A water forum on “Choosing the Fate of our Water Resources: Adapting to Climate Disruption” will be held on Saturday April 6, 8:30 am-1 pm, at Clock Tower Place in Maynard. The forum is sponsored by OARS, the watershed organization for the Assabet, Sudbury and Concord Rivers and is free and open to the public. Join us for this informative, interactive and timely water forum!
The forum will bring current research on the impacts of climate change, case studies of innovative projects in Massachusetts that improve the resilience of our water resources, and an update on our rivers’ health and how to adapt to climate disruption. Presenters include Dr. Paul Kirshen, best known locally for his work on the Climate Impacts on Metro Boston (CLIMB) project and the recent Boston Harbor Association report “Preparing for the Rising Tide.” The forum will be interactive, with game scenarios that will challenge participants to make investment decisions about water infrastructure in the context of a changing climate.
According to OARS Executive Director, Alison Field-Juma, “This forum brings the choices we face right into our hands, so that we can grasp climate change risks in a meaningful way in the context of our own water supplies and rivers.” Senator Jamie Eldridge will present the state’s new strategy for investing in water infrastructure as a backdrop to the discussions. “Clean water is a foundation for the residents of our communities, and is an essential element for growth and productivity in our economy” notes Senator Eldridge.
The forum will be relevant to town boards and commissioners, environmental groups, and concerned citizens throughout the Concord, Assabet and Sudbury watersheds. The forum program and further details are at www.oars3rivers.org. Space will be limited. Register by RSVP to office@oars3rivers.org or (978) 369-3956.
Presenters:
Senator Jamie Eldridge
Water infrastructure needs in the Commonwealth
Suzanne Flint (OARS)
Current state of our rivers
Dr. Paul Kirshen (University of New Hampshire)
Effects of climate change on our rivers and adaptation
Bob Zimmerman (Charles River Watershed Association)
New approach to wastewater: Littleton’s Smart Sewer project
Scott Horsley (Horsley Witten Group)
New green stormwater projects in Massachusetts
Janot Mendler de Suarez and Dr. Pablo Suarez (Boston University)
Making decisions about investments in municipal infrastructure with a changing climate
(Games for a New Climate)
This forum is free and open to the public. Continental breakfast and mid-morning refreshments will be served. For more information or to register, email office@oars3rivers.org or call 978-369-3956.
Thank you to the Sudbury-Assabet-Concord Wild & Scenic River Stewardship Council (RSC) for sponsoring this forum.
