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THE MASSACHUSETTS BEACHES CONFERENCE
If you are interested in protecting our sandy shores, plan to attend Northeast Beaches: A Balancing Act on October 24-26. The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) is teaming up with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's Sea Grant Office, Northeast Shore and Beach Preservation Association, the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Massachusetts' Urban Harbors Institute, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's Coastal Ocean Institute, and Massachusetts Audubon Society to sponsor a three-day, multi-disciplinary conference at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The event will bring together individuals interested in protecting and enhancing beaches to discuss a variety of issues including coastal processes, beach nourishment, dredging, coastal habitat, coastal access, water quality, and beach management. The focus of the discussion will be on the state-of-the art science and techniques for protecting beaches, with the recognition that without such protection, these resources will be lost forever. The conference will provide a forum for discussion and coordination of beach protection and management strategies; raise public awareness of the status of the Northeast's beaches; and provide a networking opportunity for individuals and local groups working on beach issues.

An agenda and registration information will be posted on the CZM Web site (www.mass.gov/czm) this summer.