Birding blogger Tom Pirro has written up the results of a day spent out on the Merrimack.
Last Saturday (1/9) he took a trip along the river from Lowell to Lawrence and spotted an assortment of gulls, hawks and ducks.
READ BIRDING NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS…AND BEYOND

From the Newburyport Daily News
Annual count spots seven raptors along Merrimack River
By Liz King
NEWBURYPORT — After decades spent on the federal endangered species list, the bald eagle population continues to take root in the Merrimack Valley.
Yesterday, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife’s annual winter eagle survey of the lower Merrimack River area found six adult [...]

More stolen vehicles pulled from Merrimack River
By J.J. Huggins
October 01, 2009
METHUEN — Ronald Reagan was president when the rusted 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix was dumped in the Merrimack River. The car, which was reported stolen in Lowell in 1982, was probably ditched in the river that same year. A crew from Clean River Project, state [...]

By Jim Patten
Published: September 14, 2009
A group that cruises the Merrimack River to help keep it clean is now offering people boat tours to see the eagles, hawks and herons that have returned. The volunteer group, Clean River Project, is offering these guided boat tours of the river during afternoons and weekends so [...]

The Clean River Project will be giving pontoon boat rides on the beautiful Merrimack River!
All proceeds to benefit cleaning the river.
One and a half  hour boat rides includes a scenic tour and an island picnic,
Seating for 8 @ $25 per person / family rate $100
Leaves from The Old Bea’s Sandwich Location (planned [...]

From the Eagle Tribune reprinted with Rep Campbell’s permission.
Letter to the editor:
There has been considerable discussion recently regarding the establishment of a boat ramp and park at the former Bea’s Restaurant site in Methuen. I believe an official update at this time would be helpful.
Initial design, the first and most important prerequisite for the project, [...]

Essex Rowing’s programs are founded on two basic principles, excellence and
service. Our goal is not simply to provide opportunities to row, but to ensure
our participants the greatest possible experience. To accomplish this mission, Essex Rowing employs a full-time, professional coaching staff and provides state-of-the-art equipment for use in training and competition.
Involvement in Essex Rowing’s programs [...]