Governor Patrick Declares June “Rivers Month” in Massachusetts

BOSTON – As the warm summer months draw visitors, outdoor enthusiasts and residents to the Commonwealth’s waterways, Governor Deval Patrick has declared June as Massachusetts “Rivers Month” to kick-off a month of river-related recreation and educational events.

In his annual proclamation of Rivers Month for the Commonwealth, Governor Patrick declared, “After centuries of enjoying the benefits of abundant water resources, the Commonwealth recognizes the importance of protecting and restoring our rivers and streams.”

In celebration, the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Riverways Program has posted its 2009 Massachusetts Rivers Month Calendar, which contains detailed information and links to more than 170 events in, along or about the rivers of the Commonwealth. Upcoming events include kayaking trips, riverside picnics, canoe races, fly fishing contests, river cleanups, overnight camping trips, and nature hikes.

“This month we celebrate the glory of Massachusetts’ rivers and the people who act as stewards of these valuable natural resources,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Ian Bowles. “Not only do rivers and streams provide critical habitat for wildlife, they are also focal points of summer recreation for residents and visitors.”

Since 1988, the DFG has published the Massachusetts Rivers Month Calendar each year as part of the national celebration of Rivers Month.

“Local citizen action is essential to protect our rivers and the important fish and wildlife habitat in Massachusetts rivers and streams,” said DFG Commissioner Mary Griffin. “These events draw attention to the importance of our rivers, and help to get people involved in protecting rivers and the species that depend on healthy waterways.”

Events, which run until Sunday, July 5, are designed to appeal to everyone from families with small children to whitewater enthusiasts. A sampling of activities and locations covered in the 2009 Rivers Month Calendar include:

     · Urban whitewater rafting on the Concord River in Lowell;

     · Paddle trips on coastal creeks such as the Westport River in Westport, where changing tides enable boaters to paddle with the current in both directions;

     · Flatwater and whitewater paddling, including Chinese-style Dragon Boat Races on the Charles River;

     · Family-friendly river festivals along the Hoosic River in Williamstown, the Deerfield River in Charlemont, and in the Sudbury-Assabet-Concord Rivers watershed;

     · Hikes along rivers and streams to see old-growth forests in Monroe or dramatic waterfalls in Middlefield;

     · Overnight camping trips along the Connecticut, Taunton, Charles and Merrimack Rivers.

For more information on the 2009 Rivers Month Calendar, visit www.mass.gov/dfwele/river/ riversmonth2009.htm.

The Riverways Program partners with citizens, municipal officials, state and federal agencies, businesses and others on river and riverine land protection, restoration and stewardship projects, and to promote public access to and along rivers and streams consistent with resource protection.

“We’re pleased to celebrate the great work our partners are doing to raise public awareness about the values rivers bring to the Massachusetts landscape,” said Riverways Acting Director Tim Purinton. “We encourage the public to invite their friends and family to clean up, paddle, protect, enjoy and celebrate their favorite rivers and streams, or experience new ones.”

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is responsible for promoting the enjoyment and conservation of the Commonwealth’s natural resources. DFG carries out this mission through land preservation and wildlife habitat management, management of inland and marine fish and game species, and enforcement of the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. DFG promotes enjoyment of the Massachusetts environment through outdoor skills workshops, fishing festivals and other educational programs, and by enhancing access to the Commonwealth’s lakes and ponds.

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Kate Plourd
Assistant Press Secretary
Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 626-1809 (office)
(617) 571-6235 (mobile)
(617) 626-1027 (fax)