Earlier this month, NSRWA hosted a pontoon boat tour of the North River for South Shore legislators and Commissioner Arrigo from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). It was a beautiful fall day and everyone onboard soaked in the splendor and tranquility of the upper reaches of the river. Part of what makes the North River so special is the protection it has received through the North River Protection Order, which was enacted back in 1978 when the North River was designated as Massachusetts’ first Scenic Protected River.
For over 40 years, DCR funded the implementation of the Order through the North River Commission but that funding was cut off in 2020. For the next few years, South Shore legislators worked together to file earmarks to cover the gap in funding, especially Rep. Kearney, Rep. DeCoste, Rep. Meschino, former Rep. Cutler, Sen. O’Connor and Sen. Keenan. Earmarks are not secure or guaranteed from year to year, and we are grateful to DCR Commissioner Arrigo for his renewed commitment to funding the Order which will protect this valuable resource.
The Order established the North River Corridor, which restricts development within 300 feet of the riverbank. This has been incredibly successful at protecting habitat, increasing property values and tax base, and improving water quality. This is a vital mechanism protecting the North River – which remains the only Scenic Protected River in our state – from unrestrained development.
Long-term funding in place through the DCR’s operational budget is what is needed to continue to protect the river’s scenic and recreational values for residents throughout the South Shore and the thousands of kayakers, boaters, fishermen and visitors that use it every year. We are encouraged and grateful that DCR Commissioner Arrigo agrees!