DOCSLIB.ORG

Volunteer Monitoring Manual

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Volunteer Monitoring Manual VOLUNTEER MONITORING MANUAL for <' Alewife/Mystic River Advocates . May 5, 1997 . Volunteer Monitoring Manual Preface The habitat use and water quality information presented in this document is an aid for volunteer monitoring activities and habitat management. The purpose of this manual is to make it easier for concerned citizens of Massachusetts to get involved in monitoring and protecting of the . ecological health of the Mystic River and of the alewife and blueback herring run within the Mystic River watershed. Recognizing that river and stream corridors are a vital part of the Massachusetts environment, we hope that this manual will serve as an effective tool for citizen stewardship of the Mystic River. This manual was created by Tufts University graduate students in the Urban and Environmental Policy Department, in gonjunction with the Alewife Mystic River Advocates (AMRA). For more information or comments please contact Lisa Brukilacchio at (617) 776-4160. Introduction The Volunteer Monitoring Manual is designed to help you protect the Mystic River and its local herring run through a series of observation charts on water quality, habitat, and population estimates. Using this manual, volunteers should be able to recognize and document the presence of alewife and blueback herring, as well as the habitat and water quality conditions required for spawning. Participants of the volunteer monitoring program will be an integral part of a larger community effort to develop and implement a water quality monitoring program and to promote education and public river stewardship. The Alewife/Mystic RiverAdvocates (AMRA) is a multi-community advocacy group working to promote public awareness of the Mystic River system. The goals of the AMRA are to I restore ecological integrity and vitality and to enhance recreational opportunities through watershed- based management. AMRA, in conjunction with several other local community organizations, is currently working with the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Environmental Law Enforcement to participate in the Adopt-A-Stream Program on behalf of the lower Mystic River. This manual will serve as a working guide to provide a starting point for citizens to get involved with the stewardship of the Mystic River through the monitoring and observation of the annual herring run. The manual is divided into three major sections: • Section I, the background section, describes the specific objectives of the manual; gives a general explanation of the herring run; delineates/maps the study area; and provides a summary of the issues regarding barriers to spawning. • Section II, the survey section, provides two observation charts for recording 1) easily observable physical aspects of the river, and 2) habitat characterization and relative I abundance of herring. • Section III, the resource section, lists resource and reporting information, and other ways to get involved with the protection of the Mystic River. 5 Issues WaterQuality The Mystic River is regulated by the national and Massachusetts Clean Water Acts, which designate the Mystic as a Class B water body. The Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards define the goal for Class B waters as suitable habitat for both fish and recreational activities. State authorities are responsible for preventative and enforcement measures related to protecting, maintaining, or improving the water quality of the river. Federal and state budgetary pressures however, coupled with community growth and pollution sources, make it difficult to achieve the clean water goals. This makes it all the more important for citizens to get involved in the monitoring process and assume community responsibility for the health of the river. As mentioned above in the explanation of the herring run, the life requirements of herring entail a minimum level of water quality to be maintained for each of its life stages: egg, larvae, juvenile, and adult. Water quality conditions vary daily, seasonally, with the level of stream flow, and between stream segments, thus the survival of a herring in each of its life stages depends on the water quality conditions meeting a general range suitable for herring habitat. There are two types of pollution which can degrade the water quality of a river: point and non-point sources. Point sources are described as pipes from dischargers such as industries or sewage plants, and these sources are regulated under the federal Clean Water Act. Non-point sources are more diffuse sources, resulting from stormwater running over land and picking up different pollutants. Examples of non-point sources are stormwater runoff, oil from roads and parking lots, agricultural fertilizers and pesticides, and eroded soils causing increased sediment loads in the river (Adopt-A-Stream, 1992, p. 63). Most 0 non-point sources are not regulated or monitored because of their indirect nature. Yet both pollution sources are significant contributors to water quality problems, making it necessary to determine the general health of the stream through water quality indicators. These indicators will be listed in tlieStream Walk Survey provided in Section II. Other Barriers to Spawning There are several other barriers to spawning in addition to poor water quality. These include physical obstructions such as dams, stream blockage, debris in the water, or inadequate spawning habitat. The herring need a suitable passageway to spawning grounds in order to maintain a viable population. While the primary effect of sedimentation and pollution on the herring is the fact that it decreases optimal spawning habitat, the primary effect of dams and physical obstructions is that it keeps the herring from reaching their natal rivers and tributaries. There are two significant physical barriers to herring spawning habitat in the Mystic River: the Amelia Earhart Dam and the Upper Mystic Lake Dam. The Amelia Earhart dam lies near the head 6 of the Mystic, but it is not a completely impassable barrier to the herring migration because the locks are frequently opened to allow passage to the upstream spawning areas. The Upper Mystic Lake dam 0 lies between the Upper and Lower Mystic Lakes, and represents the end of the herring's migration on the Mystic River. This dam is currently without a fish ladder and is impassable. These two dams are the major barriers to migrating herring. D 7 Section II--Mystic River Walk Survey* 0 This survey provides a form for easily observable physical characteristics of the Mystic River as an indicator for water quality and general river health. Use a separate copy of the form for each river observation point, as indicated on the attached maps. Because conditions vary temporally and spatially, you may want to sample more than once at each observation point throughout the year. Observation Point # Date Time of day Temperature Water Temperature pH . Water Appearance: Stream Bed Coating: Odor: 0 scum 0 orange to red coating 0 rotten egg 0 foam 0 yellowish coating 0 musky 0 muddy 0 black coating 0 none 0 clear 0 brown coating 0 milky 0 none 0 colored sheen (oily) 0 brownish 0 other Covering : Goodcover Faircover Poor cover (70%-100% of bank (30%-70% of bank (< 30% covered soil covered by rocks, soil covered by rocks, by rocks, logs, logs, and plants) logs, and plants) and plants) I River bank 0 0 0 Top of bank 0 0 0 Stability of river bank: Did the river bank sink beneath your feet in 0 no spots, 0 a few spots, 0 many spots 8 Mystic River Walk Survey--p.2 Approximate Width of River at Observation Point Land Use Profile Type of development along shore: * 0 urban 0 industrial 0 mixed use 0 suburban 0 commercial 0 rural 0 residential 0 agricultural 0 institutional . Presence of: 0 discharge pipes 0 construction activity 0 lawns 0 park/open space 0 parking lots 0 highways 0 other, please describe . Draw a simple diagram to identify the land uses and types of pollution relative to your observation point. * This survey was taken from the Adopt-A-Stream workbook, Massachusetts Dept. of Fisheries, Wildlife & Environmental Law Enforcement, 1992 edition, p. 65-66. 9 Description of Mystic River Observation Points in Figures 2,3 and 4. Point 1*: Amelia Earhart Dam. Easy access to the water and good visibility of the run as itt migrates from Boston Harbor. Point 2: Torbert MacDonald Park, Mystic River Reservation. Directly off route 16 east, the parking lot is across from Sentry Ford. After parking, turn right onto the footpath and follow the path to the left for access to the river. Point 3 : Torbert MacDonald Park, Mystic River Reservation. Walk farther down the main footpath for a second monitoring site upstream from Point 2. Perform survey along any point of access to the river. Point 4*: Auburn Street Bridge. At the intersection of Auburn Street and route 16 in Medford. Good visibility of the run from a path on the bridge, as well as easy access to the . riverbank. Park on Auburn St., or at Wild Harvest. Point 5*: Alewife Brook Bridge. Where the Mystic Valley Parkway crosses Alewife Brook. Difficult parking, but a good bridge for viewing the run and easy access to the river. Point 6*: High Street Bridge. Proceed on Mystic Valley Parkway going north and cross the Mystic River at High St. Park on the north side of the Mystic Valley Parkway, where there is easy access to the water and the bridge. Point 7: Lower Mystic Lake. Follow the Mystic Valley Parkway heading north along the river for easy access to the lake. Park at the MDC pumping station (a green building on the left side on the road) and survey nearby. Point 8: Upper Mystic L£ike Dam. Follow the Mystic Valley Parkway farther north along the river to the Tufts Boathouse. Parking lot available, with easy places to survey along the shore. Point 9: Upper Mystic Lake.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • City of Somerville, Massachusetts Mayor’S Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development Joseph A
    CITY OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS MAYOR’S OFFICE OF STRATEGIC PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT JOSEPH A. CURTATONE MAYOR MICHAEL F. GLAVIN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE STAFF REPORT Site: 501 Mystic Valley Parkway Case: HPC 2017.042 Applicant Name: POAH LLC Date of Application: June 9, 2017 Recommendation: Significant Hearing Date: July 18, 2017 I. Historical Association Architectural Description: 501 Mystic Valley Parkway is a classic mid-century modern single-story H shaped brick ranch house with a large greenhouse addition located centrally on the roof. The roof is 3-tab asphalt shingle. There is a large chimney. Doors and windows are appropriate for the date of construction and have not been altered. There is also a modern concrete block shed and a garage with a second story modern apartment. See photos. Historical Context: Mystic Valley Parkway is on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Metropolitan Park System of Greater Boston. According to https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/massachusetts_conservation/metro_park_system_of_greater_boston.html “The Mystic Valley Parkway has adjacent elements that were added to the National Register of Historic Places through the Water Supply System of Metropolitan Boston Thematic Resource Area, including the Medford Pipe Bridge (1897-8), Mystic Dam (1864), Mystic Pumping Station (1862-4), and Mystic Gatehouse (1862-8).” 501-503 Mystic Valley Parkway was acquired by Anthony W. DiCecca in 1949 on land previously been owned by what is now the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and was attached to the Mystic Water Pumping Station next door. The house was constructed 1950 by Anthony W.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report of the Metropolitan District Commission
    Public Document No. 48 W$t Commontoealtfj of iWa&sacfmsfetta ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Metropolitan District Commission For the Year 1935 Publication or this Document Approved by the Commission on Administration and Finance lm-5-36. No. 7789 CONTENTS PAGE I. Organization and Administration . Commission, Officers and Employees . II. General Financial Statement .... III. Parks Division—Construction Wellington Bridge Nonantum Road Chickatawbut Road Havey Beach and Bathhouse Garage Nahant Beach Playground .... Reconstruction of Parkways and Boulevards Bridge Repairs Ice Breaking in Charles River Lower Basin Traffic Control Signals IV. Maintenance of Parks and Reservations Revere Beach Division .... Middlesex Fells Division Charles River Lower Basin Division . Bunker Hill Monument .... Charles River Upper Division Riverside Recreation Grounds . Blue Hills Division Nantasket Beach Reservation Miscellaneous Bath Houses Band Concerts Civilian Conservation Corps Federal Emergency Relief Activities . Public Works Administration Cooperation with the Municipalities . Snow Removal V. Special Investigations VI. Police Department VII. Metropolitan Water District and Works Construction Northern High Service Pipe Lines . Reinforcement of Low Service Pipe Lines Improvements for Belmont, Watertown and Arlington Maintenance Precipitation and Yield of Watersheds Storage Reservoirs .... Wachusett Reservoir . Sudbury Reservoir Framingham Reservoir, No. 3 Ashland, Hopkinton and Whitehall Reservoirs and South Sud- bury Pipe Lines and Pumping Station Framingham Reservoirs Nos. 1 and 2 and Farm Pond Lake Cochituate . Aqueducts Protection of the Water Supply Clinton Sewage Disposal Works Forestry Hydroelectric Service Wachusett Station . Sudbury Station Distribution Pumping Station Distribution Reservoirs . Distribution Pipe Lines . T) 11 P.D. 48 PAGE Consumption of Water . 30 Water from Metropolitan Water Works Sources used Outside of the Metropolitan Water District VIII.
    [Show full text]
  • College Avenue to Mystic Valley Parkway
    Green Line COLLEGE AVENUE TO MYSTIC VALLEY PARKWAY November 20, 2017 Public Information Meeting Purpose of tonight’s meeting A Notice of Project Change (NPC) has been published for a possible extension of the Green Line from College Avenue to Mystic Valley Parkway. We will present an overview of the NPC to you tonight. We want to hear from the community about what should be studied in a future environmental impact report. November 20, 2017 Public Information Meeting GLX Project purpose The purpose of the GLX project is to enhance transit services and improve mobility and regional access for residents in the communities of Cambridge, Medford and Somerville, some of the region’s most densely populated communities that today are surrounded by, but are not directly served by, fixed-guideway transit. November 20, 2017 Public Information Meeting Purpose, cont. The GLX project is intended to: • Improve corridor mobility • Boost transit ridership • Improve air quality • Ensure equitable distribution of transit services • Support area opportunities for smart growth initiatives and sustainable development November 20, 2017 Public Information Meeting College Avenue to Mystic Valley Parkway… • Was part of the Preferred Alternative for the GLX project as detailed in the Draft Environmental Impact Report (2009). • However, due to fiscal constraints, this segment was deferred to a future phase. • Is not part of GLX bid opened last Friday. November 20, 2017 Public Information Meeting The NPC • The NPC was posted to the GLX project website on October 25. It was noticed in the November 8 edition of the Environmental Monitor. • The NPC describes potential environmental impacts in this segment, based largely on the 2009 GLX Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR).
    [Show full text]
  • Mystic Valley Parkway, Metropolitan Park System of Greater Boston
    1519 NPSNPS FormForm 10-90010-900 • , . , .. ,. J . /. 0MBOMB No. 1024-00181024-0018 (Rev.. 10-90)10-90) ' RECEIVED 22B~ UnitedUnited StatesStates DepartmentDepartment ofof thethe InteriorInterior NationalNational ParkPark ServiceService NationalNational RegisterRegister ofof HistoricHistoric PlacesPlaces RegistrationRegistration FormForm ThisThis formform isis forfor useuse iinn nominatingnominating oror requestingrequesting determinationsdeterminations foforr individualindividual propertiesproperties andand districts.districts. SeeSee instructionsinstructions inin HowHow toto ComplelethComplete thee NationalNational RegisterRegister ofof HistoricHistoric PlacesPlaces RegistrationRegistration FormForm (National(National RegisterRegister BulletinBulletin 16A).16A). CompleteComplete eacheach itemitem byby markingmarking "x""x" inin thethe appropriateappropriate boxbox oror byby enteringentering thethe informationinformation requested. IfIf anyany itemitem doesdoes notnot applyapply toto thethe propertyproperty beingbeing documented,documented, enterenter "N/A""N/A" forfor "not"not applicableapplicable.." ForFor functions, architecturalarchitectural classification, materials,materials, andand areasareas ofof significance,, enterenter onlyonly categoriescategories andand subcategoriessubcategories fromfrom thethe instructions.. PlacePlace additionaladditional entrieentriess andand narrativenarrative itemsitems onon continuationcontinuation sheetssheets (NPS(NPS FormForm 10-900a).10-900a). UseUse a typewriter,typewriter, worwordd processor,,
    [Show full text]
  • Mystic River Master Plan
    Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation MYSTIC RIVER MASTER PLAN Arlington | Boston | Everett | Medford | Somerville November 2009 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Deval Patrick, Governor Timothy Murray, Lieutenant Governor Ian A. Bowles, Secretary, EOEEA Phil Griffiths, Undersecretary, EOEEA Department of Conservation and Recreation Richard K. Sullivan, Commissioner, DCR Jack Murray, Deputy Commissioner for Operations Joe Orfant, Director, Bureau of Planning and Resource Protection Dan Driscoll, Project Manager The Consultant Team Crosby | Schlessinger | Smallridge, LLC: Landscape Architecture and Planning Deneen Crosby, Principal in Charge Carole Schlessinger, Project Manager Carolyn Campbell Ashley Hill Chris Riale Mary Webb Tamar Zimmerman AECOM: Natural Resources Assessment and Environmental Planning Victor Frankenthaler Kimberley Kubera Michael Wierbonics Boelter & Associates, Inc.: Watersheet Planning Alice Boelter i Mystic River Master Plan ii TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1 Project Area 2 Project Goals 4 Public Process 4 CHAPTER II: EXISTING CONDITIONS 5 Natural Resources 6 Cultural Resources 19 CHAPTER III: THE PLAN 25 Continuous River Corridor Trail System 28 Overlooks and Views 42 Water Trail 43 Signage and Interpretive Elements 44 Fencing Strategy 45 Property Acquisitions and Easement Needs 46 Encroachment on Public Land 47 Access and Connections 47 Dog Recreation 49 Specific Recommendations by Area 50 Section 1: Harvard Avenue Bridge to Auburn Street Bridge 50 Section 2: Auburn Street Bridge to Craddock
    [Show full text]
  • Department of Conservation & Recreation, Boston, MA | 2014
    Department of Conservation and Recreation dC r NPDES Storm Water Management Program Permit Year 11 Annual Report Municipality/Organization: Department of Conservation and Recreation EPA NPDES Permit Number: MARO43001 MaDEP Transmittal Number: Annual Report Number & Reporting Period: No. 11: April 2013— March 2014 Department of Conservation and Recreation NPDES P11 Small MS4 General Permit Annual Report ) Part I. General Information Contact Person: Robert Lowell Title: Environmental Section Chief Telephone #: (617) 626-1340 Email: [email protected] Certification: I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction olsupervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on myinquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible for gathing the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant pealties for submitting false information, includin the possibility of fine and imprisonment r knowing violations. Signature: Printed Name: John P. Murray Title: Commissioner Date: 30 2o ‘— 5/1/2014 Pa2e2 Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) NPDES Storm Water Management Program Permit Year 11 Annual Report For Coverage Under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Storm Water Discharges from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) Department of Conservation and Recreation 251 Causeway Street Suite 600 Boston, MA 02114-2104 Submittal: May 1, 2014 5/1/2014 Department of Conservation and Recreation NPDES Storm Water Management Program Permit Year 11 Annual Report Municipality/Organization: Department of Conservation and Recreation EPA NPDES Permit Number: MAR043001 MaDEP Transmittal Number: Annual Report Number & Reporting Period: No.
    [Show full text]
  • Mystic Valley Parkway Community Visioning Process 1
    Acknowledgements Mystic Valley Parkway Community Visioning Process 1 Acknowledgements Acknowledgments The Mystic Valley Parkway Green Line Extension Community Visioning Process was developed by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the cities of Medford and Somerville. Funding for this project was provided by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Metropolitan Area Planning Council MassDOT Principal Authors Katherine Fichter Eric Halvorsen, AICP, Project Manager Matthew Ciborowski Joan Blaustein James Freas, AICP City of Medford Jennifer Raitt Mayor Michael J. McGlynn Tim Reardon Lauren DiLorenzo Cynthia Wall Clodagh Stoker-Long Maps and Graphics Barry Fradkin City of Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone John Contant Brad Rawson Emily Starck, Intern Michael Lambert Administration and Finance Marc Draisen, Executive Director Joel Barrera, Deputy Director Eric Bourassa, Transportation Division Manager Harry Taylor, Comptroller Communications and Outreach Amanda Linehan Jean Zove Additional MAPC staff had roles in this project, not all of whom are named here. Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration Principal Facilitators Loraine Della Porta Bill Logue Kurt Detman Additional MOPC staff had roles in this project, not all of whom are named here. Mystic Valley Parkway Community Visioning Process 3 Table of Contents Table of Contents Executive Summary 6 Chapter 1: Introduction 8 Chapter 2: Existing Conditions and Potential Impacts 8 Demographic Overview 10 Population,
    [Show full text]
  • Report of the Board of Metropolitan Park Commissioners (1897)
    MMISSION 711 M3 M59r J / : PUBLIC DOCUMENT No. 48 REPORT Board of Metropolitan Park Commissioners. J ANUARY, 1898. BOSTON WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS, 18 Post Office Square. 1898. STATE LffiEAB! Cf KA.i3ACHUSETTS, STATE HOUSE. BOSTON. FEB 9A 1898 A CONTENTS. PAGE Report of the Commissioners, 5 Report of the Secretary, 17 Report of the Landscape Architects, 55 Part I. Acquired Reservations, 56 Part II. Desirable Acquisitions, 64 Part III. Metropolitan Parkways, 66 Report of the Engineer, . 71 Financial Statement, 91 Analysis of Payments, 101 Appendix : — Report of Charles Eliot, Landscape Architect, to the Metropolitan Park Com- mission of 1893 119 EEPORT. The Metropolitan Park Commission presents herewith its fifth annual report. The principal new work of the past year has been the development of Revere Beach, the preparation of plans for the acquirement of the shores of Charles River from Water- town to Newton Upper Falls and the completion of Mystic Valley Parkway. Construction of the Blue Hills and Mid- dlesex Fells Parkways has been continued, and much study and investigation has been made preliminary to the expendi- ture of the appropriations for parkways made by the Legis- lature of 1897. This work divides itself naturally, and will be considered as usual, according as it has been done under the Park Acts or under the Boulevard Acts. A preliminary commission reported to the Legislature of 1893 a scheme for park and parkway or boulevard work, based chiefly on the accompanying report of its landscape architect, Mr. Charles Eliot. In this report Mr. Eliot described the country about Boston as possessed of unusual wealth of scenery, but ill adapted for indiscriminate crowd- ing by large population, and argued that there was a special necessity for regulating its settlement by excluding popula- tion from certain portions and by reserving other portions for the sake of the scenery or as recreation grounds.
    [Show full text]
  • Ocm30840849-5.Pdf (2.204Mb)
    XT y. rf lJ:r-, Metropolitan District Commission)nj FACILITY GUIDE A " Metropolitan Parks Centennial • 1893-1993 "Preserving the past.,, protecting the future. The Metropolitan District Commission is a unique multi-service agency with broad responsibihties for the preservation, main- tenance and enhancement of the natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic qualities of the environment within the thirty-four cit- ies and towns of metropolitan Boston. As city and town boundaries follow the middle of a river or bisect an important woodland, a metropolitan organization that can manage the entire natural resource as a single entity is essential to its protec- tion. Since 1893, the Metropolitan District Com- mission has preserved the region's unique resources and landscape character by ac- quiring and protecting park lands, river corridors and coastal areas; reclaiming and restoring abused and neglected sites and setting aside areas of great scenic beauty as reservations for the refreshment, recrea- tion and health of the region's residents. This open space is connected by a network Charles Eliot, the principle of landscaped parkways and bridges that force behind today's MDC. are extensions of the parks themselves. The Commission is also responsible for a scape for the enjoyment of its intrinsic val- vast watershed and reservoir system, ues; providing programs for visitors to 120,000 acres of land and water resources, these properties to encourage appreciation that provides pure water from pristine and involvment with their responsible use, areas to 2.5 million people. These water- providing facilities for active recreation, shed lands are home to many rare and en- healthful exercise, and individual and dangered species and comprise the only team athletics; protecting and managing extensive wilderness areas of Massachu- both public and private watershed lands in setts.
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Impact Report Part 01
    AECOM 978.589.3000 tel 2 Technology Park Drive 978.589.3035 fax Westford, MA 01886 February 15, 2010 Secretary Ian Bowles. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Attn: MEPA Office 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900 Boston, MA 02114 Subject: Final Environmental Impact Report Aberjona River Flood Mitigation Program Winchester, Massachusetts EEA File No. 13046 Dear Secretary Bowles, On behalf of the Town of Winchester Board of Selectmen, we are pleased to submit this Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for public review and comment in accordance with 301 CMR 11.07 and the EEA Secretary’s Certificate on the SDEIR dated April 20, 2007. The proposed Flood Mitigation Program consists of a set of structural measures and best management practices intended to reduce the frequency and intensity of backwater flooding of the Aberjona River in Winchester while mitigating potential impact to downstream communities. The proposed improvement detailed in Alternative 8, or the FEIR Alternative, of the enclosed document will also help alleviate flooding in downstream communities and establish a set of regulatory and BMP measures intended to prolong the life of the structural elements proposed. Enclosed are three copies of the FEIR each containing existing conditions information, alternatives analyses, impact analyses, and mitigation measures. Also enclosed in each document (Appendix A) is the FEIR distribution list. The FEIR is being circulated per the requirements of 301 CMR 11.16(3), the Secretary's Certificate on the SDEIR, and MEPA policy regarding the distribution of electronic and paper copies of filings. A copy of the letter sent to the recipients of digital copies is enclosed.
    [Show full text]
  • Traffic & Circulation
    4 traffic & circulation grids, with narrow streets, sidewalks and shady trees, IIntroductionntroduction creating a very walkable environment. Some of the A local transportation system should provide access newer neighborhoods in the hillier northern sections to employment, shopping, recreation, and community of Arlington have a more suburban street pattern with facilities in a safe, efficient manner. When a transporta- wider rights-of way, curving roadways, cul-de-sacs, and tion system operates well, it supports the community’s fewer sidewalk and streetscape amenities. This form of quality of life, economy, and public and environmental street pattern is generally less walkable. These neigh- health. Arlington’s road network or capacity has barely borhoods are also further from Massachusetts Avenue, changed in decades, yet a considerable amount of new making them less accessible on foot to public transpor- traffic from Arlington and neighboring towns has placed tation and services. strain on it, particularly on the main arterial routes, and in Arlington Center. Automobile traffic combined with Massachusetts Avenue is a former streetcar corridor bus routes, growing bicycle usage, and pedestrians cre- that, until 1955, had dedicated track lanes with ser- ate many issues that affect each of these transportation vice between Arlington Heights and Harvard Square. modes, and have effects of economic development, This supported a mainly non-automobile environment health and quality of life for residents. along Massachusetts Avenue, with most development and business activity in Arlington based on proximity to In Arlington, the Board of Selectmen is responsible for Massachusetts Avenue. Once the streetcar infrastruc- all public ways under the Town’s jurisdiction.
    [Show full text]
  • Metropolitan District Commission Reservations and Facilities Guide
    s 2- / (Vjjh?- e^qo* • M 5 7 UMASS/AMHERST A 31E0bt,01t3b0731b * Metropolitan District Commission Reservations and Facilities Guide MetroParks MetroParkways MetroPoRce PureWater 6 Table of Contents OPEN SPACE - RESERVATIONS Beaver Brook Reservation 2 Belle Isle Marsh Reservation 3 Blue Hills Reservation 4 Quincy Quarries Historic Site 5 Boston Harbor Islands State Park 6-7 Breakheart Reservation 8 Castle Island 9 Charles River Reservation 9-11 Lynn/Nahant Beach Reservation 12 Middlesex Fells Reservation 13 Quabbin Reservoir 14 Southwest Corridor Park 15 S tony Brook Reserv ation 1 Wollaston Beach Reservation 17 MAP 18-19 RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Bandstands and Music Shells 21 Beaches 22 Bicycle Paths 23 Boat Landings/Boat Launchings 23 Camping 24 Canoe Launchings 24 Canoe Rentals 24 Fishing 25 Foot Trails and Bridle Paths 26 Golf Courses 26 Museums and Historic Sites 27 Observation Towers 27 Pedestrian Parks 28 Running Paths 28 Sailing Centers 28 Skiing Trails 29 Skating Rinks 30-31 Swimming Pools 32-33 Tennis Courts 34 Thompson Ctr. for the Handicapped 35 Zoos 35 Permit Information 36 GENERAL INFORMATION 37 Metropolitan District Commission Public Information Office 20 Somerset Street, Boston, MA 02108 (617) 727-5215 Open Space... Green rolling hills, cool flowing rivers, swaying trees, crisp clean air. This is what we imagine when we think of open space. The Metropolitan District Commission has been committed to this idea for over one hundred years. We invite you to enjoy the many open spaces we are offering in the metropolitan Boston area. Skiing in the Middlesex Fells Reservation, sailing the Charles River, or hiking at the Blue Hills are just a few of the activities offered.
    [Show full text]