A.    INTRODUCTION

This is a descriptive baseline environmental document for Charlestown Retirement Community, which is the size of a small town, with approximately 2000 residents and 1000 staff. This collection of information is especially appropriate for Charlestown, being the “Flagship” of the Erickson-managed retirement communities.

With the publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring in 1962, there was a rapid development of worldwide environmental awareness. Shortly afterward, the early 1970s saw the initiation of strong environmental legislation in the United States. Since that time environmental issues have become a basic part of strategic planning and development for most large organizations.

The Charlestown campus is uniquely located, and its native forest and contrasting habitats make it especially attractive to residents and visitors alike. Increased environmental awareness of both younger and older generations creates an interest in understanding the places where they live . This document describes issues of past, current, and future environmental importance by discussing the natural history of the area, the development of the Charlestown campus, outdoor and indoor environmental aspects of Charlestown, and cooperative activities with local communities.

The basic environmental concepts of REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE, and RESTORE are firmly entrenched on the Charlestown campus, as will be seen in this document, but there is always room for improvement.

For an aerial perspective of the campus, please see the photo located before the Appendices.