News, events, and updates you Otter know from OARS. | |
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OARS 3 RIVERS
A strong, effective, and sustainable organization
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OARS is growing! We are delighted to welcome Izzy Luca to OARS for our 2023 summer season. | |
Izabella (Izzy) Luca
Summer 2023 Environmental Education Coordinator
When Izzy is not using her experience to connect communities to their local natural environments, especially waterways, she can be found practicing guitar and singing, relaxing with a good book, or enjoying a hike through nature. See Izzy's full bio.
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We are excited to announce that Bob Brown is joining OARS Board of Directors, effective June 2023! | | |
"I look forward to working with OARS’ leadership and staff to pursue clean water and environmental justice for all." | |
Bob has had a life-long interest in working for environmental protection and making a real difference in his community. After retiring from MassDEP, he joined the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission in Lowell as Senior Program Manager/Staff Attorney. Bob began his career with the AZ Department of Water Resources as the agency’s first enforcement attorney, helping implement the Arizona Groundwater Management Act of 1980. After returning home to MA, he worked in MA’s state government as Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Water Resources for MassDEP, Chief Regional Counsel for the Central Regional Office, and Chief Bureau Counsel for the Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup. Bob is also co-chair of the Legal Affairs Committee of the Association of Clean Water Administrators. Bob received EPA’s Environmental Merit Award twice and was awarded the Manuel Carballo Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service by Governor Baker. Each spring, on ‘Big Night,’ you will find him by a vernal pool beholding the biology of these fascinating environments. | | |
15th Annual Film Festival a Great Success | |
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Thank you to all who joined us for OARS’ 15th Annual Film Festival!
We would love to hear your feedback on our Festival Film choices, pricing, and overall experience.
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HEALTHY RIVERS
supporting wildlife and our communities
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OARS 2022 Water Quality Report is Out | | |
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Read about SuAsCo water quality, streamflow, bacteria, and aquatic plant biomass in our 2022 Water Quality Report, which provides the solid science behind the decision-making and advocacy for our rivers.
Our latest report was issued in April 2023 for the 2022 field season. All previous reports can be found in our online technical reports repository.
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Water Chestnut Season is Here | |
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Invasive water chestnut is a fast-growing annual and, if left unattended, will easily cover an entire water body. YOU can prevent it from clogging our rivers—become a Weed Warrior.
Learn how to identify, remove, and report water chestnut infestations on our rivers using our new App. We recommend you watch our training video. Whether you prefer working alone or with a team, your help is needed.
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Don't Miss this Opportunity to Have Your Voice Heard! | | |
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The deadline to submit your comment letters on the Talbot Mills Dam has been extended to July 31.
Updated MEPA review process timeline:
June 15: Expanded Environmental Notification Form (EENF) filed
July 10: Published in Environmental Monitor
July 31: Public comments due
August 9: EENF decision
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CARING COMMUNITY
that appreciates and protects our rivers through OARS
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Let us know if you spot one of these signs out there in the wild. | |
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Invasive Water Chestnut Eagle Scout Project
Finn, Eagle Scout, Troop 61 Sudbury, used his Eagle Scout Service Project to help tackle the invasive Water Chestnut problem in our SuAsCo rivers.
For his project, he designed, fundraised, created, and installed 11 Water Chestnut signs around the SuAsCo watershed, where this invasive plant is known to be a problem. These signs will help river users identify the plant, show them how to easily report their presence, and help them get trained on correctly removing and disposing of them through the volunteer Weed Warrior program.
THANK YOU, FINN, FOR YOUR AMAZING COMMUNITY WORK!
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Support the vital work to restore, protect, improve, and preserve the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers and their tributaries and watersheds through OARS. | | |
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Stormwater Financing Workshops
Join us this July & September for workshops on stormwater financing!
Mass Rivers, OARS, and partnering organizations Raftelis and Tighe & Bond have designed three workshops for municipalities and non-profits working with municipalities. These workshops will help participants learn about and take advantage of short- and long-term funding solutions for stormwater management.
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2023 Pollinator Garden Volunteering at Assabet River NWR!
July through August
Bi-weekly on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, 9 am–11 am.
Saturdays:
Jul 3 & 17, Aug 12 & 26, Sept 9 & 23
Wednesdays:
Jul 5 & 19, Aug 2, 16, 30, Sept 13
Email Joy Absher for Volunteer Service Agreement or programming questions.
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RiverFest
Celebrating the Wild & Scenic Rivers
July 1 to August 13
RiverFest is the annual celebration of the federally protected Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild and Scenic Rivers. This year, it takes place over six weeks, offering you more opportunities to participate.
RiverFest Summer is your opportunity to explore what makes the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers so unique and special!
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