Thursday, August 7, 7:00 pm
Coalition for Buzzards Bay Seeks Input from Public on Restoration of Acushnet Sawmill Site
The Coalition for Buzzards Bay will host a meeting to discuss with the public ecological restoration options for the former Acushnet Sawmill property on Thursday, August 7 at 7 p.m. at the Coalition’s office located at 620 Belleville Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02745.
The Coalition for Buzzards Bay purchased the 21-acre property, which straddles both sides of the Acushnet River, in March 2007 with funding from the New Bedford Harbor Trustees Council. Since acquiring the property, many transformations have occurred. In the summer of 2007, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the New Bedford Harbor Trustee Council installed a natural fish passage system above the Sawmill dam to enhance the access for herring and other aquatic species. During the course of this construction, two buildings from the site were removed in preparation for the future plans of removing all of the structures and pavement from the property to restore the site to its natural condition. The Coalition’s long-term goal is to provide Greater New Bedford residents with access to 21 acres of open space along the Acushnet River, which include a diversity of habitats including wetlands, fields, and forest.
The Coalition is seeking input from the public on the restoration options that will incorporate such public access and encourages anyone who’s interested to attend. If you have any questions regarding the public meeting, please contact Heidi Blythe at 508-999-6363 x 213.
