A final report from the commission is expected to be released by the end of March.

Formed in 2006 by the Massachusetts Legislature and made up of non-profit leaders, residents, and elected officials, the commission released its first report on the condition of the DCR managed beaches in 2007. The report evaluated beaches from Nahant to Nantasket and provided recommendations for ways to improve the waterfronts.

The second report, like the first, evaluated the beaches for cleanliness and accessibility as well as programming, infrastructure, and appeal.

The first report and the infusion of cash that came after it are credited with many of the improvements that have been seen at the beaches since 2007, something advocates would like to continue.

A tremendous amount of progress is being made, explained Patricia Foley, the president of Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, a clean water advocacy group that helps administer the commission.

Although progress has been made at the beaches that dot the Massachusetts coastline, Foley said advocates must remain vigilant especially when conversations turn to the states budget.

The funds we seek are modest, said Foley, who learned to swim in the waters off of South Boston. We have convinced the public that these beaches belong to them and its not unreasonable for us to expect the government to join us in the effort to make sure the beaches are clean and safe.

For the South Boston beaches, the report highlighted improvements in the beaches water quality, the cleanliness of their sand, and improvements made to the boardwalks and walkways that run along them.

The report, however, also mentioned a number of challenges DCR officials and residents face at the recreation areas, including a lack of public facilities, safety concerns, and balancing the opinions of both dog opponents and proponents.

Some suggested investments in the report included the restoration of Castle Island, updated visitor amenities, and the construction of a new bath house.

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Local beaches are getting better, Metropolitan Beaches Commission report finds