History of the "Stream Team."
The Organization for the Assabet River (OAR) received a grant
from the Crossroads Community Foundation in December 1997 to form volunteer
stream teams to conduct a spring 1998 shoreline survey in the town of Acton.
OAR is a non-profit group founded in 1986 to protect, preserve and enhance
the natural and recreational features of the Assabet River and its watershed.
OAR's project partners included the town of Acton, Acton Citizens for Environmental
Safety (ACES, a local grassroots environmental group), and the Acton Water
District (AWD). All of these project partners share an interest in identifying
and reducing potential sources of pollution and excessive nutrients to
Acton's streams, especially since Acton is currently pursuing the option
of "watershed trading" to solve its existing waste water management
problems.
In January 1998 Mary Michelman was hired by OAR to create and coordinate
the Acton Stream Teams. She formed a Steering Committee, whose members
represented Acton Town officials, Acton's State Representative, local industry,
local citizen groups, and other interested residents. Michelman and the
Steering Committee publicized the Stream Team project, selected survey
areas, generated and reviewed maps, and finalized plans for the training
session, the survey itself, and follow up actions. As a result more than
150 Acton volunteers participated in some aspect of the Stream Team effort.
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