Sudbury/Assabet/Concord (SuAsCo) Watershed Ambient Engineering (Ambient) was retained by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA) to prepare a five year Watershed Action Plan for the SuAsCo Watershed. The purpose of the Plan was to compile watershed-related data on the Watershed. This information is then available to accompany the 5-year watershed action plan (WAP) that will guide state and local environmental actions within the Watershed.

The SuAsCo Watershed encompasses approximately 377 square miles and all or part of 36 towns and cities.  It includes a large portion of the I-495 corridor that has seen some of the largest population growth in the state over the last 15 years. 

 Working with the SuAsCo Watershed Community Council, Ambient created an Assessment report documenting existing conditions within the Watershed in seven categories: growth and development, water quality, water quantity, land protection and open space, habitat and biodiversity, recreation, and outreach and education.

Ambient solicited information from approximately 60 towns, cities, regional planning organizations, environmental organizations, and individuals and collected over 130 plans, studies, reports, and maps identifying Watershed issues.

 Ambient and SuAsCo facilitated eight public meetings to discuss issues, create Watershed goals and actions, prioritize these goals and actions, and create an action matrix.  Four meetings were for the SuAsCo Steering committee and four were for the general public.  Meetings were held in towns and cities throughout the Watershed.

The Watershed Action Plan process culminated in a public conference, River Visions.  Over 100 people attended this conference and provided invaluable input into the Action Plan process.  Participants include regional, state, and federal government officials, environmental organization and business representatives, and interested individuals.  24 of the 36 Watershed towns and cities were represented.