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CZ-Mail September 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.
Leslie-Ann McGee Named New CZM Director On August 9, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) Secretary Ian Bowles named Leslie-Ann McGee as the Director of CZM, effective September 20. Leslie-Ann is a fisheries scientist with more than a decade of experience in marine habitat conservation and government relations. She currently heads the Essential Fish Habitat and Marine Protected Areas Program at the New England Fishery Management Council in Newburyport. Prior to that role, she served as Director of Legislation and Policy in the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Environmental Law Enforcement (now Department of Fish and Game), and as Protected Resources and Fisheries Biologist with the National Marine Fisheries Service in Long Beach, California. For more information, see the EOEEA press release (PDF, 44 KB). Welcome aboard, Leslie-Ann! New Aquatic Habitat Restoration Task Force On August 2, EOEEA Secretary Ian Bowles launched the Aquatic Habitat Restoration Task Force, charging the group with evaluating restoration efforts during the last decade, evaluating the status of aquatic habitat restoration today, and recommending a blueprint for the next four years. This was the first of six meetings that will culminate with the submission of a report and recommendations to EOEEA. The Task Force is chaired by CZM's Acting Director, Bruce Carlisle, and includes representatives from: CZM's Wetlands Restoration Program (WRP), the Department of Fish and Game's Riverways Program and Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), Mass Audubon, The Nature Conservancy, American Rivers, the Ipswich River Watershed Association, the Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership, and Coastal America. 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 at Carson Beach in South Boston. Each year, volunteers throughout Massachusetts turn out in large numbers 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 find. This information is used to help reduce future marine debris problems. Cleanups are scheduled all along the coast of the Commonwealth during September and October. For details or to get involved with a cleanup near you, see the COASTSWEEP website. $200,000 Grant Awarded to Sesuit Creek Restoration Project In July, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that the town of Dennis was awarded a $200,000 Open Rivers Initiative Grant for the Sesuit Creek coastal wetland restoration project. CZM's WRP is working with the town and many other partners to help restore more than 60 acres of degraded coastal wetlands, as well as a fish run that is important for several diadromous fish species. The project is expected to be finished by February 2008. Eelgrass Transplanted CZM, in partnership with the City of Gloucester, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and DMF, continued to examine the potential for eelgrass habitat restoration in the Annisquam River. Test plots of eelgrass were planted in five areas of the Annisquam River. Eelgrass planted in Lobster Cove, Goose Cove, outside of Goose Cove, Mill River, and the mouth of the Little River will be periodically monitored to determine the success of these test plots and subsequently guide restoration planning. For details, contact Tony Wilbur at tony.wilbur@state.ma.us. CZM Staff & People Ocean Policy Analyst - At the end of August, CZM said goodbye to Kate Killerlain Morrison. While at CZM, Kate served as Ocean Policy Analyst, working on numerous state and regional ocean management topics. Such efforts included: executing recommendations from the Commonwealth's Ocean Management Task Force; developing and implementing the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment's Five Year Action Plan; and defining and advancing the priorities of the Northeast Regional Ocean Council. Kate is bringing her skills and experiences to the Massachusetts office of The Nature Conservancy where she will serve as their Marine Program Director. CZM wishes Kate the very best and looks forward to working with her in her new capacity. Grants/Funding Opportunities New England Grass Roots Environmental Fund - The New England Grassroots Environmental Fund is seeking proposals for a small grant program to support groups across New England that are working at the grassroots level to solve environmental problems. For more information, see the Fund's website. Proposals are due by September 15. NOAA Funding - NOAA has announced the availability of Fiscal Year 2008 grant funds for a number of NOAA programs, including aquaculture, invasive species, and ocean research. For a full program list and application details, see the Federal Register Notice. Reminders - These funding opportunities listed in the last CZ-Mail are still available:
Quicks Hole Seafloor Mapping Data - The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with NOAA and CZM, have released seafloor imagery and interpretive layers characterizing the surficial seafloor of Quicks Hole—a passage through the Elizabeth Islands, which extend in a chain southwest off Cape Cod. Sea-Floor Character and Surface Processes in the Vicinity of Quicks Hole, Elizabeth Islands, Massachusetts includes acoustic data (multibeam and sidescan sonar) that was collected and processed by NOAA, sediment samples and high-resolution seabed photographs, and an interpretation of the sedimentary environments conducted by the USGS. The report, prepared as part of the cooperative mapping program between CZM and USGS, contains geographic information system (GIS) data, maps, technical explanations of data collection and processing, and a discussion of the seafloor geology and topography of the study area. For additional information, see the CZM-USGS Project website or contact Seth Ackerman at seth.ackerman@state.ma.us. CZM-USGS Seafloor Mapping Data Used as GIS Case Study - Data from the CZM-USGS Seafloor Mapping Project is showcased in Arc Marine: GIS for a Blue Planet, a new reference book that details the ArcMarine Data Model—an evolving database structure that supports spatial data from various aspects of marine research including seafloor mapping, fisheries management, marine mammal tracking, monitoring of shoreline change, and other oceanographic data. Chapter 3, Marine Surveys, features CZM-USGS data from Gloucester to Nahant as a case study for using the ArcMarine database scheme. The online companion to the book features PowerPoint presentations, posters, and downloadable datasets to further explore the capabilities of the data model. See the CZM-USGS Project website for more information about this and other ongoing mapping projects. For details about the case study contact USGS's Brian Andrews at bandrews@usgs.gov. NOAA Report on Nation's Stressed Estuaries - NOAA has released the report, Effects of Nutrient Enrichment in the Nation's Estuaries: A Decade of Change, National Estuarine Eutrophication Assessment Update—an update of a 1999 report that examines eutrophic conditions in 141 U.S. estuaries, and how and why conditions have changed in the last decade. Of the 99 estuaries with adequate data for evaluation, 64 have moderate to high level nutrient related impacts. The report found moderate-to-high level nutrient-related impacts in systems on all coasts, with the Mid-Atlantic region-Cape Cod to Chesapeake Bay-being the most impaired. The report also predicts that conditions in 65 percent of the nation's estuaries will worsen in the next decade, while only 20 percent will improve. Great Marsh Kayakers Guide - The Kayakers Guide to the Great Marsh, an interactive map available from Eight Towns and the Bay, highlights the hundreds of creeks and rivers that traverse the Great Marsh-the largest continuous stretch of salt marsh in New England. The online guide includes photographs of access sites, parking areas, water trails, scenic vistas, and other important features. Stormy Report Archives - Archives of The Stormy Report, the official newsletter of the Think Blue Massachusetts stormwater campaign are now available online. To receive The Stormy Report every three months, email thinkblue@massachusettsbays.org. Riverways eNewsletter - The August issue of Riverways NewsNotes, an eNewsletter from the Massachusetts Riverways Program, is now available online. This publication features a story about restoring herring to the First Herring Brook in Scituate, as well as grant announcements, an event calendar, online resources, and publications. DMF News - The latest issue of DMF News (PDF, 1 MB), the DMF quarterly newsletter, is now available online. This issue features a story about lobster management, as well as public hearing notices, regulatory updates, and a number of other interesting items. Urban Rivers Conference Presentations - The presentations from the New England Urban River's Conference held in Boston in March 2007 are now available online courtesy of the Center for Watershed Protection. Underground Storage Tank Training Guidelines - EPA has released Operator Training Guidelines for State Underground Storage Tank Programs, which establish three distinct classes of underground storage tank operators, describe how and when states will implement the guidelines, and discuss when operators must be trained. States must develop operator training requirements by 2009 and ensure that all operators are trained by 2012. Water Quality Trading Guide - EPA has released the Water Quality Trading Toolkit for Permit Writers to help the regulated community design and implement voluntary water quality trading programs. This new guide will provide stakeholders with detailed guidance on the fundamental concepts of trading that can accelerate water quality improvement and reduce compliance costs. Water quality trading is a voluntary option that regulated point sources can use to meet requirements under the Clean Water Act. New Guidance on Watershed Permitting - EPA has released the new technical guidance, Watershed-Based NPDES Permitting Technical Guidance, to help National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) authorities develop and issue permits that fit into an overall watershed planning and management approach. Reminders - These CZM publications, listed in the last CZ-Mail, are still available:
Innovative Stormwater BMP Inventory - The CICEET Stormwater Center at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and Connecticut Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) have launched an interactive database of innovative New England stormwater approaches, such as Low Impact Development (LID) designs. A lack of applied examples has hindered implementation of innovative stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs). Searchable by state and town, the Innovative Stormwater Management Inventory is a database of New England sites where innovative stormwater BMPs have been implemented. Also, users are welcome to add new BMP examples and provide suggestions for improvement. Use the online submission form. Public Comment EPA Climate Change Documents - EPA is seeking public comments on two draft climate change publications—Land Use Change Effects on Ecological Resources in Three Watersheds: A Synthesis Report, and Effects of Climate Change on Aquatic Invasive Species and Implications for Management and Research. Submit comments by September 10 at http://www.regulations.gov/. NOAA Climate Change Documents - NOAA is seeking public comments on two draft climate change publications—Weather and Climate Extremes in a Changing Climate. Regions of Focus: North America, Hawaii, Caribbean, and U.S. Pacific Islands, and Preliminary Review of Adaptation Options for Climate-Sensitive Ecosystems and Resources. Comments are due by October 5. Instructions provided on each publication's web page. Job Postings CSO Executive Director - The Coastal States Organization (CSO) is seeking applicants for Executive Director. CSO, based in Washington, D.C., represents the interests of the nation's 35 coastal states and territories on issues relating to coastal and ocean programs and policies. Candidates should be able to effectively develop a strategic vision and a consensus among the diverse interests of the states and territories, and advocate for CSO's legislative, regulatory, and policy goals. See the complete position description (PDF, 28 KB). Applications are due by September 21. Calendar Conservation Commission Day - On September 19 at 9:00 a.m., join the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) at the State House for Conservation Commission Day. Conservation-minded organizations and individuals are invited to take part. For details, see the MACC website. CZM Brown Bag Lunch Workshop - On September 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., CZM, in partnership with the Scituate Conservation Commission and Planning Board, is hosting a brown bag lunch workshop to preview two CZM technical assistance products for coastal managers. StormSmart Coasts is a program designed to support local efforts to decrease the danger and expense of coastal storms, and the South Shore Coastal Hazards Characterization Atlas provides detailed hazard information to assist with project review. The target audience for this workshop is municipal conservation and planning staff, Planning Board members, Conservation Commissioners, Board of Health Agents, and other local officials. The workshop will be held at CZM's South Shore Regional Office in Scituate. Please R.S.V.P. to Wes Shaw at wes.shaw@state.ma.us. Maritime Center Family Fun Days - On September 21-23, the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center will host a celebration to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of NOAA. This free event is open to the public and will feature activities and exhibits for all ages. For details, see the event website. Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission Meeting - The Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission will meet at 1:00 p.m. on September 24 in the meeting room at Cape Cod National Seashore Headquarters, Marconi Station, Wellfleet. The meeting is open to the public and interested parties may make oral/written presentations to the Commission. Public Assistance Information Gathering Workshop - On September 26 from 9:00 a.m. to noon, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is holding the workshop Public Assistance: Assessing and Gathering Information. After significant storms, information regarding the extent of damages to public property and infrastructure is critical for determining if the Commonwealth will seek a disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and therefore, whether financial assistance will be available for costs incurred as a result of the storm. For example, after the Patriots Day Northeaster, there was some confusion regarding what information/documentation was needed to submit to MEMA and FEMA to qualify for disaster (public) assistance. This workshop is designed to provide emergency managers, state agency representatives, eligible nonprofit entities, and other state and local officials with background to maximize any FEMA reimbursement. To register, see the MEMA website. Stormwater Conference - On September 27 in Hartford, Connecticut, EPA, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, and the Capitol Region Council of Governments will hold the one day conference Stormwater in the City: Managing Runoff, Improving Water Quality, and Helping Neighborhoods. This conference is designed to educate and inform local decision-makers, planners, engineers, government officials, and citizen advocates about managing stormwater in ways that can improve water quality and the urban environment. For details, see the EPA Urban Rivers website. Southern New England Planning Conference - On October 11-12, the Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island Chapters of the American Planning Association will hold the Southern New England Planning Conference at the Four Points Sheraton in Hyannis. The conference program features sessions on smart growth, clean energy, and green zoning. Submerged Lands Management Conference - On October 29-November 1 the International Submerged Lands Management Conference 2007 will be held in Williamsburg, Virginia. Conference sessions will focus upon the opportunities, successes, and challenges facing managers of submerged lands and resources. Urban Waterfronts Conference - On October 31-November 1 in Boston, the Waterfront Center is holding, Urban Waterfronts 25—the 25th annual international conference on waterfront planning, development, and culture. Connecting Children & Nature - On November 3, Mass Audubon is hosting the full day conference Connecting Children & Nature. Geared towards educators, teachers, school administrators, college and graduate students, social workers, public officials, and parents, the program will address the growing disconnect between children and the outdoors and will demonstrate concrete ways to provide transformative and educational experiences for all children. Estuarine Research Federation Conference - On November 4-8, the 2007 Estuarine Research Federation Conference will be held in Providence, Rhode Island. The focus of the 2007 conference is science and management. Reminders - The following calendar items, posted in the last CZ-Mail, are still to come:
New Stellwagen Foundation - The Friends of Our National Marine Sanctuary has established a nonprofit organization, called Stellwagen Alive, to support the protection, research and education goals of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary encompasses an offshore area over 842 square miles between Cape Cod and Cape Ann, Massachusetts. For more information, see the Stellwagen Alive website. Stormwater Needs Survey - EPA is seeking input from NPDES Stormwater Phase I and II communities and state permitting authorities to better document stormwater capital needs. The Clean Watersheds Needs Survey (CWNS) is a report to Congress (issued every four years) on the capital needs for wastewater, stormwater, and nonpoint sources. This fall, EPA will hold a series of webcasts detailing this effort and encourages all Phase I and II stormwater managers to attend. For more information, see the Needs Survey website. The Impact of Hurricanes on Inland Locations - The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has created a web page to remind residents of the Commonwealth that hurricanes can have significant impacts on inland locations. Check it out on the MEMA website. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Boston, MA 02114