Category: News

Arrigo has big challenge ahead at DCR Kathy Abbott | Opinion, Commonwealth Magazine | May 9, 2023 https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/arrigo-has-big-challenge-ahead-at-dcr/ WHAT’S IT LIKE having the job as commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation? Ask a budget analyst on Beacon Hill and you’ll get an answer like: Manage a $250 million annual capital and operating budget, 500,000 acres of beaches, parks, and forests, and more than 600 miles of historic parkways ringing Greater Boston. Be responsible for hiring more than 600 lifeguards each season; combat invasive species threatening native wildlife; manage skating rinks, swimming pools, campgrounds, playgrounds, and 3,000 miles of hiking and biking trails; while also supplying safe clean drinking water to more than 2.5 million people each day in Metropolitan Boston. And do all of this while inviting more than 26 million annual visitors to enjoy the state properties you are charged with stewarding. All true, and all in a day’s work, but we’d say a better and more inspiring answer might be:...

Fire towers stay busy as dry conditions pose heightened risk Devin Bates | Spectrum News 1 | April 14, 2023 https://spectrumnews1.com/ma/worcester/news/2023/04/14/fire-towers-stay-busy-as-dry-conditions-pose-heightened-risk PRINCETON, Mass. - It's been a very active spring fire season in the northeast, and state fire authorities are doing their best to stay on top of it with the help of some key fire towers across the state. What You Need To Know Massachusetts has seen 340 forest fires in 2023 174 of those fires have occurred in the last week alone Fire towers, like the one atop Mount Wachusett, have been key in spotting them early Fire authorities said the public also has a role to play in fire prevention So far this year, Massachusetts has seen 340 forest fires. On top of Mount Wachusett, the state's tallest fire tower allows spotters to coordinate with lower elevation towers and pinpoint where the danger is.  “We have 42 towers across the state, and on any given high fire danger day we try to get 22, 23 of our key...

Texas Senate committee approves historic state parks funding bill Press Release | Environment Texas | April 13, 2023 https://environmentamerica.org/media-center/texas-senate-committee-approves-historic-state-parks-funding-bill/ AUSTIN, Texas –– The state Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee on Thursday voted unanimously in support of two bills creating a Centennial Parks Conservation Fund. This new entity would invest at least $500 million to buy more land for the state parks system. The legislation, SB 1684 and SJR 74 (Parker), would establish the fund and amend the state constitution to authorize it. SB 1 (the Senate version of the state budget) appropriates $500 million for state parkland acquisition, contingent on passage of these bills. According to a study by Texas Tech University, the state needs to add more than one million acres of state parks by 2030 to keep up with public demand. A 2023 poll by Texas 2036 found that 73% of Texans, including majorities of Republicans, Democrats and Independents, support investing $1 billion to create new — and expand existing — state parks. In response, Environment Texas Executive Director Luke Metzger,...

Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo to Join Healey-Driscoll Administration as Conservation & Recreation Commissioner Press Release | Department of Conservation & Recreation | April 10, 2023 https://www.mass.gov/news/revere-mayor-brian-arrigo-to-join-healey-driscoll-administration-as-conservation-recreation-commissioner BOSTON — Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca L. Tepper announced today the appointment of Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo as Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Arrigo will officially resign as Mayor on April 21st and start in the Healey-Driscoll Administration on April 24th.   “Policymaking is about more than laws and budgets – it’s about building happy, healthy communities for our residents. Mayor Arrigo understands, as I do, that DCR is central to those efforts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “He has extensive experience transforming Revere’s waterfront and managing public lands. I know he will work tirelessly so everyone in our state has access to well-maintained green spaces and fun activities for all ages.”  “I’m thrilled to have my friend and fellow mayor Brian Arrigo on our team,” added Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, who worked closely with Mayor Arrigo through the...

Report: MA Fatal Pedestrian Crashes Up 35%; More Than 70% Occurred In Environmental Justice Neighborhoods Press Release | WalkBoston | March 30, 2023 https://walkboston.org/2023/03/30/report-ma-fatal-pedestrian-crashes-up-35-more-than-70-occurred-in-environmental-justice-neighborhoods/ WalkBoston calls on MassDOT to release an action plan for safe streets, and for the legislature to fund staff and resources to support eliminating fatal crashes BOSTON (March 30, 2023) – A report released today by WalkBoston, a statewide pedestrian advocacy organization, shows fatal pedestrian crashes in Massachusetts are up by 35% in 2022 compared to 2021, with 71% of crashes taking place in Environmental Justice Census Block Groups.  Fatal Pedestrian Crashes in MA (2022) also shows that of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts, 60 had a fatal pedestrian crash in 2022, and older adults were hit and killed at a higher rate than those in other age groups.  “The sharp rise in fatal crashes is extremely troubling,” said Brendan Kearney, Deputy Director of WalkBoston. “Unsafe road design is creating fatal consequences for communities across the Commonwealth. Designing our streets to reduce...

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces the 17th Annual Park Serve Day Press Release | Department of Conservation & Recreation | March 23, 2023 https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-announces-the-17th-annual-park-serve-day BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that registration is now open for the 17th annual Park Serve Day, which will take place on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, 2023. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) holds Park Serve Day annually, in conjunction with Earth Week, to provide volunteer opportunities throughout the Massachusetts State Park system. Volunteers will help clean coastlines, clear trails, pick up litter, plant flowers, and paint at state parks across the Commonwealth, among other important tasks. "Massachusetts’ state parks play an invaluable role in our physical and mental wellbeing, which is why it is critical we maintain our open spaces,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration looks forward to continuing this tradition and preparing our parks and beaches for visitors to enjoy ahead of the spring and summer seasons.”    “We must protect and preserve our parks to ensure residents have access...

Massachusetts EEA Announces Leadership Team iBerkshires | March 25, 2023 https://www.iberkshires.com/story/71258/Massachusetts-EEA-Announces-Leadership-Team.html BOSTON — Secretary Rebecca L. Tepper announced her leadership team at the Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs (EEA). The following individuals have joined the Office of the Secretary and will help shape the Commonwealth's clean energy economy, environmental protections, and public lands. "We've assembled a team of visionary thinkers and dedicated public servants to lead the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs at this pivotal time," said Secretary Tepper. "Working with our departments, we are committed to guiding an equitable transition to clean energy, protecting our precious natural resources, and building healthy, resilient communities. I've charged our team to view their work through an environmental justice lens so that no community is left behind as the clean energy economy grows and the climate heats up." To read the full story, click here...

MassDOT Reveals Route Of MCRT Extension From Wayland Into Sudbury Neal McNamara | Patch | March 6, 2023 https://patch.com/massachusetts/sudbury/massdot-reveals-route-mcrt-extension-wayland-sudbury SUDBURY, MA — MassDOT has revealed initial plans for a Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT) extension from Wayland into Sudbury. MassDOT held a public hearing Thursday to review fledgling plans to turn a former rail corridor into the newest piece of the MCRT, whose eastern leg ends at Route 20 in Wayland. The project will a gateway to a longer extension of the trail through Sudbury — called the "Wayside" section. MassDOT and the state Department of Conservation and Recreation will build a 1.9-mile extension of the non-motorized trail from the Wayland line to an Eversource power station just short of Landham Road. Construction on the $3.3 million trail extension could begin by spring 2027, according to MassDOT. The project is still in the design phase, and the state is accepting public comments on the plan. The 1.9-mile section would be built over wetlands and will include the rehabilitation...

DCR Opens Applications for Lifeguards, with Up to $1,250 in Bonuses and Higher Wages Press Release | Dept. of Conservation & Recreation | March 3, 2023 https://www.mass.gov/news/dcr-opens-applications-for-lifeguards-with-up-to-1250-in-bonuses-and-higher-wages BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced it is now accepting applications for summer lifeguards, swim instructors, and other roles across the Commonwealth. This year, DCR is offering bonuses of up to $1,250 for qualified lifeguard applicants that commit to working at an agency beach or pool for the 2023 season. DCR is also increasing the hourly rate for lifeguards and pool staff for the 2023 season to between $22 and $27 depending on position and associated certifications.   "Every year, lifeguards and swim instructors help the Commonwealth operate dozens of pools and waterfronts for families to swim and cool off in the summer,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These are great jobs for residents looking to work outside, earn good pay, and be a part of a great team. I encourage anyone interested to apply and take...

Revere Mayor Arrigo Named DCR Commissioner Mayor Stepping Down In Final Year Of Four-Year Term State House News Service | Michael P. Norton | April 10, 2023 APRIL 10, 2023.....The mayor of Revere is joining the Healey administration as DCR commissioner, where he will oversee the state's network of public parks and beaches. Brian Arrigo was introduced as commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation early Monday morning. He plans to resign as mayor on April 21, ending a run that began in 2016, and to start work for the state on April 24. In making the announcement, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs credited Arrigo for his work developing Revere's first master plan in more than 40 years, the creation of a 311-constituent service office, and the construction of a new Department of Public Works facility and a new Point of Pines Fire Station, as well as efforts to encourage public and private investments along Revere Beach, Shirley Avenue, and Suffolk...

Gov. Abbott calls for expansion of Texas State Parks system Luke Metzger | Environment Texas | February 13, 2023 https://environmentamerica.org/texas/articles/gov-abbott-calls-for-expansion-of-texas-state-parks-system/ Great news for the Million Acre Parks Project! Last week, Governor Abbott called for expanding the state parks system, saying “Yes, we want Texas to grow. Yes, we want Texas to prosper. But we can do that while at the very same time conserving the beautiful parks that we have and adding to them to make Texas even more appealing to future generations.” As I told the Houston Chronicle, I “hope the Legislature heeds the governor’s call and makes a historic investment in expanding the state parks system.” This is the session to do it. It’s the centennial of the state parks system and our current parks already can’t keep up with demand. With a $33 billion budget surplus, the state has the resources to acquire more land for state parks, protect wildlife habitat, and create more opportunities for our kids to run free in the woods and...

Our Opinion: State must step up help for communities caught between crumbling dams and costly fixes Editorial Board | The Berkshire Eagle | February 18, 2023 https://www.berkshireeagle.com/opinion/editorials/our-opinion-state-must-step-up-help-for-communities-caught-between-crumbling-dams-and-costly-fixes/article_4501d526-aede-11ed-9632-df16b919b46b.html Berkshires, we have a problem — a big dam problem. Recent Eagle reporting dove into the conditions of several critical dams across the county. Dams are considered “high hazard” by the state if a breach would likely cause fatalities and damage to surrounding property and infrastructure. According to the state Office of Dam Safety, Berkshire County has about three-dozen such dams — and three are in troubling shape considering the risks they pose. The Bel Air Dam on Wahconah Street in Pittsfield is rated as “unsafe” — the worst regulatory condition denoting major structural, operational and maintenance deficiencies in normal conditions. The Mount Williams Reservoir and Notch Reservoir dams, both located in North Adams, hold the second-worst rating of “poor” also indicating structural issues under typical conditions. Berkshire residents are all too familiar with crumbling infrastructure posing risks to residents,...