Strategic Plan

PRIORITY ACTIONS

HIGHLIGHTED OUTCOMES

Monitor water quality, biomass, dragonfly larvae, and bacteria to track status and trends

42 volunteer citizen scientists

Utilize monitoring data to identify point and nonpoint sources of water pollution and seek solutions

480 water samples taken

Hold annual River Cleanup and water chestnut pulls

37 years of River Cleanups; 1,238 baskets of water chestnut removed; over 671 volunteer hours

PRIORITY ACTIONS

HIGHLIGHTED OUTCOMES

Monitor flow and temperature of rivers and tributaries

Ongoing at 30 sites

Promote water conservation during droughts, including water use restrictions

Advocacy for Drought Bill

Promote Nature-Based Solutions to increase local stormwater recharge

2 SuAsCo Climate Resiliency Coalition projects

Actively support removal of Talbot Mills and Wheeler Pond dams and identify new priority river continuity projects

Project Manager for 2 dam removals; 13-member Technical Advisory Committee; River Continuity Action Plan

PRIORITY ACTIONS

HIGHLIGHTED OUTCOMES

Maintain strong relationships with municipal, state, and federal leadership

Ongoing partnerships and collaboration; testimony and 7 comment letters

Advocate for withdrawal, discharge, and stormwater permits that protect river health

2 negotiated settlements under the Clean Water Act

Advocate for Nature-Based Solutions

Advocacy to increase MVP funding

PRIORITY ACTIONS

HIGHLIGHTED OUTCOMES

Update and communicate the River Report Card

5-Year update Released in 2024

Build understanding of watershed management for climate resilience

15 presentations to the community; SuAsCo Climate Resiliency Coalition Year 3

Provide educational materials on the water cycle, wastewater, drinking water, etc.

FAQ on Talbot Dam removal (4 languages); tabled at 16 community events

Hold educational walks and paddles and increase river recreation

7 paddles, 5 walks; updated Assabet and Sudbury river maps

PRIORITY ACTIONS

HIGHLIGHTED OUTCOMES

Increase number of accessible docks

Seeking additional sites for installation, put-in improvements

Increase recreation information access on website and outreach materials

Free recreation maps available online and throughout the watershed

PRIORITY ACTIONS

HIGHLIGHTED OUTCOMES

Partner with community organizations to deliver youth watershed education

230 children from Boys & Girls Club in Water Wise Workshops

Engage underrepresented ethnic, language, economic, and culture groups in developing programs that meet diverse interests

Ongoing demographic research, attending diverse talks & events

Launch monthly Otter News

Over 3,000 newsletter subscribers

PRIORITY ACTIONS

HIGHLIGHTED OUTCOMES

Ensure programs are relevant to a diverse audience and communications are accessible and broadly relatable

New website with translation functions 
43 volunteering event opportunities in varied neighborhoods

Ensure participation on Board and staff is accessible and welcomes diversity

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging incorporated into all Board and Committee meetings

PRIORITY ACTIONS

HIGHLIGHTED OUTCOMES

Attract and retain members through engaging outreach, marketing, and social media materials

20% growth in Otter News and Otter Goes Over the Dam subscribers

961 OARS members

Increase outreach to engage younger people around their interests

Active on 6 social media platforms

Expand programming and offerings throughout the watershed

PRIORITY ACTIONS

HIGHLIGHTED OUTCOMES

Add expertise as needed to address strategic priorities

4 new staff recruited and retained plus summer staff

Grow individual and corporate support

Maintained consistent growth in member and corporate support

Seek multi-year grants

5 multi-year grants awarded

Budget for competitive salaries and benefits

Funding strategy developed