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CZ-Mail All links on this web page were current and working on the date of publication.
CZM Program Evaluation a Success From February 5-9, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) conducted its regular review of the Massachusetts coastal program. Throughout the week, CZM hosted a team of three reviewers (two from OCRM and one from the Florida coastal program), highlighting CZM's programs and partners, and successes over the last three years. The official evaluation findings were finalized on June 1, concluding that Massachusetts is successfully implementing and enforcing the program. The evaluation report includes an overview of the program, key accomplishments over the last few years, and several suggested recommendations. These suggestions were for CZM to continue its strategic approach to reviewing and updating enforceable policies and its Program Plan; continue involvement with the Coastal Hazards Commission, and in the implementation of its recommendations, consider the feasibility of adding a coastal hazards coordinator to the staff; and fill the Boston Harbor Regional Coordinator position as soon as possible. See the Final Evaluation Findings (PDF, 547 KB) for the full report. CHC Final Report Released The Final Report and Recommendations of the Massachusetts Coastal Hazards Commission (CHC) is now available. The CHC was launched in February 2006 to consider coastal hazards including erosion, flooding, and sea-level rise that threaten coastal development and communities, with a goal to review existing coastal hazards practices and policies, identify data and information gaps, and prepare a report with recommendations to the Legislature. With more than 1,500 miles of diverse coastline in the Commonwealth, the CHC faced many diverse and important issues related to coastal hazards. This final report includes 29 recommendations and potential implementation plans. To view the report and additional information about the CHC process, see the CHC website. To obtain a hard copy of the report, contact Julia Knisel at julia.knisel@state.ma.us. State Ocean Management Legislation Moves Forward On June 24, the proposed ocean management bill, S-529, was favorably reported out of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture. The proposed legislation allows for more proactive management of Massachusetts ocean resources and would authorize the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (in coordination with state agencies and stakeholders) to create an ocean management plan for state waters. The bill will now be sent to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means where it will remain until it is brought up for discussion and vote on the Senate floor. Hingham Names Crew Shell for Susan Snow-Cotter On June 10, the Hingham High School Rowing Team christened its new 8-person crew shell the Susan Snow-Cotter, in honor of Susan, former CZM Director, who died of Inflammatory Breast Cancer in December 2006. The beautiful, bright-red Vespoli racing shell was donated by Alan Mckim and will be rowed by the girls' varsity crew, coached by Susan's husband, John Cotter. "Of all the tributes to Susan, this is my favorite," said John. "Unlike a statue or plaque that is static, a boat is moving. Boats are one of the few inanimate objects that we name and that have a real personality." For an article on the dedication, see the Hingham Journal, and for more on Susan's life and the tributes to her, see CZM's memorial website. July Is Hurricane Preparedness Month Governor Patrick has declared July to be Massachusetts Hurricane Preparedness Month. The Atlantic Ocean hurricane season began on June 1 and once again an active season is predicted. Updated predictions and the latest hurricane information are available on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Hurricane Center website. To help prepare yourself, see the CZM Hurricane Preparedness Kit. Also, see CZM's 2002 Coastlines magazine for more information on Massachusetts hurricanes and their potential impacts, articles on how to build and rebuild to withstand a storm, and information on a wide range of tools available for reducing risks in hurricane-prone areas. Gulf of Maine Council Visionary Awards In June, the Gulf of Maine Council (GOMC) awarded 2007 Visionary Awards to Susan Jones Moses of Rowley and the Essex County Greenbelt Association. These recognize innovation, creativity, and commitment to protecting the marine environment. Moses, through her professional and personal dedication, has tirelessly promoted the protection and preservation of the coastal watershed environment of the North Shore of Massachusetts. As the Essex County Forum's Circuit Rider, she works with towns throughout the region to promote smart growth, water quality improvements, land acquisition, and habitat protection—ensuring real-world change at the community level. Essex County Greenbelt Association was recognized for their work with local communities, landowners, state agencies and other groups to promote water quality, protect wildlife corridors, and ensure access to high quality outdoor recreational opportunities. Since its founding 46 years ago, Greenbelt has protected more than 12,000 acres throughout the North Shore. See the EOEEA press release. For additional information about the Visionary Awards, see the GOMC website. CPR and Coastal NPS Grant Programs Conclude another Successful Year Nine projects funded by CZM's Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program have been completed. Through the Coastal Pollutant Remediation and Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Grant Programs, CZM provides resources to municipalities for assessing and managing nonpoint sources of pollution—the number one pollution problem in U.S. coastal waters. In FY 2007, more than $500,000 was awarded for projects ranging from the clean up of stormwater pollution to the installation of shoreside boat waste pumpout facilities. Highlights include a nonpoint source pollution assessment of Ipswich's Farley Brook watershed, a major stormwater cleanup at Hall's Corner in Duxbury, and plans for a No Discharge Area designation in Salem Sound. CZM would like to thank all of the grantees for their excellent and timely work. For more information on the grant program, including a complete review of all of this year's projects, see CZM's Coastal Water Quality web page. Yarmouth's Shore Road Salt Marsh Restoration Completed In June, CZM's Wetlands Restoration Program (WRP) helped the Town of Yarmouth complete the Shore Road Salt Marsh Restoration Project—restoring tidal flow to a degraded 4-acre marsh upstream of Lewis Bay on the Nantucket Sound side of Yarmouth. The original 15-inch culvert had collapsed and was blocked, severely restricting tidal flow to the marsh. The restriction caused ponding of freshwater on the marsh surface that killed large patches of native salt marsh vegetation and allowed for the encroachment of the invasive reed Phragmites. During construction, the old culvert was removed and replaced with an 18-inch pipe to greatly increase tidal exchange. The town of Yarmouth sponsored the project, with the majority of funding provided by WRP for design, permitting, and construction. WRP will monitor the site for changes in marsh vegetation and other indicators of restoration progress. Sesuit Creek Restoration Project Moves Forward In June, with financial assistance from WRP, the town of Dennis completed the purchase of a 6-acre wooded conservation property. The property, located in East Dennis, was purchased with $100,000 from a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant awarded to WRP in January. Prior to the purchase, this land had been primed for housing, with existing permits to build seven homes. This acquisition is part WRP's Sesuit Creek coastal wetland restoration project, which will restore more than 60 acres of degraded coastal wetlands, as well as a fish run that is important for several diadromous fish species. Construction is expected to begin this fall. CZM Staff & People Truman Henson Retires - CZM Project Review Coordinator Truman Henson retired in June. Truman served as CZM's Cape and Islands Regional Coordinator from 1996-2005, and for the past two years as Project Review Coordinator. Truman has spent many years in government service. Prior to his positions at CZM, he served as a town of Orleans Police Officer, Harbormaster, and School Committee Chairman. In addition to the many skills and talents that Truman brought to CZM, he was also well known throughout state and federal agencies for his humor, unwavering dedication, and love of golf. Although the staff will miss him, we know he is headed for a great retirement, living in a golf course development in Florida with his wife of 25 years, Gina. They have two (now grown up) children—Truman Jr., who works in a family business in Orleans and Lindsay, who enters aeronautical college in the fall. CZM Coastal Fellow Recognized at ASFPM Conference - In May, Wesley Shaw, CZM's NOAA Coastal Management Fellow, was recognized at the annual national conference of the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) for a document he drafted with nationally recognized attorney Ed Thomas, Esq., summarizing the legal framework of managing coastal floodplains, especially as it pertains to municipal governments. Drafted in a fact sheet format, this information is designed to assist local officials when preparing regulatory tools and plans for effective floodplain management. A draft of the document, Property Rights and Community Liability—The Legal Framework for Managing Watershed Development, is available on the ASFPM website (PDF 156 KB)—the final version will be available later this year as a part of CZM's new StormSmart Coasts program—a component of Wes' Smart Growth in Coastal Floodplains fellowship project. The ASFPM presented the award to recognize pro-active efforts in floodplain management, particularly as it relates to Coastal No Adverse Impact, a cohesive, fair, and legally defensible approach to coastal land management. Grants/Funding Opportunities Conservation Partnership Grants - EOEEA is now seeking proposals for the FY08 Conservation Partnership Grant Program. Grants of up to $60,000 are available to help nonprofit organizations acquire land suitable for conservation or recreation. Final grant awards will be continent upon funding. Two grant workshops will be held on July 25 in Sutton and on July 26 in Boston. To get more information, including the Request for Responses (RFR), see the Comm-PASS website and search for document number "ENV 08 POL 03." Proposals are due by September 20. Funding Available to Study Alternative Erosion Control Methods - In July, the NOAA Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET) will release a Request for Proposals (RFP) to seek proposals to delineate ecosystem tradeoffs and cost/benefit analyses of different erosion control techniques for sheltered shorelines. $1.5 million is available for two or more projects from any coastal state. Given the complicated nature of such projects and the extensive research teams they require, CICEET urges potential applicants to plan proposal development accordingly. This RFP builds on the National Research Council's report Mitigating Shore Erosion along Sheltered Coasts. For more information, see the CICEET website. Proposals will be due in mid-September. Gulf of Maine Habitat Restoration Grants - The Gulf of Maine Council is seeking letters of intent for coastal habitat restoration projects within the Gulf of Maine watershed. In partnership with the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service's Community-based Restoration Program, the Gulf of Maine Council provides grants to further the goal of habitat restoration and to support a strategic approach to marine, coastal, and riverine habitat restoration. For more information, including objectives for habitat restoration in the Gulf of Maine, eligibility requirements, a list of state contacts, and an application form, go to GOMC grants web page . Send letters to jon.kachmar@maine.gov by August 15. Aquaculture Grants - The Northeastern Regional Aquaculture Center (NRAC) is seeking pre-proposals to support commercial aquaculture industry development. Details are available on NRAC's website. Pre-proposals are due by July 6. Estuary Habitat Restoration Funding - On behalf of the Estuary Habitat Restoration Council, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) is seeking proposals for estuary habitat restoration projects. Recommended projects must provide ecosystem benefits, have scientific merit, be technically feasible, and be cost-effective. Proposals selected for funding will be implemented through a cost-share agreement with ACOE. Proposals are due August 20. For more information, see the ACOE Estuary Habitat Restoration web page. Reminders - These funding opportunities listed in the last CZ-Mail are still available:
Coastlines 2007 - CZM has released the 2007 edition of Coastlines, its annual magazine providing in-depth coverage of ocean-related issues. The 2007 edition focuses on Coastal Recreation in Massachusetts. From beach combing to fly fishing, articles offer personal accounts, and tips for getting started. For a printed copy, or to be added to the Coastlines mailing list, please email your request to czm@state.ma.us. Wetlands Restoration Program Update - WRP's June 2007 Update on Massachusetts Wetlands Restoration is now available online. This latest update provides details on recent restoration sites that WRP and partners have helped restore, as well as updates on other projects and planning activities. Tracking Progress of Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol with Beetles - WRP and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have produced a laminated, pocket-size, field identification card for purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) biocontrol beetles (Galerucella spp.). The card provides guidance to volunteer monitors on how to identify and report observations of beetle adults, eggs, and larvae on purple loosestrife. It has been more than 10 years since these biocontrol beetles were first released in Massachusetts to control the invasive wetlands plant purple loosestrife. WRP staff and wetlands experts have seen positive results from the project—declines in purple loosestrife and beetle dispersal from release areas to other purple loosestrife infestations. Those who spend time in wetlands are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the beetles and report any observations to WRP. For more information see the project website. Stellwagen Bank Condition Report - NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary Program has released the first-ever status report evaluating the health of Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, home to one of the richest and most productive marine ecosystems in the nation. The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Condition Report 2007 is an initial summary of the pressures and trends facing sanctuary resources—to be addressed in the upcoming Draft Management Plan for the Sanctuary. To download the report, see NOAA's National Marine Sanctuaries website. EPA National Estuary Coastal Condition Report - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its first National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report, which ranks the condition of ecological resources in the 28 estuaries of EPA's National Estuary Program. This report serves as a foundation for EPA's efforts to protect, manage and restore coastal ecosystems. CICEET Strategic Plan - CICEET's updated strategic plan will direct its work in addressing coastal resource management challenges through 2012. In particular, CICEET will focus on issues at the heart of ecosystem health and coastal community resiliency, including shoreline restoration, land use planning, nonpoint source pollution, harmful algal blooms, nutrient enrichment, and toxic contamination. Working with colleagues around the country, CICEET will develop and demonstrate the most relevant technologies and methods to address these challenges, and help people use them to secure clean water and healthy coastal environments nationwide. View the new Strategic Plan. EPA and ACOE Issue Joint Guidance on Wetlands - EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have issued joint guidance for their field offices to ensure that America's wetlands and other water bodies are protected under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The guidance is issued in response to the U.S. Supreme Court decision handed down on June 19 that federal agencies have no authority under the CWA to regulate any truly isolated, non-navigable, intrastate water body merely because it has a hydrological connection with downstream navigable waters. This interagency guidance is intended to enable the agencies to make clear, consistent, and predictable jurisdictional determinations. For more information, see EPA's Definition of "Waters of the United States" web page. CICEET Progress Reports - CICEET has released the Spring 2007 Progress Reports for its environmental technology development projects. Each project targets a priority challenge faced by natural resource managers in coastal states around the country. These reports detail progress in gathering data, meeting research objectives, reaching out to coastal managers, and soliciting feedback from potential end users. CICEET Technology in Action - Effective strategies to address nutrient pollutants in coastal waters must account for all major sources of nutrients. In many coastal areas, groundwater is a major pathway for pollution transport that, until recently, has been hard to measure. A CICEET-sponsored technology that uses naturally occurring radon as a proxy for groundwater is being used all over the world to help track the flow of groundwater into estuaries and coastal waters. See the online project brief. Right Whale Protection Guide - NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Coast Guard have developed a computer-based, interactive guide and training resource for avoiding North Atlantic right whales ship-strikes. The CD program, A Prudent Mariners Guide to Right Whale Protection provides key educational and support information intended for shipboard operations in areas where North Atlantic right whales may be present. Additionally, the program includes guidelines for compliance with the Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems, including an innovative report generation program. To get a copy of the guide CD, email Kristen.Koyama@noaa.gov. EPA 2006 Report on Annual Beach Closings - In compliance with the BEACH Act of 2000, EPA has posted its latest data about beach closings and advisories for the 2006 swimming season. The majority of beach notification actions reported during the 2006 swimming season were of relatively short duration. Of the 6,786 beach closures reported in 2006, 47 percent were only one or two days long. Since 2000, EPA has provided nearly $62 million in grants to 35 coastal and Great Lakes states and territories. The funds are designed to help improve water monitoring and public information programs that alert beachgoers about beach health. See EPA's 2006 Swimming Season web page. Gulf of Maine Monitor - The latest issue of the Gulf of Maine Monitor (PDF, 1.3 MB) is now available online. Produced by the Coastal Ocean Observing Center at the University of New Hampshire, the Gulf of Maine Monitor is a quarterly review of observation and analysis in the Western Gulf of Maine. This issue reports on data from this past winter with a focus on the warming Gulf of Maine waters, the Great Bay sampling project, and nutrient sampling. Mass Audubon Guidebook - Mass Audubon has updated the guidebook, Shaping the Future of Your Community: A Citizen's Guide to Involvement in Community Planning, Land Protection, and Project Review in Massachusetts. The publication gives citizens the tools for active involvement with implementation and application of community laws, regulations, and policies. Reminders - These CZM publications, listed in the last CZ-Mail, are still available:
Urban River Conference Presentations - The presentations and other items from the Urban Rivers Conference held on March 29 in Boston are now online courtesy of the Center for Watershed Protection. See EPA's Urban Rivers Conference website. NPS Conference Presentations - The Presentations from the 18th Annual NPS Conference held in Newport, Rhode Island in May are now available online. See the NEIWPCC website. Public Comment NOAA 5-Year Research Plan - NOAA is seeking comments on the draft NOAA 5-Year Research Plan. This plan supports the four mission goal areas identified in the NOAA Strategic Plan: ecosystems, climate, weather and water, and commerce and transportation. Submit comments to noaa.review.5year@noaa.gov by July 18. NPDES Permit for Operation of Vessels - EPA is seeking comments and relevant information on the development of a National Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for discharges from the normal operation of vessels. This action is necessary due to a recent court decision that stated that EPA did not have the authority to exclude these discharges from NPDES permitting. In October 2008, these discharges will be prohibited if not covered by a NPDES permit. The court decision potentially implicates all vessels, both commercial and recreational, that have discharges incidental to their normal operation (deck runoff, graywater, etc). Although the decision has been appealed and legislation was filed that will exempt recreational vessels from this permit requirement, EPA needs to move forward with this NPDES permit if the appeal and exemption are not successful. For more information, see the EPA website. Submit comments to ow-docket@epa.gov by August 6. Be sure to reference Docket ID No. OW-2007-0483. National Dredging Policy - EPA's National Dredging Team is seeking comments on the National Dredging Policy and the National Dredging Team's 2003 Action Agenda for Dredged Material Management. For more information, see EPA's National Dredging Team web page. Submit comments to ow-docket@epa.gov by August 6. Be sure to reference Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2007-0357. Country of Origin Labeling of Fish and Shellfish - The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking comments on the interim final rule for mandatory country of origin labeling for fish and shellfish that requires certain retailers and suppliers to notify their customers of the country of origin and the method of production (wild and/or farm-raised) of specified fish and shellfish products. For more information, see the AMS website. Submit comments by August 20 at http://www.regulations.gov. Job Postings Coastal States Stewardship Foundation Project Manager - The Coastal States Stewardship Foundation (CSSF) is seeking applications for a part-time (15-20 hours/week) Project Manager. This is a leadership position with organizational responsibilities to advance the interests of the Foundation in collaboration with the Coastal States Organization (CSO) and the nation's 35 coastal states and territories. The Project Manager works in collaboration with CSO and reports to the CSSF Board of Directors. See the full job announcement (PDF, 85 KB)). Calendar Climate Change Conference - On July 10-12, the Emerging Leaders, Emerging Solutions: Taking Action on Climate Change and Global Warming conference will be held at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, New Jersey. For more information, see the conference website. Swim & Fin OceanFest - On July 28, Salem Sound Coastwatch is holding the 2nd Annual Swim & Fin OceanFest at Forest River Park in Salem. The festival will feature open harbor swimming races for all ages, kayaking activities, music and entertainment, and many other fun-filled activities for kids. For details, see the Swim & Fin website. Submerged Lands Management Conference—Call for Abstracts - From October 29-November 1 the 26th Annual International Submerged Lands Management Conference will be held in Williamsburg, Virginia. For more information, see the 2007 conference website. The abstract submission deadline is August 1. Coastal Land Use and Climate Change Conference - On September 20-21, the University of South Carolina School of Law and the Georgetown University Law Center will host the conference Balancing Private & Public Rights in the Coastal Zone in the Era of Climate Change: The Fifteenth Anniversary of Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council in Columbia, South Carolina. This conference will explore the scientific, policy and legal issues raised by public efforts to promote wise coastal land use in light of global climate change and increased risks of shifting coastlines. See the conference brochure (PDF, 228 KB). Reminders - The following calendar items, posted in the last CZ-Mail, are still to come:
COASTSWEEP 2007 - COASTSWEEP, the state-wide beach cleanup sponsored by CZM and the Urban Harbors Institute of UMass Boston, will kickoff its 20th year on September 15. To commemorate the 20th anniversary, students in grades K-12 are encouraged to learn about marine debris and participate in a poster contest to help design this 2007 promotional materials. Prizes include aquarium tickets, t-shirts, and the grand prize of an REI Outdoor School Voucher good for classes or outings—including kayaking, hiking, biking, and photography. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, July 18. For details or to get involved with the cleanups see the COASTSWEEP website. Marine Bioinvasions Conference - The Fifth International Marine Bioinvasions Conference was held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from May 20-24. More the 30% of the 160 participants were from overseas, leading to extensive exchanges of information on the biology, management, taxonomy, and control of marine invasive species around the globe. Key note talks were given on the mechanisms of how invasive species manage to disperse against unfavorable currents and physical factors, the potential importance of invasive marine viruses, and on how invasions impact marine ecosystems and diversity. See the conference agenda (PDF, 156 KB). For more information on invasive species, visit CZM's Aquatic Invasive Species Program website. Stellwagen Bank Advisory Council - The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for 30 vacant public seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council. Applicants will be chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying. Council members serve terms of two or three years. For more information, contact nathalie.ward@noaa.gov. Applications are due by August 15. Maritime Academy Offers New Degree Program - The Massachusetts Maritime Academy has launched an 18-month Master of Science in Emergency Management Degree Program where graduates will gain the problem-solving capabilities to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and emergencies. To accommodate working professionals, classes will be held on alternate weekends. For details, see the Academy's website. Climate Science for Teachers - On August 6-9, Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute will offer a climate science course for teachers in grades 6-10. For more information, contact Pat Harcourt at pat.harcourt@state.ma.us. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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