This page contains public health and safety announcements, quarterly project updates, as well as information about current and upcoming events and entertainment opportunities.
- Ayer-Devens Pocket Forest Project Pilot Site 1st Birthday Festival
- DEC 2023 Annual Report Now On-line!
- Devens Intersections of Communities and Cultures Public Art Project
- Public Health Resources for Devens Residents and Businesses
Nashoba Associated Boards of Health just released its Winter 2024 newsletter https://www.nashoba.org/events. The DEC still has free COVID-19 test kits available (while supplies last). Stop by our office during normal business hours (M–F 8:30A–4:30P) and pick yours up today! In the meantime, follow these tips to stay safe: https://bit.ly/COVIDSafety2 - What Is a Pocket Forest?
Learn the what, why, and how to pocket forest and the progress on our pilot site in Ayer and our plans to construct 4 more in Devens and Ayer over the next two years. Visit: https://climateresilient.wixsite.com/ayerdevens for more information about this Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program-funded project and how you can get involved!
- Devens On–Demand Shuttle Service:
Need a ride? The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority provides on–demand shuttle service for all in Devens, providing connections to/from surrounding communities and the MBTA commuter rail in Shirley and Ayer. View the schedule details here. Devens also has a Boston Shuttle running 2x a day, accessing major Boston Hospitals and VA Centers. Click here for schedule and details.
- DEC Issues Moratorium on Private Wells in Devens:
The DEC, acting as the Board of Health for the Devens Regional Enterprise Zone, issued an order establishing a Temporary Moratorium on private wells and use of groundwater due to PFAS. Read the full press release here. A copy of the full moratorium can be viewed here.
- Water Quality Report
- Wildlife Sightings in Devens — Safety Tips for Businesses and Residents
With over 1,400 acres of permanently protected open space, Devens is home to a diversity of wildlife. It is not unusual to see animals such as black bears and coyotes. Learn how you can protect your property, yourself, and your loved ones from these and more at: www.mass.gov/learn-about-wildlife.
Download facts sheets for bears and coyotes. - Devens Stormwater Management Education and Awareness Initiative
- Devens PFAS Updates
- Army Noise Reports
The Army periodically undertakes military training exercises on the South Post that involve ammunitions and explosives. In an effort to inform local residents and businesses, the Army provides monthly updates on the anticipated activity. Download the most recent noise report here. Any questions or concerns can be directed to the Department of Defense Police at
978.796.3333. - Yard Waste and Recycling to Protect Water Quality in Devens
- Events
– Devens Recreation Schedule - Devens Designated Truck Route
Click here to download a map of the designated truck route for Devens. All Trucks travelling to/from Devens are to utilize the highlighted routes to enter and exit Devens via Jackson Gate (Route 2). - Devens Wastewater Treatment Plant Designated/Preferred Truck Route
Click here to download the map — all septage haulers accessing the Devens Wastewater Treatment plant are required to utilize the highlighted route when going to and from the Plant. - Devens Area Resources
– MRPC Economic Impact of Devens Report — June 2016
– Devens Disc Golf
– Devens Eco-Efficiency Center
– Devens Household Hazardous Waste
– Fort Devens Military Base
– Fort Devens Museum
– Freedoms Way National Heritage Area
– Friends of the Oxbow
– MassDevelopment/Devens Community website
– Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce
– Nashua River Watershed Association
– United Native American Cultural Center
Please save the date and plan to join Ayer and Devens to celebrate the first birthday of the Pilot Pocket Forest on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 11 am-2 pm on East Main Steet across from the Ayer Library. Presentations, music, and food will be provided. More information will be shared soon. Visit https://climateresilient.wixsite.com/ayerdevens.
Interested in learning more about what's been going on in Devens over the past year? Check out the DEC's 2023 Annual Report. The report includes details on permitting, ongoing projects, transportation, sustainable development initiatives, communications, health updates, and the outlook for 2024.
A new public art project, supported by a grant from New England Foundation for the Arts and MAPC, will be located at the intersection of paths west of Sherman Avenue at Willard Field.
See the flier for more information or
e-mail: bethsuedmeyer@devensec.com.
Devens Utilities provides an annual report to the community that details where our water comes from, what it contains, and the risks that our water testing and treatment are designed to prevent. View the 2022 Water Quality Report to learn more.
Wondering how your day to day activities on your property can impact water quality in Devens? Take a look at our tips for promoting responsible stormwater
management practices for residents and businesses in Devens:
– Tips for Businesses
– Tips for Residents
Be sure to share this information with your neighbors and/or fellow employees and help us keep Devens wetlands and waterways clean and healthy!
Follow us on Facebook (@devensec) for additional posts.
The Army publishes updates regarding their ongoing environmental remediation and PFAS investigations at the former Fort Devens to help keep stakeholders and the
local community updated on the status of the Army's work.
Visit their website for more details
–
Final Community Involvement Plan (CIP) — November 2020
–
PFAS Private Well Testing Fact Sheet — November 2020
–
Project Status Update September 2020
Devens offers residents and businesses many resources to properly manage and dispose of yard wastes and other recyclable materials to protect the natural environment. Check out our latest publication here.