This page contains public health and safety announcements, quarterly project updates, as well as information about current and upcoming events and entertainment opportunities.
- Apple Country Natural Climate Solutions Project
Bolton, Devens and Harvard are collaborating with Nature to deliver climate solutions that will increase the resiliency of our communities and ecosystems. Nature-based solutions are cost-effective solutions providing multiple co-benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air and water quality, reduced flooding, biodiversity, recreation, as well as improved physical and mental health. Learn more at: https://climateresilient.wixsite.com/applecountry - Devens Releases Its Climate Action and Resilience Plan!
In collaboration with our consultant Kim Lundgren Associates, the DEC officially released the new “Devens Forward” Climate Action and Resilience Plan. Devens Forward serves as a roadmap to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and prepare Devens for the impacts of climate change. The plan includes more than 70 actions as well as a Climate Action Toolkit for Businesses to assist them in reducing their own emissions as well. Explore the plan, check out our short video and more:
– Video
– Press Release
– Devens Forward Climate Action and Resilience Plan
– Climate Action Toolkit for Businesses - Development Project Updates
– Quarterly Projects Update 2020
– UMASS Donahue Institute: Devens Profile and Economic Contributions – 2020 - Devens PFAS Updates
- Devens COVID-19 Public Health Announcements:
- Devens Mosquito Management 2020 ALERT:
- Devens Enterprise Commission Office Closure
- COVID-19 Construction Guidelines for Devens Projects
- Nashoba Associated Boards of Health News:
- 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
- Emerson Green, a new residential development on Grant Road, is offering 7 highly energy-efficient affordable workforce housing
units for sale to income eligible families and individuals:
– Details - Shirley Meadows Affordable Senior Rental Housing Now Open:
- 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.
- Grant Road Closure
- 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. - Devens featured in latest edition of Business In Focus Magazine
- 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
The Army has published an update regarding their ongoing PFAS investigations at the former Fort Devens to help keep stakeholders and the local
community updated on the status of the Army’s work throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
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PFAS Private Well Testing Fact Sheet — November 2020
–
Project Status Update September 2020
The Army has also completed a draft update to its Community Involvement Plan (CIP) that describes how the Army will share information with local
communities about the ongoing environmental investigations of PFAS at Devens.
This draft will be finalized after a 45-day review period that ends on November 9, 2020. You can view the draft here:
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CIP Draft Final Cover Letter
–
CIP Draft Final
–
November 3, 2020 Update
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COVID19 Updates Archive
The mosquito-borne Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts. While none have been detected in Devens and there are not yet any human cases, Pubic Health Officials are urging residents to take precautions when enjoying the outdoors. Tips and prevention techniques can be found at: www.mass.gov/mosquitoes-and-ticks. Devens continues to participate in the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) and personnel will be in Devens to respond to residents’ concerns about mosquitos in the area. Additional details can be found: CMMCP notice August 2020.
As of March 17, 2020 due to the COVID-19 virus, the Devens Enterprise Commission office is closed to the public however we are still conducting business remotely. Click here for additional information.
Construction projects in Devens that are continuing to operate during this COVID-19 emergency as a “COVID-19 Essential Service” must comply with
the COVID-19 Guidelines and Procedures for all Devens Construction Projects:
– COVID-19 Guidelines and Procedures for all Devens Construction Projects
– Acknowledgement of Receipt–
— Fall Flu Clinic Schedule – Open to all Devens Residents and Employees
Over the next few months we will be releasing a series of educational flyers promoting responsible stormwater management practices for residents and businesses
in Devens. Wondering how your day to day activities on your property can impact water quality in Devens?
Take a look at our winter maintenance flyers:
– Winter tips for Businesses
– Proper waste management
– Winter Property maintenance and deicing tips
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.
– Full application
Application deadline is January 4,2021. Public informational session in December 3, 2020
58 units of supportive and affordable rental housing for seniors, aged 62 and over are completed and open in Devens off of Hospital Road.
A certain number of units will be set-aside for homeless or at-risk seniors as well. Stop by and take a look at their model unit.
Rental applications can be downloaded
here. For more information, please contact Christina Andersen at
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 winter. 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.
Read about how Devens is meeting its sustainable redevelopment goals in this feature article
published in June 2019.
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.