRWAs first project focusing our technical and scientific expertise

specifically on wildlife issues. The project thus points us in an impor-tant new direction, and is a big step for us!

water reservoir located inHopkington which supplies water

to the town of Milford. CRWA hasobserved that, while the habitat in

this area benefits from its remote lo-cation, it suffers from the limitedflow released from the reservoir and

is essentially a series of pools con-nected by a trickle of water.

CRWA is also assistingUSGS in studying the cross-sec-tions, channel slopes, and water

depths at riffles in the river.

Riffles, where water flows as rap-ids over rocks, are excellent areas

for studying the effects of low flowon a river because they are the shal-lowest stretches of the river and are,

therefore, the first areas to becometoo shallow for fish to swim

through during low flow. If a rifflehabitat remains suitable for fishpassage, even under low flow, then

scientists can assume that nearbyhabitats such as pools should also

be able to provide suitable habitat.Riffle locations being monitored byCRWA include two in the Charles

River, downstream of Echo Lakein Milford and upstream of the

USGS streamflow gage in Medway,and one in Mine Brook, just up-stream of its discharge to the

Charles River in Franklin.Evaluating the suitability of the

Charles as habitat for fish and otherorganisms is an exciting new direc-tion for CRWA and the Charles

River. As we develop in-house ca-pability to perform habitat assess-

ments, we hope also to developbaseline information related to lowflow and habitats, to educate citi-

zens of the ecological consequencesof low flow, and to identify poli-

cies that could increase flow and

improve habitat.

Action Alert!There is a critical opportu-

nity for the public to commenton BUs DEIR for a new sailingpavilion on prized Esplanadeland until January 7, 2002 and

CRWA urges you to write toEOEA Secretary Bob Durand

with your concerns at EOEA,attn: LeAndrea Dames, 251Causeway Street, 9th Floor,

Boston, MA 02114 Commentsshould reference MEPA #12520.


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An independent analysis of alternative

locations for a new Boston University(BU) sailing pavilion by the environ-

mental consulting firm of Beals and Thomas, Inc., hasjust been completed. CRWA

commissioned Beals and Tho-mas to perform the analysis toinsure that the publics inter-

ests affected by constructionof a large private boathouse on

the banks of the Charles RiverEsplanade are adequately con-sidered.

The guiding principle forthis study has been the publics

use, access and enjoyment ofthe parkland and water sheetof the Basin. Beals and Thomas examined the impacts

on the public trust at each site to determine which sites would cause the least encroachment on the public in-

terest and still meet BUs needs.The report analyzes five potential locations between

the BU and Mass. Ave. Bridges and concludes that twosites in this section of the Basin one on the water

downstream of the MIT boathouse in Cambridge nearthe Mass. Ave. Bridge (Site 6B), and one nearCharlesgate on the Boston Esplanade (Site 5) are far

superior locations for protecting the public trust na-ture of this historic and cherished parkland. In con-trast, BUs chosen site on the widest lobe of parkland

near the Sherborn Street footbridge an area heavilyused by the public with scenic views of the river and

the skyline was determined to be the worst locationunder the public interest criteria developed.

According to the study, a boathouse adjacent to the

Cambridge seawall on the water would have the least

public interest impacts. There would be no user dis-placement or pedestrian flow and safety issues and aboathouse here would fit in with the Boathouse Rowcharacter of the Cambridge bank. It is also easily ac-

cessible to emergency and delivery vehicles. While therewould be some negative visual impacts resulting from

a boathouse at the Charlesgate site, there are few pas-sive recreation users here and the location marks thebeginning of the concrete maze of Storrow Drive ramps

and the end of the green space. It is adjacent to anunderutilized section of the Basin and BUs regatta

course. This site also presents an opportunity to en-

hance the public trust by strengthening the historicalconnection between the river and the Back Bay Fens.An October public meeting confirmed the independent

findings: those attending

ranked Sites 6B and 5 as farpreferable to BUs site.

BU recently filed itsdraft environmental impactreport (DEIR) under the

Massachusetts EnvironmentalPolicy Act (MEPA). The

university now concedes that

its location is not the best site,but says that moving 300 feet

further west will eliminatemost concerns. In an apparent strategic

ploy, BU resurrected a site east of the exercise deck asits second preferred alternative, a site that was roundlyrejected by community groups two years ago because

of its sweeping views. BUs insistence that this locationis better than Site 6B or 5 highlights the DEIRs lack of

objectivity and BUs determination to annex theboathouse to its campus. While proposed public

bathrooms would be an addition (open only when theboathouse is open), many feel that a concession stand,bringing vehicles and trash, is not desirable. The fenced

dock will be open only to facility users.The DEIR finds other locations unacceptable,

primarily because they are too far from campus. YetSite 5 is only an additional 5-minute walk. Otherreasons for rejecting Site 5 little wind for sailing,

obstruction of river views for drivers merging ontoStorrow Drive, and displacement of parkland users

(visits confirm little passive recreation) seem equallydisingenuous.

Environmental Affairs Secretary Bob Durand is ac-cepting comments on the DEIR until January 7, 2002.Now more than ever, it is important to write or email

him at [email protected] with your concerns,referencing EOEA #12520 and [email protected]. You can visit our

website at www.charlesriver.org to read the ExecutiveSummary/full text of the alternatives report, for infor-

mation to comment on the DEIR, and to see a Basinpanoramic view with the boathouse at each site.

Two Superior Locations Identified for

BU Sailing PavilionBy Margaret Van Deusen

Sites analyzed by Beals and Thomas, Inc.


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CRWA Annual Meeting

Receiving awards at the annual meeting from CRWAExecutive Director Bob Zimmerman (back center)

were: (front from left) Laury Coolidge, Attila Klein,and Michael Hutto; (back from left) John Cronin,

Representative Paul Demakis, Linda Cox, and JerylOrestagl io.

By Meg Gray and Louise Taylor

CRWA celebrated Bob Zimmermans 10 year asExecutive Director at its annual meeting at the

Newton Marriot on November 14th. JohnDeVillars, former U.S. EPA Region 1 Administrator;Arleen ODonnell, Deputy Commissioner of the MA

Department ofEnvironmetnal Protection;

CRWAs project managerKathy Baskin, CRWAs PastPresident Ralph Abele,

Director Ro Bloom andcurrent President Kelly

McClintock spoke withalacrity of Zimmermans

outstanding achievements forthe Charles. Remarks wereinterspersed with lighthearted

roasts. Also, on behalf ofEOEA Secretary BobDurand, Sharon McGregor

presented Zimmerman withthe Green Seal Award in

honor of his 10 years ofcommitment to cleaning up

and preserving the Charles.

During the evening, CRWA also honored sixoutstanding individuals for their exceptional efforts

on behalf of the Charles.CRWAs highest honor, the Anne M.

Blackburn Award, was presented to Dr. Attila Klein,Professor of Biology at Brandeis University. Eachyear, he draws students and citizens to the river,

teaching them how the river system works andinspiring them to develop projects leading to a better

understanding of the rivers problems and theirsolutions. Additionally, Dr. Klein serves as a techni-cal advisor to CRWAs in-house lab.

Laury Coolidge, a long-time member and friendto CRWA, received CRWAs 2005 Award, estab-

lished to honor individuals who make significantcontributions toward making the Charles swimmableand fishable by the year 2005. For over 16 years,

Laury has volunteered countless hours cleaning thebrush from the banks of the Charles between the

Hatch Shell and the BU Bridge to allow people abetter view of the river.

CRWAs Citizen Activist Award went to Linda

Cox and Jeryl Orestaglio, co-presidents of the

Esplanade Association for their work in creating astunning new playground on the Esplanade and for

their involvement in the campaign to ensure fullenvironmental and public review of BUs proposedsailing pavilion on prime Esplanade land. The

Esplanade Association worksto restore, preserve, and

enhance the historic CharlesRiver Esplanade.

State Representative Paul

Demakis was the recipient ofCRWAs Public Official

Award. Rep. Demakis is astrong advocate for environ-

mental issues and has worked with CRWA to protect andpromote the Charles River

Esplanade. His efforts includesecuring state funds for landand facilities upkeep and

advocating for a proper reviewand public process of BUs

proposed sailing pavilion.Michael Hutto was

honored with a Special Recog-

nition award for donating his time and talent to thedesign of the Charles River Recreation Guide.

One of CRWAs longest-serving volunteers, John F. Cronin, was given the Volunteer Award.

John has faithfully helped at the Run of the CharlesCanoe and Kayak Race since it began in 1982. Heheads the rescue operation at the breached Bemis

Dam in Watertown, where he has thrown life linesto capsized paddlers from as many as 30 boats in a

single year.McClintock thanked retiring Board members

Ro Bloom, Caroline Standley, and Joanne Turnbull

for their dedication to CRWA and the Charles River.Four new members were welcomed to CRWAs

Board of Directors: Brian ODonovan of WestNewton, COO of the New England RevolutionSoccer Club and VP of the New England Patriots;

Charles D. McCrea, CEO of Environmental CareersOrganization; John Palfrey, Vice President of Opera-

tions at Analine Technologies; and Liz Levin ofBoston, a Senior Vice President at Rizzo Associates.

CRWA thanks the Newton Marriot for gener-

ously supporting the annual meeting each year.


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On the Charles in the 1920sThis is part one of a three-part series

on the Charles River written by

Barbara Winslow who grew up onthe Charles.

Part I. The Boathouse

Across the street from

our house, on theCharles River, loungeda brown-shingled

boathouse which bore on its backthe Waltham Odd Fellows Hall. A

huge swaying planked apronstretched over the river bankproviding a launching pad for

canoes, rowboats, and racingshells. The boats rested, gunwales

down, on wooden racks, one overanother in ranks of three, extend-ing far into and behind the wide

doors that rolled open with arumble we could hear from our

front porch.The boathouse and everything

pertaining thereto was magic. As agirl of ten or eleven, I could sit onthe slope and watch the Charles

glide or roil by, or watch theowner, Jim Bergen, slosh soapy

water over the gleaming varnish,paint and gold scrolls of anupturned canoe, souse it with

clear water, and sponge it care-fully. The keel and ribs of these

canoes were hand-sawn, planedand bent, thwarts hand-carved and

fitted. The canvas was cut,stretched and hand-painted. Thegunwales raking curves were

elegant with dark green, red orblue colors and the boats movedthrough the water as effortlessly as

swans. Jim Bergen was a goodpaddle carver, and his store of

them leaned against the wall in acorner of the office at the edge ofthe wharf. Tall paddles, middle

sized, and shorties gleaned pale

yellow. They were so inviting,that before touching one, youknew how easily your hand

would slide along the handles,how satisfying the curves would

feel.I dimly remember one night

being held up to the window ofthe bedroom I shared with mysister Frances to see red flames

soaring into the night sky andreflected on the water of the

Charles when one of the boat-houses burned. The spectacularfire was nearly a funeral pyre for

canoeing because that boathousewas not rebuilt, and the damage

to Jim Bergens property took along time to repairespecially toreplace the canoes. By the time

they were ready, the day of the

canoe had passed and public fancyhad veered another way. Itbecame rare to see a canoe drift-ing in the morning twilight, the

bandstand on Fox Island fell topieces, and the regattas were no

longer held. Jim all too often washed and cared for his canoes,sliding and heaving them back

onto their racks, without themhaving been wetted in the

Charles.

Jims wharf always had been,

and continued to be, a gatheringplace on summer evenings for

local men and boys. Only. Nogirls allowed. I know cusswords were used over there, and expect

the camaraderie turned into reallanguage at times. Jim was a good

storyteller when he got going. His

cronies could hold their own, too.A lot of spit and tobacco juice

spiced the Charles current. It wasprohibition days, but in cellars

around Waltham Dandelion,Dago and Concord grape wine was certainly being brewed, and

there were rumors of home brewblowing caps and corks. I think

my father knew the smell ofalcohol, although he didnt know

the substance. The wharf wasforbidden territory for me aftersupper. Evenings, pressing my

forehead against the bedroom window screen, I could see the

glow of light bulbs over the boatdoors, the waxing and waning ofcigar and cigarette tips, and hear

the rumble of mens voicespunctuated by muted crows of

laughter. I could hear the hail as alate canoeist brought his craft

alongside the wharf, and the raspand slither of paddle and canoe onthe boards; watch and hear Jim

cross to the office to put paddlesaway, hear the goodnights and thesharp sounds of car doors opening

and slamming shut. On summerevenings, I used to go to sleep

with those sounds. They, too,were a part of the river and allthat it meant to me.

Barbara Winslow, 1931


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Run of the River

Upper Watershed

Milford Water Quality

Continues to Stagnate

The Charles continues to show sig-

nificant concentrations of fecalcoliform bacteria at Central Streetin Milford. On October 18, 2001,

CRWA and EPA officials obtainedwater samples from the outfall and

in the main stem of the Charles

locations of CRWAs monthlysampling program. In addition to

the usual high levels at these loca-tions, a sample was taken further

upstream which showed, accordingto EPA test results, concentrationsof 194,000 colony forming units

per 100 ml (cfu/100ml) of river water. According to Massachusetts

water quality standards, surfacewater is not considered swimmable

if the concentration exceeds 200

cfu/100ml. CRWA and the EPAare presently working to locate the

source of the high concentrations.

Industrial Rezoning Proposal

Defeated

At the Milford October 25th townmeeting, a plan to rezone 100 acresof land from residential to indus-

trial use was defeated. The rezon-

ing would have been the prelimi-nary step to develop 1/2 millionsquare feet of office space. The landinvolved is located north of the I-

495/Rte. 85 interchange and southof Echo Lake. Opponents of re-

zoning cited the proximity of theland to Charles River headwatersand the possibility of water supply

complications. The area voted onis part of a 500-acre development

plan. The other 400 acres of land,currently zoned for 2-acre lots, has

been eyed to accommodate a golf

course and residences. The rezoningproposal for this land will probablybe voted on in the spring, says TownPlanner Reno DeLuzio. CRWA has

met with the project proponents and will be closely maintaining it.

New Corporate Park

Developers for the proposed

Bellingham Corporate Park have is-

sued a notice of project change andrequested a Phase I waiver to elimi-

nate preparation of an Environmen-tal Impact Report (EIR) for the en-

tire site prior to allowing for phaseddevelopment. Originally, the projectscope included 1.6 million square feet

of office/research and developmentspace, four hotels, three restaurants,

and a health club and day care facil-ity, which together, would generate

95 acres of impervious surface. Now,

the project proponents want to elimi-nate the health club and day care fa-

cility and replace it with a 300-unitapartment complex that would result

in four more acres of impervious sur-face and increases in water use and wastewater generation. CRWA has

strongly urged MEPA to deny aPhase I waiver and requested that the

proponents conduct a comprehen-sive alternatives analysis on wastewa-

ter issues.

Rejection of Comprehensive

Water Resources

Management Plan

Despite the dire need for better wastewater management, Bellingham vot-

ers in October rejected a $47 millionComprehensive Water Resources

Management Plan (CWRMP) and

sent the proposal back to the Citi-zens Advisory Committee for fur-

ther study until May 2002 when

voters will again decide the fateof the plan. Residents elected totable the article due to theprojects cost and the nations eco-

nomic uncertainty and job inse-curity. If the plan is approved, it

will connect 2,900 homes to 46miles of sewer lines and add 20new pump stations and a new

sewage treatment plant.

Middle Watershed

More Greenway Space

The Metropolitan District Com-

mission has purchased 17.5 acresof land in Dedham from the

Dedham Historical Society. Theproperty, located on the west

bank of the river between the Ames Street Bridge and Mother

Brook, will become part of thenetwork of land along the CharlesRiver designated for public access

and open space protection. Ac-cording to MDC Park RangerKevin Hollenbeck, the land has

traditionally been used for fishingand hunting. It will be kept as

open space in order to protect wildlife habitat and preserve thefloodplain.

The MDC has also recently pur-chased 0.14 acres of land upstreamof the former Dedham HistoricalSociety land to be used as a boat

launch. Once ready for use, thelaunch will provide access for

short paddles to Riverdale Park,Millennium Park in WestRoxbury, and Nahanton Park in

Newton.

By Anna Eleria and Dudley Bonsal


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Run of the RiverDredging Needham Pond

An Environmental NotificationForm (ENF) has been filed by theNeedham DPW to dredge the

Needham Sportsmens Club Pondand remove some 3,200 cubic yards

of sediment, about 200 cubic yardsof clay and an inactive sewer line. The project also involved the con-

struction of a permanent weir.CRWA, concerned with this overly-

engineered solution for reducingsediment accumulation, suggested

project proponents analyze alterna-tives to the weir and discuss a com-prehensive plan for controlling

stormwater runoff, sedimentation,and erosion using best managementpractices. The club has now with-

drawn its request for a weir.

New Apartment Complex

Developers in Newton Upper Fallsare proposing a 294-unit apartment

building with 4.08 acres of impervious area. The development wouldhave significant stormwater impacts

to the nearby South Meadow Brook(1,000 feet from the site) and to the

Charles River. In response to theprojects ENF, CRWA suggestedthat the use of natural landscaping

and plants that will promote infil-tration and require minimal water-

ing and fertilizer or pesticide appli-

cation be explored.

Pollution Discharge

In September, a sanitary overflowfrom a manhole located at

Nonantum Road near Hyde Brookoutfall in Newton resulted in a sew-

age discharge to the Charles River.CRWA monitoring results down-stream of the Hyde Brook outfall

exceeded the state boating standardfor fecal coliform bacteria. TheMassachusetts Department of Envi-

ronmental Protection issued the citya notice of non-compliance which

outlined remedial actions and dead-lines. The city has cleaned andflushed the sewer line and is cur-

rently investigating long-term andshort-term solutions to the problem.

Hospital Redevelopment

Because the McLean Hospital rep-

resents a large portion of the over-all land area in Belmont and, there-fore, will generate a large amount

of the towns stormwater runoff when expanded, CRWA recom-

mended in its draft EIR commentletter that the proposed stormwater

management plan be consistent withthe towns expected stormwater dis-charge permit to be issued by March

2003. CRWA also requests that developers offset any additional and

unplanned water consumption re-lated to the operation of the researchand development facility and mini-

mize wastewater flows to the exist-ing sewer infrastructure. Finally,

project proponents should describein detail how 120 acres of open spacewill be protected from traffic, equip-

ment, and debris during construc-tion.

Lower Watershed

Rotten Eggs Along the Charles?

Since early fall, rowers, walkers, andjoggers have complained of a rot-

ten egg or low tide smell in theCharles River just upstream of theWestern Avenue Bridge in Cam-

bridge. A representative from

Harvard University informed

CRWA that the smell was originat-ing from a university construction

site at One Western Avenue. Exca-vators are digging through a layer ofdecaying plant material that emits

hydrogen sulfide gas and gives off adistinct odor even at extremely lowlevels. EPA has confirmed that the

contractors protocol for dealingwith hydrogen sulfide is protective

of the environment and of publicsafety. In addition, EPA conductedtheir own air testing and found no

health risks.

Stormwater Opportunities for

the MFA

The Museum of Fine Arts(MFA) inBoston is planning new construc-

tion and renovation. The MFA hasstated that it will explore the use ofunderground rainwater storage

tanks, the reuse of gray water, andnew oil and grit separators for all

new parking lots. The developmentcalls for new wings that will create asubstantial increase in roof surface

that, without any stormwater con-trols, would result in greater runoff

and pollutant concentrations. What-ever specific measures are called forin the plan, CRWA hopes to see the

museum incorporate innovative,state-of-the-art technology for reduc-

ing or eliminating stormwater run-

off. The proximity of the MFA tothe Muddy River makes such tech-

nology that much more vital in or-der to prevent area flooding, reduce

pollution, and to restore baseflow tothe Muddy.


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We are looking for individuals or organizations to host a cleanup in their area,as well as volunteers to participate in the effort.

If interested, contact Pattie Weikert at617-879-7735 or email: [email protected].

Join CRWA for monthly waterquality sampling along the

entire length of the river. Vol-

unteers are needed immedi-

ately in the Millis, Medway, and

Franklin areas. Volunteers

also needed on the wait list inall areas for quick coverage of

newly vacated sites. ContactPeggy Savage for more infor-

mation at [email protected] or617-965-5975 extension 221.

Call for

Volunteers!

Join the

3rd Annual Charles River CleanupSaturday, April 20th, 2002

This event is sponsored by CRWA, MassachusettsCommunity Water Watch, the Clean Charles Coalition,

Senator Steven Tolmans Office, and the Charles River Stream Teams.

CRWA Staff Changes

In early October, Kris Finn

left CRWA to become the

Executive Director of theLemelson-MIT program,which is best known for the$500,00 prize it awards every

year to a prominent inventor. As well as CRWAs External

Relations Coordinator, Kris waseditor of the Streamer, andoversaw membership. While at

CRWA she was the driving forcebehind important publication

projects such as the Charles River

Canoe and Kayak Guide. Wemiss Kris verve and wish her the

very best.We are happy that Louise

Taylor, who has already as-sumed responsibilities formembership at CRWA, will

now head up the department.

Louise slips into this role with

previous fundraising experiencefrom DeCordova Museum andSculpture Park as well as theMaine College of Art. An author

and poet, Louise brings a creativedimension to her new position.

CRWA warmly welcomesMeg Gray as its new Office andPublications Manager. Prior to

joining CRWA, Meg was ProgramDirector of Massachusetts Com-

munity Water Watch and comes

to us with a background in envi-ronmental organizing. Among her

assignments at CRWA, Meg willbe responsible for the production

of the Streamer, maintainingCRWAs website, and coordinat-ing the Run of the Charles.


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PAGE 9STREAMER

MEET JIM FITZGERALD:

Remembering Ted Littlefield

This past November, theCharles River communitylost a dear friend, long-

time volunteer, and river advo-

cate, Ted Littlefield. For almosttwenty years, Ted, originallyfrom Hampden, Maine, hascleaned up trash and tended to the

trees and grass at Riverside BoatClub and around Magazine Beach

in Cambridge. Ted volunteeredhis time and energy withoutanyone requesting his services.

Despite partial paralysis from amotorcycle accident during

college, Ted took care of the land

and greeted people regardless of

the weather conditions. He was aconstant friendly face on the riverbanks, always saying hello and

asking people how they were. Ted was passionate about preserv-

ing and protecting the river andits banks. His love of the riveroriginated while he was in gradu-

ate school at the Sargent Collegeof Boston University where he

learned how to row. He spentcountless hours in a rowing shellon the Charles River. In addi-

tion, his work extended beyondthe river and included the

Streamer:Compare the lab today

to when you started at CRWA in January 1996.

Jim: CRWA didnt have a labwhen I started; I built it from

scratch in the basement. BobZimmerman (CRWAs ExecutiveDirector), worked side-by-side

with me constructing the lab. He was so excited about the lab that

he took me out during a blizzard

on my first day of work to lookat used equipment. Today, the

lab is certified by the Massachu-setts Department of Environmen-

tal Protection, an indication of aquality program. We keep busyperforming 16 different lab tests,

including fecal coliform bacteria,phosphate, nitrate, total sus-

pended solids and biochemicaloxygen demand. The lab runs

over 2000 tests each year for

CRWA and other groups. Next,I plan to develop capability to

run more tests and automate thelab with new equipment.

Streamer:What do you do forother groups?

Jim: CRWAs Lab provides free

or discounted lab services andanswers questions on equipmentand methodologies. The lab has

helped the Ipswich, Mystic, andNeponset River Watershed

Associations, Merrimack River Watershed Council, University

of Massachusetts, NortheasternUniversity, Metropolitan AreaPlanning Council, and high

school students.

Streamer: What trends have you

seen in water quality in theCharles?

Jim:Water quality in the Charles

has improved a good deal in thelast six years, though the data

also show that there are stilltrouble spots where more workneeds to be done.

Streamer:Tell us about the

highlights of your job.

Jim:Its been great creating and

maintaining a good reputationfor high quality lab results from

the ground (basement) floor up.I enjoy working with the interns.

Weve had about 35 since Istarted. Here, they can see the whole lab operation, from

sample collection, throughreporting and invoicing. Also,

CRWAs location is great. Its alot of fun to have the river rightbehind us. Im very happy to be

here.

grounds of the Morse School. In

1997, Ted received a commenda-tion from the City of Cambridge

for his work along the river andin the community. He was agood friend and will be greatly

missed by Riverside Boat Club,Morse School and the local

community. A memorial fundhas been established and contribu-tions can be sent to the Ted

Littlefield Scholarship Fund,Riverside Boat Club, 769 Memo-

rial Dr., Cambridge, MA, 02139,

or to a charity of choice.

CRWAS LAB MANAGER


10/12

STREAMERPAGE 10

Watchdog for the RiverCRWA tracks projects throughout the watershed, provid-

ing input to development and infrastructure proposals to

make sure the rivers best interests are taken into account.

Below is a list of the projects on which CRWA commentedto the state, town, or developer between June 15, 2000 and

November 21, 2001. Copies of comment letters are avail-

able at CRWA, 2391 Commonwealth Avenue, Auburndale

(Newton) 02466.

Thank You!CRWA extends heartfelt thanks to indi-

viduals and organizations for your contribu-tions since our last Streamer. Were so glad

you believe in the work were undertakingto bring the Charles River and its watershedinto better ecological balance. We couldnt

do this vital work without your loyal andgenerous support, whether through mem-

bership, the Annual Appeal, or both.By Thanksgiving, less than a month

since the 2001 Annual Appeal was launched,

donors had already contributed $14,000. Sixindividuals joined or renewed memberships

in the Millennium Society with contribu-tions of $2,500 or more. They include two

anonymous donors, Mr. and Mrs. John C.Bloom, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ladd, LucyCaldwell Stair, and Mr. and Mrs. Burgess

Standley. Compaq Computer Corpora-tion and Phillip Morris Companies, Inc.contributed at the Millennium Society level

as well. New and rejoining HeadwatersSociety contributors of $1,000 or more

include Mr. and Mrs. Rodrigo Botero, Mr.and Mrs. Richard Burnes, Jr., Stephen

Burrington and Abigail Swaine, Mr. and

Mrs. Alfred Chandler, Larry R.Gottesdiener, Peter A. Humphery and

Juliann Bannon, Carolyn and John King,

Olivia Manice, Mrs. Jeannette McC.

Atkinson, Mrs. Edward Richardson, Jr.,

Marion Mackenzie Stegner, Joanne J.

Turnbull, Daniel G. Wheeler, and Mr.

and Mrs. Holyoke L. Whitney. Compa-nies and organizations contributing at the

Headwaters Society level were GilletteCompany, Hitachi Foundation, the Paul

and Edith Babson Foundation, and Sun

Life Assurance Company of Canada. Thanks to all!

Since the publication of our lastnewsletter CRWA received a number ofsignificant grants. The Massachusetts

Department of Environmental Protection

awarded two $50,000 grants, one of which is

for studying total maximum daily loads, andthe other for stormwater assessment in theupper watershed. We received an $18,895

Bellingham Notice of Project Change for MaplebrookCommons Condominiums

Bellingham Phase III of Comprehensive Water Resources

Management Plan/Environmental Impact Reportfor the Town of Bellingham

Bellingham Notice for Project Change and Request forPhase I Waiver Bellingham Corporate Park

Bellingham Environmental Notification Form forHigh Ridge Estates

Belmont Draft Environmental Impact Report for McLean

Hospital Redevelopment

Boston Environmental Notification Form for ProposedBoston University Sailing Pavilion

Boston Draft Environmental Impact Report for EmeraldNecklace Environmental Improvements MasterPlan and Phase I Muddy River Flood Control

Boston Environmental Notification Form for Museum of

Fine Arts Expansion

Needham Environmental Notification Form for Dredging ofNeedham Sportsmens Club Pond and Section 401

Water Quality Certification

Newton Environmental Notification Form for Avalon at

Upper Falls Apartment Project

Statewide Barriers Commission Subcommittee Title 5 andZoning Draft Reports

Statewide Water Resources Commissions Draft StressedBasin Policy on the Massachusetts Instream Flow

Task Force

Town Project

(continued on page 11)


11/12

PAGE 11STREAMER

C A L E N D A R is published by theCharles River Watershed Association

2391 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA 02466

Phone: (617) 965-5975, Fax: (617) 332-7465

Email: [email protected], Web:www.charlesriver.org

CRWA is a tax-exempt, nonprofitcorporation established in 1965 to protect and enhance the health, beautyand enjoyment of the Charles Riverand its tributaries. CRWA is a

member of EarthShares and the Massachusetts EnvironmentalCollaborative .

January 23 and 30, 6:30-8:30 pmOrganic Lawn Care

Learn how to create a healthy, greenlawn without turning your yard into

a hazard zone. This two week course will teach organic cultural practices

including pest and weed control,fertilizing, and seed collection thatare beneficial to the environment,

cost effective and reduce lawnsdependence on chemicals. For more

course information call the ArnoldArboretum: 617-524-1718 or

email:[email protected]

January 26, 1-2pm

Charles River Esplanade TourOrganized by the MDC, discover

how and why this beautiful waterpark was constructed. Meet in

front of the Museum of Science.

March 12, 5:15 p.m. The Unplanned City: Filling in

Bostons Tidal Flats and Changing

Its Topography

Take part in the Boston Environ-

mental History Seminar seriessponsored by the Massachusetts

Historical Society. For moreinformation contact Jean Powers at617-646-0513 or

[email protected]

grant to do habitat assessmentfrom Massachusetts Environ-

mental Trust. In partnership with USGS, CRWA received a$51,000 grant from the U.S.

Environmental Protection

Agency for the CharlesCast

project to develop statisticalcorrelation between rainfall andriver pollution.

Earth Share, formerlythe Environmental Federation of

New England, provided $1,389through workplace giving pro-

Thank You(continued from page 10)

Board of DirectorsKelly McClintock, PresidentPhillip L. Hillman, Vice President/

Environment Jane Sender, Clerk William Tedoldi, Treasurer

Edward E. Watts, III, Asst. TreasurerRalph W. Abele, Past President

Lee Breckinridge

Stephen H. BurringtonLucy Caldwell-Stair

John P. DeVillars

Elizabeth C. GilmoreRichard G. Gonci

James HealyJonathan D. Katz

Virginia M. Lawrence

Elizabeth LevinCharles D. McCrea

Brian ODonovan John G. Palfrey, Jr.

William D. Rieders

Staff

Robert Zimmerman, Jr.,Executive Director

Margaret VanDeusen,

Deputy Director, General CounselKathleen Baskin, Project Manager

Dudley Bonsal, Environmental ScientistKenneth Dews , Finance Administrator

Anna Eleria, Environmental Scientist James Fitzgerald, Laboratory ManagerMeg Gray, Office & Publications Manager

Nigel Pickering, Senior EngineerPeggy Savage, Environmental Scientist

Louise Taylor, Membership Manager

Interns: Loretta Fernandez, John Carney,Lindsay Maderia

Streamer Logo: Lou MucciLine Art: Carol R. Johnson, Associates

The Streamer

February 16, 1-2pmCharles River Dam Tour

Reserve a spot with the MDC for a

tour of the Charles River dams bycalling 617-727-9650 x 445.

April 20thCharles River Earth Day Cleanup

Kick off your Earth Daycelebration by volunteering at

the 3rd Annual Charles RiverEarth Day Cleanup. Volunteer

at the event or work withCRWA to organize your own

site on the Charles. For moreinformation contact Pattie

Weikert at 617-879-7735 or [email protected].

April 28Run of the Charles Canoe

and Kayak Race

Support CRWA by being part of

the race as a volunteer, racer,sponsor or spectator. Call 1-800-969-RACE or 508-698-6810 or

email [email protected].

grams. For the fifth consecutiveyear, Nantucket Nectars hosted afundraiser, Charity for the

Charles, at its Cambridge head-quarters during the Head of the

Charles regatta and donated $2,500in proceeds to CRWA. Thefeatured music for this fun event

was the local group Bim SkalaBim. Other in-kind donations

were provided by Boston Ski andSports Club, John HarvardBrewery, Finagle a Bagel and

Rebeccas Caf.


12/12

Printed on recycled paper

PAGE 12STREAMER

Charles River Watershed Association

2391 Commonwealth Avenue

Auburndale, MA 02466

Streamer NON PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

NATICK, MA

PERMIT NO. 61

20th Anniversary

RUN OF THE CHARLESCANOE AND KAYAK RACE

Sunday, April 28, 2002Sponsored By Boston Duck Tours With Support From You!

How Did the Paddler Cross the Road?

With YOUR help!

Celebrating 37 years of

improvements

to the Charles!

GET IN ON THERun of the Charles ACTION!Call (508) 698-6810, 1-800-969-RACEor [email protected],

or visit CRWA on-line at www.charlesriver.org

Volunteer!

Recruit your Company as a Sponsor!

Paddle!

Fall 2001 Streamer Newsletter, Charles River Watershed Association

Documents

Transcript of Fall 2001 Streamer Newsletter, Charles River Watershed Association