Mass.Gov logo * Governor
Deval L. Patrick		 * Lt. Governor
Timothy P. Murray		 * EOEA Secretary
Ian A. Bowles

Seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
-

Steve Roy of GeoSyntec presents Silver Lake LID design plans to the Town of Wilmington
 

Public Education and Outreach
Purpose:

  • Increase awareness of flow-related problems in the Ipswich River watershed and the impacts of development and water withdrawals on the watershed
  • Educate stakeholders on the low-impact development (LID) and water conservation techniques and projects being demonstrated through the grant
  • Disseminate the results of data collection and analysis from the demonstration projects and the conclusions from the USGS computer modeling effort

Description: Outreach and education efforts include development and distribution of outreach materials, workshops and presentations, site tours and signage, and an educational forum for legislators.

  • Outreach Materials: DCR and its project partners are developing a variety of educational materials, including project fact sheets (see Overview Fact Sheet), brochures, signage, and a project web site. The Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA), a key partner in outreach efforts, developed a Water Wise Handbook for Municipal Managers in the Ipswich Watershed highlighting 20 tools that municipalities can use to protect water supplies, manage stormwater, preserve open space, educate residents, and restore the Ipswich River.
  • Workshops and Presentations: DCR and IRWA staff and project partners for each of the demonstration projects are delivering presentations at local meetings and professional conferences over the course of the grant period. The Ipswich River Restoration Conference, organized by IRWA in November 2005, included an introduction to the river restoration program and panels on LID and water conservation (click here for the conference proceedings and presentations as a Word document). In addition, IRWA will convene at least three regional watershed forums targeting municipal officials.
  • Site Tours: As construction progresses, municipal officials and interested citizens, advocates, regulators, engineers, and consultants will be invited to tour the demonstration sites.
  • Legislature Educational Forum: IRWA will take the lead in providing updates and education on grant-funded projects and watershed concerns to legislative leaders in the watershed. This effort will include at least one educational forum for legislative leaders.

Partners: Ipswich River Watershed Association and partners for each of the nine demonstration projects.

Status: See Progress Report

 
     
-
-