https://www.natickma.gov/1676/Charles-River-Dam
Owned and maintained by the Town, the Charles River Dam in South Natick is permitted through the Commonwealth’s Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) with required inspections once every two years. DCR has classified the dam as a High Hazard dam. Further, the most recent inspection completed by the Town identified some deficiencies in the dam that will need addressing in the coming years, requiring significant investment to either replace or remove the dam.
What is the Charles River Dam Advisory Committee?
At its February 24, 2021, meeting, the Town of Natick Select Board discussed a conceptual public engagement framework and timeline for making a decision about the future of the Charles River Dam in South Natick. The Board supported the creation of an Advisory Committee to help champion public engagement over the coming year.
The Charles River Dam Advisory Committee, was appointed by the Natick Town Administrator in May 2021. It is tasked with reviewing, discussing and evaluating the options of what to do with the dam and presenting its recommendation to the Select Board.
While the decision on how to proceed will ultimately rest with the Natick Select Board, with funding voted on by Town Meeting, Town Administration is committed to ensuring broad consultation and deep deliberation within the community to help inform the decision(s) the Town must make to address the future of the dam.
From May 2021 – June 2022, the Committee researched issues and jointly considered the implications related to possible options. This webpage documents the group’s research, including technical reports, community input, and presentations from issue experts on flooding and safety, ecology, history and culture, community use and recreation, and financial impacts.