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River eNews

February 9, 2023

In Remembrance of Christine Sandulli, Leaving A River Legacy

In December, we lost a dear friend and tireless advocate for the River, Christine Sandulli. Chris was an extremely dedicated volunteer for many years, and served as a longtime Board member including several years as Board President. Under Chris’ steady and skilled leadership, the organization more than doubled in both membership and budget and achieved many milestones. Chris’ recent obituary can be viewed here.

“Chris became President in my first year at Ipswich River in 2012. Chris was an incredible partner and mentor and ably guided me through my first several years at the helm of the organization. I cannot thank her enough for all she did for my career and for the River,” says Wayne Castonguay, Executive Director.

In honor of Chris and with her support, we have embarked on a major riverfront restoration project at our Riverbend Headquarters, a property she cherished. We will dedicate the restoration effort in her name in recognition of her amazing legacy to the River. Chris is deeply missed and her impact on the River will be forever lasting.

A 30 Year Victory For Your River

As its last official policy initiative, The Governor Baker administration put into effect new regulations that will require water conservation measures on water registrations during droughts.

Registrations make up more than 80% of all withdrawals from the Ipswich River. They are the most significant reason for the river’s endangerment. This is a huge triumph for our river!

According to Executive Director Wayne Castonguay, “Our organization has been working for more than 30 years to achieve this milestone. I want to thank our statewide partners and supporters for getting us over the finish line on the number one priority of our #EndangeredIpswich Campaign. While we still have more work to do to take the River off the endangered list forever, this is a critical step and one off which we can build.”

This is a major victory for our membership who came through and submitted more official comment letters in support of the rule change than any other watershed in Massachusetts, demonstrating that individuals who care can really make a difference. A big shout out to The Massachusetts Rivers Alliance for leading the charge across the State and the staff at the Department of Environmental protection for seeing this change through to the end.

Pictured Above: Middleton Pond during drought by Judy Schneider.

The Middleton Pond supplies water to the towns of Danvers and Middleton and is already subject to water restrictions. With these new changes in regulations all public water supplies are subject to the same rules. The river will benefit because now Salem, Beverly, Peabody, Wilmington, Topsfield, Wenham, North Reading, and Lynn will join the other towns in having to conserve water during droughts.

Have Breakfast With Your Legislators

Our 2023 Legislative Breakfast is happening on Tuesday, March 14th in Danvers. Join us to discuss water and climate resiliency issues facing our watershed and communities. Your state legislators will share their ideas about how to protect our rivers. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of their legislators about these important topics. Tickets are available for $25 and include a full hot breakfast.