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CZ-Mail October 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 at http://www.mass.gov/czm/. 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.
COASTSWEEP Kickoff at Wollaston Beach On September 16, the 2006 COASTSWEEP kickoff was held a Wollaston Beach in Quincy. On a beautiful Saturday morning, CZM's Robin Lacey and Quincy City Councilor, Doug Gutro (organizer of the Wollaston cleanup for the last eight years), welcomed the 50 volunteers who arrived to help out with the cleanup. COASTSWEEP, now in its 19th year, is the statewide coastal cleanup where volunteers turn out in large numbers to remove trash from the shores of the Commonwealth. This effort is also part of an international campaign organized by The Ocean Conservancy in Washington, DC, with cleanups held all over the world. Information collected at each cleanup is used to help reduce future marine debris problems. Coastal Hazards Commission Update The Coastal Hazards Commission (CHC) met on September 11 in Gloucester. The meeting began with a field trip to Rockport to view the issues associated with maintaining a road at Pebble Beach. After the field trip, Margaret Davidson, Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Coastal Services Center, presented a talk on resilient coastal communities. The CHC then discussed public comments regarding the Draft Recommendations, and later debated how to prioritize the recommendations. The next CHC meeting scheduled for October 10 has been postponed until January. This will allow the working groups to address issues raised by the public and strengthen the recommendations. See the Commission's Website for the latest information about the CHC, including meeting agendas, summaries, selected presentations, draft recommendations, and updates to the timeline. CZM Staff Assists with Fall Eelgrass Preservation Effort To take advantage of the planned removal of ˝ acre of eelgrass to make way for a new combined sewer outfall pipe at Pavilion Beach in Gloucester, 80 volunteers, including staff from CZM, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Sea Grant program, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the city of Gloucester harvested 7,000 eelgrass plants from the affected area. This complements an August effort by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), to transplant 8,000 eelgrass shoots from Pavilion Beach to Boston Harbor. Eelgrass, a marine plant, cleans coastal waters, stabilizes shorelines, and provides important habitat to a diversity of species. The harvested eelgrass will be stored over the winter in an experimental raft system and tank at the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center. Next spring, eelgrass that survives the winter in the raft and tank will be transplanted back to the impact area at Pavilion Beach and potential restoration sites in the Annisquam River, ultimately saving this valuable resource that otherwise would be removed from Gloucester Harbor. For more information, contact Tony Wilbur. Boston Harbor Seafloor Mapping Data Published Online CZM and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have published the second in a series of seafloor mapping reports, High-Resolution Geologic Mapping of the Inner Continental Shelf: Boston Harbor and Approaches, Massachusetts. The report was prepared as part of the cooperative mapping program between CZM and USGS, with hydrographic data provided by the NOAA. Available online, the report contains geographic information system (GIS) data, maps, and technical explanations of data collection, processing, and a discussion of the seafloor geology and topography of the study area. The first report, Nahant to Gloucester, was in released in February. Data from two additional areas—Cape Ann to Salisbury Beach and Hull to Duxbury—are currently being processed. Since 2003, this cooperative program has mapped the geology of 897 square kilometers (346 square miles) of the Commonwealth's coastal ocean. For additional information, see the project website or contact Seth Ackerman. Grants/Funding Opportunities Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP) - CZM has issued a Request for Responses (RFR) seeking proposals for coastal and estuarine land acquisition projects consistent with the State's Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation (CELC) Plan. Selected proposals will be forwarded to Congress for consideration for CELCP funding in the Federal Fiscal Year of 2008. For 2007, CZM nominated three projects, two of which made the national list of priority projects. CZM hopes these projects will receive CELCP funding through the ongoing appropriation process. To view the RFR, visit the Comm-PASS Website and search for document number "ENV 07 CZM 05." Applications are due October 13. Boating Safety Grants - The BoatU.S. Foundation is accepting applications for the 2007 Boating Safety Grant Program. Over the past 16 years, the Foundation has given more than $700,000 to small, local nonprofit organizations to promote safe boating. Applications are due November 1. Reminders - The following funding opportunities listed in the last CZ-Mail are still available:
Wetlands Restoration Program Update - CZM's Wetlands Restoration Program (WRP) has posted its September 2006 Update that includes articles about recently completed restoration projects, progress reports for additional project sites, and summaries of other WRP activities. New DCR E-Newsletter - DCR's Greenways and Trails Program has released the first issue of Connections—an electronic newsletter designed to provide updated information about DCR's grants and program, including innovative tools and success stories. In addition, the newsletter will serve as a forum for issues relating to greenways and trails development and management in the Commonwealth. To subscribe, email paul.jahnige@state.ma.us. Gulf of Maine Times - The fall 2006 edition of the Gulf of Maine Times features articles from leading marine environmental researchers and advocates from the region. Read about dam removals and the plight of freshwater mussels, an innovative program in Nova Scotia to save the endangered Blanding's turtle, and a new book on wetland birds. Smart Growth Booklet - Many people want to know what smart growth looks like. This Is Smart Growth, the new publication from the Smart Growth Network, illustrates and explains smart growth concepts and outcomes. This full-color booklet describes how, when done well, development can help create more economic opportunities, build great places where people want to live and visit, preserve the qualities people love about their communities, and protect environmental resources. Wastewater Treatment Energy Conservation Fact Sheet - This new fact sheet from EPA will assist municipal and utility managers and operators in evaluating ways to reduce energy consumption within wastewater treatment plants. Also included is information on ways to produce energy onsite by using solar cells, microturbines, fuel cells, and effective utilization of bio-gas. In addition, several case studies of energy savings at utilities have been documented. Watershed Planning Handbook - EPA's draft Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters was created to help communities, watershed organizations, and local, state, tribal, and federal environmental agencies develop and implement watershed plans to meet water quality standards and protect water resources. EPA's Nonpoint New-Notes - Nonpoint Source News-Notes is an occasional bulletin from EPA dealing with the condition of the water-related environment, the control of nonpoint sources of water pollution (NPS), and the ecosystem-driven management and restoration of watersheds. The September 2006 edition includes a focus on invasive species. Still Available: These CZM publications, listed in the last CZ-Mail, are still available:
MACC Launches Invasive Species Website - The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) has launched a website that provides invasive plant management resources for the Commonwealth's Conservation Commissions. Developed with funding from CZM and the Massachusetts Aquatic Invasive Species Working Group, this site includes details about the identification, ecology, and control of invasive plants, as well as site restoration guidelines, model orders of conditions, and many other technical resources. The website also features an online discussion forum, where conservation agents and commissioners can post questions and discuss invasive plant management issues. Smart Growth Technical Assistance Grant Products Online - The Executive Office of Environmental Affairs' Smart Growth Technical Assistance Grant Program provides funding to communities to assist with land use planning and smart growth efforts. The products of these grants include stormwater and Low Impact Development bylaws, open space residential subdivision bylaws, mixed-use city and town center zoning districts, transit oriented development zoning districts, district improvement financing measures, and right-to-farm bylaws. EPA Webcasts for Watershed Practitioners - EPA´s Watershed Academy sponsors free monthly webcasts for watershed practitioners. On October 11, "Getting Started in Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring" will provide information on how to start a volunteer water quality program, questions to consider, success stories, and where to find the best resources. Webcast registration opens October 4. Public Comment Public Hearing on Proposed Aquaculture Regulations - On October 20, DMF is holding a hearing on the proposed regulations pertaining to marine aquaculture (322 CMR 13.00). The hearing is at Hemispheres (formerly Horizons), 98 Town Neck Road in Sandwich at 11:00 a.m. Go to the DMF Website to download the draft regulations. Submit comments to marine.fish@state.ma.us, by October 27. Draft Framework for Developing the National System of MPAs - NOAA is seeking comments on the Draft Framework for Developing the National System of Marine Protected Areas (MPA). Email comments to mpa.comments@noaa.gov by February 14, 2007. Include ``Draft Framework Comments'' in the subject line. ACOE Nationwide Permits - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) is soliciting comments for the reissuance of the existing nationwide permits (NWPs), general conditions, and definitions. Email comments to david.b.olson@usace.army.mil, identified by docket number COE-2006-0005, by November 27. Reminders - The following public comment opportunities listed in the last CZ-Mail are still open:
NERR Fellowships - NOAA is seeking applicants for National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) System Graduate Research Fellowships. This program provides graduate students with an opportunity to conduct research of local and national significance that focuses on enhancing coastal zone management. Fellows conduct their research within a NERR and gain hands-on experience by participating in their host reserve's research and monitoring programs. The application deadline is November 1. Calendar Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Outreach and Education Meetings - In October, NOAA Fisheries is holding a series of outreach and education meetings related to the Gulf of Maine and Mid-Atlantic components of the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan (HPTRP). Wetlands Workshop - On October 11, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the New England Aquarium are holding the workshop Wetland Matters. This free morning workshop will focus on why wetlands are important and how people engaged in real estate, land planning, and development can help to protect wetlands. Pre-registration is required. Email Jessica Soule, or call (617) 973-6590. Underwater Archaeology in Massachusetts - October is Massachusetts Archaeology Month. In celebration, the Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR) and the Newburyport Maritime Society are co-sponsoring "What Lies Beneath" at the Custom House Maritime Museum, 25 Water Street in Newburyport. On October 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a full-day event is planned that will highlight New England shipwrecks and the technology and methods used by marine archaeologists to locate and investigate shipwrecks and other underwater archaeological sites. The event will also feature multi-media exhibits, equipment displays, a simulated shipwreck excavation for kids (weather permitting) and other activities. In addition, come and learn about the recent archaeological explorations in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. For more information contact the BUAR at (617) 626-1032. Delineating and Permitting Coastal Projects Workshop - On October 27, in Scituate, the Association of Massachusetts Wetland Scientists (AMWS) is holding a full-day coastal project delineation and permitting seminar. This seminar will be project and issue driven, dealing with eelgrass mitigation, shellfish area permitting, sea level rise implications, coastal bank permitting and stabilization, and coastal riverfront jurisdiction and permitting. Smart Growth Talk—Save the Date - On November 1, in Rockland, the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies is holding the seminar Smart Growth is Taking Off in Massachusetts: A Case Study in Southeastern MA. In addition, learn how engineers, planners, and environmental professionals can contribute to the evolving capacity of communities to optimize smart growth principles to support economic vitality, meet growth demands, maintain open space, and prepare for long-term infrastructure needs. CZM's Andrea Cooper will be there to discuss Low Impact Development (LID). For more information contact Steve Bernstein at (781) 884-2527. AMWS Annual Meeting - On November 17, in Ashland, the AMWS will hold the 2007 Annual Meeting—Wildlife Habitat Assessments & the Implementation of the Mass. Endangered Species Act. LID Conference - The Second Annual National Low Impact Development (LID) Conference will be held on March 12-14, 2007, in Wilmington, North Carolina. This workshop will highlight new and continuing work including research, developments, and community adoption of LID throughout the United States. A special emphasis will be placed on coastal applications of LID. Reminders - The following calendar items, posted in the last CZ-Mail, are still to come:
WBNERR Management Plan Approved - NOAA has approved the revised management plan for the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR), whose mission is to improve the stewardship of the region's estuarine and coastal watershed ecosystems. MPA Federal Advisory Committee Request for Nominations - The Department of Commerce (NOAA) is seeking nominations for membership on the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee, which was established to advise the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior on strategies and priorities for developing the national system of MPAs, and on practical approaches to further enhance and expand protection of new and existing MPAs. Nominations are sought for highly qualified non-federal scientists, resource managers, and persons representing other interests or organizations involved with or affected by marine conservation. To view the Committee charter and its current membership go to http://mpa.gov/fac/fac.html. Email nominations to Lauren Wenzel by November 1. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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