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CZ-Mail September 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.
Robert Golledge New Environmental Affairs Secretary On August 16, Governor Mitt Romney appointed Robert W. Golledge, Jr. as the new Secretary of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA). For the past three years, Golledge has been the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). "Bob Golledge loves the environment and has dedicated his professional life to the protection of our natural resources," said Governor Romney. "He will continue to advocate for strong, sensible environmental management in his new post as secretary." Golledge replaces Stephen R. Pritchard, who is now managing the "stem to stern" safety review of the Central Artery/Tunnel project for Governor Romney. Secretary since August 2005, Pritchard focused on ocean management, public/private partnerships for state parks, wetlands restoration, and coastal hazards-kicking off the ambitious Coastal Hazards Commission in February. Arleen O'Donnell, a 17-year veteran at DEP, has been named Acting DEP Commissioner. CZM wishes the best to Steve, Bob, and Arleen in their new roles. Coastal Hazards Commission Draft Recommendations Available for Comment The Draft Recommendations from the Coastal Hazards Commission are available for public comment until September 15. Commission chair, Susan Snow-Cotter strongly encourages interested parties to use this opportunity to weigh in on these draft recommendations. See the Commission's Website for the latest information about the Commission, including meeting agendas, summaries, and selected presentations. The next Commission meeting will be held on September 11. 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. Coastal Waters of Plymouth, Duxbury, and Kingston Now an NDA On August 23, CZM Director Susan Snow-Cotter, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Deputy Administrator Ira Leighton along with U.S. Congressman William Delahunt, and State Representatives Thomas O'Brien and Vinny deMacedo celebrated the designation of the Plymouth, Duxbury, and Kingston coastal waters as a No Discharge Area (NDA) prohibiting the discharge of all boat sewage. Boat sewage can contain pathogens, nutrients, and chemical products, which can negatively affect aquatic life or degrade water quality. The total area of the new NDA is 63 square miles—the second largest in the Commonwealth. "This is great example of town, state, and federal agencies working together to ensure further protection of our coast," said Snow-Cotter. "I am pleased with this accomplishment and I look forward to expanding these efforts to other areas in the future." For more information about NDAs, including a list of coastal pumpout facilities, see CZM's NDA web page.. CZM Staff & People Dredging Coordinator - In early August, CZM welcomed Robert Boeri as the new Dredging Coordinator to assist in the planning and review of dredging projects and programmatic dredging/dredged material management planning. A graduate of UMass-Amherst with a degree in fisheries biology, Bob has a considerable background in environmental lab testing specializing in toxicity studies. Communications Director - She's back! CZM welcomes back former Director of Communications, Anne Donovan. Only back for a few days, she is already deeply immersed in writing the coastal section of the Commonwealth's State of the Environment Report, due out by the end of the year. It is great to have you back Anne! Coastal Nonpoint Grants Coordinator - In August, Marilyn McCrory, CZM's Nonpoint Source Grants Program Coordinator, left CZM to take a full-time position with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). In her short time at CZM, Marilyn made significant improvements to both the Coastal Pollution Remediation and Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Grant Programs. CZM wishes Marilyn the best in her new role. Mass Bays Program Welcomes New Staff - The Massachusetts Bays Program (MBP) welcomes two new staff members. Jo Ann Muramoto is the new Cape Cod Regional Coordinator, based with new regional partner, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod. Jo Ann has a Ph.D. in geological sciences and has extensive experience on the Cape with stormwater, wetlands, wastewater, and numerous other coastal issues. Sara Grady is the new South Shore Regional Coordinator based out of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association. Sara has a Ph.D. in biology and has been working on marine and coastal projects in southeastern Massachusetts for nearly a decade. Sara and Jo Ann, and all of our regional coordinators, are available to help coastal communities preserve and protect the Massachusetts Bays and their watersheds. To learn more, including contact information, go to the MBP Website. Grants/Funding Opportunities Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP) - Later this month CZM plans to issue 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. This plan identifies potential "project areas" in coastal communities that may have significant ecological, conservation, recreation, historical, or aesthetic values. Projects that are selected in the national selection process 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. For information about the RFR, see the CZM Jobs and Grants web page. Proposals are likely to be due around the second week of October. Municipal Seawall Repair Grants - DCR is seeking proposals for municipal seawall repair projects that reduce current threats to public safety. Five million dollars is available to fund projects that can be completed by June 30, 2007. Preference will be given to projects that exceed $1 million and include a 50 percent local match. Grant funds may not be used for the building of new seawalls or for other coastal structures such as jetties, groins, piers, or dunes. View the grant announcement, which includes the application package (pages 3-7). Proposals are due by October 6. Keeping Water Local Demonstration Project Funding Available - The Massachusetts Riverways Program is seeking proposals for Keeping Water Local Demonstration Projects. Up to $70,000 is available to fund two projects that present an innovative approach to managing water, wastewater, and stormwater, keeping water local and within a watershed. A bidders' conference will be held September 14 and full applications are due on September 29. EPA Targeted Watershed Grants - Under the Targeted Watersheds Grant Program, EPA has awarded nearly $40 million to 46 watershed organizations since 2003. The focus of this grant cycle is supporting community-based approaches and strengthening local capacity to protect and clean up water resources. Grassroots Environment Grants Available - The New England Grassroots Environment Fund (NEGEF) is a small grants program that provides funding to New England grassroots groups to tackle environmental issues such as environmental health and justice, energy, community gardens, green and open space, water quality and rights, smart growth, and sustainable agriculture. Applications are due by September 15. CICEET Requests Managers Take Land Use Planning Funding Survey - In fall 2006, the Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET) will solicit proposals for projects aimed at developing and/or broadening the application of land use planning tools for improved coastal environmental health. To ensure that this new funding opportunity reflects the primary technology needs of the land use planning community, input is needed from professional or volunteer land use planners. Reminders - The following funding opportunities listed in the last CZ-Mail are still available:
Seafloor Mapping and Habitat Poster - CZM has published a poster to inform coastal managers, educators, and interested public about seafloor mapping techniques and the variety of seafloor habitats within Massachusetts. The poster describes and displays techniques to create high-resolution maps, identifies a number of seafloor habitats found in Massachusetts waters, and features photographs of seafloor habitats and maps of the seafloor along the North Shore of Massachusetts. Order a copy at czm@state.ma.us. Marine Protected Area (MPA) Newsletter - The August 2006 issue of MPA News is now available and includes an article entitled "Protecting the Spawning and Nursery Habitats of Fish: The Use of MPAs to Safeguard Critical Life-History Stages for Marine Life." Greenscapes Newsletter - The August 2006 Greenscapes e-newsletter is now available online. This issue provides details about watering restrictions, weather notes, and UMass Green School information. 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. Economic Development and Smart Growth Report - The new report from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Economic Development and Smart Growth, uses detailed case studies to highlight the connections between smart growth and economic outcomes such as job growth, occupancy rates, tax base, and private investment. Still Available: These CZM publications, listed in the last CZ-Mail, are still available:
South Shore Coastal Hazards Characterization Atlas Online - 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 in areas vulnerable to coastal hazards on the ocean-facing shores. The atlas covers from Hull 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 to more out-of-the-way areas with scenic vistas. 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 nonprofit land conservation organizations, which is available in the Online Locator of Coastal Public Access Sites (Access Locator). Developed in coordination with MassGIS, this website displays maps and site-specific information and is a useful tool for prospective visitors to the Massachusetts coastline. CZM welcomes your comments and suggestions at czm@state.ma.us. GIS Land Cover and Change Maps Now Available for the Northeast - The NOAA Coastal Services Center has developed land cover maps, circa 2001 and 1996, for the Northeast United States. Campaign Aims to Stop Spills at Fuel Docks - The BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is asking boaters and marina operators for help in preventing fuel drips. The "Help Stop the Drops" nationwide clean fueling program partners with more than 600 fuel docks nationwide to provide free clean fueling education kits, materials outlining best fueling practices, and fuel dock signs. To complement the kits, the Foundation has developed a new clean fueling website that provides comprehensive information for boaters and fuel dock staff. Citizen's Guide to Help Rivers and Streams - The Massachusetts Riverways Program has developed the online resource, Citizen's Guide to Everyday Actions that Can Benefit Our Rivers and Streams, which provides useful tips that citizens, businesses, and government can take to restore natural hydrology and use water more responsibly. Public Comment Comments Sought by EPA on 303 (d) Impaired Waters List - EPA is seeking public comment on its decision to partially approve and partially disapprove the 2004 Massachusetts 303(d) list of impaired waters. The list contains those water segments that Massachusetts DEP has identified as impaired, as required under section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act. Specifically, EPA disapproved DEP's decision not to list 90 segments impaired for mercury. When finalized, water bodies on the 303(d) list must have total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) prepared for each of the pollutants impairing the state-designated uses of those water bodies. For more information about EPA's decision and Massachusetts specific information, go to EPA's Website. Comments must be submitted to EPA, at hill.michael@epa.gov, by September 13. Draft EIS for Cape Cod Available for Comment - The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking comments on the Draft Areawide Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Cape Cod Water Resources Restoration Project. The purpose of the project is to restore degraded salt marshes, restore anadromous fish passages, and improve water quality for shellfishing areas. Send comments by September 14 to cecil.currin@ma.usda.gov and include CCWRRP in the subject line. Comment on Ocean Research Priorities - The public comment period is now open for Charting the Course for Ocean Science in the United States: Research Priorities for the Next Decade, a draft document that outlines the national ocean research priorities for the United States for the next 10 years. View the document and submit comments. Comments are due by October 20. Reminders - The following public comment period listed in the last CZ-Mail is still open:
NERR Fellowships - NOAA is seeking applicants for the National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) System Graduate Research Fellowship. 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 FEMA Flood Map Seminar - On September 28, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Flood Map Modernization Program will hold a seminar in Boston. This multiyear initiative is directed at improving and updating the nation's flood hazard identification maps. Water Resources Policy and Watershed Management Course - On Thursdays in September, Tufts University will offer the course "Water Resources Policy and Watershed Management." The course focuses on state-of-the-art techniques in managing and protecting drinking water supplies, rivers, lakes, coastal waters, and wetlands, and includes sections on Smart Growth and Low Impact Development (LID) techniques. Ecosystem Based Management Symposium - On October 19-20, the Roger Williams University School of Law, Rhode Island Sea Grant, and the University of Rhode Island will host "The Evolution of Ecosystem Based Management: From Theory to Practice" symposium in Bristol, RI. The two-day symposium will analyze challenges and successes of ecosystem based management related to the use and protection of the marine environment. Coastal GeoTools Conference—Call for Abstracts - The Coastal GeoTools Conference will be held on March 6-8 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The 2007 conference will highlight the integration of geospatial tools and methodologies with coastal resource management. Reminders - The following calendar items, posted in the last CZ-Mail, are still to come:
Think Blue! - The Think Blue Coalition is a partnership of organizations dedicated to developing and implementing the Think Again. Think Blue. stormwater outreach campaign. Since 2004 the Coalition has helped to develop the campaign's image, messages, and eye-catching ads (as seen on the MBTA this summer). Help shape the future of Think Blue by joining the Coalition—your input ensures an effective campaign. The next meeting is October 4 at noon in Boston (bring a brown bag lunch, and we'll provide drinks and dessert). For more information, email Peter Hanlon or call (617) 626-1230. Check out the "The Stormy Report" for an update on Think Blue's inaugural summer and upcoming events. Groton Adopts LID Bylaw - In April, the town of Groton voted unanimously at town meeting to adopt the Stormwater Management/LID bylaw. The new bylaw replaces the Erosion and Sediment Control bylaw adopted in 1998. Although the bylaw is now "in operation," the Groton Planning Department is working with NRCS on drafting associated regulations. For more information, contact the town of Groton Planning Administrator Michelle Collette. Drawbridge Operation Regulations: Charles River - The U.S. Coast Guard is temporarily changing the drawbridge operation regulations that govern the Craigie Bridge across the Charles River—adjacent to Leverett Circle, near the Boston Museum of Science. This temporary rule, in effect until September 30, requires the Craigie Bridge to open on signal on the half-hour only between noon and 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and it also extends the rush hour closed periods normally in effect Monday through Friday by one-hour. This temporary final rule is necessary to enhance public safety by alleviating vehicular traffic delays caused by the Central Artery Connecter tunnel closure. Boston Harbor Maintenance Dredging - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District announces its decision to maintenance dredge the following Federal navigation channels in Boston Harbor: the Main Ship Channel upstream of Spectacle Island to the Inner Confluence, the upper Reserved Channel, the approach to the Navy Dry Dock, a portion of the Mystic River, and a portion of the Chelsea River. For further information contact: Michael Keegan at (978) 318-8087. First Siting of Dungeness Crab in Atlantic Confirmed - The first siting of a Dungeness crab in the Atlantic Ocean has been confirmed by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sea Grant College Program and the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center. The crab, common on North America's west coast, was caught off the coast of Gloucester in late July. The size of the crab suggests it most likely is not a new invasive species, but rather originated at a seafood market or escaped during the transport of seafood. "The capture of the Dungeness crab in Massachusetts waters underscores our concern for not releasing any seafood into natural waters," says Judy Pederson, MIT Sea Grant's manager for coastal resources and an expert on marine invasive species. For more information about the hazards of dumping seafood and about marine bioinvasions, please see MIT's Website. Hurricane Season Is Upon Us - Although is has been a fairly slow hurricane season, with only six 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. Red Tide Update - As of August 11, 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 and a map of the open areas, see the DMF Website. Large portions of federal waters are also closed to shellfish harvesting. For the latest update, stay tuned to NOAA's New England Red Tide web page. In addition, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has posted a public health fact sheet about red tide. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Boston, MA 02114