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.
Permanent Medication Return Boxes
Nashua River watershed towns in MA with permanent medication return boxes (kiosks)
| TOWN or CITY | KIOSK LOCATION | ADDRESS |
| ASHBURNHAM | ASHBURNHAM POLICE STATION | 99 CENTRAL STREET, ASHBURNHAM, MA 01473 |
| AYER | AYER POLICE STATION | 54 PARK STREET, AYER, MA 01432 |
| CLINTON | CLINTON POLICE STATION | 176 CHESTNUT STREET, CLINTON, MA 01510 |
| FITCHBURG | FITCHBURG POLICE STATION | 20 ELM STREET, FITCHBURG, MA 01420 |
| GARDNER | GARDNER POLICE STATION | 31 CITY HALL AVENUE, GARDNER, MA 01440 |
| GROTON | PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING | 99 PLEASANT STREET, GROTON, MA 01450 |
| HARVARD | HARVARD POLICE STATION | 40 AYER ROAD, HARVARD, MA 01451 |
| HOLDEN | HOLDEN POLICE STATION | 1370 MAIN STREET, HOLDEN, MA 01520 |
| LEOMINSTER | LEOMINSTER POLICE STATION | 29 CHURCH STREET, LEOMINSTER, MA 01453 |
| PAXTON | PAXTON POLICE STATION | 100 WEST STREET, PAXTON, MA 01612 |
| PEPPERELL | PEPPERELL POLICE STATION | 59 MAIN STREET, PEPPERELL,MA 01463 |
| PRINCETON | PRINCETON POLICE STATION | 8 TOWN HALL DRIVE, PRINCETON, MA 01541 |
| RUTLAND | RUTLAND POLICE STATION | 242 MAIN STREET, RUTLAND, MA 01543 |
| SHIRLEY | SHIRLEY POLICE STATION | 11 KEADY WAY, SHIRLEY, MA 01464 |
| STERLING | STERLING POLICE STATION | 135 LEOMINSTER RD, 01564. Inters of Rt. 12/190 |
| TOWNSEND | TOWNSEND POLICE STATION | 70 BROOKLINE STREET, TOWNSEND, MA 01469 |
| WEST BOYLSTON | WEST BOYLSTON POLICE STATION | 39 WORCESTER STREET, WEST BOYLSTON, MA 01583 |
| WESTMINSTER | WESTMINSTER POLICE STATION | 7 SOUTH STREET, WESTMINSTER, MA 01473 |
Nashua River watershed towns in NH, and nearby communities, with permanent medication return boxes (kiosks)
| TOWN or CITY | KIOSK LOCATION | ADDRESS |
| NASHUA | NASHUA POLICE STATION | 0 PANTHER DRIVE, NASHUA, NH 03062 |
| MERRIMACK | MERRIMACK POLICE STATION | 31 BABOOSIC LAKE ROAD, MERRIMACK, NH |
| AMHERST | AMHERST POLICE STATION | 175 AMHERST STREET, AMHERST, NH 03031 |
Pharmaceuticals: Taking Action to Protect the Commonwealth's Waters
The NRWA encourages everyone to dispose of unused pharmaceuticals (including veterinary medicines) safely at permanent drop boxes located throughout our watershed. Service is free and anonymous. Watershed locations. Other locations. Please note that many sites do not accept sharps; see links below for sharps disposal below.
Medicines flushed down the drain or disposed of in our landfills can contaminate our lakes and streams, which can hurt fish and other aquatic wildlife, and may end up in our drinking water.
Did you know?
- Wastewater treatment plants and septic systems are not designed to remove these contaminants.
- Some medications, such as hormones and antidepressants, include endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), which interfere with the reproduction and normal growth of many aquatic species, such as frogs and fish.
You can help with one simple step! Unused drugs deposited at permanent drop box sites are properly disposed of through incineration. Reducing the amount of chemicals flushed down the drain will benefit humans, fish and other aquatic life. Learn more about the impact of prescription drugs on water quality.
Dispose of your unused medications safely, and pass the word to your family, friends, and co-workers. Help to protect our water and our communities!
NRWA's "Pharmaceuticals: Taking Action to Protect the Commonwealth's Waters" project is funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust*.
Project partners
Links of Interest
US EPA: Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products as Pollutants
MA Dept. of Environmental Protection: Research & Technical Information
MA Dept. of Public Health: Drug Control Program
NH Dept. of Environmental Services: Medicine Disposal Information
NY Dept. of Environmental Conservation: Drugs in Our Waters
*MET grants are supported by the sale of environmental license plates, including “Right Whale and Roseate Terns”, “Leaping Brook Trout”, and “Blackstone Valley Mill”. Proceeds from the sale of the plates to more than 70,000 Massachusetts Residents have funded more than $16 million in grants for environmental projects across the state. To order a license plate, visit your local Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, or log on to www.state.ma.us/rmv.
Wild & Scenic River FAQs
Who can I speak to about Wild & Scenic Rivers and this proposed Study?
What is a Wild and Scenic River Study?
What would a Study for the Nashua, Nissitissit & Squannacook Rivers entail?
What would Wild and Scenic designation achieve?
Why is the Wild and Scenic River Study itself so valuable?
What is so special about these rivers?
What are the basic steps of the Study and designation process?
What do the Study and designation not do?
If designated, how will the river be managed?
What are the next steps?
Who can I speak to about Wild & Scenic Rivers and this proposed Study?
Answer: For more information on Wild & Scenic Rivers and this proposed Study, please contact Al Futterman, NRWA Land Programs Director, at (978) 448-0299, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
What is a Wild and Scenic River Study?
Answer: A Wild and Scenic River Study is a congressionally authorized Study to determine whether a particular river segment is eligible and suitable for designation as a nationally recognized Wild and Scenic River. The Study is based on the 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act passed by Congress to provide a mechanism to protect and restore the nation's best rivers for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. Presently, 160 rivers have been designated in 36 states, 14 of these are "Partnership" Rivers.
What would a Study for the Nashua, Nissitissit, and Squannacook Rivers entail?
Answer: A Study would probably take 3 years to finish. It would be conducted by a Study Committee of local stakeholders including the NRWA, municipal representatives, state and regional experts, and would be supported by staff and funding from the National Park Service. The Study would focus on the natural, ecological, cultural, historic, scenic, and/or recreational assets of the river. It could be used to develop a river management plan and locally determined vision of strategies to protect and restore the outstanding resources of the river.
What would Wild and Scenic designation achieve?
Answer: Designation would be granted if, and only if, the Study demonstrates both outstanding resources and a local commitment to protect them. The Study results in a river stewardship plan which establishes a locally-based Stewardship Council to oversee its implementation. The designation would add federal protection which could ensure any future federally-funded or permitted water resource project would not adversely impact the river. It could help protect water quality and prohibit new federally licensed dams and harmful diversions. Designation would qualify these river segments for annual federal funds. (The Study committee would determine where these go.) Designation would not lead to establishment of a federal park nor any federal acquisition of additional land ownership.
Why is the Wild and Scenic River Study itself so valuable?
Answer: The Study provides an opportunity for towns to work together for their shared resource at a regional-scale. It is a vehicle for providing communities with the incentive, structure, expertise, and funding needed to identify the issues and goals and achieve such. The process is entirely voluntary and locally determined.
What is so special about these rivers?
Answer: The river segments under consideration are special because they have:
- Scenic natural and agricultural landscapes.
- Recreation including boating, trout stocking, bass fishing tournaments & the Nashua River Rail Trail.
- Ecological values including biodiversity & habitat.
- Local industrial & cultural history (e.g.: mill ponds, etc)
What are the basic steps of the Study and designation process?
Answer: These are the basic steps of the Study and designation process.
- Prepare a Wild and Scenic Study Report. Determine eligibility and suitability - is there enough local support to warrant becoming a wild and scenic river?
- During the period of the Study, prohibitions against federal permits and projects that might harm the river – e.g. new dams – are temporarily effective, giving the towns a three year "test run".
- Identify the issues and threats.
- Gather community input and establish goals and objectives.
- Evaluate all existing protection measures like state and local regulations and determine gaps.
- Town Meeting votes on whether to request designation or not.
- If both eligible and suitable, a bill can be introduced into Congress for a Wild and Scenic River designation.
What do the Study and designation not do?
Answer: The following is a list of things the Study and designation do not do.
- The Study and designation do not put land under federal control, require public access to private land, or force any changes in the local process of land-use decision-making.
- The Study and designation do not create new federal permits or regulations.
- The Study and designation do not change any existing land uses.
- The Study and designation do not affect hunting and fishing laws and access to the rivers is not restricted.
If designated, how will the river be managed?
Answer: The river will be managed in accordance with a mutually-agreed upon River Stewardship Plan and its recommended priorities implemented by a Stewardship Council. Designated Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers receive annual appropriations from Congress to assist in implementing their plans (~$170,000). Wild and Scenic status often leverages additional funds.
Answer: H.R. 5319, the Nashua River Wild & Scenic River Study Act, needs to be heard by the Natural Resource Committee in the House of Representatives. If voted out of Committee, it needs to be voted on by the full legislature.
Pandemic update:
Lab processes continue to be run at the NRWA River Resource Center at 592 Main Street in Groton, MA.
Directions to NRWA Water Testing Labs
Water samples are delivered to the Pepperell Wastewater Treatment Plant at 47 Nashua Road in Pepperell or the Devens Wastewater Treatment facility at 85 Walker Road in Ayer operated by SUEZ. Click on link to a Google map of general location. Details on where to deliver samples below:
Google map link to Devens facility
Google map link to Pepperell facility
Detailed Directions-Pepperell Waste Water Treatment Plant
- In Pepperell, take Rt. 111 North/Hollis Street.
- Turn at sign "Lomar Park".
- Proceed into Lomar Park continuing as road bears left until you see the treatment plant entrance on your right at stop sign and chain link fence.
- Take right at stop sign- go through chain link fence and up driveway to parking lot.
- Lab is in building to your left as you enter the parking lot. Enter through door marked "Lab".
Detailed Directions SUEZ Wastewater Treatment Plant at Devens
- From Walker Road turn onto dirt road at “National Wildlife Refuge” sign, #85 is on the mailbox. Ignore the sign that says “No Trespassing.”
- Follow dirt road through open meadow area and into woods.
- Follow road as it bears LEFT (through yellow gate) and you'll go straight up hill (on asphalt now) to the farthest brick building- around back to the door leading to the laboratory.
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