Advocating for tidal estuary restoration.
A debate has ensued as to whether DOT should reconstruct the dam and restore a freshwater lake or leave the tidal marsh as is, restoring the natural ecosystem of the area. CLF is advocating against dam reconstruction, arguing that DOT should promote tidal marsh restoration. Since the dam's collapse, the area will naturally start recovering as an estuary with each tidal cycle. The artificial lake was rapidly filling with silt and a healthy estuary would provide greater benefits to both the ecosystem and abutters' land values.
Estuaries are home to unique and abundant wildlife, provide a buffer zone for flooding during storms, and serve as natural water filtration systems, diluting harmful pollutants before they enter the watershed. As a member of the nationwide coalition Restore America's Estuaries, CLF is working to restore estuaries across New England.