One of the main goals of the Charles River Conservancy is to serve as an advocate for the Parklands. This means educating elected officials about best-practice planning, identified problems and needs, and the importance of adequate public funds, both for capital projects and for routine maintenance. Often in coalition with others, the Conservancy participates in the state’s budgeting process and in the crafting of legislation and the monitoring of park planning and Parklands maintenance.
Click on the links below to find out more about the Conservancy's current advocacy efforts:
The Conservancy's specific advocacy efforts include: |
Advocacy for the Parklands takes many forms: |
Historic Parkways Initiative and guidelines |
Creating or joining coalitions |
Siting and leasing of parkland structures |
Maintaining regular liaison with elected officials |
Improvement of pedestrian, bicycle, and wheelchair access |
The drafting of, or commenting on, legislation |
| Best practices for shoreline maintenance |
Writing policy papers |
| Zoning of structures abutting the parkland |
Commenting on proposals |
| Unencumbered access to the water’s edge |
Speaking at Conservation Commission, zoning, or special hearings |
| Linkage payments of new buildings to beautify the parklands |
Writing op-ed pieces and letters to editors |
| Traffic “calming” of parkways and the repairing of pathways |
Hosting or appearing on television shows |
| Caring for old trees and planting new ones |
Writing letters of support or criticism |
| The community benefits of private developments along the river |
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| Reopening public swimming areas |
Click here to find out more about the Conservancy's other advocacy efforts
The Conservancy’s principal partners in our advocacy for the Charles River Parklands are the Environmental League of Massachusetts, the Conservation Law Foundation, WalkBoston, the Charles River Watershed Association, the Esplanade Association, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, Livable Streets, MassBike, and various other nonprofits and organizations, according to specific initiatives and projects.
