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CZ-Mail All links on this web page were current and working on the date of publication.
Ocean Management An Act Relative to Oceans Update - On July 19, An Act Relative to Oceans was approved by the State Senate and was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. However, the 2006 legislative session ended before the House could take the matter to the floor, so the bill will have to be re-filed in the next session that begins in January 2007. The proposed legislation will allow for more proactive and effective management of Massachusetts ocean resources, by authorizing state agencies to develop a statewide Ocean Management Plan to manage, develop, and protect natural and economic ocean resources within state waters. In response to the over-arching recommendation from the Massachusetts Ocean Management Task Force for comprehensive ocean management, the proposed bill, originally sponsored by Governor Mitt Romney and Senator Robert O'Leary (Cape Cod and Islands), is one of the first of its kind in the United States. The latest version of the bill was a compromise supported by Senators O'Leary and Bruce Tarr (Gloucester). For updates and a history on the bill, go to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Legislative Tracking System and search for "Senate No. 2653." See the Massachusetts Ocean Management Initiative Website for details. Marine Economies Report Now Available Online - The Donahue Institute at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) has produced the report An Assessment of the Coastal and Marine Economies in Massachusetts. The three-part study provides an analysis of the economic value of coastal and marine economy output, as well as an overview of employment, wages, business activities and trends within important sectors of the Massachusetts marine economy for 2004 (latest available data). The UMass team used a standard, widely-used economic model called IMPLAN for the bulk of the analysis. The final report also includes information from a business owner survey and provides recommendations of next steps for further study. This report was completed under contract with CZM as part of the Ocean Management Initiative. Ocean-Based Energy Report Now Available Online - TRC Environmental Corporation has produced the report Existing and Potential Ocean-Based Energy Facilities and Associated Infrastructure in Massachusetts—a written report and map products illustrating existing and potential ocean-based energy facilities. The goal of this project was to provide reconnaissance-level information on those segments of the ocean that appear most likely to be of future interest to the energy industry over the next ten years. This project was not intended to replicate a site-specific facilities siting process. This report was completed under contract with CZM as part of the Ocean Management Initiative. Seafloor Mapping Cruise - USGS, in partnership with CZM, have commenced a cruise to map the seafloor in the nearshore waters from Hull to Duxbury. From August 2-24 the research vessel Meghan Miller will traverse the waters of the south shore to collect high-resolution data on seafloor topography and surficial geology. This cruise is part of the CZM-USGS seafloor mapping program. Coastal Hazards Commission Draft Recommendations Released for Comment On July 17, the Coastal Hazards Commission (CHC) met in Boston where the Commission was presented with draft recommendations by the chairs of the five working groups. These draft recommendations are now available for public comment. The comment period is open until September 15. The next Commission meeting will be held on September 11. See the Commission's Website for the latest information about the CHC, meeting summaries, selected meeting presentations, and draft recommendations. South Shore Coastal Hazards Characterization Atlas Released The South Shore Coastal Hazards Characterization Atlas is the first in a series of atlases developed to provide local coastal managers with information that can help with the review of projects that are in areas vulnerable to coastal hazards. The information provided in the Atlas will assist local reviewers with the implementation of sound coastal hazard mitigation strategies that promote the natural storm damage protection and flood control functions of coastal landforms on the ocean-facing shores from Hull down to the Cape Cod Canal. Coast Guide Now Online! The Massachusetts Coast Guide to Boston and the North Shore features nearly 400 public access sites (from Salisbury to Hingham), ranging from expansive beaches with parking and concession stands to more out-of-the-way areas with scenic vistas. Developed by CZM, this publication contains 22 maps, descriptions of access spots, photos of a variety of sites, transportation information, and more. To get your free copy now, e-mail your address to czm@state.ma.us. Check Out the New Coastal Access Site Locator CZM has completed a statewide inventory of all publicly accessible waterfront properties owned by government agencies and non-profit land conservation organizations. This information is now available online. The Online Locator of Coastal Public Access Sites (Access Locator), developed in coordination with MassGIS, displays maps and site-specific information—a useful tool for prospective visitors to the Massachusetts coastline. Along the Coastline Drive that roughly parallels 1,500 miles of spectacular ocean shoreline, the public has access to over 1,000 beaches, parks, conservation areas, and ways to the sea. The Access Locator will help you find these varied places and discover what each has to offer, ranging from the well-publicized expanses of National Seashore down to the smallest footpaths and landings that only the locals know. In addition to maps, this tool offers printable descriptions about each property including parking information, directions, photos, and a list of facilities. Use the Access Browser at . CZM welcomes your comments and suggestions at czm@state.ma.us. COASTSWEEP 2006 COASTSWEEP, the state-wide beach cleanup sponsored by CZM and the Urban Harbors Institute of UMass Boston, will kickoff its 19th year on September 16 at Wollaston Beach in Quincy. Volunteers throughout Massachusetts turn out in large numbers each year for this event, which is part of an international campaign organized by The Ocean Conservancy in Washington, DC. Participants all over the world collect marine debris and record the types of trash they collect. This information is then used to help reduce future marine debris problems. Cleanups will be scheduled throughout September and October. Red Tide Update As of July 20, Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) has reopened large portions of state waters for harvesting, sale, and possession of certain shellfish, but many areas still remain closed. For the latest information about the red tide bloom in Massachusetts, including opening notices, a map of the open areas, and a red tide information page with details about current and planned monitoring and response efforts see the DMF Website. Large portions of federal waters are also closed to shellfish harvesting. Check out the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) New England Red Tide web page for the latest update. In addition, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has posted a public health fact sheet about red tide. CZM Staff & People CZM Welcomes New Coastal Fellow - CZM is pleased to welcome Wesley Shaw as our sixth NOAA Coastal Management Fellow. While at CZM, he will be managing a two-year project—Preparing for the Storm: Modernizing Massachusetts Floodplain Management through Strategic Planning, Regulatory Revision, and Land Use Reform. The goal of this project is to support the development and implementation of planning, policy, regulatory, and technical assistance tools to improve the Commonwealth's coastal floodplain management. Wes received his master's in Marine Resource Management from Oregon State University. Wetlands Restoration Planner - CZM's Wetlands Restoration Program (WRP) welcomes Beth Suedmeyer as a Wetlands Restoration Planner. Beth will transition into the planner position from her current job as CZM's Invasive Species Specialist, where she coordinates CZM's Aquatic Invasive Species Management efforts, including WRP's Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Project—a role she will continue in her new position. Beth brings with her a solid set of skills and experience that are needed to effectively fill the broad duties of the position. Grants/Funding Opportunities Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grants Program - The Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grants Program (CPR) funds municipal projects that address (1) nonpoint source pollution from paved surfaces (public roadways, highways, bridges, or parking lots) or (2) sanitary waste from boats (waste from mobile or fixed facilities that pump or receive sewage from marine sanitation devices installed on vessels). Municipalities within the greater Massachusetts Coastal Watershed are eligible to apply. All applicants are subject to the Commonwealth Capital (ComCap) criteria. Applications are due September 15. Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Grants Program - The Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Grants Program (Coastal NPS) funds a wider array of nonpoint source management efforts, including watershed- or subwatershed-scale NPS assessments, development of local planning tools, public education and outreach, design and/or implementation of Smart Growth and Low-Impact Development strategies for NPS control, and efforts to eliminate or manage pollution from septic systems and publicly owned marinas. Municipalities within the greater Massachusetts Coastal Watershed, as well as other public entities and private nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. Applications are due September 15. Drinking Water Supply Protection Grants - The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is seeking proposals for the 2007 Drinking Water Supply Protection Grant Program, which provides funding to public water systems and municipalities for land acquisitions that protect public drinking water supplies and drinking water quality. The maximum grant award for a single project is $500,000. To view the Request for Responses (RFR), go to the Comm-Pass website and search for document number "BRP 2006-06." Proposals are due by September 15. Low Impact Development Subdivision Demonstration Project - The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is seeking a contractor to partner with the agency in its efforts to demonstrate and monitor the benefits of using LID principles as the basis of design for a residential or mixed-use subdivision. Up to $90,000 is available to demonstrate the benefits of LID techniques—those that maximize groundwater recharge, minimize impervious surfaces and site runoff, and preserve natural vegetation and open space. The LID subdivision must be located within the Ipswich River watershed and be expected to have construction substantially completed by June 30, 2007. To view the RFR, visit the Comm-Pass website, click on "search for solicitations," and search for document number "DCR 211." Proposals are due by August 14 at noon. Call Sara Cohen at 617-626-1374 with questions. Environmental Trust Grants - The Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) is seeking proposals for its Unrestricted General Grants Program. MET's mission is to develop, coordinate, and fund projects that encourage cooperative efforts to raise environmental awareness and/or enable innovative approaches that can restore, protect, and improve water and water-related resources of the Commonwealth. Most proposals must fall into one of two programmatic funding categories—Water's Role in Ecosystem Health or Human Health and the Environment. Eligible applicants are primarily nonprofit organizations, schools and institutions for higher education, and cities and towns. For more information, email Robbin Peach. Letters of Inquiry must be submitted by October 1. Assessment and Watershed Protection Program Grants - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking proposals for the FY 2006 Assessment and Watershed Protection Program Grants to develop effective and comprehensive programs for watershed protection, restoration, and management. Eligible grant recipients include states and local governments, public or private non-profit, non-governmental institutions, and individuals. Proposals are due by August 15. NOAA Community-Based Restoration Program - NOAA's Community-based Restoration Program provides funds to establish national and regional partnerships for up to 3 years that provide sub-awards for individual, grass-roots restoration projects to restore fish habitat. Applications are due by September 25. NOAA Marine Debris Grants - NOAA's Marine Debris Program (MDP) grant initiative will provide funding for locally-driven marine debris prevention and removal projects. These community-based projects will benefit coastal habitat such as wetlands and coral reefs, along with waterways, fisheries, and marine mammals and sea turtles. Projects funded through the MDP grants initiative should have strong on-the-ground components to remove marine debris and derelict fishing gear as well as strong community education components to help prevent future marine debris accumulation. Proposals are due October 30. Estuary Habitat Restoration Program - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is soliciting proposals for estuary habitat restoration projects. Recommended projects must provide cost-effective ecosystem benefits. Proposals selected for funding will be implemented in accordance with a cost-share agreement with the Corps. This is not a grants program. Proposals are due by August 14. Amelia Peabody Charitable Fund - The Amelia Peabody Charitable Fund's Environment Program supports a variety of projects, including conservation land acquisition and capital projects for organizations. The Fund has a preference for projects in Massachusetts, particularly in the Boston area. For a copy of grant guidelines, call Jo Anne Borek at (617) 855-1413. Proposals are due by October 1. Reminders - The following funding opportunities listed in the last CZ-Mail are still available:
CZM/USGS Seafloor Mapping Initiative - CZM and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) continue the successful cooperative, which started in 2003, to map the seafloor throughout Massachusetts. Results from the most recent work off Eastern Cape Cod are now available as Open File Report 2005-1048 released by the USGS last month. Basic data layers (sea-floor topography, sun-illuminated shaded relief, and backscatter intensity) as well as interpretive layers showing the distributions of surficial sediment and sedimentary environments are presented in GIS format and in figures throughout the report. Grain-size analyses and a gallery of still photographs of the seabed are also included. This data is available online or on DVD. For additional information about this and other CZM/USGS projects, see the USGS project page. Rooftops to Rivers Report - The May 2006 report, Rooftops to Rivers—Green Strategies for Controlling Stormwater and Combined Sewer Overflows, is a policy guide for decision makers looking to implement green strategies, including nine case studies of cities that have successfully used green techniques—including rooftop gardens, porous concrete, and planters that collect rain—all to create a healthier urban environment. USGS National Coastal Program Plan - A Plan for a Comprehensive National Coastal Program, developed by USGS, describes a comprehensive National Coastal Program that responds to critical regional needs while addressing national issues associated with coastal change. The overall goal of this program is to provide the scientific information, knowledge, and tools required to ensure that decisions about land and resource use, management practices, and future development in the coastal zone and adjacent watersheds can be evaluated with a complete understanding of the probable effects on coastal ecosystems. Greener, Healthier Yard Brochure - EPA has released a new on-line brochure entitled Greenscaping: The Easier Way to a Greener, Healthier Yard. For more information, go to EPA's Greenscapes web page. Insecticide Toxicity Indicates Need for Careful Management in Coastal Zone - NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science recently found that pyrethroids, used to control a wide variety of insect pests in agricultural, commercial, and residential settings, are highly toxic to grass shrimp, a keystone coastal species. Larval shrimp were found to be more sensitive to the insecticide than adult shrimp or embryos. Permethrin exposure, even at levels less than 0.05 parts per billion, increased the time to hatch in embryos and decreased the swimming behavior of larvae. The presence of sediment significantly decreased toxicity of permethrin to both adult and larval shrimp. The results of the study were recently published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. For more information, contact Marie.Delorenzo@noaa.gov. Summer Water Use Guide - The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) recently produced Summer Smart Water Use: A Guide to Peak Season Water Demand Management, which provides information on peak water use reduction strategies that have been successfully implemented across the nation and in Massachusetts. Greenscapes Newsletter - The July 2006 Greenscapes e-newsletter is now available online. This issue provides details about water conservation tips, weather notes, and an organic lawn course. The Greenscapes Program is a regional outreach effort sponsored by the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, the Massachusetts Bays Program, and several South Shore municipalities. To subscribe to this newsletter, send a blank email to greenscapes-subscribe@lists.nsrwa.org. Still Available: These CZM publications, listed in the last CZ-Mail, are still available:
Websites
Topsfield Flood Forum - On August 7, the Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA), Eight Towns and the Bay, and Essex County Greenbelt Association are co-sponsoring a forum on the Flood of May 2006. The flood of May 2006 was the highest ever recorded on the Ipswich River, causing two deaths and extensive damage to bridges, roads and property. The four most extreme floods (as well as the lowest flows) on the Ipswich River have all occurred in the last twenty years. This free forum will take place at the Topsfield Town Library from 7-9 p.m. and will feature panelists from USGS, DCR, the Bioengineering Group, Greenbelt, and IRWA. Please pre-register by calling IRWA at 978-887-2313 or email irwainfo@ipswichriver.org. Watershed Block Party - On August 8, the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is hosting a Watershed Block Party from 3-7 p.m. The party is held to raise awareness about estuaries and watersheds by providing information to people about how they can become involved in protecting them. Science Made Public at the WHOI Exhibit Center - During August, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Exhibit Center and Information Office is sponsoring a series of public talks by WHOI scientists and engineers. Designed for a lay audience, this series is a great opportunity to learn more about WHOI science. All talks are Tuesdays at 2:30 pm and are held at the WHOI Exhibit Center Auditorium. Three Upcoming LID Workshops - On September 13, CZM and the Mystic River Watershed Association will hold an LID workshop from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Medford Library. CZM and the Merrimack Valley Planning Council will hold an LID workshop on September 20 in the morning at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill. Finally on October 16, CZM and the Charles River Watershed Association will present LID for Urban Communities. Low Impact Development is a more sustainable land development pattern that combines thoughtful site planning with best management practices to create projects with preserved open space, reduced impervious surfaces, improved stormwater drainage, and site-sensitive landscaping. LID Professional Development Course - On September 18-20, EOEA, CZM, the Massachusetts Riverways Program, and the University of Wisconsin at Madison will sponsor a 2.5-day LID course—Designing Bio/Infiltration Best Management Practices for Stormwater Quality Improvement. Attendees will receive professional development hours (15) or continuing education credits (1.5 CEU). This course, targeted at design engineers, architects, contractors, developers, reviewers, and planning staff, will concentrate on infiltration/biofiltration best management practices available for storm water quality improvement, focusing on porous pavement, rain gardens/bioretention, swales, and trenches. Groups and state employees receive discount rates. Contact Andrea Cooper to obtain group discount. Water Resources Symposium - On October 12-13, the New England Water Works Association (NEWWA) will hold a Water Resources Symposium, entitled Why Water Suppliers Should Care about Stormwater Management, at the University of New Hampshire's Stormwater Center Campus in Durham. The symposium will include a guided tour of the campus, which features a number of stormwater BMPs that are being evaluated for effectiveness. For more information, email NEWWA's Ray Raposa or call (508) 893-7979. Submerged Land Conference - On October 15-20, the 25th Annual International Submerged Lands Management Conference will be held in Red Bank, New Jersey. The conference sessions will focus on the opportunities, challenges and successes facing managers of submerged lands and resources. Session topics include aquaculture, port and marina development issues, ocean resources, coastal hazards, public access, and offshore energy. Docks and Marinas Engineering Conference - The University of Wisconsin-Madison will host Docks and Marinas 2006 on October 16-18 in Madison, Wisconsin. This conference and continuing education course is an opportunity for engineers, architects, designers, planners and others to learn emerging trends in designing, building and maintaining marina and dock facilities. Topics addressed at the conference will include waterfront redevelopment strategies, environmental impacts, regulatory compliance, marina operations, and dock upgrade. National Water Access Forum- On May 9-11, 2007, the Virginia Sea Grant Program is holding Working Waterways & Waterfronts—A National Symposium on Water Access. Local government officials, coastal management planners, legal scholars and boating industry representatives will gather in Norfolk, Virginia to explore solutions to the loss of water access that is hindering recreational boaters, commercial fishermen and water-dependent businesses around the nation's coasts. The conference will bring together experts in many fields to delve into issues that surround the rapid conversion of working waterfronts marinas, boat repair yards, fish piers and charter fishing docks to other uses such as private residential developments and non-water dependant businesses. Reminders - The following calendar items, posted in the last CZ-Mail, are still to come:
Hurricane Season Is Upon Us - Although is has been a fairly slow hurricane season, with only three named storms to date, an active season has been predicted. Keep up with the latest hurricane information, including updated predictions, on the NOAA National Hurricane Center Website. The CZM Hurricane Preparedness Kit has detailed information about hurricanes, past and present, and how to prepare for an approaching storm. Also, the 2002 issue of Coastlines focused on hurricanes and the potential impacts to Massachusetts. Judge Nullifies Massachusetts Oil Spill Law - A federal judge recently sided with the U.S. Department of Justice by invalidating major portions of Massachusetts Oil Spill Act, which regulates oil shipping in Buzzards Bay and includes mandatory tug escorts, local pilots, navigational routes and minimum watch and manning requirements. U.S. District Judge Joseph L. Tauro ruled the state violated federal law because those areas fall under U.S. Coast Guard jurisdiction. He said the state regulations ''are pre-empted, invalid and unconstitutional under the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution.'' The Massachusetts Legislature passed the Oil Spill Act in 2004 in response to a 98,000-gallon oil spill in Buzzards Bay. The U.S. Coast Guard is moving to adopt tug escort requirements for the Northeast, including Buzzards Bay, but critics say the Coast Guard is moving too slowly, and its proposed regulations are less stringent than the state's. Massachusetts Attorney General Tom Reilly was considering an appeal. MassCAP Partnership Provides Assistance to Cities and Towns - The Massachusetts Community Assistance Partnership (MassCAP) is a partnership of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Districts. MassCAP provides technical assistance to communities in the Massachusetts coastal watershed, helping to address natural resource issues by encouraging local involvement and volunteer support. View the program brochure. For more information, contact Marc MacQueen . Stellwagen Seeks Applicants for Advisory Council - The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for conservation and at-large representatives for the sanctuary advisory council. Applicants are chosen based upon their expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying. Download the application package. Applications are due by August 15. Coast Guard Seeks Applicants for Navigation Safety Advisory Council - The U.S. Coast Guard seeks applications for membership on the Navigation Safety Advisory Council (NAVSAC), which provides advice and makes recommendations on a wide range of recreational boating safety issues. Download the application. Applications are due by September 1. EPA Seeks Nominees for Sea Level Rise Advisory Committee - EPA is seeking nominations for membership on the Coastal Elevations and Sea Level Rise Advisory Committee (CESLAC). The Committee provides advice on a study titled Coastal Elevations and Sensitivity to Sea Level Rise to be conducted as part of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP). Submit nominations to Jack Fitzgerald. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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