SRWA
Shawsheen River Watershed Association
web site  www.shawsheen.org

Community Needs Survey
Funded by a grant from GREATER LOWELL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

What do you believe are (or should be) the most important functions of the
Shawsheen River?  (Please rank in order of importance with #1 most important)
    ___  Recreation - boating, fishing, nature walks, bird watching, swimming
    ___  Drinking water source
    ___  Wildlife habitat for native species
    ___  Flood control
    ___  Other:_____________________
What do you believe are the biggest watershed problems or issues in your
community? (Check all that apply)  
    ___  Point-source pollution (discharge from a pipe into the river)
    ___  Non-point source pollution (stormwater, fertilizer runoff, etc.
entering the river)
    ___  Not enough water in streams and rivers
    ___  Groundwater recharge (water returning to aquifers)
    ___  Drinking water protection
    ___  Over use for drinking water
    ___  Nuisance plant growth (green carpet of algae)
    ___  Soil erosion, siltation
    ___  Destruction of wildlife/fish habitat
    ___  Threats to biodiversity (loss of native species)
    ___  Dams
    ___  Invasive exotic plants (purple loosestrife, etc.)
    ___  Beavers
    ___  Toxic waste sites
    ___  Interbasin water transfer (exporting water from watershed)
    ___  Failing septic systems
    ___  Impact of sewers
    ___  Need to improve watershed knowledge among public
    ___  Need for watershed education in schools
    ___  River stewardship education (i.e., water lawns less, use less lawn
fertilizer, etc.)
    ___  Water conservation
    ___  Historical preservation/awareness
    ___  Open space protection
    ___  Loss of agricultural lands
    ___  Wetlands protection
    ___  Growth pressure/sprawl
    ___  Recreational opportunities/access
    ___  Need for planning for growth
    ___  Flooding
    ___  Other:____________
Of the items checked, please list what you consider the three most important,
in priority order, and tell us why. (#1 = the most important or pressing)

1.


2.


3.


Shawsheen River Watershed Association
Community Needs Survey; page 2

How many times have you used the Shawsheen  River in the past year? 
___________
How did you use the river?  _____________________________________
What town or city do you live in?  _______________________________
Are you familiar with SRWA's programs, activities and mission?  Yes      No    
    
Are you a member of SRWA?                       Yes      No
Would you like to become a member of SRWA?          Yes      No
Have you visited our website at www.shawsheen.org?          Yes      No
Do you know how to contact the SRWA?                Yes No

For members of non-profit organizations, town boards or committees, state or
federal agencies, businesses, or other groups:
Name of group:

What is your group's highest environmental priority?



What types of assistance can the Shawsheen River Watershed Association
provide your group?



Please list specific watershed-related topics for which your group would like
more information:




Would you like SRWA to give a presentation to your group about the Shawsheen
River?       Yes        No

 --------- please fold here, tape, stamp, and mail to:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name:                                      
                                   
Organization:                                           Stamp
   
Address:

City, State, Zip
                   
                   
                    Michelle Bennett Decoteau
                    c/o Massachusetts Watershed Coalition
                    PO Box 577
                    Leominster, MA  01453-0577