River supporters like the attendees of the 1/23 Walk of Boston Brook (above) are the key to protecting the river for current and future generations. Increased water demand, resource inequity, and a global climate crisis. These are but a few of the big new challenges for achieving our three-part mission to protect Clean Water, provide […]
In March, 1986 the Water Management Act (WMA) was enacted by the Massachusetts Legislature following the recommendation of a Blue Ribbon Commission appointed by the Governor to address the increasing conflicts over the Commonwealth’s limited water resources. The Act requires the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to regulate the quantity of water withdrawn from both
What the Heck are Registrations, How Did We Get Here? Read More »
Projections, available in the state’s Drought Management Plan, predict more frequent short and long term droughts in the future due to climate change. A new phenomenon called “flash droughts” is also predicted. Flash droughts standout from other droughts for their fast onset and rapid deterioration in conditions. Year round and across the state we are
Above The historic 2016 drought revealed failings of the state’s former Drought Management Plan. Vandana Rao, Director of Water Policy for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA), referenced both the historic 2016 and 2020 droughts at the January 21st meeting of the Water Management Act Advisory Committee. In her presentation on the
Above The Water Management Act Advisory Committee meeting was attended by several watershed advocates. On Thursday, January 21st the Water Management Act Advisory Committee met for the first time in 6 years. At the meeting, the State Department of Environmental Protection announced a new plan to condition registrations during droughts. Current registered withdrawals are exempt
A new round of grant funding is coming to a town resiliency project several years in the making. The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) awarded a Coastal Resiliency grant to the Town of Ipswich for the next phase of the Riverwalk project. Ipswich River Watershed Association will produce a video series with assistance
Water concerns are not new to Ipswich residents. Above, a chart from the Willowdale USGS gauge and a marker along the river’s main stem show how flow in the river plummeted in August 2020 following a second drought declaration. The Town of Ipswich held a public meeting on Monday, January 11th to discuss, among other
Above: Brandon Boyd is often out in the field helping with restoration and monitoring on the Ipswich River and its tributaries. We are very lucky to have the support of many dedicated volunteers. Through our monitoring programs, events, gardens, office assistance and more these river heroes use their skills and time on behalf of the
