Maynard man takes OARS summerlong paddling challenge to the next level

June 25, 2025

by Peter Currier | June 25, 2025 | The Lowell Sun

Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Chief Operating Officer Chester “Ozzy” Osborne paddles away from the shore of the Concord River in Billerica June 21, 2025 as he continued his challenge of paddling 86 miles up the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord rivers in less than 48 hours. (Peter Currier/Lowell Sun)

When Chester “Ozzy” Osborne served in the US Army, he and his fellow Green Berets were considered “masters of self propulsion.” They had to be able to hike, climb, ski, swim and paddle their way through a diversity of terrains on missions all over the world from the Middle East to South America, fighting “the little wars” few people know about.

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River Log

~30%

of the SuAsCo rivers watershed is wetlands, crucial for wildlife habitat and water quality

~30%

of water samples in the SuAsCo rivers watershed contain PFAS, leading to increased monitoring and remediation by local authorities and environmental groups

~70%

of dams in the SuAsCo watershed are over a century old, requiring extensive upkeep and presenting obstacles to river restoration and fish passage

>40%

of the land within the watershed is publicly accessible, offering recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating, and birdwatching to the community

~15%

of the land in the SuAsCo rivers watershed is covered by impervious surfaces such as roads, rooftops, and parking lots. This contributes to stormwater runoff and water pollution issues

>40%

of the land within the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers watershed is publicly accessible, providing endless opportunities for paddling, hiking, and wildlife exploration.

Maynard man takes OARS summerlong paddling challenge to the next level

Chester ‘Ozzy’ Osborne paddles 86 miles on local river in under 48 hours