Manchester Coastal Stream Team -- Salem Sound Coastwatch

The Manchester Coastal Stream Team
Since 1995 - Working to protect and restore
the coastal waterways of Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA

Next Meeting: May 17, 2010

7:15 pm in Town Hall, Room 7

Does a Stream run through or past your property?
Does your lawn abut the ocean, a pond or a marsh?

Make sure that you are a good steward of our streams and coastal waters.

Don’t dump lawn clippings or other organic debris at the edge of bodies of water.

The Manchester Coastal Stream Team has updated their brochure on
“The Importance of Streamside Buffers”. It explains ways to protect our waterways and aquatic life, and gives suggestions for plantings in the buffer zones.

“The Importance of Streamside Buffers” can be found in Manchester Town Hall, or downloaded here as a pdf.

Stream surveys of the Sawmill Brook and its tributaries
In September-October 2009, MCST and SSCW conducted stream surveys of the Sawmill Brook and its tributaries to update the 1997 surveys. Sawmill Brook and its two tributaries, Cat Brook and Causeway Brook, together drain more than half of Manchester’s land.

The surveys identified problems that might be affecting water quality or aquatic habitats. Volunteers were trained in what to observe as they walk along the stream.

Results from the stream surveys were discussed and actions needed were determined and prioritized.

MCST has successfully implemented many projects, including

1997-1998 Sawmill Brook Survey -
MA Riverways Adopt-A-Stream Program
2009 Sawmill Brook Survey
Smelt habitat restoration project
Dexter Pond habitat improvement
Storm drain stenciling projects
Working towards reduction of pesticide use in the watershed
Promoting wise use of water resources

MCST has installed signs to build awareness
of the many streams in Manchester

The Manchester Coastal Stream Team (MCST) is a group of local citizens who meet monthly to discuss environmental issues that concern Manchester's local waterways and plan corrective measures. Projects focus maintaining and improving water quality and preserving coastal habitats. All projects involve public participation and education.

Please check the local newspaper, Manchester Cricket,
for upcoming meetings, activities, and events.

Manchester Waterways Map

Marsh Water Testing: MCST members have been working with SSCW to collect water samples in Wolf Trap estuary at Kettle Cove. The bacterial contamination data have been reviewed and reported to the Manchester Board of Health.

Smelt Report: Brad Chase’s technical report on smelt spawning in coastal Massachusetts has been published and contains recommendations to improve conditions in Sawmill Brook. MCST will discuss the report's recommendations with the Conservation Commission and Department of Public Works. More information: Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) spawning habitat on the Gulf of Maine coast of Massachusetts. 2006 Mass. DMF. Report TR-30.

Our Organic Lawn Care brochure was distributed to all households in Manchester in 2005. You can download this brochure to help you get started on a healthy, non-toxic lawn. It prints out on legal sized paper in landscape mode.

For more information, contact Salem Sound Coastwatch at 978-741-7900 or info@salemsound.org.