|
|
|
|
Mass.Gov Home Page | |
|
State Agencies | |
|
State A-Z Topic List | |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
CZ-Mail October 2007 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. Additional information about CZM's programs, publications, and other coastal topics can be found on the CZM 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.
CZM Welcomes Leslie-Ann McGee as Director Leslie-Ann McGee began as the Director of CZM on September 20. "I am thrilled to be given this opportunity at CZM," said McGee. "We hold a large responsibility in balancing the public trust for the stewardship of our coastal and ocean resources and the needs of society. I look forward to this challenge and hope that I can do justice to the memory of Susan Snow-Cotter who so gracefully shepherded this process." Leslie-Ann, a fisheries scientist with more than a decade of experience in marine habitat conservation and government relations, comes to CZM from the New England Fishery Management Council where she ran the Essential Fish Habitat and Marine Protected Areas Program. Welcome aboard, Leslie-Ann! State Senate Unanimously Passes Ocean Management Bill On September 27, the Massachusetts state Senate approved an Oceans Management Bill sponsored by Senator Robert O'Leary. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) Secretary Ian Bowles issued this statement following the senate approval: "I congratulate Senate President Murray for her leadership on the critical challenge of oceans management in our state waters, as well as Senators O'Leary, Tarr, and others for their commitment to this issue. Massachusetts has an opportunity to be a national leader in supporting our historic fishing communities while balancing growing interests in our marine resources in a manner that protects our environment. The Senate took an important step in that direction today. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Legislature as this bill continues through the legislative process." The bill, which passed 33-0, now heads to the state House of Representatives. 20 Years of COASTSWEEP! On September 15, CZM Director Leslie-Ann McGee and EOEEA Undersecretary for Environment Philip Griffiths joined local officials, legislators, nonprofit organizations, and business leaders to kick off the 20th COASTSWEEP at Carson Beach in South Boston—along with 80 dedicated volunteers undaunted by the cold and rain! COASTSWEEP, the annual shoreline cleanup in Massachusetts, is part of the International Coastal Cleanup organized by the Ocean Conservancy. More than 100 cleanups are scheduled along the Commonwealth's coast throughout September and October. For details or to get involved with a cleanup near you, see the COASTSWEEP website and the EOEEA press release (PDF, 48 KB). Seafloor Mapping Survey In early September, the CZM-U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) mapping program completed a "ground-truth" sampling survey in Cape Cod Bay. During this survey, sediment samples and high-resolution seafloor photographs and video were acquired at approximately 175 sites. These data, as well as the results from a series of sediment cores, will help further characterize the seafloor and geologic framework of the region. This survey is part of the of the cooperative mapping program between CZM and USGS, which has mapped more than 1,200 square kilometers (463 square miles) of seafloor in coastal Massachusetts since 2003. For details, see the EOEEA press release (PDF, 46 KB). Gulf of Maine Council Grants Awarded in Massachusetts The Gulf of Maine Council has awarded 2007-2008 Action Plan Grants to ten recipients in the Gulf of Maine region, including three Massachusetts organizations who each will receive $10,000: the Association to Preserve Cape Cod for outreach and technical support for a No Discharge Area designation for Cape Cod Bay, Eight Towns and the Bay for the Great Marsh Restoration Plan Outreach Project, and the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program for the Think Blue Massachusetts—Launching the Think Blue Toolbox. For more information, see the Gulf of Maine Council website. Fan Pier Development Breaks Ground On September 26, the Fan Pier project broke ground on the South Boston waterfront—seven years after its initial approval in 2000 as the largest part of the South Boston Municipal Harbor Plan. The project is a mixed-use development with office and commercial space, residential units, a marina, and public amenities including open space, civic/cultural uses, a water transportation facility, and the Institute of Contemporary Art. In the harbor plan approval process, CZM worked with the Boston Redevelopment Authority, the public, and project proponents to protect public trust rights while promoting redevelopment of an historic area of the Boston waterfront. See the 2000 South Boston Municipal Harbor Plan Decision for more information. Grants/Funding Opportunities Gulf of Maine Habitat Restoration Grants - In partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (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 details, go to http://restoration.gulfofmaine.org/. Applications are due by October 26. NOAA/Sea Grant Funding Opportunities - NOAA and the National Sea Grant Office are seeking proposals for two funding opportunities. The Aquatic Invasive Species Research and Outreach Program promotes the discovery and development of information and tools to prevent, monitor, and control aquatic invasive species threatening coastal resources. Pre-proposals are due by October 11. The NOAA Marine Aquaculture Program funds demonstration projects and innovative research to develop environmentally and economically sustainable marine aquaculture in nearshore, open water, and terrestrial environments. Pre-proposals are due by October 18. Land Use and Water Protection Grants - The Trust for Public Land and the Smart Growth Leadership Institute, in partnership with the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators and the River Network, are seeking states interested in developing and showcasing innovative ways to protect drinking water sources through improved coordination among land use and water protection programs. Several states will be selected to receive technical and financial support through this effort. For more information, see http://www.landuseandwater.org/. Reminders - These funding opportunities listed in the last CZ-Mail are still available:
Local Disaster Debris Management Planning Guidance - The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), in conjunction with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), has released Disaster Debris Management Planning: An Introduction for Local Government Officials (PDF, 113 KB), which provides guidance on how to develop local disaster debris management plans and integrate those plans into existing emergency management plans. Water Conservation Guides - The Ipswich River Watershed Association has published two new resources for communities. Water Wise Communities: A Handbook for Municipal Managers in the Ipswich River Watershed identifies the top 20 tools communities can use to protect water supplies, manage stormwater, preserve open space, educate residents, and restore the Ipswich River. The handbook is geared to municipalities in the Ipswich River watershed, but is relevant to communities across Massachusetts. Balancing the Water Budget: Model Financing Mechanisms for Integrated Water Resources Management highlights new ways to help communities pay for municipal water conservation and stormwater management programs. Urban Stormwater Retrofit Practices Manual - The Center for Watershed Protection has released its latest manual in the Urban Subwatershed Restoration Manual Series. Urban Stormwater Retrofit Practices provides more than 400 pages of guidance, covering the basics of retrofits and rapid methods to design and deliver retrofits to meet a range of objectives. TMDL Guidance - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued new technical guidance on using load duration curves in the development of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs). An Approach for Using Load Duration Curves in the Development of TMDLs (PDF, 3.3 MB) gives an overview on this technique, which provides a visual display of the relationship between stream flow and water quality. Urban Stormwater Management Guide - The second edition of Fundamentals of Urban Runoff Management: Technical and Institutional Issues has been published by the North American Lake Management Society with support from EPA. This document replaces the 1994 edition and provides new information regarding changes to stormwater management practices over the last decade. Massachusetts Bays Window - The Summer 2007 issue of Massachusetts Bays Window, the quarterly eNewsletter from the Massachusetts Bays Program (MBP), is now online. This issue features a piece on the rapid assessment survey for invasives species conducted along the Commonwealth's coast in July. To receive future issues, send a blank email to join-env-massbayswindow@listserv.state.ma.us. Surfrider State of the Beach - The 2007 Surfrider Foundation State of the Beach report analyzes the health of beaches and coastal areas across the nation based on several indicators, including water quality, coastal erosion, and access to beach and surfing areas. NRDC Water Quality Report - The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has released its 17th annual beach water quality report, a compilation of data on 3,500 U.S. beaches. Testing the Waters 2007 identifies the best and worst beaches for protecting beachgoers from contaminated water. Pollution at the nation's ocean, lake, and bay beaches resulted in more than 25,000 closing or swimming advisory days last year, 28 percent more than in 2005. The NRDC concluded that coastal beaches are increasingly susceptible to contamination from stormwater runoff, sewage spills, and others sources of pollution, amplified by heavy rainfalls and aging and poorly designed sewage systems. Gulf of Maine Monitor - The latest issue of the Gulf of Maine Monitor (PDF, 2.2 MB) is now available online. Produced by the Coastal Ocean Observing Center at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), the Gulf of Maine Monitor is a quarterly review of observation and analysis in the western Gulf of Maine. This issue highlights coastal productivity, the spring bloom, and UNH's annual Ocean Observing Educator Institute. Report on Contaminated Sediments in Boston Harbor - USGS, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, U.S. Coast Guard, and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has released Processes Influencing the Transport and Fate of Contaminated Sediments in the Coastal Ocean—Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay. Stormwater Conference Presentations - The presentations from StormCon 07, the sixth annual North American Surface Water Quality Conference and Exposition held in Phoenix in August 2007, are now available online courtesy of the UNH Stormwater Center. Websites Innovative Stormwater Technology Database - The University of Massachusetts (UMass) in partnership with CZM, MassDEP, and EPA, has developed an Innovative Stormwater Technology Database to provide technical information on stormwater best management practices (BMPs). The goal is to help Massachusetts conservation commissions, local officials, and others to use these technologies to meet stormwater performance standards and achieve specific water quality and quantity objectives. The database currently focuses on proprietary technologies, but is being expanded to include both conventional and low impact development (LID) BMPs. In addition, an LID needs survey and a Data Entry Survey Tool are currently being drafted. Stay tuned to future editions of CZ-Mail to see how to participate in the survey, or email CZM's Smart Growth Coordinator, Andrea Cooper, at andrea.cooper@state.ma.us. New Massachusetts Watershed-Based Plan - MassDEP has launched a website on its new Massachusetts Watershed-Based Plan (WBP). The WBP has been appended to the Massachusetts Nonpoint Source (NPS) Management Plan and serves as a basic tool for helping to develop strategies and proposals for remediation of impaired waters. MassDEP expects to offer training sessions throughout the winter to demonstrate the many features of the WBP. Watch the WBP website for details. ESIP Monitoring Map - The Ecosystem Indicator Partnership (ESIP) is a the Gulf of Maine Council committee that is developing indicators for the Gulf of Maine and integrating regional data for a new web-based reporting system for marine ecosystem monitoring. ESIP has released a new version of the ESIP Monitoring Map, an interactive tool to consolidate information on monitoring in the Gulf of Maine. Online LID Resources - The Environmental Business Council of New England (EBCNE) has developed a Low Impact Development Resources web page to promote these techniques in New England. If you have any additional links to add, contact EBCNE's Jennifer Freeling at jfreeling@ebcne.org. Wastewater Resources for Small Communities - In September, EPA launched a new website to help small communities achieve and maintain sustainable wastewater services. This new site provides information about grants, funding resources, technical assistance, and training. A variety of tools are also provided to help small communities plan, design, build, and maintain their wastewater infrastructure. See the Wastewater in Small Communities website. Marine Photobank - The Marine Photobank is a leading visual resource that encourages people from all over the planet to collect, share, and download marine photos, images, and graphics that shed light on how humans have affected life in the ocean. These images are available at no cost for non-commercial purposes as well as for media use. Parking Lots and Stormwater - The University of Connecticut's Planning for Stormwater website provides an overview of the stormwater impacts and design considerations for paved parking areas. Parking lots are typically designed to collect and concentrate large areas of stormwater runoff—but design changes can reduce stormwater impacts to water resources. Public Comment FEMA National Response Framework - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is accepting comments on the revised National Response Plan now known as the National Response Framework (NRF). The NRF was drafted to build on the current National Response Plan; incorporate lessons learned from recent disasters; and articulate the roles of the state, tribal, and local jurisdictions and the private sector to guide a successful response to natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Submit comments by October 11 at http://www.regulations.gov. NOAA Climate Change Documents - NOAA is seeking public comments on two draft climate change publications. The first is The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, Land Resources, Water Resources, and Biodiversity. Comments are due by October 26. The second is Uses and Limitations of Observations, Data, Forecasts, and other Projections in Decision Support for Selected Sectors and Regions. Comments are due by November 8. Instructions for commenting are provided on each publication's web page. Reminders - The following comment opportunities listed in the last CZ-Mail are still open:
South Cape Beach Walk - On October 5 from 9-11 a.m., the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve will hold a walk along South Cape Beach and the area's salt marsh. Join stewardship intern, Andrew Tweel, who will share his knowledge and love of salt marshes as he details efforts to restore the marsh at South Cape. Bring water and binoculars, and be prepared to walk on soft sand and wet surfaces. Connect Kids to Nature at the Cape Cod National Seashore - Beginning on October 11, the Cape Cod National Seashore is holding a series of free programs for educators, youth group leaders, parents, and caregivers to develop strategies for engaging youngsters in nature exploration. Many of the programs will be for families, and will include outdoor skills. For details, see the program press release. Boston Harbor Educators Conference - On October 13, the Massachusetts Marine Educators will hold the annual Boston Harbor Educators Conference at UMass Boston. The day-long conference will feature hands-on workshops and a whale watching field trip. For more information, see the conference brochure (PDF, 130 KB), or contact Anne Smrcina at anne.smrcina@noaa.gov. Land Conservation Conference—Call for Proposals - On March 29, 2008, The Trustees of Reservations, the Putnam Conservation Institute, and the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition will hold the 18th Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference in Worcester. This annual, day-long event provides land trust board members, staff, volunteers, and municipal commission members with information, skills, and connections for effective land conservation. Submit workshop proposals to Miriam Scagnetti at mscagnetti@ttor.org by October 15. Smart Growth Symposium - On October 18 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., the Northeast Association of Realtors, in conjunction with UMass Lowell, is holding a Smart Growth Symposium at UMass Lowell's Cumnock Hall. For details, see the symposium website. Natural Hazard Mitigation Training - This fall, MEMA and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will hold two Natural Hazard Mitigation Training Opportunities at the MEMA Headquarters in Framingham. On October 23, a Project Development Workshop will be held to help local communities develop solid, cost-effective, fundable natural hazard mitigation projects and grant applications. On November 15, a Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) Workshop will be held to introduce users to the various modules in FEMA's Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) software package. Hazard mitigation grant applicants must use FEMA-approved methodologies and software to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of their proposed mitigation projects. To register, see the MEMA website. For more information, contact Scott Macleod at (508) 820-1445. Green Communities Speaker Series - Join the South Coastal Watershed Network for a fall lecture program. On October 23, Brad Chase from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries will discuss anadromous fish, and on November 13, Judy Pederson from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Sea Grant Program will talk about marine invasive species. All lectures are held from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at the South Shore Natural Science Center in Norwell. Please R.S.V.P. to Sara Grady at sara@nsrwa.org. For details, see the network's website. Coastal Society Conference-Call for Papers - The Coastal Society's 21st Biennial International Conference, Coastal Footprints: Minimizing Human Impacts, Maximizing Stewardship, will be held June 29-July 2, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. For information on submitting abstracts for papers, posters, or 3-4 person Panel Sessions, see the Coastal Society Conference website. Abstracts are due October 23. Environmentally Preferable Products Vendor Fair - On October 30, the Environmentally Preferable Products Vendor Fair and Conference will be held at the DCU Center in Worcester. This year's event will be loaded with exhibits on innovative and cost-saving technologies and products and include an exciting slate of practical and informative workshops. Registration, meals, and parking are free for personnel from the public sector, higher education, and related non-profits. Water Quality Standards Academy - Beginning November 26 in Arlington, Virginia, EPA will offer the Water Quality Standards Academy—a five-day training course for people with less than six months experience in Water Quality Standards. This basic course introduces all aspects of the water quality standards program, including interpretation and application of water quality standards regulations, understanding policies and program guidance, and developing water quality criteria. For details, or to pre-apply online, see the Water Quality Standards Academy website. Mapping Massachusetts Communities Workshop - On both December 6 and 7, New Urban Research is holding a one-day GIS workshop in Waltham. Mapping Massachusetts Communities Workshop: An Introduction to GIS and Community Analysis is a beginner-level class for anyone interested in mapping their community. Using ArcGIS 9.2, participants will learn to create thematic maps of their own data, and display spatial trends in information. Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference—Call for Papers - On May 19-21, 2008, the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC), in partnership with its member states, will hold the 19th Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference, Progress Through Partnerships: Collaborating to Protect Our Watersheds, in Mystic, Connecticut. Submissions for projects, oral presentations, or posters are due by November 30. For details see the conference website. Reminders - The following calendar items, posted in the last CZ-Mail, are still to come:
Sea Grant/NMFS Joint Fellowships - Woods Hole Sea Grant is seeking applicants for the Population Dynamics and Marine Resource Economics Graduate Fellowship, which is designed to help Sea Grant fulfill its broad educational responsibilities and strengthen the collaboration between Sea Grant and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The Fisheries Fellowship is available to U.S. citizens enrolled in Ph.D. degree programs in the United States and its territories. Applications are due by January 25, 2008. Marine Policy Fellowships - Wood Hole Sea Grant is accepting applications for the 2009 Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program. This one-year program is open to any student, regardless of citizenship, who is enrolled in a graduate or professional program in a marine or aquatic-related field at a U.S.-accredited institution of higher education. The program, sponsored by the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program, matches highly qualified graduate students with "hosts" in the legislative and executive branches of government located in the Washington, DC area, for a one year paid fellowship. Applications are due by February 29, 2008. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Boston, MA 02114