Coalition for Buzzards Bay Seeks Input from Public on Restoration of Acushnet Sawmill Site

For Immediate Release

July 31, 2008

CONTACT:

Kristin Thoms

The Coalition for Buzzards Bay

(508) 999-6363, ext. 207

NEW BEDFORD, MA—The Coalition for Buzzards Bay will host a meeting to discuss with the public ecological
restoration options for the former Acushnet Sawmill property on Thursday, August 7 at 7 p.m. at the Coalition’s office located at 620 Belleville Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02745. The Coalition for Buzzards Bay purchased the 21-acre property, which straddles both sides of the Acushnet River, in March 2007 with funding from the New Bedford Harbor Trustee Council.

Since acquiring the property, many transformations have occurred. In the summer of 2007, the New Bedford Harbor Trustee Council removed part of the Sawmill dam, which, for more than 100 years, blocked the Acushnet River and prevented river herring from getting upstream to spawn. By restoring the river’s natural flow, herring and other aquatic species are able to swim around the dam to reach prime spawning habitat. During the course of this construction, two
buildings from the site were removed in preparation for the Coalition’s future plans of removing all of the structures and pavement from the property to restore the site to its natural condition. The Coalition’s long-term goal also involves providing Greater New Bedford residents with recreational access to the 21 acres of open space along the Acushnet River, including wetlands, fields, and forest.

The Coalition is seeking input from the public on the restoration options that will incorporate such public access and encourages anyone who is interested to attend. If you have any question regarding the public meeting, please contact Heidi Blythe at 508-999-6363 x 213.

For additional meeting details, visit www.savebuzzardsbay.org or call the Coalition at 508-999-6363.

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The Coalition for Buzzards Bay is a private, non-profit membership organization dedicated to the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of Buzzards Bay and its watershed. The organization works to improve the health of the Bay ecosystem for all through education, conservation, research and advocacy and is supported by more than 5,000 members