Citizen Scientist Training Workshop Announced

Attendees at a Citizen Scientist Training Workshop.Please join MyRWA on Saturday, September 6 for a Citizen Scientist Training Workshop. This Workshop allows interested volunteers to learn about water quality monitoring methods and concepts. By completing this workshop, you’ll be prepared to join MyRWA’s Baseline Monitoring Program. The Baseline Monitoring Program requires a monthly commitment between 6am and 8am. No experience is necessary - all are welcome!

When: Saturday, September 6, 2014, 9:00am-11:00am

Where: MyRWA office building - 20 Academy Street, Arlington, MA

Space is limited! Please register today by emailing Beth@Mysticriver.org.

Learn more about MyRWA's water quality monitoring programs here.

Action Alert: Mystic River Water Quality Commission

As a supporter of the Mystic River Watershed Association, I am writing to ask you once again to reach out to the House Ways and Means Chairman to urge him to release H785 Establishing a Mystic River Water Quality Commission for a vote by the full House. There are only three weeks remaining in this legislative session and an outpouring of support is essential to move this important legislation forward!

Below I have included contact information and sample text for your correspondence with Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. Thank you in advance for your prompt action!

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Representative Brian S. Dempsey
House Ways and Means Chair
State House, Room 243
Boston, MA 02133
Brian.Dempsey@mahouse.gov

Dear Honorable Brian Dempsey,

I am writing to urge you to release H785 Establishing a Mystic River Water Quality Commission for a vote of the full House. This important commission, proposed by Representative Denise Provost and supported by many members of the House, will investigate and study the Mystic River ecosystem. The Mystic River Water Quality Commission will make recommendations to improve water quality conditions to a level that supports fishing, boating, swimming and wildlife. As a resident of the Mystic River Watershed, I feel I deserve clean water!

For too long, impaired water quality and environmental conditions have been overlooked in the Mystic River and its tributaries. This commission will provide critically important support to efforts to restore environmental conditions in the Mystic River in three important ways:

1. The Commission will elevate the issue of impaired water quality in the Mystic River and will make clear the impact of poor water quality on local ecology and recreational use

2. The Commission's report will provide a clear understanding of the best and most effective ways to deploy limited local and regional resources and funding

3. Environmental activists, advocates and concerned State legislators will use the commission's report and findings to strengthen their environmental advocacy.

Much work is already underway and the story of the Mystic River as an important living system and recreational destination has been gaining much momentum. The Mystic River Water Quality Commission will bring important and appropriate attention to this work from the State Legislature and will amplify the efforts of local advocates and State and Federal partners. It will generate further political momentum for legislative action and additional Federal funding that is very much needed to ensure that the Mystic River is included in the successful water quality improvements experienced in Boston Harbor and the Charles River.

Thank you in advance for releasing H785 Establishing a Mystic River Water Quality Commission for a vote of the full House.

Sincerely yours,
(your name)
(your address)

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Thank you for taking this important action and for supporting the Mystic River Watershed Association.

Special Opportunity: Marine Invader Monitoring and Information Collaborative

The Marine Invader Monitoring and Information Collaborative (MIMIC) is a network of trained volunteers, scientists, and state and federal workers who monitor marine invasive species along the Gulf of Maine. The collaborative provides an opportunity for the general public to actively participate in an invasive species early detection network, identify new invaders before they spread out of control, and help improve our understanding of the behavior of established invaders. More than 100 volunteers are monitoring 38 sites in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.

The four primary components of the MIMIC program are:

1. Coordination

2. Training

3. Monitoring

4. Information Transfer

The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management coordinates the program and data are housed at MIT Sea Grant.

The Invasive Species monitoring in the Mystic River Watershed is scheduled for:

1. Monday July 14, 7:00pm

2. Tuesday Aug 12, 6:00pm

3. Wednesday Sept 10, 6:30pm

The site is at the Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina, 256 Marginal St, East Boston. 

If you would like to participate in this program please call Beth at 781-316-3438.

This is a collaboration of the Mystic River Watershed Association and The Surfrider Foundation.

2014 Herring Run Estimated at 239,059

The 2014 herring migration was tracked by nearly 100 trained volunteer herring monitors at the DCR Upper Mystic Lake dam in Medford, MA. Their efforts resulted in 31,296 herring counted. With this data the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries estimates the run size at 239,059 +/- 37,288 herring. These results suggest the number of river herring entering into Upper Mystic Lake increased in 2014.

Read more about the Herring Monitoring Program here.

Budget Includes DCR Funding for Mystic Master Plan

On June 30th the State House and Senate Conference Committee released a consensus budget that includes funding for the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) not less than $250,000 to be expended to finalize the designs and to obtain the permits necessary for implementation of the Mystic River Master plan, including aquatic invasive species control on the Mystic River. Senator Pat Jehlen worked tirelessly on this issue and provided important leadership in the Senate as did Representatives Denise Provost and Paul Donato in the House. MyRWA very much appreciates the dedication of local residents and the hard work of members of House and Senate who fought to see this important funding was included in FY2015 budget!

Medford's First Environmental Art & Film Festival was a Huge Hit!

More than a hundred people saw the premiere of "The Mystic Herring Run: The Return of 2012 and Beyond" the weekend of June 21. What an amazing film it was: incredible underwater photography of schooling alewives and blueback herrings making their way to the Upper Mystic Lake to spawn, great command of science, and real passion. Congratulations to filmmaker Shervin Ayra, who discussed the long path to this premiere and answered questions from the rapt audience.

And many more people came to the opening reception. Artists Jane Estella, Keith Maddy, Doc Madison, Peg Drummey, Chris Naitza, George McLean, Darlene Stout, Sydney Smith, Bernadette Murah, Susan Altman, Katie Cornog, Henry Olds, Sherry Leffert, and David Mussina won awards for their artwork. Three excellent short films on rivers were screened, and the Hyatt provided a lovely spread.

Enjoy all the photos from the festival on the Mystic Art Gallery's Facebook page. 

Reprinted courtesy of the Medford Arts Center.

A fish ladder in Winchester?

Come hear about the prospect of installing a fish ladder to the Center Falls Dam in Winchester center. We’ll also share preliminary 2014 herring run data and present the results of the 2013 herring habitat assessment. Join us at the next Committee Meeting on Tuesday July 1st, 7-8PM, Tufts University, Lincoln Filene Center, Rabb Room, Medford.

MyRWA Receives "Education and Public Service Award"

MyRWA was awarded the 2014 Education and Public Service Award by the Board of Directors of the Universities Council on Water Resources on June 19. The award “acknowledges with sincere appreciation the vision and leadership in the advancement of water resources education and public service.” MyRWA’s Patrick Herron, Water Quality Monitoring Director, received the award on behalf of the Association. Thank you for your recognition UCOWR!

Asphalt spilled into the Mystic River (updated 6/20/14)

An estimated 2,100 to 10,794 gallons of asphalt were spilled into the Mystic River on June 19, 2014 – this estimate has been revised from 11,000 gallons. The spill occurred from a Sprague Energy vessel at the ExxonMobil facility in Everett, MA. Mystic River Watershed Association staff met with officials from ExxonMobil and Sprague Energy to discuss the incident and learn more about cleanup plans on June 20.

Officials stated the asphalt product solidified upon contact with the water, allowing for efficient removal within a contained area. No one was hurt during the incident and Sprague Energy is reporting that the clean-up is almost complete within 24 hours of the event. MassDEP, NOAA, US Coast Guard as well as Clean Harbors and TMC Environmental were reported to be on site to assess conditions and aid in the cleanup. It was reported that no sheen was observed in the vicinity of the spill or the congealed asphalt mat that covered the river as a result of the spill. A diver investigated the area to determine whether any of the product was present in the water column, on the river bottom or in the sediment.

Paddling Tour July 21

Rick Beinecke leading a paddling tour on the Mystic River.Join the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) on Monday, July 21st as we explore the Mystic River and hear from author Rick Beinecke about the rich history and natural life of the river. Rick recently published “The Mystic River: A Natural and Human History and Recreation Guide” - for more information about his book click here. The paddling tour will start/end at the Upper Mystic Lake Dam, Mystic Valley Pkwy, Medford. 6:00PM – 8:00PM. Limited to 15 people. Bring your own boat and PFD. Heavy rain cancels the event.

RSVP (required) to Beth@MysticRiver.org or call 781-316-3438.