Charles River Watershed Association

MISSION The mission of the Charles River Watershed Association is to develop a sound, science-based understanding of interactions in the watershed; define long-term, cutting-edge solutions to watershed problems; promote sustainable watershed management practices with government agencies and private entities; and advocate protection, revitalization, and expansion of public parklands along the Charles. DESCRIPTION One of the country's first watershed organizations, Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) was formed in 1965 in response to public concern about the declining condition of the Charles. Since its earliest days of advocacy, CRWA has figured prominently in major clean-up and watershed protection efforts, working with government officials and citizen groups from 35 Massachusetts watershed towns from Hopkinton to Boston. Initiatives over the last three decades have dramatically improved the quality of water in the watershed and approaches to water resource management. IMPACT In its 38th year of advocacy for the Charles River, the Charles River Watershed Association continued to mark improvements in the health of the Charles River and provide national leadership in watershed management, as recognized by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Natural Resources Defense Council, and River Network.