Press Release: 6/16/2025

Local Watershed Groups to Release 2024 Water Quality Report Card Grades for Boston’s Urban Rivers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 10, 2025

Contact Information: Nancy Fyler, Neponset River Watershed Association

fyler@neponset.org | 781-575-0354 x307

MEDIA ADVISORY



Tuesday, June 17, 2025 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM | Martini Memorial Shell Park, Hyde Park

Watershed associations representing the Charles, Mystic, and Neponset Rivers will host a press event to

announce the 2024 Water Quality Report Card grades for the region’s urban rivers.

The event will spotlight ongoing efforts to improve water quality, the impacts of climate change, and the

role of community science in protecting local waterways. Speakers will share trends in water quality,

highlight areas of concern, and discuss what’s needed to reach swimmable, fishable rivers.

The public is encouraged to attend the event, talk to experts in the field, and explore info tables hosted

by local organizations. The event is free and open to all. Visitors are welcome to stop by at any time

between 10 AM and 1 PM.

WHAT:

• Public release of 2024 Water Quality Report Card grades for Boston’s rivers

WHEN:

• Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Remarks at approx. 10:30 AM)

WHERE:

• Francis D. Martini Memorial Shell Park, 1015 Truman Parkway, Hyde Park, Boston, MA 02136

• Meet at the Neponset canoe launch near the public parking lot

WHY:

• To inform the public about the current state of recreational water quality in the Charles, Mystic,

and Neponset Rivers, and to highlight needed investments and community solutions.

• The event is free and open to the public. Media are encouraged to attend and speak with

experts and volunteers on-site.

Neponset River Watershed Association | 2173 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021 | 781-575-0354 | neponset.org

SPEAKERS:

• Bonnie Heiple, Commissioner, Mass DEP

• Ken Moraff, Water Division Director, U.S. EPA Region 1

• Fred Laskey, Executive Director, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority

• Heather Clish, Policy Director, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance

• Ian Cooke, Executive Director, Neponset River Watershed Association

• Emily Norton, Executive Director, Charles River Watershed Association

• Patrick Herron, Executive Director, Mystic River Watershed Association

• Thomas Green, Vice President, Massachusett-Ponkapoag Tribal Council Inc.

GETTING THERE:

• Parking: Free parking is available in the lot on Truman Parkway and the adjacent Stop & Shop

lot.

• Public Transit: The Martini Shell is approximately 1.2 miles from