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CZ-Mail April 2008 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.
South Shore NDA Application Submitted to EPA The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), through CZM, has recommended that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approve designation of the coastal waters of Scituate, Marshfield, and Cohasset as a vessel No Discharge Area (NDA). The proposed ban on discharge of all boat sewage would also apply in the North and South Rivers and adjacent coastal waters. "This proposed NDA will provide additional protection to a region that prizes it coastal character and resources. These include significant shell-fishing areas, eelgrass beds, anadromous fish runs, and over a dozen coastal recreational beaches," CZM Director Leslie-Ann McGee said. This would be the Commonwealth's ninth NDA, with an ultimate goal of all state waters designated as an NDA by 2010. Related efforts to authorize NDAs are currently under way for Salem Sound, Cape Cod Bay, and Boston Harbor. See EEA's NDA press release (PDF, 46 KB). Susan Snow-Cotter Awards On February 27, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) presented the first annual Susan Snow-Cotter Award for Excellence in Ocean and Coastal Resource Management to Brian Baird, Assistant Secretary for the California Resources Agency, and Kathleen Leyden, Director of Maine's Coastal Zone Management Program. This award is given to one or more individuals who have initiated innovative practices and brought positive change to the management of ocean or coastal resources at either the state or national level. Mr. Baird, current Chair of the Coastal States Organization, was recognized for his 30-year history working on ocean and coastal management in California. Ms. Leyden has worked extensively at the national, regional, and state levels to increase awareness and promote key issues of coastal management. Originally a NOAA excellence award, it was renamed to honor CZM's former director, Susan Snow-Cotter, who was an exceptional leader in improving both policy and management of ocean and coastal resources on the national and state levels, and in the Gulf of Maine region. See the NOAA press release. Salt Marsh Restoration Projects Break Ground on Cape Cod In an active season for CZM's Wetlands Restoration Program (WRP), these two new Cape Cod salt marsh restoration projects are now under construction:
Buzzards Bay Program Awards $104,000 to Local Communities On March 11, EEA Secretary Ian Bowles announced awards of more than $104,000 to assist six cities and towns in their efforts to protect and restore Buzzards Bay. The grants, a combination of state and federal funds, were awarded through CZM's Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program to the city of New Bedford and the towns of Acushnet, Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester. For details about the grant awards, see the Buzzards Bay NEP Funding web page and the EEA press release (PDF, 54 KB). Mastone Appointed to Federal Marine Protected Area Committee In March, Victor Mastone, Director of the Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR) was appointed to NOAA's Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Federal Advisory Committee. The committee is made up of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experience, who represent parties interested in the use of MPAs as a management tool. Vic was selected to represent the cultural resource interests and perspectives on the committee and will serve until 2011. For more information, see the committee's website and the NOAA press release. Grants/Funding Opportunities Coastal Land Conservation RFR to Be Released in April - CZM expects to release a Request for Responses (RFR) for applications for funding under the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP) this month. Response time to CELCP RFRs is often limited, so potential applicants are advised to begin development of potential project applications before the RFR is released. CELCP provides state and local governments with matching funds to purchase significant coastal and estuarine lands, or conservation easements on such lands, that are considered important for their ecological, conservation, recreational, historical, or aesthetic values. Applications will be reviewed and ranked for nomination to NOAA for evaluation and potential Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 CELCP funding. For more information about CELCP, see the CZM's CELCP web page. To be notified when the RFR is released, contact David Janik at david.janik@state.ma.us. CZM anticipates that proposals will be due in late June/early July. §319 Grants - The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is seeking proposals for the §319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Competitive Grants Program. To view the Request for Responses (RFR), go to the Comm-PASS website and search for document number "RFR BRP 2008-01." A public information session will be held at MassDEP's Worcester Office on April 22. For details about past §319 projects, see MassDEP's Website. Proposals are due by June 3. Watershed Education and Training Grants - NOAA's Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Program is seeking proposals for K-12 education projects that promote locally relevant, experiential learning. Projects should provide meaningful watershed educational experiences for students, provide related professional development for teachers, and support regional education and environmental priorities in New England. For details, see Grants.gov or contact shannon.sprague@noaa.gov. Proposals are due by April 16. Marine Debris Research and Technology Grants - NOAA's Marine Debris Program, in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), is seeking proposals for the Marine Debris Research and Technology Grants Program. This program supports projects that improve the understanding of the impacts of marine debris on marine and coastal resources and reduce and prevent marine debris. The program focuses on ports, marinas, and fishing communities; gear technology; and marine debris research and assessment. Priority geographic areas include NOAA's National Marine Sanctuaries. For more information, see the NFWF website. Pre-proposal applications are due by May 5. Reminders - This funding opportunity listed in the last CZ-Mail, is still available:
2008 Boaters' Guide to Tides and Pumpout Facilities - The 2008 Boaters' Guide to Tides and Pumpout Facilities will be available later this spring. The wallet-sized pamphlet, printed on waterproof paper, contains information on the locations of pumpout facilities along the Massachusetts coastline and a June-September tide chart. To reserve a free copy, email your request and mailing address to czm@state.ma.us. Ocean Policy Report Card - In February, the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative released its 2007 U.S. Ocean Policy Report Card (PDF, 316 KB), which assesses the nation's progress in 2007 toward implementing the recommendations of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and the Pew Oceans Commission, as well as the actions described in the Bush Administration's U.S. Ocean Action Plan. The 2007 Report Card concluded that state and regional initiatives have made the most progress of the seven evaluated categories and gave these efforts an "A-." The report specifically discusses ocean policy efforts in Massachusetts, stating: "The State Senate and House have both passed various versions of the Massachusetts Ocean Act, a landmark bill that would create an integrated system for managing the state's coastal waters. The Joint Initiative encourages the state's legislative bodies to maintain the bill's core strengths for more comprehensive planning and authorize the Ocean Act in 2008. Similar leadership in the Northeast Regional Ocean Council is encouraged." MassDEP Stormwater Documents Updated - On January 2, MassDEP revised its stormwater regulations. A summary of the regulatory amendments provides an overview of these updates. Below are links to a number of stormwater documents that are new or have been updated. The Stormwater Report Checklist replaces the old Stormwater Management Form that was included as an appendix to the Notice of Intent (NOI). There is now also a Checklist for Redevelopment Projects. The new Stormwater Handbook includes: Volume 1: Overview of Massachusetts Stormwater Standards; Volume 2: Technical Guide for Compliance with the Massachusetts Stormwater Management Standards; and Volume 3: Documenting Compliance with the Massachusetts Stormwater Management Standards. The old policy and handbooks are still posted on this web page for use on projects that were submitted for approval prior to January 2. Wetlands Protection Act Forms 3 (Notice of Intent) and 5 (Order of Conditions) have been revised to reflect the changes to stormwater management requirements. The Stormwater Standards have been incorporated into the Water Quality Certification regulations, so the Stormwater Report Checklist must be submitted with all Water Quality Certification applications. Finally, Stormwater Standard 2 references the Hydrology Handbook (PDF, 2.6 MB). Stormwater Center Annual Report - The University of New Hampshire (UNH) Stormwater Center 2007 Annual Report is now available. Produced in partnership with the Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET), this publication contains performance data on the ability of stormwater treatment systems to treat water quality and manage water quantity. Indicator Development for Estuaries Manual - EPA has released the Indicator Development for Estuaries manual, organized to provide a logical, stepwise process for developing and implementing regional specific indicators for the estuarine environment. Gulf of Maine Times - The winter/spring 2008 issue of the Gulf of Maine Times is now available online. This issue presents a number of changes to the online edition including: voice clips, extra online-only coverage, and a more user-friendly layout. Articles include: a web-only piece about Cameron Wake, a UNH researcher who is monitoring the changes in New England's climate; a piece on poet and conservationist Marnie Reed Crowell, which features click-on buttons to hear her read her poetry and to see beautiful photographs taken by her collaborator, photographer Ann Flewelling; and the piece, "Growing Seaweed Sustainably," which focuses on a growth industry in the Gulf of Maine. Studies on Climate Change Impacts to Coastal Areas - The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Center for Climate Change and Environmental Forecasting has released two studies on the impacts to transportation in coastal areas resulting from climate change. The studies, Impacts of Climate Change and Variability on Transportation Systems and Infrastructure: Gulf Coast Study and The Potential Impacts of Global Sea Level Rise on Transportation Infrastructure Phase 1-Final Report, examine how short- and long-term changes in climate could affect transportation systems in the central Gulf Coast and eastern United States and how transportation decision-makers could address possible impacts. See the DOT website. Stormwater Wetlands - The Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) has published "The Next Generation of Stormwater Wetlands," the final release in a series of wetlands and watersheds articles that provides information about new stormwater wetlands with improved performance and community acceptance. To download this and other articles in the series, see the CWP website. Greenscapes E-Newsletter - The early spring 2008 issue of the Greenscapes E-Newsletter is now available online with articles about a Lyme disease workshop, the Cape Cod Horticultural Conference, and a few tips about spring yard work. Greenscapes is a multi-partner outreach effort sponsored by the Massachusetts Bays Estuary Association, 31 municipalities, and many other sponsors and supporters. To receive the e-newsletter directly, subscribe online. Marine Protected Area Newsletter - The March 2008 issue of MPA News is now available and features articles on a new MPA Global Database, MPAs and climate change, and other MPA news and notes. Reminders - These CZM publications listed in the last CZ-Mail are still available:
New Gulf of Maine Data Tool - The Gulf of Maine Council's Ecosystem Indicator Partnership (ESIP) has launched the first version of the Indicator Reporting Tool, which uses geospatial data publishing standards to bring together data from Gulfwatch, the Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System, Mussel Watch, and other data sets. Access the new tool and ESIP's current Monitoring Map tool on the ESIP website. TMDL Database - Virginia Polytechnic Institute's Center for Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and Watershed Studies has developed the TMDL Knowledgebase Clearinghouse—an online database to house selected TMDL-related information and documents in one central location. The searchable clearinghouse contains TMDL guidance documents, reviews and summaries of TMDL-related technical and trade literature, and state-by-state summaries of TMDL programs across the nation. State summaries are updated regularly for all 50 states and include the approach and methodology used to develop TMDLs in that state. Global Map of Human Impacts on Marine Ecosystems - A recent study by the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis at the University of California, Santa Barbara, reports that human activities have strongly impacted 40 percent of the world's oceans and have left only about four percent relatively pristine. A map synthesizes 17 different types of human impact on marine ecosystems. Results highlight the greater cumulative impact of human activities on coastal ecosystems. View the map or see the Science journal article. Seafood Facts Website - NOAA's FishWatch website features information about 50 of the most commonly harvested and farmed seafood species that are consumed in the United States. The species-specific pages offer information on population size, annual landings, management goals and milestones, life history and habitat, fishing practices, photos, factoids, and nutritional content. New Low Impact Development Publications Web Page - The Low Impact Development (LID) Center has created an LID publications page on its website to provide easy access to LID manuals, reports, documents, and other information on LID. Expanded Ocean Literacy Website - The National Geographic Society has launched its expanded Environment and Ocean Literacy website, developed to "help students comprehend how and why all life on Earth arises from—and remains dependent on—our precious oceans." Flood Map Changes - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the availability of the Compendium of Flood Map Changes, which provides a listing of changes made to the National Flood Insurance Program maps that went into effect between July 1 and December 31, 2007. EPA Multimedia Portal - EPA has developed a new web multimedia portal as a one-stop location for environmental video, audio/podcasts, and photography. Coastal Projects under CZM Review No Discharge Areas - EEA has requested approval from EPA for a No Discharge Area spanning the coastal waters of Scituate, Cohasset, and Marshfield, as well as the North and South Rivers. Within the NDA, the dumping of all boat sewage, even that which is treated, will be prohibited. The Salem Sound NDA application will be available for public comment until April 15. See the Environmental Monitor notice (PDF, 20 KB) for commenting instructions. The Boston Harbor and Cape Cod Bay NDA applications are anticipated to be available for public comment starting on April 8. Stay tuned to the CZM's What's New page for details. Public Comment Draft Lobster Rules - In April, Massachusetts will host two Atlantic State Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) hearings to gather public comment on the Draft Addendum XII to Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster. The hearings will be held at 6:00 p.m. on April 7 in Gloucester and April 8 in Chatham. For more information, see the hearing notice. Draft MPA Framework - NOAA and the Department of the Interior (DOI) are seeking comments of the Revised Draft Framework for Developing the National System of Marine Protected Areas. For more information, see the mpa.gov website. Submit comments by April 16 to mpa.comments@noaa.gov. Proposed Flood Elevation Determinations for Areas of Falmouth - FEMA has updated the Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) for areas of Falmouth. The BFEs are the basis for the floodplain management measures that a community must adopt to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. The proposed BFEs are available for inspection at Falmouth Town Hall. For more information, contact FEMA's William R. Blanton Jr. at (202) 646-3151. Reminders - The following comment opportunities listed in the last CZ-Mail are still open:
Ocean Policy and Planning Manager - CZM will soon be seeking applications for an Ocean Policy and Planning Manager to provide critical policy, planning, and coordinating functions for CZM and EEA. In addition, the manager will organize and coordinate an inter-agency ocean planning team and will lead CZM's external efforts on ocean management (see CZM's Ocean Management Initiative website). For details, and to view the full job description, stay tuned to the CZM Jobs and Grants page. Marine Spatial Planner - CZM is seeking applications for a Marine Spatial Planner to provide technical support for mapping and data management related to work on CZM's ocean management and planning efforts. The planner will serve on a multi-disciplinary team to assist with ocean management related data acquisition, management, and delivery. CZM Internship Opportunities - CZM is soliciting applications for the following five internships. All internships are unpaid, part-time positions.
Coalition for Buzzards Bay Positions - The Coalition for Buzzards Bay, a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of Buzzards Bay and its watershed, is seeking candidates for three positions—a Citizens Water Quality Monitoring Program Assistant Coordinator, an Advocacy Specialist, and a Development and Finance Assistant. For full job descriptions, including application instructions, see the Coalition's website or contact Tony Williams at williams@savebuzzardsbay.org. Nature Conservancy Marine Program Intern - The Nature Conservancy's (TNC) Massachusetts Chapter is seeking applications for a Marine Program Intern to support TNC's conservation goals for the Marine Program. This is an unpaid, part-time internship from May 15 through September 15. Mass Audubon Seasonal Positions - The Mass Audubon Coastal Waterbird Program is seeking applications for several seasonal positions. See the Mass Audubon website for details. Environmental Education Teachers - The National Environmental Education Development (NEED) Collaborative is hiring four full-time teacher/naturalists for the 2008-2009 school year. NEED is a small residential environmental education school run by three Cape Cod school districts located in Truro. Each fifth grade class from these districts comes to this program for a three- or five-day program. For details, email moodye@dy-regional.k12.ma.us. Marine Science Teachers - The Children's School of Science in Woods Hole is seeking talented and motivated teachers for its summer 2008 session in seashore life, marine biology, entomology, ichthyology, microbial life, and photography. Three and six-week courses meet every weekday for 90 minutes. For more information, email kschwalbe@whrc.org. Calendar StormSmart Coasts Regional Workshops—Save the Dates - In May, CZM will launch its new StormSmart Coasts program with a series of regional workshops. StormSmart Coasts includes technical assistance and legal guidance, regulatory tools, case studies, planning strategies, and an extensive website created to support local efforts to improve the management of coastal floodplains in Massachusetts. The program and the workshops will target municipal officials, including staff and members of Planning Boards, Conservation Commissions, Zoning Boards of Appeals, Departments of Public Works, Building/Engineering Departments, Boards of Health, and emergency management planners. Each workshop will feature specific information and examples on ways that communities can better protect property and people from coastal storms. Nationally recognized legal expert Ed Thomas, Esq. (of the Michael Baker Corporation) will explain how communities can effectively develop plans and/or regulate while minimizing the chances of legal challenges. The workshops will include discussions of hypothetical proposed developments and ways for communities to plan, site, design, condition, and permit public infrastructure and private development in a safe and fiscally responsible manner. These workshops will be held in the South Shore region on May 14, South Coast Region on May 15, the Cape Cod and Islands Region on May 28, and the North Shore Region on May 29. Stay tuned to CZM's Calendar page for more details. To be placed on a list for advance notice, please contact Wes.Shaw@state.ma.us. Low Impact Development Conference and Vendor Exhibit - On May 19, the 2nd Annual Massachusetts Low Impact Development Conference and Vendor Exhibit—Where Are We Today and Are We Ready for Tomorrow?—will be held at the Burlington Marriott. This year's conference will provide the latest information on innovative LID residential and commercial "big box" projects, Best Management Practice (BMP) performance analysis, and the revisions to state and local permitting requirements. The conference will also discuss the future of LID in Massachusetts, including the LID role in climate change adaptation, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and LEED Neighborhood Design (ND), and green solutions (green design and green buildings). Registration will be available soon at www.ebcne.org, or contact Andrea Cooper at andrea.cooper@state.ma.us to be mailed the registration forms. Horseshoe Crab Conference - On April 5, the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary will host a Horseshoe Crab Conference from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. This free conference will feature posters and exhibits and panel discussion and presentations by local experts, including a presentation on the biology of horseshoe crabs by Dr. Daniel Gibson. For details, see the Wellfleet Bay website. Ocean Lecture - On April 6, the Harvard Museum of Natural History will hold a lecture by renowned marine ecologist, Jeremy Jackson, who will discuss the future of the world's oceans. Decades of overfishing, habitat destruction, and ocean warming have left our marine ecosystems and biodiversity in a state of crisis. But with successful management and conservation strategies, Jackson sees hope for renewing the health and sustainability of our oceans. Advance tickets are required and are available at the Harvard Box Office. Shellfisheries Association Annual Meeting - On April 6-10, the National Shellfisheries Association (NSA), an international organization of scientists, management officials, and members of the shellfish industry, is holding its 100th annual meeting in Providence, Rhode Island. For more information, see the NSA website. Stormwater and LID Workshop - On April 9, the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) is holding the free workshop, Stormwater Management and Low Impact Development for North Suburban Communities, in Wakefield. For more information, see the MAPC website. Wetlands 2008—Call for Papers - Wetlands 2008 will be held on September 15-19 in Portland, Oregon. For details and instructions for abstract submission, see the Wetlands 2008 website. The submission deadline is April 11. National Environmental Education Week - April 13-19 is National Environmental Education Week, which promotes understanding and protection of the natural world by actively engaging K-12 students and educators of all subjects in a week of environmental learning and service before Earth Day. As partners in this event, educators have access to environmental education lessons and activities and numerous other resources available at the National Environmental Education Week website. Oceans Alive Lectures - In April, join Woods Hole Sea Grant for its annual free lecture series Oceans Alive: Plain Talk on Current Topics in Marine Science Presented for the General Public. The talks are designed to inform and involve the general public in relevant and timely marine science issues. This year's series will feature the following presentations: April 15 at 7:00 p.m., Right Whale Auto Detection Buoy Network in Cape Cod Bay; April 22 at 7:00 p.m., Achilles' Jaw? The Biomechanics of Fatal Jaw Fractures in Right Whales; and April 29 at 4:00 p.m., Young Scientists Present: Winning Science Fair Projects. All presentations are held in Redfield Auditorium, Water Street, Woods Hole. For more information, contact Sheri DeRosa at sderosa@whoi.edu. Climate Change and Marine Mammal Lecture - On April 16 at 7:30 p.m., the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will present On Thin Ice: Climate Change and Marine Mammals. Signs of global climate change are all around us. Ice-dependent marine mammals in the Arctic are really feeling the heat. A recent report by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) concluded that loss of habitat from melting sea-ice could drive polar bears to extinction within the next century. Seals, whales, walruses, and many other species are also at risk. For more information, contact the Museum at 508-896-3867, Ext. 133. Cape Friendly Landscaping Course - On April 25, the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is hosting the 2008 Cape Friendly Landscaping Course. The full-day course will include sessions on ecological landscaping principles, organic lawn care, and organic vegetable gardening. For details and to register, email Laurie Tompkins at laurie.tompkins@state.ma.us. Marine Invasive Species Monitoring Workshop - On April 29, CZM's Aquatic Invasive Species Program and the Northeast Aquatic Nuisance Species Panel will hold a free marine invasive species monitoring workshop at the New England Aquarium from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Groups that have an interest in incorporating marine invasive species monitoring into their activities this summer or in the future are strongly encouraged to participate. Please RSVP by April 7 to Adrienne Pappal at adrienne.pappal@state.ma.us. The Great Park Pursuit - Once again this spring, as part of a national No Child Left Inside initiative, DCR is challenging children and their families to reconnect with nature and help promote a healthy lifestyle through active outdoor recreation in our state parks. The Great Park Pursuit is a team challenge adventure activity that will bring families to state parks on six Saturdays, beginning May 10 at Borderland State Park in Easton. Participants will enjoy a variety of recreational and nature-based learning activities—hiking, fishing, canoeing, learning about birds of prey, and more. Teams will receive weekly clues about where the next event will be held, and will participate in outdoor recreation challenges, as well as enjoy skill-building and nature-based learning activities. Register, get game rules, and learn more at www.greatparkpursuit.org. LID Summit - On June 23-24, a Low Impact Development Summit will be held in Asheville, North Carolina. This summit will address the planning, policy, and financing aspects of incorporating LID principles at the local level; research findings on the latest technology available in designing, installing, and maintaining the features; and an implementation session presenting case studies on various LID projects. For more information, see the Summit website. Water Quality Monitoring Conference - On May 18-22, the Sixth Annual National Water Quality Monitoring Conference—Monitoring: Key to Understanding Our Waters will be held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. For details, see the monitoring conference website. Coastal Society Conference - The Coastal Society's 21st Biennial International Conference, Coastal Footprints: Minimizing Human Impacts, Maximizing Stewardship, will be held June 29-July 2 in Los Angeles, California. For information, see the Coastal Society Conference website. Summer Field Schools for Adults - Mass Audubon's Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is offering a wide variety of field courses for adults that focus on the unique coastal environment and wildlife of Cape Cod. Field Schools emphasize active outdoor "in-the-field" experiences and are taught by professional naturalists and scientists. For details, see the Wellfleet Bay website. Reminders - The following calendar items, posted in the last CZ-Mail, are still to come:
Gulf of Maine Awards - The Gulf of Maine Council is seeking nominations for its Susan Snow-Cotter Leadership, Longard Volunteer, and Visionary Awards. The Susan Snow-Cotter Leadership Award, presented in memory of former CZM director, Susan Snow-Cotter, to an individual from the Gulf of Maine region that exemplifies outstanding leadership or exceptional mentoring in the Gulf of Maine watershed. The Longard Volunteer Award is given to an outstanding volunteer within the Gulf watershed who has made significant contributions to conserving or managing the Gulf's resources. Finally, the Visionary Awards recognize innovation, creativity, and commitment to protecting the marine environment. Nominations for all awards are due by April 25. National Maritime Security Advisory Committee - The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking individuals who are interested in serving on the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee (NMSAC). NMSAC provides advice and makes recommendations on national maritime security matters to the Secretary of Homeland Security via the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. To receive an application form, email NMSAC@uscg.mil with "NMSAC Application" in the subject line. Applications are due by April 30. Clean Water Act Recognition Award Nominations - EPA is seeking nominations for the 2008 National Clean Water Act Recognition Awards. The awards recognize municipalities and industries for outstanding and innovative technological achievements in wastewater treatment and pollution abatement programs. For more information, see the Recognition Awards web page. Nominations are due by May 30. Rachel Carson Poetry, Essay, and Photography Contest - EPA is inviting submissions for its Second Annual Rachel Carson Sense of Wonder Intergenerational Poetry, Essay, and Photography Contest. Carson is considered to be the founder of the contemporary environmental movement through her landmark book, Silent Spring. For more information, see the EPA contest website. Submissions are due by June 16. Sea Grant Summer Programs - Woods Hole Sea Grant has updated its list of marine or nature-based summer programs available for children that take place throughout the Cape Cod area. EPA Smart Growth Awards - EPA is seeking applications for the 7th annual National Award for Smart Growth Achievement. This award recognizes communities that use the principles of smart growth to create better places. For more information, see the EPA website. Applications are due by April 7. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Boston, MA 02114