The Merrimack River Watershed Council has been awarded a $200,000 state grant for a regional river and wetlands restoration project.
What’s called the Merrimack Restoration Partnership will supports a network of partners and others are working to advance a “watershed scale restoration and climate resilient vision” in the Merrimack River watershed. The state money comes from the Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration geared to “strengthen community resilience to climate change, reduce flood risks, improve climate-ready infrastructure and public safety and restore crucial wildlife habitat and water quality.”
“As climate change brings more intense storms and flooding, building resilient infrastructure and restoring ecosystems are vital for Massachusetts. Ecological restoration is key to this effort,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. She said the Division of Ecological Restoration is “leading the charge with nature-based solutions to ensure a strong, resilient future.”
Officials said some of the $3.7 million statewide grant money will go to such projects as dam removals, culvert replacements, wetland/floodplain restoration and urban stream revitalization.