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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