This page contains public health and safety announcements, quarterly project updates, as well as information about current and upcoming events and entertainment opportunities.
- September is National Emergency Preparedness Month
- Flu Clinics Coming in October
- WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE — August 27, 2018
- Devens STAR Community Rating on Display!
- Devens Water Use Restrictions in Effect — June 4, 2018
In accordance with 974 CMR 8.09 and MA DEP's revised Water Management Act Permit issued to MassDevelopment, mandatory water restrictions are to be placed when water levels in the Nashua River reach a certain low point for a specified period. Water level readings recently reached this low point and MassDevelopment is therefore required to institute the following water use restrictions.
Until further notice, nonessential water use is restricted from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and that usage includes:
· Irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems.
· Washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety.
· Washing of external building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply surface treatments such as paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or cement.
The river gauge readings must be above the threshold for seven consecutive days before the restriction can be lifted. Once the ban is lifted, we will remove this notice from the website. Please call (978) 784-2931 or (978) 784-2911 if you have any questions. - Grant Road Closure
- Emerald Ash Borer found in Devens — June 29, 2018
- Nashoba Associated Boards of Health Summer Newsletter
- Nashua River Wild and Scenic River Study – 11 communities vote "YES"! —
June 2018
- DEC Releases Final Community Resilience Building Workshop Summary of Findings Report — May 23, 2018
- TICK Season
- Devens Public Drinking Water Supply Notification: March 21, 2018
- Devens Mosquito Management 2018
- Devens Region Public Transportation Schedule
In partnership with the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority, the Town of Ayer, Shirley and a number of local businesses in Devens, MassDevelopment and the Devens Enterprise Commission have launched a shuttle service that connects Ayer, Devens, Shirley Leominster and Fitchburg. Full schedule and details.
- 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. - Events
– Devens Recreation Schedule - Development Project Updates
– Quarterly Projects Update 2016
– UMASS Donahue Institute: Devens Profile and Economic Contributions – September 2016
– UMASS Donahue Institute: Devens Profile and Economic Contributions – July 2014
- Devens Designated/Preferred Truck Route
Click here to download a map of the designated truck route for Devens. All Trucks travelling to/from Devens are encouraged 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
National Emergency Preparedness Month encourages us to be prepared for disasters or emergencies in our homes, businesses, and communities. In recognition of this important month, Devens is giving away free reusable tote bags with an emergency planning guide included. We also have information on disaster preparedness for seniors as well. Click here for full details.
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health (NABOH) will be providing flu clinics throughout the region during of October. Clinics are open to everyone ages 6 months and up. Please bring your insurance cards/information. For those who cannot attend a clinic, you can call NABOH (978.772.3335) to schedule an appointment with the nurse to receive an immunization at their office in Ayer for as long as vaccine supply is available. NABOH can vaccinate anyone aged 6 months and up. The flu vaccine offers protection against 4 different flu virus strains and they offer a High Dose flu vaccine for seniors aged 65 and older. There is no co-pay/out of pocket expense at clinic w/insurance information. Click here for the flu clinic schedule and additional information on the flu vaccine.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) risk level for mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus has been raised from "Low" to "Moderate" for the entire state. The first human cases of WNV have recently been reported and we are entering into the highest risk part of the season so residents and businesses should continue exercising caution when outside and use repellents, and/or wear long-sleeve shirts and pants when possible to reduce exposure. Devens continues to participate in the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP). Additional information on this public health alert and how you can protect yourself and your family can be found here.
Have you noticed the new light pole banners along some of Devens streets? In celebration of our official recognition as a national leader in sustainability by STAR Communities, we are proudly displaying our 4-Star rating with these banners. Want to know more about STAR and the rating for Devens? Here's a brief overview.
Effective May 18, 2018, Grant Road between Pine Road and West Main Street has been closed due to construction activity and will be closed for the remainder of the summer. Anyone using Grant Road to get in or out of Devens should use Hospital Road or Jackson Road instead (see detour map) . There is no access to Grant Road from Chance St. or Malvern Hill Rd. If you have any questions please contact the Devens Engineering Department at 978.784.2926 or jmarc-aurele@massdevelopment.com.
The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive beetle that is damaging ash trees in Massachusetts. The Devens Enterprise Commission has published a brief fact sheet to alert residents, businesses and organizations on Devens and in the surrounding communities.
As the local Board of Health for Devens, the Devens Enterprise Commission contracts with the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health (NABOH) to provide health and inspectional services for Devens. Check out the NABOH Summer Newsletter for many great summer health and safety tips.
In a clean sweep, eleven riverfront communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire all voted "yes" at their Annual Town Meetings to accept the "Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers Stewardship Plan" locally-developed by the Nashua River Wild and Scenic River Study Committee, together with its recommendation to seek Wild and Scenic River designation from Congress.
Learn more at https://www.wildandscenicnashuarivers.org/.
Through a Grant from the State Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program, Devens has completed a comprehensive Climate Change and Natural Hazard Vulnerability Assessment, Preparedness, and Action Plan. This plan will help Devens become even more resilient and adapt to changing climate conditions. View the full report .
TICK season begins in early spring and continues through the fall. Devens has published a fact sheet with up to date helpful information on managing and dealing with ticks.
MassDevelopment, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, has released information about a health advisory alert regarding Devens drinking water. You can read the full alert here. There is no immediate risk to the public. For more information, contact Jim Moore with Devens Utilities at 978.784.2931.