The
Manchester Coastal Stream Team
Since 1995
- Working to protect and restore
the coastal waterways of Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA
Next Meeting:
Agenda:
Stream survey action plan
January 11, 7:15 pm
Seaside One
The MCST and SSCW conducted stream surveys of the Sawmill Brook and its tributaries, Cat and Causeway Brooks in September-October 2009 to update the brooks surveys from 1997.
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 are discussed and actions needed are determined and prioritized.
Twelve years ago, thirty-five
townspeople participated in a training session and then working in small teams,
spent a couple of hours walking an assigned brook segment, writing down what
they saw. The survey led to an action plan, which resulted in a number of
improvements.
The Stream Team cleaned up debris, investigated sources of pollution, secured
a grant to rebuild the channel walls near the smelt spawning site at the School
Street crossing over Sawmill Brook, prepared educational materials and held
programs on the importance of coastal streams and the need for stewardship.
However, streams change over time. So MCST, in conjunction with Salem Sound Coastwatch, is coordinating a second shoreline survey. It will begin at Millets Swamp and follow the river as it flows north and east through Cedar and Beaverdam Swamps, north of Route 128. Then it follows Sawmill Brook as it turns south and flows by the Manchester Athletic Club, back under Route 128, through the Essex County Club golf course and through the downtown area to empty into Manchester Harbor.
Two major tributaries join Sawmill Brook from the east, Cat Brook and Causeway Brook. Together, these streams drain more than half of Manchester’s land. Much of the land these streams pass through is deep in the woods, so volunteers will follow the watercourse to normally-hidden places in Manchester.
This interesting project provides the opportunity to meet new neighbors and
learn firsthand about the local environment.
For more information, contact Salem Sound Coastwatch at 978-741-7900 or info@salemsound.org.
MCST has successfully implemented many projects, including
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.
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.
If you would like to get involved, please contact Manchester Stream Team at Manchestercoastal@yahoo.com.
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