Sprawling towns across the state have witnessed rapid changes in their rural character, water resources, wildlife habitats, working forests and farms. The Massachusetts Watershed Coalition is assisting towns to grow greener and enact practices that preserve the ecological health of watersheds.
Open space planning and conservation design can protect community open spaces and working lands. Saving Open Spaces and Low Impact Design will prevent sprawl and help to restore local streams and ponds.
Homeowners and small businesses can also build Rain Gardens to improve water quality. In considering large development projects, municipal boards can encourage Bioretention Practices that will reduce pollution and flooding problems. When combined, these conservation techniques will greatly help to preserve the unique watershed resources of the Commonwealth.
