Ever since its creation from the merger of two former agencies, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has made great progress in a number of areas that affect the quality of life in our region. I have closely monitored their work and am pleased to report that they have worked closely with our community’s priorities. They have listened carefully to the concerns of neighbors, done their work both diligently and sensitively, and within the constraints of their budget during these difficult economic times have found ways to stretch their resources so that our local roads, parks and beaches receive the improvements they deserve. The progress that has been made so far demonstrates the successful consolidation of what were previously the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) and the Department of Environmental Management (DEM).

One local project that has made significant progress is the recent work on the Lynn Fells Parkway. The DCR will retain jurisdiction over parkways during the government restructuring that places most highways under the new Mass Department of Transportation. This allows for a greater emphasis on such aesthetic factors as landscaping on these parkways where speed of travel does not receive the same priority as it would on a highway. Where parkways are bordered by residential housing, as on the Lynn Fells Parkway, work always proceeds with notification and input from the neighbors. The recent 2 ½ million dollar project has been major in scope. Not only has the roadway been reworked with surfacing, curbing and landscaping, but a serious drainage problem has been addressed, so that no longer will each rain flood the parkway and the lawns, property and basements of adjoining homes. Major floods of a hundred year historic nature will still cause problems, but the average severe rain event anticipated every ten years or so will now be handled without the prior problems recurring. All that remains for this project to be completed is a final coat of surfacing to be applied this spring, and the current surface will work perfectly well this winter including all necessary plowing.

Breakheart Reservation is a jewel in the array of recreational opportunities in our region, and I strongly recommend it to any who may not yet have paid a visit to this wonderful recreation and conservation area with its new improvements. Camp Nihan now has group cabins available, the roadway has been regraded, the mile loop pathway and trail for walkers have been improved, and bids are going out on security cameras to enhance the safety of all visitors. These steps forward have all taken place in conjunction with a stellar friends group and with elected officials working closely with the DCR to provide programming and an environment for healthful and recreational hiking and strolling as well as summer swimming. The great new Visitors Center is used non-stop, and the partnership program with the Friends of Breakheart and the valued assistance of the Northeast Vocational School made this outstanding asset available to all who come to Breakheart. Do not miss the opportunity to stop by for a free cup of coffee while you are there.

The DCR has made it a priority to improve the Commonwealth’s superb public beaches after the work of the Legislature and the Metropolitan Beaches Commission highlighted the need for progress to take advantage of the newly cleaned-up Boston Harbor. Working with the friends group the DCR has greatly enhanced the experience of enjoying the beach in Lynn, including the critical elimination of unwelcomed seasonal aromas from the sea vegetation and organisms through a major program to clean and clear the water. A day at the beach can now be an even more pleasurable experience, not only in Lynn but throughout our Massachusetts coast, as friends of these beaches work in partnership with the DCR on priorities, programs and facilities. After a period when these beaches were far too long ignored, they have again become major assets in the quality of life for all in our region to enjoy.

I have worked closely with DCR Commissioner Rick Sullivan, and recently interviewed him on my Cable TV show “The Beacon” where he discussed in fuller detail each of these projects. I congratulate him and all those who work for the DCR on their major accomplishments and the progress they have achieved in a short time at this new state agency. I will continue to closely monitor their work in our community and look forward to their continued successes in the years ahead.