CZ-Mail
August 2004

Welcome to CZ-Mail, the monthly email update from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). This update provides information on major CZM initiatives, available tools and publications, upcoming workshops and events, grants, contracting opportunities, job openings, coastal legislation, and other news of interest to people working on coastal issues. More information about CZM's programs, publications, and other coastal topics can be found online at http://www.mass.gov/czm/. If you have suggestions on how to make CZ-Mail more useful, would like to add your name to the mailing list, or would like to have your name removed, please email your request to CZ-Mail@state.ma.us.

Ocean Management
CZM staff are developing an implementation plan for Ocean Management Task Force recommendations. Of the 16 recommendations developed by the Task Force, three are considered top priorities-development of a draft Comprehensive Ocean Resource Management Act (CORMA), the formation of a Marine Protected Areas Working Group to resolve outstanding issues, and the development of an ocean stewardship and education campaign. Work on all three priorities is underway and strategies to advance these recommendations will be announced by Secretary Roy Herzfelder in the early fall. Information will be available on the Massachusetts Ocean Management Initiative page.

National policy is also moving forward. The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy recently held a public meeting approving its Draft Final Report. Once printed, the report will be delivered to Congress and the President. The President then has 90 days to consult with state governments and other stakeholders and submit proposals to Congress to implement or respond to the report's recommendations. The press release, summary of changes, and summaries of public, tribal leader, and governor comments are available on the Ocean Commission's website.

DCR Receives $1 Million for Ipswich River Watershed
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has been awarded national grant funding for the Ipswich River watershed from the EPA Targeted Watersheds Grant Program. DCR and various projects partners, including the Ipswich River Watershed Association and U.S. Geological Survey, received $1 million to develop and measure the effectiveness of tools to increase recharge of aquifers, decrease water usage, and restore the headwaters region of the Ipswich River. For the EPA press release announcing the Ipswich River award, click here.

Also, the Nashua River watershed received $770,000 for water quality protection efforts through the EPA grant program. This grant will help the Nashua River Watershed Association protect valuable drinking water resources and surface water quality in an area where groundwater and surface water are closely linked. For the EPA press release announcing the Nashua River award, click here. Learn more about DCR's Division of Water Supply Protection initiatives.

Tools for Boosting Commonwealth Capital Score for State Funding Applications
To encourage municipalities to implement Smart Growth, the Romney Administration has launched a new incentive policy known as Commonwealth Capital. Begun in July 2004, 10 state programs, including Brownfields, Self-Help and Urban Self-Help, Agricultural Preservation Restriction, and land acquisition, will use revised project selection systems that include a Commonwealth Capital Score. Municipalities must apply directly to the Office for Commonwealth Development to receive their score. See the application and guidance.

The Commonwealth Capital program awards higher scores to communities that have adopted (or make a commitment to adopt) zoning for cluster development, such as "Open Space Residential Design" (OSRD), or Low Impact Development techniques. OSRD Special Permit and Site Plan model bylaws and associated regulations are available on the CZM Publications page under "Miscellaneous," or on the Green Neighborhoods website. To learn about the Buzzards Bay project, and for LID information, PowerPoint presentations, and links, click here. OSRD PowerPoint presentations are available on CD by contacting CZM Smart Growth Coordinator Andrea Cooper at andrea.cooper@state.ma.us.

ACEC Resource Management Guidelines Approved
Environmental Affairs Secretary Ellen Roy Herzfelder has approved Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) Resource Management Plan Guidelines. The guidelines outline a framework for ACEC communities interested in resource management planning and identify additional guidelines for communities preparing state-approved ACEC resource management plans (RMP). Also available online is the guidance document Policy Guidelines for the Review and Approval of ACEC Resource Management Plans.

New CZM Wetlands Restoration Program Website
CZM's Wetlands Restoration Program has launched its new website. The new website provides in-depth coverage and hundreds of images of wetland restoration activities in the Commonwealth, including interactive maps and summary descriptions of more than 70 active and completed restoration projects. Maps and summaries for all wetlands restoration plans, coastal tidal restriction atlases, and an extensive list of links to federal, state, and non-profit restoration resources are provided.

Proposal for Offshore LNG Facility Announced
Excelerate Energy L.L.C. has announced that it intends to seek approvals for an offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal. The proposed terminal site is located approximately 12 miles from shore, outside of state waters but adjacent to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. The terminal includes facilities for LNG tankers to connect and offload natural gas. A pipeline would carry the gas into state waters, through the South Essex Ocean Sanctuary, and connect to the recently completed Hubline gas pipeline, which would then supply gas to onshore distribution facilities. The project would require a license under the Deepwater Port Act of 1974, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. CZM will have Federal Consistency Review jurisdiction over the entire project, and state permits will be required for portion of the project within state waters. According to Excelerate, federal and state applications will be filed by the end of 2004.

CICEET Announces Funding Recipients
The Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET) recently announced its 2004 grant award winners who will receive up to $25,000 for one year for the development of innovative technologies. The 2005 request for proposals will be released in early October. For more information about CICEET'S funding opportunities and the 2004 recipients, click here.

Funding Opportunities
NOAA 2005 Omnibus Grants - The notice of availability of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) grant funds for Fiscal Year 2005 provides program and application information for all NOAA and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) competitive grant offerings. For a copy of the full funding announcement, click here, and search grants by date, activity, and federal agency. For the notice, go to the Federal Register, and enter "39417" in Quick Search.

Self-Help and Land and Water Conservation Grants - Massachusetts Department of Conservation Services has opened its 2005 grant round for the Self-Help, Urban Self-Help, and Federal Land and Water Conservation funding programs. The Self-Help program provides funding to conservation commissions for conservation land purchases. The Urban Self-Help program provides funding to cities and towns for the acquisition, construction, and renovation of parks. The Land and Water Conservation Fund offers federal funds to state or local agencies for conservation or parks projects that feature outdoor recreation as the primary use. Applications are due October 1. For the application, grant announcement, and letter from the Secretary of Environmental Affairs, click here.

Nancy Foster Scholarship Program - Applications are being taken for the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program, for up to four scholarships. The program supports independent graduate-level studies in oceanography, marine biology, or maritime archaeology, and in particular, by women and minority group members. For more scholarship information, click here or go to NOAA's Foster Scholars page.

Public Comment
Cape Cod National Seashore ORV Permit Sales Meetings - The Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission's Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Subcommittee will host two public meetings to discuss comments and creative solutions for improving the ORV season permit distribution system. The meetings will be held on August 14 and September 8. For details, click here. More information about the ORV permit program is available on the Cape Cod National Seashore: Off-Road Driving page.

NOAA Strategic Plan - NOAA is drafting a strategic plan for 2005 to 2011 that will build upon the NOAA Strategic Plan for 2003-2008 and will reflect new priorities and recent changes to NOAA operations. The public comment deadline is August 27. For a copy of the draft strategic plan, including a "coffee table" version, and details how to comment, click here.

Cape Cod National Seashore Hunting Policy - The National Park Service is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the current hunting policy and potential alternative policies for the Cape Cod National Seashore and is accepting comments. For more information see the Cape Cod National Seashore's management plan. For the notice, go to the Federal Register, and enter "34397" in Quick Search. The EIS will be issued in December 2004, and a second public comment period will follow.

Taunton River's Brightman Street Bridge Schedule Deviation - In response to requests from the town of Somerset and the Massachusetts State Police to mitigate motor vehicle traffic delays, the U.S. Coast Guard has changed drawbridge operation for a 90-day test period, from July 1 to September 28, at the Brightman Street Bridge in Somerset. During this time the bridge will not open for pleasure craft traffic between 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For the notice, go to the Federal Register, and enter "35244" in Quick Search.

Geospatial Data Framework Development - The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) is currently conducting a public review of framework data standards developed through the Geospatial One-Stop Initiative. Data standards would establish common requirements to facilitate information exchange for seven themes of geospatial data fundamental to a variety of geographic information systems applications. Inquiries about the framework data standards and the FGDC public review should be addressed to Julie Binder Maitra, FGDC Standards Coordinator at U.S. Geological Survey, 590 National Center, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20192, by telephone at (703) 648-4627, by fax at (703) 648-5755, or by email to FGDC Standards Coordinator.

Gulf of Maine Atlantic Salmon Draft Recovery Plan Available - The Draft Recovery Plan for the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic Salmon is now available. NMFS and FWS are soliciting public comment until September 16. A copy of the draft recovery plan is available on the NMFS website under "Recent News." For the notice, go to the Federal Register, and enter "34184" in Quick Search.

Reminders - The following public comment period listed in the last CZ-Mail is still open:

• NOAA Deep-Sea Coral Rulemaking - NOAA is accepting comments until August 13 on an Oceana petition to develop a rule for deep-sea coral and sponge habitat protection. For the notice and details how to comment, go to the Federal Register, and enter "32991" in Quick Search.

Products/Publications
Massachusetts Beach Testing - Marine and Freshwater Beach Testing in Massachusetts: 2003 summarizes beach testing data managed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Sea Grant Woods Hole Beachcomber's Companion - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute has created the Beachcomber's Companion as the ultimate guide for beach adventures. The guide, available in October, is composed of 50 full-color marine invertebrate identification cards, a species checklist with marking pencil, mesh collection bag, and beach bag clip. For more information, click here.

EPA Smart Growth Report - EPA has released Protecting Water Resources with Smart Growth, a 120-page report to assist state and local governments and water quality professionals in achieving smart growth and water quality goals. Smart growth strategies avoid loss of woodlands, meadowlands, and wetlands and reduce runoff. To receive a free copy of the report, contact EPA by email at ncepimal@one.net, or by telephone at (800) 490-9198 and request EPA publication 231-R-04-002. For a PDF copy of the report and more information click here.

EPA's Guide for Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns - EPA has produced Getting in Step: A Guide for Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns to engage stakeholders in watershed maintenance and restoration activities. The 100-page guide and 35-minute companion video is available on EPA's website.

Reminders - The following product listed in the last CZ-Mail is still available:

• Gloucester Harbor Characterization Report - Gloucester Harbor Characterization Report: Environmental History, Human Influences, and Status of Marine Resources is available as a PDF on the CZM website.

Websites
New CSO Website - The Coastal States Organization (CSO) has launched its new website. The site features information about CSO, its policies and resolutions, publications, special projects, upcoming meetings and events, and links to state coastal management programs. CSO staff and its communications work group, including CZM Director Tom Skinner who served as Work Group Chair, spearheaded the design.

EPA's New Beaches Website - EPA is now reorganizing much of its online information around topics rather than programs. EPA's new beaches website includes information about planning beach excursions, learning about beach conditions, and reading about what EPA is doing to clean and protect the nation's beaches.

NOAA Portfields and New Bedford Pilot Project - Portfields is a NOAA-led federal interagency effort focusing on the redevelopment of brownfields in port and harbor areas, with the goal of developing environmentally sound port facilities. The website outlines the federal commitment to portfields; follows the path of three pilot portfields projects; and offers factsheets, web-based tools, and pilot project resources. The port of New Bedford was one of the three pilot projects selected. As a pilot, New Bedford will receive resources to expedite planning and implementation of brownfields cleanup and redevelopment. To read more about the New Bedford portfield and pilot project, click here. Also, New Bedford recently received a $200,000 EPA grant to remediate contaminated soils at a site along the Acushnet River that the city and its portfields partners will redevelop as a public waterfront park. Click here for more information.

NOAA Online Smart Growth Techniques Tool - NOAA has developed a website for communities and planners to explore alternatives for coastal development. The Alternatives for Coastal Development site allows users to run three hypothetical development options. Some of the concepts the new tool incorporates are the impact of green space on water runoff, property values, quality of life, and more.

NOAA Estuaries Restoration Website - NOAA recently developed the National Estuaries Restoration Inventory (NERI) as an on-line tool to monitor Estuary Restoration Act projects and other estuary restoration projects implemented around the country. The NERI website provides details on techniques and monitoring results. Federal, state, local, and private-sector projects aimed at restoring ecosystem benefits to estuaries and associated habitats may be submitted.

Connecticut's New Online Coastal Access Guide - The new Connecticut Coastal Access Guide website is the Internet version of the 2001 Connecticut Coastal Access Guide. The site offers detailed descriptions of 285 public sites for fishing, boating, swimming, and observing wildlife along Connecticut's shoreline.

Maryland Launches New BMP Tracking Website - Maryland has developed a program and tracking website for restoration and nonpoint source pollution implementation efforts. BMPs tracked include urban acreage, agricultural acreage, and resource protection and improvements footage, which include shoreline erosion control projects and stream restoration. For the BMP implementation tracking reports, click here. The website also provides a link to Maryland's watershed restoration action strategies and supporting documents.

Calendar
Boston Antique & Classic Boat Festival - The 22nd Annual Boston Antique & Classic Boat Festival will be held August 28 and 29 at Hawthorne Cove Marina in Salem. The festival will host sailboats, powerboats, and hand-powered craft as well as exhibits, demonstrations and ceremonies, arts and crafts, and music.

Outdoorswomen at the Beach Workshop - MassWildlife is hosting an outdoor, coastal workshop for women 18 and older at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on September 11 on Plum Island in Newburyport. Activities include birding, sea kayaking, surf fishing, clamming, and tide pool ecology sessions. The registration deadline is September 1.

Watershed Conservation Conference at UMASS - The University of Massachusetts Amherst is hosting the Watershed Conservation 2004 Water Resources, Ecosystems, and People conference September 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click here for information and registration.

Promoting Clean Jobs & Neighborhood Change Conference - The Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) and Environmental Justice teams are holding a conference on September 18 at Holy Cross College in Worcester. The conference, titled Promoting Clean Jobs & Neighborhood Change: Building Economic and Environmental Justice, is focused on clean manufacturing and how it can be used to improve the local economy and minimize impacts to health and the environment and will feature speaker presentations, exhibits, and workshops on green technology, partnerships with businesses, and attracting green business with local government and other funding sources. More information is available on the OTA website.

Reminders: The following calendar items posted in the last CZ-Mail are still to come:

• 2nd National Conference on Coastal and Estuarine Habitat Restoration - Restore America's Estuaries is holding its conference, Weaving Restoration into the Tapestry of Coastal Life, at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center and the Grand Hyatt Seattle in Seattle, Washington, from September 12-15. To register, click here. Conference information is available on Restore America's Estuaries conference page.
• Gulf of Maine Summit - The summit, Committing to Change, will be held October 26-29 at the Fairmont Algonquin Hotel in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. Register by August 15 and save $50. For more information and an agenda, click here.
• Boston Harbor Educators Conference - Boston Harbor: Stewardship of an Ever-Changing Resource will be held on Saturday, October 2 at the University of Massachusetts Boston. For more information contact Peg Collins by email at Ccndpcllns@aol.com.
• Waquoit Bay Summer Activity Calendar - The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve posts a calendar of summer activities.
• New England Aquarium Events - The New England Aquarium offers children's camp and family events all summer long.
• Massachusetts Coastal Training Program - The program maintains a calendar of workshops and other training events for coastal decision makers and others interested in managing the coastal zone. For more information, click here.

Other Items of Interest
Watershed Academy Online Training - The Watershed Academy offers an online Distance Learning Program, called the Watershed Academy Web. A variety of self-paced training modules, organized under six themes, provide a broad introduction to the watershed management field. The modules require 30 minutes to two hours to complete.

Beach Water Quality Information Online - Looking for information on Department of Conservation and Recreation beach water quality? Check out a live report of water quality and water temperature data. Information about Charles River water quality is also available.

Coastal Training Program Information Page - The Coastal Training Program has a new Information and Opportunities website with details on workshops, products, and funding opportunities.

Gulf of Maine Indicators Survey - The Gulf of Maine Council is conducting a survey of regional indicators until August 15. Indicators, such as management issues, will be used to summarize a region's complex coastal and marine status and to communicate about regional coastal area trends.

Final Rule for Cooling Water Intake Structures Promulgated - The final rule, published in the Federal Register in July, addresses the environmental consequences of power plant intakes that withdraw more than 50 million gallons of water per day, protecting fish, shellfish, and other aquatic life. Specifically, the new rule will protect aquatic organisms from being trapped on intake screens or drawn through the cooling systems. For more information, click here.

A publication of the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) pursuant to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Award No. NA03NOS4190087. This publication is funded (in part) by a grant/cooperative agreement from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or any of its sub-agencies.