Fact Sheet/Spring 2005
A watershed is the land 	
water flows across or under
on its way to  a stream,
river or lake and is nature's
way  of  dividing  up  the
landscape.  New  England
includes many eco-systems
that, by virtue of their ecologi-
cal value, recreational vc
or proximity to large popula-
tions,  hold a special signifi-
cance    to   us.    EPA
New England is focusing par-
ticular   attention    and
resources on these  special
places. Working closely with
our federal,  state  and local
delivering tangible  environ-
mental improvements to these
watershed areas.
>• EPA Contact
  Ed Reiner
  (617)918-1692
  reiner.ed@epa.gov

*MA DEM Contact
  Elizabeth Sorenson
  (617)626-1394
         United States
         Environmental Protection
        k Agency New England
 Customer Call Center
    888-372-7341
 www.epa.gov/region1
                            Rumney Marsh
What Makes the Rumney Marsh Special?
*• Designated by the state of MA as aaArea of Criti-
  cal Environmental Concern, Rumney Marsh is
  one of the most biologically significant salt
  marshes north of Boston.
Hhe marsh contains winter flounder, alewife,
  American eel, soft-shelled and razor clams,
  mussels, and a variety of native and migratory
  birds.
*• Productive partnerships already exist and a plan
  for the restoration of Rumney Marsh has been
  prepared by a host of stakeholders.
Why Does it Need Special Attention?
Hhe marsh has extensive previously altered wet-
  lands that need to be restored. The marsh has
  been compromised by standard-type tidegates
  (which prevent tidal flow), landfills, junkyards,
  and 200 acres of abandoned highway embank-
  ment fill. These conditions have led to a loss of
  important spawning and nursery grounds and
  typical salt marsh species, such as Spartina
  (cordgrass), which is being displaced by inva-
  sive Phragmites (common reed).
 What  is the Long-Term Goal?
 *-The goal is to restore 200 acres of salt marsh
  and intertidalareas by the end of 2005.
 Progress/Goals for the Future
What Partnership Progress has Been
Made?
 *• Eleven innovative Self-Regulating Tidegates
 replaced broken standard type tidegates in
 Revere at 5 different marsh areas affecting
 75 acres of marsh.
 ^-Twenty-five acres of the abandoned 1-95
 embankment were removed to restore clam flat
 and salt marsh habitat.
 *-A total of 50+ acres of salt marsh have better
 tidal flow and fresh water drainage because of
 ditch maintenance and open marsh water man-
 agement projects completed so far in Saugus
 and Revere.
 > 150 acres of marsh have been improved,
 already surpassing the original goal of" 100
 by 2005".

What Major Actions are Planned for
2005?
 *• Permitting and construction of the first Self-
 Regulating Tidegate in Saugus at the 30+ acre
 Ballard Street Salt Marsh Restoration.
 *• Self-Regulating Tidegate adjustments to maxi-
 mize restoration and additional excavation
 work will continue at the Oak Island Salt Marsh
 Restoration project.

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                    Rumney  Marsh
                                                           I  Hydrography
                                                             Wetland
                                                         N  Road
                                                         H  Town Line
                                                                                                   Watersheds
                                                                                   Who are the Partners?
                                                                                   EPA New England • US Fish and Wildlife Service
                                                                                   • National Marine Fisheries Service • USDA Natural
                                                                                   Resources Conservation Service • Corps of Engi-
                                                                                   neers, New England District • Coastal America Part-
                                                                                   nership • Federal Emergency Management Agency
                                                                                   • Massachusetts Department of Environmental Pro-
                                                                                   tection • Massachusetts Wetland Restoration Pro-
                                                                                   gram • Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management •
                                                                                   Massachusetts Highway Department • Massachusetts
                                                                                   Division of Marine Fisheries • Massachusetts Fisher-
                                                                                   ies Wildlife and Environmental Law Enforcement •
                                                                                   Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency •
                                                                                   Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority • North-
                                                                                   east Massachusetts Mosquito Controland Wetlands
                                                                                   Management District • Massachusetts Bays Program
                                                                                   • Saugus River Watershed Council • Friends of
                                                                                   Rumney Marsh • Massachusetts Audubon Society •
                                                                                   City of Lynn • City of Revere • Town of Saugus •
                                                                                   GE-Lynn • RESCO-Saugus • Massachusetts De-
                                                                                   partment of Conservation and Recreation
                                                                                   Self-Regulating Tidegate
                                                                                                   IT

                                                                                   For more information on these tidegates, visit
                                                                                   www.watermanusa.com
k                 United States
                 Environmental Protection
                 Agency New England
vvEPA
Rumney Marsh Restoration Plan available at: www.mass.gov/czm/wrp/planning_pages/pknning_maps.htm
  Customer Call Center
        888-372-7341
www.epa.gov/region1
Note: EPA New England offers businesses and municipalities information and assistance to improve compliance with environmental laws and be better stewards of their
local environment. Please call to learn how EPA can help.
Printed on 100% recycled/recyclable paper with a minimum 50% post-consumer fiber using vegetable-based ink                                       EPA 901-F-05-013

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