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.

Secretary Awards Coastal Nonpoint Source Grants in Salem
Last month Secretary Herzfelder announced nearly $55,000 through the federally-funded Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution (Coastal NPS) Grant Program to fund water quality improvement projects in Salem. The City received $34,500 to develop an urban stormwater and low impact development (LID) ordinance and an accompanying best development practices guidebook encouraging LID and smart growth practices. Salem Sound Coastwatch was awarded $19,795 to evaluate the sewage disposal practices of recreational boats and commercial vessels within Salem Sound. This year, 10 Coastal NPS Grants will be awarded, totaling approximately $215,000, and the Secretary will soon announce the additional grant recipients. For more information about this event and the funded projects, click here.

The Latest Coastlines Magazine is Now Available
CZM has released the Winter 2004-2005 Coastlines, a periodic magazine providing in-depth coverage of ocean-related issues. This latest edition focuses on the importance of coastal and marine habitats--from the soft coral at the depths beyond the reach of state waters to the sand dunes rising above the shore. Coastlines has been sent to CZM's mailing list and is also available on CZM's Coastlines Winter 2004-2005 webpage. For a printed copy, or to be added to the Coastlines mailing list, please email your request to czm@state.ma.us.

Gulf of Maine Habitat Primer
The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment has recently released The Gulf of Maine Primer, which details, in full color, the types of habitats found in the Gulf of Maine region. The Primer, written by CZM, provides resource managers and others with scientific data and descriptive characterizations to assist with evaluating and managing marine habitats. For more information about the Primer, or to download an electronic copy, click here.

Project Review
Cape Wind Comment Periods End - The state and federal comment periods for the proposed Cape Wind Energy Project closed on February 24. CZM submitted comments to both the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) review. CZM requested that the applicant provide additional information on the current uses of Horseshoe Shoals (the proposed project site), the habitats that lay within the project area, and how the project might affect sediment transport patterns and impact shorelines surrounding Nantucket Sound. CZM has also requested that the applicant study, in greater detail, a possible site in deeper water to determine if a wind farm located there would have fewer environmental impacts. To review the November 2004 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) submitted to the Army Corps for this project, which also served as the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) required for MEPA review, click here.

Once MEPA reviews all comments, Secretary Herzfelder will determine whether the DEIR adequately addresses environmental issues or whether additional study is needed, and will publish her conclusions in a Certificate on the DEIR. On the federal level, the Army Corps will review comments on the DEIS to determine if additional study is needed. The Secretary's Certificate will be available on the MEPA website Selected Certificates of the Secretary of Environmental Affairs webpage.

Northeast Gateway LNG Project - Excelerate Energy, LLC and Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC have begun the prefiling process and have held meetings to discuss the proposed Northeast Gateway Project with state and federal agencies to identify key concerns to be addressed during the environmental review and permitting process. The proposed project would include constructing a deepwater port in the middle of Massachusetts Bay to import and regasify liquefied natural gas (LNG) to be delivered through a new 12- to 14-mile long, 24-inch diameter pipeline that would connect to the existing HubLine gas pipeline. CZM will submit its comments on the project through the MEPA review and will have federal consistency jurisdiction over issuance of federal approvals.

In addition, Neptune LNG, LLC, a subsidiary of the Everett Distrigas facility owner, Tractebel LNG North America, LLC, has announced that it has filed an application with the U.S. Coast Guard to construct and operate a similar facility in the same area. As more information about the proposed projects becomes available, CZM will provide updates in CZ-Mail.

CZM Staff & People
Wetlands Restoration Specialist - CZM is pleased to announce that Jeremy Bell is joining the Wetlands Restoration Program (WRP) team in mid-March. As a wetlands restoration specialist and project manager, Jeremy will be working on several of the WRP's priority projects. Previously Jeremy managed aquatic habitat restoration projects and a wetland plant cooperative nursery for the King Conservation District of King County, Washington. Since April 2003, Jeremy has been working for the Massachusetts Audubon Society's Ecological Extension Service and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) as a Habitat Analyst developing data for a selection of forest preserves. Jeremy has a master's degree in environmental studies from Evergreen State College and experience in natural sciences, aquatic habitat restoration, project management, and geographic information systems.

Request For Responses
EOEA Watershed Improvement Grants - The Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA) has posted a request for responses (RFR) for its Watershed Improvement Grants. Eligible projects include watersheds that have an EOEA-published Watershed Action Plan, available for review on EOEA's Watershed Publications webpage. Grants will be given to qualified organizations to complete projects restoring and preserving water and/or land resources in EOEA-designated watersheds. Responses, due March 22, must also include a plan for promoting public awareness. To review the RFR, go to the state's Procurement Access & Solicitation System, Comm-PASS, click Search for Solicitations, and search document number "ENV 05 POL 03."

Funding Opportunities
Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship - The National Sea Grant College Program and NOAA are now accepting applications through April 6 for the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship. The goal of the fellowship is to provide experience to graduate students who have an interest in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting these resources. Awards range up to $41,500, and any student, regardless of citizenship, who is enrolled in a graduate or professional program in a marine- or aquatic-related field at a United States-accredited institution of higher education may apply.

Northeast Consortium Funding - The Northeast Consortium is accepting planning letters through April 6 for cooperative research and selective fishing gear development projects. The Consortium, which is affiliated with the University of New Hampshire, University of Maine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and funded by NOAA, supports cooperative research and monitoring programs that create partnerships among commercial fisherman, scientists, and others. Planning letters, which must be submitted to be eligible to offer a full proposal for 2005 funding, should describe the central concept of the proposed research and explain the work plan involved. For more information, including a description of topic areas and details about preparing planning letters, click here. Respondents are encouraged to contact the program coordinator, Laurinda Sousa Smith, at laurinda.smith@unh.edu or at (603) 862-0136, for general assistance.

Reminders - The following funding opportunities listed in the last CZ-Mail are still available:

• Massachusetts Land Owner Incentive Grants - MassWildlife has received $2 million from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support active habitat management by private landowners. The program will reimburse up to 75 percent of the cost of managing land to improve habitat for declining wildlife species. Applications must be submitted by March 15. For more information and an application, see the MassWildlife website.
• Essex National Heritage Commission Partnership Grants - The Commission is accepting applications for its 2005 Partnership Grant Program through April 1. The program provides funding for heritage education, preservation, interpretation, archives, and trails projects. For program information and the application, click here and scroll down to "Preserving Our Heritage." For more information, contact allisonb@essexheritage.org.
• Nancy Foster Scholarship Program - Applications for the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program must be received between February 11 and April 15. For information, click here or here.

Public Comment
Integrated Ocean Observing System Development Plan - The National Office for Integrated and Sustained Ocean Observations (Ocean.US) created by the National Oceanographic Partnership Program, is accepting comments on the First Annual Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Development Plan through April 22. IOOS will be the U.S. contribution to the Global Ocean Observing System and the oceans and coasts component of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems. Composed of a sustained network of sensors on buoys, ships, satellites, underwater vehicles, and other platforms, IOOS will routinely supply comprehensive data and information needed for rapid detection and timely predictions of changes in coastal waters and on the high seas. The development plan identifies existing systems and implementation goals. To submit comments, email Kristine Stump at k.stump@ocean.us. Comments will also be accepted by post to Ocean.US, 2300 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 1350, Arlington, Virginia, 22201.

Products/Publications
EPA Smart Growth & Water Resources Training Module - The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Watershed Academy (part of the Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds) has posted a new online interactive training module that explains how land use changes affect water quality and hydrology; discusses urban growth factors such as traffic congestion, air quality, and public health; and provides resources on the key principles of smart growth and LID. The module, Making the Connection: Smart Growth and Water Resource Protection is one of several the Watershed Academy has developed as part of its free online training program.

Beachcomber's Companion Cards - The WHOI Sea Grant Program has released its Beachcomber's Companion cards featuring user-friendly information on 50 Atlantic coast marine invertebrates. The cards identify species by size, shape, features, and coloration; discuss where they are located; and provide interesting facts, such as what they eat, how they hide, and how they defend themselves. The set of cards comes in a mesh bag with a species checklist card and marking pencil. To order, for $16.95 plus tax and shipping, click here. Also, WHOI Sea Grant will soon offer web-based invertebrate cards that can be downloaded.

Coastal Vegetative Buffer Policy Workshop Proceedings - Proceedings from the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council and Rhode Island Sea Grant's Coastal Vegetative Buffer Policy Workshop Innovative Approaches In Urban/Suburban Environments held in January are available online. Click here for the procedings.

Southeastern Massachusetts Natural Resources Atlas - The Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences has released the 2005 Southeastern Massachusetts Natural Resources Atlas, a 136-page reference guide offering information, maps, and photos of the region's most important areas and biological features. The Atlas provides information to town planners, conservation commissions, and environmental groups to aid in development decisions. The Center is providing copies to town halls in southeastern Massachusetts, and the Atlas can be ordered online for $10 (plus $3.85 for shipping and handling). Click here for details.

Websites
CZM Web Cam Page Updated - CZM has revised its web cam page. Web cams are a great way to check out local weather, enjoy a Cape Cod sunset from far away, or even check on traffic at the Sagamore Bridge. Check out the Cape Cod Bay Sunset Cam in Eastham, Nantasket Surf Cam in Hull, and others. If you'd like to suggest a coastal web cam for CZM's website, please send an email to czm@state.ma.us.

NOAA nowCOAST Mapping Portal - NOAA has established a new web portal, nowCOAST, that is designed to enhance maritime safety and commerce and monitor physical changes in weather, oceanographic, and river conditions. The portal provides users with real-time coastal observation and forecast data for major U.S. estuaries and seaports, coastal regions, and the Great Lakes. For more information, click here.

Clean Beaches & Blue Wave Website - The Clean Beaches Council website highlights the progress of the Blue Wave clean beach certification campaign and offers volunteer information, links to articles from the Council's True Blue newsletter, and information about beach sustainability. The Blue Wave program's goal is to promote beach sustainability by certifying beaches under a specific set of criteria. For more information about Blue Wave certification, click here.

Calendar
Secretary Herzfelder to Announce CZM Grants in Gloucester - Secretary Herzfelder will announce Coastal NPS and WRP grants at the O'Maley Middle School located at 32 Cherry Street in Gloucester on March 2 at 11 a.m. The Secretary will also present a Gulf of Maine Council Action Plan Implementation Grant.

Coastal Stream Habitat Restoration Workshop - The Massachusetts Coastal Training Program is offering a workshop, titled Restoring Connections in Coastal Streams, that will feature presentations on assessing and addressing barriers to fish migration. The workshop will be held on March 10 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Boat House in Falmouth, and on March 16 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Annisquam River Marine Fisheries Station in Gloucester. The workshop is free. To register, contact Laurie Tompkins at laurie.tompkins@state.ma.us or Brendan Annett at brendan.annett@state.ma.us. Click here for additional Massachusetts Coastal Training Program workshop offerings.

Teacher Training Course - The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is offering Oceans and Coasts in the Classroom, a training course for Grade 6-10 teachers, on Thursdays from March 3 to April 7, from 6-9 p.m., at the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary headquarters located at 175 Edward Foster Road in Scituate. The course will use the Massachusetts teaching frameworks to introduce engaging content and activities, such as tracking plankton blooms and using nautical charts. The course is being offered free of charge, and attendees may sign up for the entire course or individual sessions. For more information about session topics and continuing education credits, click here, and scroll down to "Oceans and Coasts in the Classroom." To register, contact Pat Harcourt at pat.harcourt@state.ma.us or at (508) 457-0495 ext. 106.

ASBPA Coastal Summit - The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association's (ASBPA) 2005 Coastal Summit, Defending America's Embattled Coastal Resources will be held from March 9-11 in Washington, D.C. The Summit will focus on critical issues affecting beach protection and management and media relations and lobbying skills, and also offer an opportunity to network with members of Congress. Conference participants include members of state and local government, academia, federal agencies, business, and the public.

Land Conservation Conference - The 15th Annual Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference, co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition and the Putnam Conservation Institute, will be held March 19 from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Bancroft School in Worcester. The conference, organized around the theme "Creative Financing & Strategic Partnerships," will feature 28 workshops. Click here for more information.

Cape Cod National Seashore ORV Permits and Season Beach Passes - Annual off-road vehicle (ORV) permits for the Cape Cod National Seashore will be available beginning March 30 at Oversand Station, Race Point. Sales will be limited to 150 permits per day, and annual permits are expected to be available through April 18. Weekly permits may be purchased online beginning March 1. Click here for more information. Season beach entrance passes will be available beginning April 15 at the Salt Pond Visitors Center and at other locations.

Soundings Institute Community-Based Practices Conference - The Soundings Institute will be holding its Advancing Community-Based Practices in Marine Conservation and Management conference from April 10-13 in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, Canada. The conference will host practitioners from North America's Atlantic Region (from Newfoundland to Massachusetts) to discuss community-based marine conservation and management programs and highlight the breadth and depth of these approaches and their impact on marine issues. For more information check the website, or contact Michele Walsh at mwalsh@qlf.org.

MassSail Seafaring Camp Aboard the Spirit of Massachuset - The Ocean Classroom has announced three sessions of the MassSail Seafaring Camp program for summer 2005. The program takes place on the schooner Spirit of Massachusetts and is designed for teens aged 13-16 to explore the marine environment of coastal Massachusetts through hands-on activities and sea adventures to diverse marine environments, including the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary and the Elizabeth Islands of Vineyard Sound. The program is designed to cater to small groups, and space is limited. For more information, including tuition fees and departure dates, click here. MassSail is a program of the Ocean Classroom and the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies.

Oceans 2005 Conference - The Marine Technology Society and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. Oceanic Engineering Society will hold their Ocean 2005 Conference from September 19-23 in Washington, D.C. The conference, titled One Ocean, will focus on global cooperation to protect internationally connected waters and the critical role that the ocean plays in global commerce, weather, jobs, food supply, recreation, national defense, and mineral and energy resources. Those attending include ocean scientists, engineers, industry end-users and suppliers, technologists, educators and researchers, policymakers, and the global public.

Waterfront Center Urban Waterfronts Conference - The 23rd annual international conference of the Waterfront Center, Urban Waterfronts 23: Gathering By the Waters will be held from November 11-13 in Savannah, Georgia, at the Hilton Savannah Desoto.

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

• Great Marsh Speaker Series - The final presentation of the Great Marsh Speaker Series, sponsored by the Trustees of Reservations, will be held on March 3 from 7:30-9 p.m. at The Great House, The Crane Estate in Ipswich. Duncan Fitzgerald, Associate Professor, Boston University Department of Earth Sciences will be presenting. For tickets ($4 for Trustees members or $5 for non-members), contact The Crane Estate at (978) 356-4351. For more information about the Great Marsh, click here.
• Stellwagen Bank Lecture Series - The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History and the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary are offering a lecture course, titled Ocean Treasure: The Natural and Cultural Resources of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, on Tuesday evenings from 6-9 p.m. through May 14 at the museum in Brewster.
• Solutions to Coastal Disasters 2005 - This conference will be held from May 8-11 in Charleston, South Carolina.
• Coastal Zone '05 - Titled Balancing on the Edge, this conference will be held July 17-21 in New Orleans, Louisiana, and will focus on balancing the issues of land and sea.
• 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
Smithsonian to Develop Center for Marine Science - The Smithsonian Institution has announced that it received a $10 million donation to establish a new Center for Marine Science at the National Museum of Natural History. As a result, a new marine science exhibition, developed in partnership with NOAA, is slated to open in 2008.