This page contains public health and safety announcements, quarterly project updates, as well as information about current and upcoming events and entertainment opportunities.
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The DEC offices have re-opened to the public from 8:30AM-4:30PM, Monday-Friday.
- Save the Date! Ayer/Devens Open Streets Earth Day! April 21, 2023 2PM–6PM
- Pilot Pocket Forest Planting Day
Join us April 29th for our Pilot Pocket Forest Planting Day in Ayer! Full details here. Visit: https://climateresilient.wixsite.com/ayerdevens for more project details.
- Devens Farmers Market Is Back for 2023!!
- Save the date! Ayer / Devens Pocket Forest Design Forum — March 4, 2023
- New Biometric Study Underway!
Help shape the future of street design: join a research study with DEC and Tufts UEP.
- Devens Re-Launching Shuttle Service!
Devens is working with the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority to re-launch the Devens shuttle service as targeted workforce ride program for businesses and an on-demand service for residents and visitors. The goal of this service is to provide increased accessibility to Devens between the surrounding communities and businesses, as well as connect to the MBTA commuter rail system. See the following links for more information:
– Businesses looking for commuting options for existing employees and/or to attract new employees
– Residents and individuals looking for commuting options to and from Devens
- DEC Hires new Associate Planner — September 20, 2022
The Devens Enterprise Commission is excited to welcome Beth Suedmeyer as their new Associate Planner to assist in the continued sustainable redevelopment of the Devens Regional Enterprise Zone. Read the full press release here.
- Devens Water Use Restrictions in Effect — May 1 through October 31, 2022
In accordance with 974 CMR 8.09 and MassDEP's revised Water Management Act Permit issued to MassDevelopment, to ensure an adequate supply of water for our customers, MassDevelopment is instituting the following water use restrictions.
Nonessential water use is restricted from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Restricted usage that is not allowed during these hours 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.
Please call Jim Moore at (978) 784-2931 or Mark Cohen at (978) 784-2911 if you have any questions about these water use restrictions. - 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 Mosquito Management Updates 2023
Devens Continues to participate in the Central MA Mosquito Control Program. Personnel will be in the Devens area to respond to requests for service. Click here for dates and additional details. Requests for service, or to be placed on the "No Spray" list can be made by calling (508)393-3055 or on-line at: https://www.cmmcp.org/. Residents should use bug spray when outdoors to protect yourself. Additional information can be found here. - Devens Stormwater Management Education and Awareness Initiative
- Devens 2021 Water Quality Report
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires that all utilities issue an annual "Consumer Confidence" report to customers. This report details where Devens drinking water comes from, what it contains and the risks our water testing and treatment are designed to prevent. Click here for a summary report of the quality of Devens drinking water during the past year.
- Devens COVID-19 Public Health Announcements:
- 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
– Join us on MacPherson Road on Friday, April 21st from 2-6PM as we celebrate Earth Day by closing down MacPherson Road to vehicle traffic and open it up for all to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge and the Nashua River. We will have lots of fun activities for kids and adults of all ages. View our flyer here and contact Beth Suedmeyer bethsuedmeyer@devensec.com for more information or if you'd like to get involved.
– We are offering a early bird special for businesses and residents who wish to pre-order bags of seasonal, fresh, local produce this year. Learn more here.
– Join us from 10AM-12PM at St. Andrews Church in Ayer (7 Faulkner St, Ayer) to participate in the design of Ayer and Devens first pocket forest! This project will be the catalyst for integrating more nature into our built environment for the multiple public health and environmental benefits. Full details here.
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.
– Local COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics: Vaccination locations can be found
at: vaxfinder.mass.gov.
– Mask Advisory Update — Masks are still an important tool in our fight against COVID-19.
The latest updates are at:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-mask-requirements
– Are you an employer looking to set up a clinic on-site for your employees?
Click
here to find out how.
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COVID19 Updates Archive
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
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Final Community Involvement Plan (CIP) — November 2020
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PFAS Private Well Testing Fact Sheet — November 2020
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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.