Workshops

Communities Connected by Water

Biodiversity & Stewardship Plan

Greenways Plan & Greenprint for Growth

River Visions 2008

SuAsCo Award Recipients

River Visions 2008: “Greening the SuAsCo Watershed: LEED, LID and Other Tools for Responding to Climate Change” Forum Agenda

In order to adapt to the more intense storms, periods of drought, and warmer average temperatures resulting from climate change, we must better manage rainfall, conserve water, use less energy, and decrease carbon emissions.  Tools for responding to climate change and achieving sustainability include the use of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) principles for constructing resource efficient buildings, Low Impact Development (LID) for managing stormwater, and many other strategies that will be discussed and displayed at this interactive conference.

River Visions 2009 Exhibitor Tables:

AECOM
Exponent, Inc.
Imbrium Systems Corporation
PC Doctor House Calls
SuAsCo Watershed Community Council - Stormwater Community Assistance Program
Sudbury-Assabet-Concord Wild & Scenic River Stewardship Council
UNH Stormwater Center
Utility Contractors Association of New England, Inc.

SuAsCo 2008 Award Recipients

In bestowing these awards, the Council not only honors the special achievements of these award recipients, but we also celebrate similar efforts on the part of businesses, towns, and volunteers throughout our Watershed’s 36 communities.

Community Council Chair Joe Mullin and Executive Director Nancy Bryant were joined by Senator Jamie Eldridge in presenting the eighth annual SuAsCo Watershed Community Council Awards at the River Visions Forum on December 6, 2008.

Volunteer of the Year Award: Elizabeth Kotowski

Liz has served on the Council’s Stormwater Committee since 2002, helping to develop five years of high-quality education and participation materials under the SuAsCo Stormwater Community Assistance Program.  Liz has contributed her expertise, creativity, good ideas, sharp editing skills, and countless hours to perfecting the Council’s Stormwater Program. 

In both her professional and volunteer capacities, Liz Kotowski has been devoted to the SuAsCo Watershed.  Working for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, she has coordinated outreach & training programs and school education projects on drinking water and other water resource issues.  Liz has volunteered with the Massachusetts Science Olympiad and Envirothon, helping to inspire students to care about the environment. 

For her long-time dedication to educating youth and the general public about our water resources, the SuAsCo Watershed Community Council is proud to present our “Volunteer of the Year Award” to Elizabeth Kotowski. 

Outstanding Municipality Award: Town of Littleton

The 2008 SuAsCo Watershed Community Council Outstanding Municipality Award goes to the Town of Littleton for its leadership in implementing an innovative low impact development stormwater program throughout the community.

This program includes:

• The installation of infiltration swales and rain gardens in a unique public-private partnership,
• The construction of wetlands, bio-retention swales, and porous pavement to improve the water quality of Long Lake,
• The development of a “Best Management Practices Manual”, which has also been incorporated into town bylaws,
• The involvement of homeowners through stormwater and lawn care education, water conservation rebates, and a rain barrel initiative.

It would be difficult to imagine the Town accomplishing all of this without the passionate support and leadership of the long-time General Manager of the Littleton Electric Light and Water Departments, Savas Danos.  Special mention must be made regarding his success in corralling state and other grant funding in excess of $600,000 to complete these projects.

For their innovative and pioneering work to better protect their water resources, the SuAsCo Watershed Community Council is proud to present our “Outstanding Municipality Award” to the Town of Littleton.

Outstanding Business Award: Clock Tower Place

The 2008 SuAsCo Watershed Community Council Outstanding Business Award goes to Clock Tower Place in recognition of their commitment to the environment of the SuAsCo Watershed.

Clock Tower Place has partnered with diverse environmental entities such as:  the town of Maynard Conservation Commission, Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, U.S. EPA, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; also the Massachusetts Historical Commission, Massachusetts Office of Dam Safety, Minuteman National Park, Organization for the Assabet River, Sudbury Valley Trustees, Friends of the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, and the SuAsCo Watershed Community Council.

Clock Tower Place is working with these agencies and organizations on a variety of efforts, including:

• Complying with storm water discharge policies and regulations,
• Building consensus, among all parties of interest, regarding the possible re-establishment of hydroelectric production at the Ben Smith Dam on the Assabet River,
• Supporting regionally based environmental non-profit organizations with generous donations of time and money, and
• Collaborating on locally supported, long-range, multi-use plans for the three river system.

For their leadership on these efforts and for their proactive, 21st Century commitment to “Going Green”, the SuAsCo Watershed Community Council is proud to present our “Outstanding Business Award” for 2008 to Clock Tower Place.