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CZ-Mail December 2006 Welcome to CZ-Mail, the monthly email newsletter 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 on CZM's website. If you have suggestions for CZ-Mail, would like your name added to the mailing list, or would like your name removed, please email your request to CZ-Mail@state.ma.us. All links on this web page were current and working on the date of publication.
Secretary Golledge Announces CZM Grant Awards Robert W. Gollege Jr., Secretary of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA), recently announced the award of $533,160 in grants to Massachusetts communities and nonprofit organizations for the Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) and the Coastal Nonpoint Source (Coastal NPS) Grant Programs. Recipients of CPR awards include the towns of Dennis, Duxbury, Ipswich, Nantucket, Plymouth, and Yarmouth. Awardees under the Coastal NPS grant program include the city of Medford, the towns of Brewster and Franklin, the Charles River Watershed Association, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, and Salem Sound Coastwatch. Funding will be used to assess and remediate nonpoint source pollution from sources such as stormwater runoff and boat waste discharge that are adversely impacting swimming beaches, shellfish beds, and other coastal resources. Since 1996, approximately $6 million has been awarded to support 129 projects. COASTSWEEP Volunteers Clean Commonwealth Coast On September 16, at Wollaston Beach in Quincy, CZM and the Urban Harbors Institute of UMass Boston (UHI) kicked-off the 19th annual COASTSWEEP—the state-wide annual beach cleanup. Part of the International Coastal Cleanup organized by the Ocean Conservancy, COASTSWEEP cleanups were held through September and October. This year, more than 2,600 volunteers collected over 10 tons of trash from 96 locations—cleaning over 110 miles of Massachusetts coastline. CZM and UHI would like to thank all of the dedicated volunteers that participated in COASTSWEEP 2006. For more information about this year's efforts, see the COASTSWEEP Website. If you are interested in getting involved in future COASTSWEEP cleanups, email coastsweep@umb.edu. Coastal Hazards Commission Update The Coastal Hazards Commission (CHC) working groups are continuing work on the revisions to the draft recommendations in preparation for the next Commission meeting in January 2007. For more information about the Commission, including meeting agendas and summaries, selected presentations, and draft recommendations, see the CHC Website. Grants/Funding Opportunities Volunteer Monitoring Grants - EOEA is seeking applications for Volunteer Monitoring Grants to fund environmental monitoring and assessment efforts in wetlands and water bodies. Grants may be used by nonprofit monitoring groups to monitor water quality and/or water quantity, track changes in populations of introduced species, and assess impacts to wetlands. All monitoring must be performed under a Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) approved Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP). For coastal volunteer groups that currently do not have a QAPP, CZM and MassDEP have developed a General QAPP for coastal monitoring. Questions about this General QAPP should be directed to Todd Callaghan. A General QAPP for non-coastal monitoring is being developed by EOEA and should be available in early 2007. To view the Request for Responses (RFR), visit the Comm-PASS Website and search for document number "RFR ENV 07 POL 07." Proposals are due by December 12. Buzzards Bay Watershed Municipal Minigrant Program - The Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program is seeking proposals from eligible Buzzards Bay watershed communities to protect open space, rare and endangered species habitat, and freshwater and saltwater wetlands; help restore tidally restricted salt marshes; develop designs to remediate stormwater discharges; provide support for mapping stormwater drainage networks; update town parcel data; and address problems in migratory fish passage. To view the RFR, visit the Comm-PASS Website and search for document number "ENV 07 CZM 06." Proposals are due by December 15. Boating Safety Grants - The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking applications from national, nonprofit organizations for grants and cooperative agreements to fund projects that promote recreational boating safety on a national scope. For more information, contact Vickie Hartberger. Proposals are due by January 22, 2007. Clean Water Grants - Through the 2007 Clean Water Grant Program, the BoatUS Foundation is seeking proposals for creative and innovative projects that teach boaters cleaner habits on the water. For 2007, preference will be given to projects aimed at educating boaters about preventing marine debris. Up to $4,000 per grant is available to small, local, nonprofit organizations that conduct educational programs. Proposals are due February 1, 2007. Research and Mentoring Experiences for Teachers - The University of Rhode Island's Office of Marine Programs is seeking applicants for the ARMADA Project—Research and Mentoring Experiences for Teachers. The ARMADA Project provides K-12 teachers an opportunity to actively participate in ocean, polar, and environmental science research as well as peer mentoring. Selected Master Teachers—with five or more years teaching experience—are paired with leading scientists and participate in shipboard, field, or laboratory research with all expenses paid. Research takes place during the summer, although there may be opportunities during the school year. Applications are due by February 5, 2007. Reminders - These funding opportunities listed in the last CZ-Mail are still available:
Habitat Classification Feasibility Study - CZM is seeking proposals from interested parties to perform a habitat classification feasibility study. The objective is to apply four pre-selected habitat classification frameworks to the coastal and ocean environment in northern Massachusetts, display and describe results of each framework, and compare results and the strengths and weaknesses of each habitat classification framework. To view the RFR, visit the Comm-PASS Website and search for document number "ENV 07 CZM 07." Proposals are due by December 28. Coastal Stakeholder Process Contractor - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Ocean Service and the Coastal States Organization (CSO) have begun a process to envision what coastal management might look like in the future and identify specific steps NOAA and the coastal states can implement to continue to promote healthy oceans and coasts. In particular, this visioning process is seeking ideas and input for reauthorization of the Coastal Zone Management Act. CSO is soliciting proposals for a contractor to develop and execute a stakeholder process to inform the future of coastal management. The project will be conducted from January - July 2007. For more information, see "What's New" at http://www.coastalstates.org/. Proposals are due by December 15. Publications LID Case Studies and Guidance - Four new Low Impact Development (LID) case studies and a site design guidance manual are now available on CZM's Coastal Smart Growth Website. The new case studies showcase LID success stories in Tyngsborough, Boston, Cohasset, and Franklin. The Practice of Low Impact Development is a LID site design guidance manual designed to assist local officials and developers seeking to reduce the environmental and economic impacts of typical sprawl development. Coastal No Adverse Impact Handbook - The Association of State Floodplain Managers, with funding and assistance from NOAA's Coastal Services Center, has completed a preliminary Coastal No Adverse Impact Handbook that provides a vision, principles, and tools communities can use to help mitigate the effects of coastal hazards. The Handbook utilizes the No Adverse Impact concept, which holds that the actions of a community or property owner should not adversely impact other people or the coastal resource. The final version, containing photographs and national case studies, will be completed in early 2007. Maine Bay Management Study Report - The Draft Maine Bay Management Report provides the details of a legislatively mandated study that explored and documented potential new and innovative concepts for the management of Maine's embayments. Climate Change Report for the Northeast - Cross Border Indicators of Climate Change over the Past Century: Northeastern United States and Canadian Maritime Region is a publication of the Climate Change Task Force of the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment in cooperation with Environment Canada and Clean Air-Cool Planet. U.S. Population and the Environment Report - The Center for the Environment and Population has released the U.S. National Report on Population and the Environment, which provides an overview of how human population affects America's environment and natural resources. Still Available - This CZM publication, listed in the last CZ-Mail, is still available:
WRP's Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Project - Since 2000, CZM's Wetlands Restoration Program has worked to control purple loosestrife through this project. This new web page provides background information on the invasive, exotic purple loosestrife plant, describes the use of purple loosestrife biocontrol agents (Galerucella sp. beetles) in Massachusetts, summarizes the project activities, and invites interested parties to get involved. Massachusetts Ocean Partnership Fund Website Launched - The Massachusetts Ocean Partnership Fund (MOPF) is an emerging public/private initiative with the goal of improving the health, management, and understanding of marine and coastal resources to ensure thriving ocean ecosystems and their continued capacity to serve vital ecological, economic, recreational, and other public needs. A strategic focus of MOPF is to advance efforts to develop and implement comprehensive ocean management in Massachusetts to achieve sustainable resource use, maintain and enhance economically viable marine industries, and encourage vibrant coastal communities. Share Messages About Ocean Health - NOAA has partnered with the Advertising Council, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Environmental Defense, and Disney Studios to deliver an ocean health message that underscores the cause and effect of human behavior. Featuring scenes and characters from The Little Mermaid, the new public service announcements drive home the message that "life in the oceans depends on you." New Estuarine Research Reserve Website - The National Estuarine Research Reserve Association (NERRA) has launched its new website that includes NERRA's strategic plan, grants and projects, policy statements, Congressional testimony, and budget priorities. This new website also includes links to partners and coastal and ocean organizations, as well as an easy-to-use map providing access all the National Estuarine Research Reserves Websites. Coastal Projects under CZM Review LNG Projects Update - CZM recently submitted comments on the Final Environmental Impact Report/Statement (FEIR/S) for the Northeast Gateway Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project to be located in Massachusetts Bay. A second LNG project, Neptune LNG, also proposed for Massachusetts Bay, is currently under review by CZM staff. Comments are due to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office by December 8. Public Comment Reminders - The following comment opportunity listed in the last CZ-Mail is still open:
Cape Cod Lake and Pond Waterfowl Survey - On December 3, Nature's Circle will lead a section of the annual Cape Cod Lake and Pond Waterfowl Survey at 12 sites, from Sippewissett Marsh to Childs River in Waquoit. Volunteers can expect to see Hooded Mergansers, Ring-necked Ducks, Goldeneyes, Great Blue Herons, Pintails, and many others. The survey starts at 9:00 a.m. at Woodneck Beach in Falmouth. To sign up, email Nature's Circle, or call (508) 564-4331. Ponds In Peril Workshop - On December 5 at the West Barnstable Community Center, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod is sponsoring a free pond stewardship workshop for concerned citizens and freshwater enthusiasts. Boston Harbor Islands Advisory Council Meeting - On December 6, the Boston Harbor Islands Advisory Council will meet at 4:00 p.m. at Northeastern University, Shillman Hall, Room 220, Boston. The Advisory Council makes recommendations to the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership about the development and implementation of a management plan and the operation of the Boston Harbor Islands national park area. For more information, call (617) 223-8667. Greenscapes North Shore Kickoff - On December 7, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m., join Salem Sound Coastwatch, the Ipswich River Watershed Association, the Eight Towns and the Bay Committee, and the Massachusetts Bays Estuary Association at the Danversport Yacht Club for a special event announcing the launch of "Greenscapes North Shore," a new outreach campaign focused on environmentally friendly landscaping. Modeled on the successful program pioneered on the South Shore, Greenscapes North Shore will bring this initiative to a new region. For more information, contact Emily Levin of the Ipswich River Watershed Association, Barbara Warren of Salem Sound Coastwatch, or Peter Phippen of the Eight Towns and the Bay Committee. Learn more about the Greenscapes Program. Cape Cod Natural History Conference—Request for Presentations - Mass Audubon's Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is seeking presentations for the 12th annual Cape Cod Natural History Conference. Presentation topics include professional or personal studies or observations concerning the identification, ecology, behavior, status, or distribution of local plants, animals, or natural communities. The conference will be held on March 17, 2007, at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable. For more information, email Melissa Lowe or call (508) 349-2615. Presentations proposals are due by December 19. Transfer of Development Rights Workshop - On January 18, 2007, the Buzzards Bay Action Committee is conducting a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) workshop. TDR is a regulatory strategy that harnesses private market forces to permanently protected open space by "transferring" development from areas that a community wishes to protect to other areas more suitable for development. Co-sponsored by CZM, EOEA, and the Buzzards Bay National Estuarine Program, this afternoon workshop will introduce TDR concepts, discuss case studies, present new bylaw models, and identify technical assistance and funding resources. Stay tuned to CZM's Calendar page for more details. Coastal Environmental Sensing Networks Conference—Call for Abstracts - On April 12-13, 2007, the University of Massachusetts Boston Center for Coastal Environmental Sensing Networks will hold this two-day conference on extracting, processing, and utilizing information gathered from the coastal environment using sensor networks. The deadline for abstracts is January 31, 2007. For more information, including details about abstract submission, contact Kristin Mallek. LID Conference for Developers and Landscape Architects - In April 2007, CZM and EOEA will hold a state-wide LID conference for developers and landscape architects. Developers of LID residential and commercial projects in Massachusetts and New Hampshire will be featured along with an LID trade show. Stay tuned to CZM's Calendar page for more details, or email Andrea Cooper to be added to the mailing list. Reminders - The following calendar items, posted in the last CZ-Mail, are still to come:
Mass Bays Estuary Association Awarded Blue Ribbon at Earth Night - On November 18 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, the Massachusetts Bays Estuary Association was awarded the blue ribbon for the best exhibit at the 2006 Earth Fair for their Think Again. Think Blue. exhibit. Earth Night is a party to benefit the Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM) and features exhibits from environmental organizations across the state. The 9th annual Earth Night was an ideal opportunity to showcase the Think Blue campaign to more than 700 of the state's business and community leaders. In addition to bringing Stormy (Think Blue's 15-foot inflatable duck mascot) to the party, Think Blue developed two new tools to share its message. The Clean Water Pledge card and "floor talkers" both did a great job of drawing event patrons to the booth and encourage people to pick up after their dogs. Samantha Woods Receives the Stephan Gersh Award - On November 3, the Massachusetts Bays Program (MBP) presented Samantha Woods, Executive Director of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, with the Stephan B. Gersh Volunteer Stewardship Award. The award was presented in recognition of Samantha's passion, long-term dedication, and steadfast commitment to both local environmental issues and efforts, and the overarching goals of the Massachusetts Bays Program. Samantha's tireless work has resulted in significant environmental accomplishments in the North and South Rivers watershed, and she played a central role in making the MBP's nonprofit sister organization, the Massachusetts Bays Estuary Association, a reality after years of planning. NEANS Panel Meeting - On November 16-17 in Portland, Maine, members of the Northeast Aquatic Nuisance Species (NEANS) Panel met and shared highlights from invasive species programs across the region. In addition to updates from state and nonprofit programs, the panel heard a short discussion on the NEANS volunteer monitoring workshop, "Citizens Monitoring for Marine Invasive Species," hosted by the New England Aquarium in October. There was also an update on a NEANS Panel sponsored social marketing workshop, which focused on preventing the freshwater plant species, Hydrilla, from spreading further across the region. The meeting ended with a spotlight on invasive species and their role in infectious disease. EPA and AIA Work Together to Promote Green Buildings - On November 15, regional representatives from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined forces to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that promotes green buildings and sustainable living in New England. The agreement is part of a larger, national initiative between the two organizations to advance the knowledge of green design and to promote sustainable development. The MOU formalizes an existing agreement whereby EPA and AIA are encouraged to work together to share information and expertise to promote green building design. Sustainable Fisheries Leadership Awards - NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is seeking nominations for the 2007 Sustainable Fisheries Leadership Awards. NOAA has established the Sustainable Fisheries Leadership Awards Program to recognize outstanding performances, achievements, and leadership by industries, organizations, and individuals who promote best stewardship practices for the sustainable use of living marine resources and ecosystems, and who have fostered change and inspired a stewardship ethic within their community. Email nominations by January 8, 2007 to nominations@fish4thefuturefoundation.org. Switzer Environmental Fellowship - The Robert & Patricia Switzer Foundation is seeking nominations for Switzer Fellowships, which provide one year of financial academic support and long-term career and professional development for graduate students in New England and California. Nominations are due by January 11, 2007. Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Saugus River - The U.S. Coast Guard is temporarily changing the drawbridge operations for the General Edwards SR1A Bridge, at mile 1.7, across the Saugus River between Lynn and Revere. This change allows the bridge to remain in the closed position from November 1 through April 30, 2007. This action is necessary to facilitate structural maintenance at the bridge. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Boston, MA 02114