NEWS FLASH

The Three Rivers Initiative is underway!

    The March 19 kick-off meeting sparked some good discussion and ideas. This modest start will be followed up with another meeting in late April to formulate actions and continue to develop the initiative.

  • Meeting highlights:

    • 15 watershed residents attended, representing all (4) major rivers.

  • Topics Discussed:

    Creating segment stewards to survey and monitor river segments, a team approach
    Building the council and how to organize key roles
    Watershed documentary; a virtual trip through the watershed, an educational tool
    ChicRWC's mission
    Preparing watershed flyer/brochure to use at community events
    Issues of concern
    Lakes are a significant influence in the Quaboag

  • Ideas:

    • Prepare a traveling show kit to build awareness, use at community events, attend events
    Sponsor stream naming contests, check old maps for stream names
    Promote better inter-department communications on river issues in towns and state agencies
    Sponsor a conservation commission summit of watershed towns to discuss river issues
    Prepare watershed awareness DVD for community access channels in watershed towns
    Council should act as coordinator of actions to support groups throughout the watershed
    Conduct historical review of towns relating to water's importance in area's history
    Seek possible graduate study work projects to research important watershed issues/habitat
    Establish contacts with key biological specialists and resources

  • Watershed Wishes Survey Summary: (so far)

    Top issues: water quality, habitat protection, access, pollution concerns
    Other issues: wetlands, water quantity, invasives, regional approaches to protection
    Top actions: events, education, news coverage, social outreach, info literature
    Other actions: stewardship activities, identify problems, historical research
    Willing to donate: large majority yes, all - thanks

 

  • Role of watershed council:

    • Stewardship activities, outreach/connect people to watershed, education, coordination
    Mobilize manpower, promote protection, collect watershed information

  • Willing to volunteer:

    • large majority yes, few maybe

  • Wishes:

More access, appreciation for the waters, awareness, historic preservation,
Habitat protection, fish restoration
Action!

Notes: River Fest

WHAT'S NEXT??

Another meeting in late April to focus on developing:

Documentary project
Segment teams/stewards (organize initial surveys)
Educational program planning
Preliminary event ideas/plans
Upcoming community events to attend
Organizational issues

Tentative next meeting: Thursday April 23 @ 6:30 PM, Palmer Town Hall

Details to follow.

Respectfully submitted:

Keith Davies
Three Rivers Initiative/ChicRWC