08/05/23
Dear Gulf River Neighbor,
As abutters and neighbors of the Gulf River, we invite you to learn about the Association that was formed in 1961 to protect the health and vitality of the Gulf. The Gulf Association, a 501(c)(3) organization, is made up of individuals who believe the protection of the river as a vital environmental resource to the Scituate and Cohasset communities is a critical issue for all residents. We invite you to join our Board and Committees, including The Gulf River Facebook Group, to help protect this wonderful resource that we love.
Ways to help:
1. Join the Board. We are looking for individuals to join the Board to help steer the protection of the Gulf. Whether you have some experience or none there’s a role for you to participate.
2. Fundraising. The Association has been funded by generous individuals over the years, but we now are of the thought that more funds should be raised in order to potentially acquire developable land that could otherwise negatively impact the Gulf. As an example, the Gulf Association led the successful efforts to acquire part of the Bleakie Family farm to protect it from development and preserve the land in perpetuity.
3. Outreach. The Association has partnered with CSCR (Cohasset Center for Student Research) over the years to support CSCR’s research of the Gulf and Harbor. The Association’s funding has included scholarships for students who want to further their education in marine biology or environmental studies, acquired equipment for CSCR’s work (such as water quality testing) within the Gulf and Harbor, and created a database of abutters and neighbors. The Association is focusing now on disseminating the results of CSCR’s work to abutters and neighbors to help educate the community on good practices to help keep the Gulf River healthy.
Vital information for abutters to the Gulf:
1. State wetland protection laws and conservation by-laws in both Scituate and Cohasset prohibited any disturbance within 100 feet of the Gulf, such as tree removal or trimming, landscaping, or any change in the topography of the land and river.
2. Chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides are prohibited with the 100 feet buffer zone. Organic, low-nitrogen fertilizers are allowed but “greenscaping” with fertilizer alternatives is encouraged (see https://www.nsrwa.org/get-watersmart/greenscapes/)
3. The speed limit for boats on the Gulf is 5 mph and the entire river is a non-wake zone. This is to ensure the few remaining marsh grass areas and tidelands are not destroyed by excessive wake action.
4. Use these tips to maintain your septic systems to protect public health and preserve the Gulf River: Septic Systems (nsrwa.org)
Please feel free to contact any of the Board members with suggestions, comments, or concerns. We will be hosting a summer party this September and we hope to see you there.
Sincerely,
The Gulf Association
George McGoldrick, President. Ted Lubitz, Vice President Beth Corry, Secretary/Communications Hannes Pfeifenberger, Member/River Health David Dwyer, Member/Fundraising Charlie Ames, Member/Fundraising