Why?
The
rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands in Massachusetts provide a clean drinking water supply, support globally important freshwater
communities, offer countless opportunities for recreation and generate millions of dollars tourism revenue. Increasing development,
water withdrawals and dams are impairing the natural flow of streams and rivers. Many of our rivers and streams experience
low flows or on occasion dry up. This threatens our ability to adequately meet long term water needs, threatens the survival
of an array of aquatic species, and reduces the overall quality of life in surrounding communities. It is time to effectively
manage water flow so that we can still meet our needs while maintaining healthy and natural freshwater systems.
How?
The
Act to Protect Rivers and Streams will give Massachusetts the tools to ensure consistent protection of rivers and streams
across the state while still allowing us to responsibly use the resources. The Act will:
- Develop
standards to ensure adequate water flow and water levels for fish and other species' survival.
- Make
the environmental review process more predictable for both the state and the applicant.
- Continue
to allow water suppliers to meet the fresh water needs of our communities.
Advantages
Under the Act to protect Rivers and Streams, by managing our fresh water resources more effectively,
we can ensure long term generation of millions of dollars annually from recreation and tourism. Poor management and overuse
could threaten future use of the resources provided by our rivers and streams and reduce potential revenue from these resources.
Status
After being redrafted while in the Environment Committee to
accommodate concerns from water suppliers, the bill is now in House Ways and Means.
Contact
Kirt Mayland, Trout Unlimited, 413.274.6329
