Ipswich-Parker Suburban WATershed CHannel

Recreation

The Ipswich and Parker Rivers are both superb recreational resources. These rivers provide outstanding areas to fish, canoe, kayak, swim, clam, hike, and bird watch. They are natural treasures, which need to be protected from overuse and neglect in order to continue to provide inspiring outdoor experiences. The State of Massachusetts Division of Water Pollution Control has designated the rivers for use as Class B and Class SA recreational resources. As such, they are considered safe for primary and secondary contact such as swimming or boating, and are also used as a source for public water supply. Of critical concern, however, is the ability for these two rivers to maintain healthy conditions under the current demand of water withdrawals and increasing development in the watersheds. Without adequate amounts of clean water recharging throughout the watersheds, recreational opportunities are adversely impacted. Low flow conditions during summer months, due to both human and natural factors, have resulted in portions of the rivers running dry. More efficient use of water, improved water conservation practices and conscientious development would greatly benefit the rivers, their watersheds and wildlife habitat. As part of the EMPACT project we are measuring the physical and chemical conditions at specific sites in the Ipswich and Parker Rivers. The information we obtain through this monitoring program will help create a picture of the overall health of the rivers. The viability of the Ipswich and Parker rivers as recreational resources is directly related to adequate water levels and healthy water quality.

The following is a partial listing of organizations, businesses and agencies which offer information about and/or opportunities for recreation on the Ipswich and Parker Rivers.

The Parker River Clean Water Association is a community non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the restoration and protection of the waters and environment of the Parker River and Plum Island Sound watersheds. The recreation page on their web site has information on fishing in the Parker River.

Trout Unlimited is an organization of conservation-minded anglers who promote quality trout and salmon fisheries both for their intrinsic value and as reminder of watershed health.

MassWildlife, a Department of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, is the state agency responsible for the management and conservation of the state's fisheries and wildlife, including rare and endangered species. Information on fishing licenses and fish stocking programs are on their website.

Fish America,is a nonprofit conservation-oriented organization that focuses on both freshwater and saltwater environments. Their mission is to provide funding for hands on-projects at the local level that enhance fish populations, water quality and/or applied fisheries research in North America. The goal of the organization is to increase the opportunity for successful sportfishing.

The Massachusetts Audubon Society protects more than 28,000 acres of ecologically significant land in Massachusetts, 25,000 acres of which we own and 3,000 acres that are under conservation restrictions. Ipswich River, the Society's largest sanctuary, offers more than 10 miles of interconnecting trails that invite you to explore the sanctuary's forests, meadows, and wetlands. Canoe along the eight miles of the Ipswich River that run through the sanctuary and camp on Perkins Island, located a half-mile up the river.

Foote Brothers is a family-owned and operated canoe rental business located at the Willowdale Dam on the Ipswich River which has been providing canoes on the Ipswich River since 1955.

Parker River Clean Water Association has an excellent writeup with details of access and distances for canoeing and kayaking on the recreation page of their website.

Ipswich Bay Ocean Kayak offers guided tours of Plum Island Sound, where the Ipswich and Parker Rivers enter the ocean.

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries web site has information on shellfish commercial licensing.

The following is a list of phone numbers for information regarding shellfish bed closures and recreational licensing for towns in the watersheds where shellfishing is permitted.

Bay Circuit Trail is a permanent recreation trail and greenway corridor extending through 21 towns in Eastern Massachusetts and linking the parks and open spaces surrounding metropolitan Boston.

Essex County Greenbelt Assocaiton is a nonprofit land trust decidated to preserving the open space heritage of Essex County. Many of their properties are available for public access. A list of properties and information about guided hikes can be found at this web site.

Willowdale State Forest offers trail-use opportunities on 40 miles of trails.

Bradley Palmer State Park is a 721-acre former estate featuring pine needled paths, acres of sunny rolling meadows and spectacular rhododendrons which line old carriage roads.

The Trustees of Reservations is a member-supported, nonprofit land conservation organization with headquarters in Beverly, Massachusetts, protecting and preserving for public use and enjoyment properties of exceptional scenic, historic and ecological importance throughout the state of Massachusetts. Visit Castle Hill and Crane Beach, two of our seventy-seven properties from the Berkshires to the Islands, in Ipswich.

The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife preserve operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where many species of birds live and migrate, including endangered species such as the piping plover.