Massachusetts Riparian Zone Replanting Program

SWCA is helping the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) to develop a statewide program to identify, solicit, design, and implement targeted riparian zone restoration projects. While improving flood storage, water filtration, biodiversity, and ecosystem health, the program will contribute to the Commonwealth’s climate resiliency goals.

Focusing on riparian zones, along rivers, streams, tributaries, wetlands, lakes, and ponds, SWCA is evaluating the potential impact of restoration efforts at riparian sites throughout the Commonwealth. After creating a comprehensive list of potential restoration sites, SWCA worked with EEA to evaluate those sites, then enlisted private and public landowners to participate in restoration efforts. The effort involves documenting the sites’ biodiversity, invasive species, flood patterns, soil erosion, and herbivore activity. Additionally, SWCA is assisting with mapping, boundary identification, the development of restoration plans, permitting, and implementation at the selected sites.

In the first year, SWCA completed intensive site identification and outreach effort. In the second and third years of the project, the team continues to work with landowners and regulators to identify, secure, design, permit, and implement site restorations.

This is an ongoing effort. If you believe your property may be a good candidate for restoration, please contact Scott Fisher. To learn more about the Massachusetts Riparian Zone Restoration Program, visit the program website.