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. ------- 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 ------- |