Culvert Assessment Priorities 2025

OARS, the watershed organization for the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers, is expanding its restoration efforts to enhance climate resiliency across the watershed. We are developing a Culvert Assessment Plan to identify undersized or outdated culverts that contribute to flooding, restrict aquatic connectivity, or pose challenges for local governments and residents.

Our goal is to collaborate with municipalities to assess culverts comprehensively, town by town, and support efforts to secure funding for replacements or repairs. By participating, you’ll help us advance climate adaptation strategies and improve ecological and community resilience in the SuAsCo watershed.

Which of the following best describes you?(Required)

I represent an organization

I represent a municipality

I am a resident

Please provide the following information:

Name(Required)

First Last

Title(Required)

Department(Required)

Organization Name(Required)

Street Address

Town/City(Required)

State ZIP Code

Email(Required)

Phone

CULVERT—A structure that allows water to flow under a road, trail, railway, or similar pathway, typically to maintain the natural flow of a stream or drainage system.

Are you aware of any culverts at stream crossings in your town that may need to be removed or replaced?(Required)

Yes

Maybe, but I am not sure

Please provide the following details

Location Information(Required)

Description of Concerns(Required)

Have any restoration efforts been attempted or completed at the culvert(s) you identified?(Required)

Yes

Maybe, but I am not sure

Please provide the following details

Who was work performed by (if known)

Date of restoration efforts (if known)

Location Information (if not entered above)

Have any culverts been identified as priorities through a Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) or Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program?(Required)

Yes

I am not sure

Please provide relevant links or references to any supporting materials, if available:

Upload supporting material

Max. file size: 50 MB.

Has a culvert assessment plan been conducted for your town?(Required)

Yes

I not sure

Please provide relevant links or references to any supporting materials, if available:

Upload culvert assessment plan if available

Max. file size: 50 MB.

Provide link to assessment plan if available

Would you like to discuss the culverts in your town and any upcoming plans with OARS?(Required)

Yes

If you selected "Yes," you can speak with Heather Conkerton, OARS' Ecological Restoration Coordinator.

You can view her availability over the next few weeks using the link below:

View Heather's Availability

Please indicate your preferred day and time for a meeting in this survey.

How did you hear about this survey(Required)

Otter News/OARS eBlast

Email from Heather Conkerton

Email from another organization

Municipality

OARS website

Social media post

Word of mouth

Other

Please specify(Required)

Which municipality?(Required)

Would you like to stay informed about OARS news and events?(Required)

Yes

Thank you for completing the survey! If you have any additional questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out via email: EcoRest@oars3rivers.org.

If you are scheduling a meeting, please send all relevant materials for review beforehand.

We appreciate your support in helping to improve the SuAsCo watershed!

~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

Culvert Assessment Priorities 2025

CONTACT INFORMATION

CULVERT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION