Politics & Government

DCR Partnership Takes Aim at Aquatic Plant Pests in Newton

The Department of Conservation and Recreation will work with local organizations to battle invasive weeds on the Charles River.

If you've been paddling on or even just walking along the bank of the Charles River in Newton, you've probably noticed an invader, even if you didn't realize it.

Invasive water chestnuts, "fast-growing aquatic plants that choke waterways, thus damaging recreational opportunities and natural habitats," have become a significant problem on the Charles River in Newton over the past several years, as well as along the Mystic River in Somerville and Medford. But the state's Department of Conservation and Recreation announced last week that it is partnering with local watershed associations to address the situation.

According to a press release, DCR will launch "large-scale mechanical harvesting operations of invasive water chestnut plants" on Aug. 5 in cooperation with the Charles River Watershed Association and the Mystic River Watershed Association.

"We are glad that the harvesting is going to happen and we thank DCR for prioritizing this problem,” said Bob Zimmerman, CRWA’s executive director. “This important effort shows what a dedicated and determined group of residents can accomplish when working with CRWA and DCR."

DCR will work with both the CRWA and a community group, Citizens Alliance for Noxious Weed Eradication (CANOE), to target more than 50 infested areas of the Charles River in Newton, Waltham and Weston. The organizations have raised more than $25,000 to assist the effort, according to the press release.


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