NRWA Dam Removals in Massachusetts Presentation PDF
Across New England, aging and unsafe dam infrastructure has led to an increase in dam removals. These dam removals can provide significant public safety and ecological benefits, from a reduced risk of flooding to restored river connectivity. Supported by the MA Division of Ecological Restoration, the Nashua River Watershed Association offered educational talks about dam removals in Massachusetts, covering a general overview of why and how unsafe dams are removed, and what changes you might expect to see in your community as a result. Presentations were made possible in part by a grant from the MA Division of Ecological Restoration. View NRWA 2024 Dam Removal Presentation slideshow PDF.
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Using Nature to Adapt to Climate Change in the Nashua River Watershed
The NRWA is working with the communities of Ashburnham, Fitchburg, Groton, Leominster, and Pepperell to understand local climate change issues and ways that we can use Nature-based Solutions to address those issues. Citizen input is key to the process as NRWA, town leadership, and consultants work to identify specific sites and solutions to help each community become more climate resilient. The concepts developed in these five communities will then be applied to create a Nashua River Watershed Nature-based Solutions Plan with tools accessible to all of our watershed communities. This project is funded by a Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grant. Learn more about this project and Nature-based Solutions.
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NRWA 2022 Water Report
The Nashua River Watershed Association is pleased to share our 2022 Water Report. This new report analyzes the results of our 2022 water monitoring season covering topics such as: what do we study and why? what do the results tell us about the health of our waterways? what sections of rivers or streams are facing water quality challenges? The report is detailed and provides supporting images, graphs, and charts.
Thank you as always to our team of volunteer water monitors. In 2022, they collected 877 individual surface water samples. Their dedication makes our work to protect our waterways possible. This Report is dedicated to all of you.
Read the NRWA’s 2022 Water Report.
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NRWA 2023-2028 Strategic Plan
The NRWA is pleased to share its 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, a guide to our priorities for our next five years. The Plan is the result of months of conversations, partner listening sessions, and a survey of supporters. We asked for your input, we listened, and your feedback is reflected in this directional piece. We look forward to working with you to achieve these goals. View online. Download single page for print.
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Nashua River Watershed Association Statement on MassWildlife’s Proposed Oak Woodlands Restoration at Squannacook River Wildlife Management Area
The MA Department of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) has proposed an Oak Woodlands Restoration project on 215 acres at the Squannacook River Wildlife Management Area (SRWMA), which will result in altering the current forested landscape to an open woodland. The project would require significant clearing of the existing forest, periodic fire management, and herbicide applications. For a more detailed description of the goals of the proposed project and restoration activities, please see: mass.gov/info-details/oak-woodland-restoration-at-squannacook-river-wma.
The Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA) has been closely keeping track of this proposed project and wishes to share the following significant attributes of the SRWMA project site, which MassWildlife has indicated would be Phase 1* of a multi-phase undertaking:
- Abuts ~2 miles of the federally-designated Squannacook Wild & Scenic River, which is also a state-designated Coldwater Fisheries Resource;
- Is within the state-designated Squannassit Area of Critical Environmental Concern; and
- Is a Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Priority Habitat Area.
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Meets MA DEP state-designated Outstanding Resource Water Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards [314 CMR 4.04(3)
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Is included in the Squannacook-Nissitissit Rivers Sanctuary Act (MGL, Part I, Title XIX, Chapter 123A, Section 17)
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Is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries “Essential Fish Habitat”
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Is a MA DFW Wildlife Management Area Reference Stream
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US Geological Survey (USGS) gage on the Squannacook River was used as a least impacted site to set flow policy for the state’s Water Management Act. The river is also used as a “clean water” least impacted site by MA DEP’s SMART monitoring program. Water quality information from this site was used in the development of statewide Water Quality Standards including nutrients and pollutant loading analysis.
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~50 acres of Shirley Zone 1 Municipal Wellhead Protection Area (a 1,000 foot zone extending from wellhead)
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Subject property partially overlays a medium yield aquifer ½ mile upstream from the W. Groton Water Supply District public wellheads.
This site has long been recognized as an area worthy of the highest-level protection and preservation for its existing outstandingly remarkable environmental resource values. Therefore, proposed alteration of the site should be subject to particularly rigorous analysis.
In February of 2022 the NRWA requested that MassWildlife consider at least a three-year moratorium on advancing the proposed project while MassWildlife, NRWA, and other partners:
- Identify alternate sites that meet MassWildlife’s state-wide goals for Oak Woodland Habitat;
- Undertake additional studies on SRWMA; and
- Assess the impact of the scale of the proposed project.
Through dialogue with MassWildlife, the NRWA understands that MassWildlife cannot agree to a moratorium. MassWildlife has communicated a commitment to transparency and to proceeding on a timeline with opportunities for site walks and public engagement.
In addition, public comment periods which are required as part of local and state permitting would precede any actual site work by MassWildlife. Opportunities for comments would occur at both Shirley and Townsend Conservation Commission meetings, and potentially be associated with an Environmental Notification Form (ENF) and Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) review. After reviewing forthcoming documents, the NRWA will offer detailed comments during the public comment periods as they arise.
* The NRWA notes that potential future Phases of the proposed project have not yet been described, but that the entire Squannacook River Wildlife Management Area encompasses a total of more than 1,300 acres.
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NRWA 50th Anniversary Video Series
In 2019, the NRWA celebrated its 50th Anniversary. As part of our celebration, we created a series of six short videos looking at where we began, where we are and where we are going in the future. We hope you enjoy this look at NRWA and what we accomplish together! Thank you!
Chapter 1: The Beginning (2:38 min.)
Chapter 2: Protecting Water (2:28 min.)
Chapter 3: Protecting Land (2:20 min.)
Chapter 4: Providing Education (1:55 min.)
Chapter 5: Supporting Recreation (1:49 min.)
Chapter 6: Looking Forward (2:31 min.)
Thank you to our 50th Anniversary Sponsors for making this series possible: Presenting Sponsor, Rollstone Bank & Trust, and Anniversary Sponsors, CanAm Machinery and Enterprise Bank.
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Controlling Invasive Water Chestnut
The NRWA has been working with the state and local entities, as well as volunteers to control the infestation and spread of invasive water chestnut in the Nashua River. Learn more.
View new video "NRWA Water Chestnut Pull: Volunteers in Action. (3:14 min) produced by Max McCormick of NorthPoint Productions.
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Business Support for the NRWA
A healthy environment has economic value, a principal that the Nashua River Watershed Association has recognized since our founding in 1969. We are pleased that those economic benefits are being recognized, including:
- Higher property values
- Expanded outdoor recreation opportunities
- Flood mitigation
- Reduction in water filtration and wastewater treatment costs
- Preservation of community character
- Improved quality of life that helps local businesses attract and retain employees
The NRWA helps local officials plan for growth in our rapidly developing area of north central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Clean rivers, adequate water supplies, and responsible land use are good for business, good for communities, and good for the environment.
Support from the business community has been central to the NRWA’s success since our inception. We are proud that over 100 business members recognize the benefits provided by NRWA and feel strongly that the Association is worthy of their support. View a list of Current NRWA Business Supporters.
Businesses can support the NRWA in a variety of ways, through memberships, donations, sponsorships, grants, and in-kind donations. Choose the option that best fits your business and become a partner-- help promote a healthy economy and healthy environment in our watershed.
Thank you for your support!
Membership
Business memberships support our annual operating budget so we can provide programs that proactively protect our resources, as well as have the ability to respond to unforeseen but critically important issues and projects, whether that’s a water pollution problem or a land protection opportunity.
Join or Renew Online through our secure server.
Join or Renew By Mail by using our printable membership form.
Matching Gifts
A key part of charitable giving for many corporations is a matching gift program. The NRWA is proud to receive matching gifts from many organizations, a way to support your employees’ philanthropic interests and protect the natural resources of our region.
Sponsorships
The NRWA has periodic opportunities for businesses to sponsor a program, activity, or event. To learn more about available opportunities, please contact Lauri Johnson, NRWA Development Manager, at (978) 448-0299, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Grants
Some businesses provide their philanthropic support focused their giving on particular regions or types of programs. We can work with your organization to find program that is a good fit with your business and philanthropic interests and our needs. For more information, please contact Lauri Johnson, NRWA Development Manager, at (978) 448-0299, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
In-Kind Donations
Some businesses choose to support our work with in-kind donations ranging from printing services to landscaping. Dozens of local businesses donate items and services to our biennial Auction. If you are interested in making an in-kind donation, please contact Lauri Johnson, NRWA Development Director, at (978) 448-0299, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Volunteer Opportunities 
Many corporations today are encouraging their employees to get involved and support non-profits in their communities. NRWA volunteer opportunities range from water monitoring, to water chestnut pulls, to office support, to building and grounds maintenance. If you would like to organize a volunteer project for your business, please contact Lauri Johnson, NRWA Development Director, at (978) 448-0299, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Nature of Your Legacy
The ability to make a lasting difference is powerful. You can help ensure that our rivers are sparkling, scenic trails and wildlife habitat are abundant, and future generations understand and protect these vital resources.
Through a Legacy gift, you can have an enduring positive impact on the nature of our communities, and the Nashua River Watershed Association’s mission to protect it. Legacy gifts are an excellent choice for people of all ages and means, and are very rewarding.
A bequest can direct a gift of cash, stock, or a percentage of an estate to the Association, or you can name the NRWA as one of the beneficiaries of a retirement plan or life insurance policy. Learn more about Gift Options.
The NRWA is honored that many individuals have chosen to include the Association in their will or estate plan, and we understand that every gift conveys the individual’s values and trust.
If you would like to discuss your thoughts or receive more information on ways to include the NRWA in your estate plan, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Development Director, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Executive Director.
One Donor's Story: Drew Casey
Drew Casey joined the Nashua River Watershed Association as Development Director in 2007. He was excited by the opportunity to help the Association ensure it could continue its good work forever.
Drew was a joyful, enthusiastic ambassador, loved by staff and members of the community. Everyone at the Association was deeply saddened when he passed away.
We were honored to learn that he had named the NRWA as the beneficiary of his Individual Retirement Account. Drew’s decision and generosity will help to achieve his goal to sustain the Association.
Get Involved! Help protect our watershed by volunteering!
The NRWA began as a grassroots effort by a group of committed volunteers. Their conviction that individuals working in partnership with others can forge positive environmental change shaped the Association. Today, volunteers continue to be essential to the work of the NRWA.
We have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities available, from pulling water chestnuts by canoe on a Saturday morning, to helping a few hours a week in the office, to participating in our water monitoring program for a season. Here are a few of the activities volunteers assist us with:
Water Monitoring and Water Quality Lab Testing
Water Chestnut Removal
Office Assistance
Photography
Event Planning and Logistics
Education and Outreach
Building and Grounds Maintenance
Internships and Special Projects
The NRWA also works with interns and students or scouts on special projects. If you are interested in an internship, or if you have a senior project, Eagle Scout project, or a community service project to complete, please consider the NRWA. At this time NRWA is not able to offer paid internships.
If you are interested in becoming an NRWA Volunteer, please provide us with the following information:
- Name, address, email, telephone number(s)
- Are you able to volunteer at the River Resource Center located at 592 Main Street in Groton?
- Are you willing to travel to other locations using your own transportation?
- List Interests- Water Monitoring, Youth Education, Office Assistance, Event Planning, Other
- Estimated Start and End Dates, Days and Hours Available (The River Resource Center is open M-F 8:30-4:30. We are closed Fridays in the summer. Water Monitoring is on the 3rd Saturday of the month from April-October)
- List Relevant Experience/Skills
This information can be emailed to Joanne Ward, Office Administrator: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you would like more information on volunteering, internships, and special project opportunities, contact Joanne Ward, Office Administrator, at (978) 448-0299, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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