Acton Stream Awareness Project

• Map
• Brochure
• Sign photos

The Acton Stream Teams are pleased to announce their work with the Town of Acton on an “Acton Stream Awareness Project” during 2004. The project, initiated by the Acton Stream Teams, has resulted in the installation of 26 stream signs at selected locations where local roads cross Acton streams. These locations are along well-traveled roads, close to community resources such as Acton’s public water supply wells, and close to community destinations. In addition to the stream name the signs include the stewardship message: “Protect Our Water”. A brochure featuring a map of Acton’s streams, streets, and the sign locations, has been produced and will continue to be distributed in the community. Tom Tidman, Acton’s Natural Resources Director created original artwork for the brochure. (Click here to view brochure.)

The goal of the project is to raise awareness about the network of streams within Acton, and to promote the protection of Acton’s water. Because of the number and relative size of Acton’s streams, many residents may be unaware of the names or locations of the 13 plus local streams within Acton. Residents may also be unaware that all of Acton’s surface water drains into the Assabet River. The Acton Board of Selectmen unanimously approved this project on November 3, 2003.

As the result of a proposal written by the Acton Stream Teams, the Town of Acton received a state grant to partially fund this project. The “Stream Team Implementation Award” of $1,340 was from the Massachusetts Riverways, Adopt-A-Stream Program. Other project supporters include the Town of Acton, the Acton Stream Teams, the Acton Water District, the Haartz Corporation, the Friedrichs family, David Gerratt and DG Communications, the Acton Conservation Trust, and the Organization for the Assabet River. The Town of Acton has contributed in-kind services to the project, including sign-installation.

The January 23, 2004 award letter to the town from the MA Riverways Program concluded: “Congratulations on moving ahead with your efforts to raise community awareness to protect Acton’s streams. The Stream Team’s continuing hard work was reflected in the quality of the proposal. We are excited to be funding a project that brings together so many community partners on behalf of the resource.”

The Acton Stream Teams were formed in 1998, and that year conducted a visual shoreline survey of over 25 miles of Acton streams. “Through public education the Acton Stream Teams seek to reduce sources of pollution and excessive nutrients to Acton waterways, and to raise awareness of the wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities provided by Acton’s streams.”