Cheers for the Ipswich: Good Luck, Patrick!

This is my farewell blog. After nearly two years at Ipswich River, first as Environmental Planner and then as Director of Policy and Planning, it is time for me to move on.

I was fortunate to have worked on so many exciting projects over the last two years. We welcomed new members to Riverbend through efforts like the Inclusive Membership Initiative, begun this year by member Jireh Ishaazi. We supported a new Drought Bill, pushed for better regulations at the state level, and crafted other solutions to help our communities save water

In the headwaters, we helped bring $1.6. million in climate resiliency funding to the Town of Lynnfield, and kicked off an ambitious Vision for Willis Woods to protect more than 700 acres spanning the Ipswich River in Lynnfield, Middleton, North Reading and Peabody. With continued support, a decade from now these four communities will boast one of the largest trail systems in the Boston area, complete with the region’s only whitewater rapid once the South Middleton Dam finally comes down.

To put the plight of the Ipswich in a national context, we launched the #EndangeredIpswich Campaign. I am grateful for climate leaders like John Kerry and Ed Markey who helped launch the campaign, and everyone else who got the word out. The solutions we advanced this year will continue building into 2022 and beyond, thanks to new partners and allies.

While a blog post is too short to list all the partnerships, I want to highlight the wonderful #EndangeredAle campaign and the efforts of Gary Rogers and Jake Rogers at True North Ales, as well as North Shore artist Amy Hourihan who designed the label. Businesses up and down the North Shore are now brewing new beers using Ipswich water. Whether you live in Salem, Beverly, Peabody or Ipswich, you will soon be able to support clean water simply by drinking beer.

These partnerships have helped bring renewed attention to the plight of the Ipswich and its communities. Our campaign received major coverage on WBUR, CBS Boston, and a wonderful visit where we took the team from Channel 5 Chronicle out for a paddle. Not to be outdone, we even directed and produced our own short film with the help of young filmmakers from the Climate Cafes, proving the value of engaging not only youth leaders but also our region’s creative talent.

Many challenges remain. While groups like Ipswich River are at the front lines producing research and crafting solutions to help our communities save water, more public support will help implement those solutions more quickly. A renewed commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will also help shape what’s to come. As a region, the North Shore needs to figure out how concerns about its water supply and remaining open spaces are interconnected with longstanding issues like exclusionary zoning in Greater Boston. Addressing concepts like equity, climate justice, and affordable housing are all essential ingredients to creating a more inclusive and resilient North Shore. I am grateful for everyone who has pushed us to work harder on these goals and offered your support over the last year.

Starting a job during the pandemic was a challenge. I am grateful for everyone at IRWA and the PIE-Rivers Partnership who helped me feel welcome. Whether we worked together over Zoom or were lucky enough to meet in person to paddle or walk some trails, I appreciated every chance I had to connect with people who care so deeply about the future of the region.

Finally, as someone who grew up in Reading, I am so grateful for the chance to work in my home watershed. Not everyone is so lucky. We have made tremendous progress over the last two years. I wish all of you the best in continuing to work towards a more resilient North Shore.

Cheers for the Ipswich!
– Patrick Lynch

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