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CZ-Mail August 2008 Welcome to CZ-Mail, the monthly electronic newsletter from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). Each issue 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. Please feel free to share CZ-Mail with colleagues and friends—and if you have any suggestions for future editions, 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.
Ocean Planning The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and CZM are actively developing the building blocks for the ocean management planning process, which include filling the legislatively prescribed bodies of the Ocean Advisory Commission (OAC) and the Ocean Science Council (OSC), as well as working on generating the data and materials needed to get these bodies up and running. It is anticipated that the OAC and OSC will be empanelled in August and will begin actively working to advise EEA Secretary Bowles on the development of the ocean management plan. To coordinate these ongoing ocean planning efforts, on August 5, CZM will welcome back former Boston Harbor Regional Coordinator, John Weber as Ocean Services Manager (see CZM Staff & People below). John will be working at EEA as a key member of the ocean planning team. Stay tuned to the CZM website for updates. Boston Harbor and Cape Cod NDAs Approved In July, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the state's proposals to designate the coastal waters of Boston Harbor and Cape Cod Bay, as vessel No Discharge Areas (NDAs). In Boston Harbor, the ban on discharge of all boat sewage applies to the state waters of Winthrop, Chelsea, Everett, Boston, Quincy, Milton, Weymouth, Braintree, Hingham, and Hull. The Boston Harbor NDA also includes the waters of the Charles River in Watertown, Newton, and Cambridge. In Cape Cod Bay, the discharge ban would apply to the bayside coastal waters of Bourne, Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown. The designations are in response to EEA nominations for NDA status. Both applications were prepared by CZM with assistance from Urban Harbors Institute in Boston, and the Association to Preserve Cape Cod and Nantucket Soundkeeper on Cape Cod—all working closely with the communities involved. With these latest designations, more than two-thirds of the Massachusetts coastline is covered by an NDA. For details, see the Boston Federal Register Notice and the Cape Cod Federal Register Notice. Celebration events were held on July 7 in Boston and on July 14 in Dennis to announce these NDA designations. For more on NDA activities along the coast, see CZM's NDA website. CZM Funds Pumpouts on Cape Cod In support of the recently designated Cape Cod Bay NDA, CZM's Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant (CPR) Program funded the design and installation of two shoreside boat waste pumpout facilities—at Sesuit Harbor in Dennis and at McMillan Pier in Provincetown. The Sesuit Harbor pumpout was completed earlier this summer and will provide services to the estimated 290 vessels in the harbor. The Provincetown facility, completed in July, will serve more than 800 vessels. These CPR-funded facilities can handle boat waste from both the recreational and commercial fleet in each harbor and provide a vital service to many fishing, whale watch, and excursion vessels. For a complete list of pumpout facilities along the Massachusetts coast, see the CZM's Massachusetts Pumpout Facilities web page. CZM Presents at 21st Coastal Society Conference CZM staff attended the Coastal Society's 21st Conference held from June 29-July 2 in Los Angeles, California. As a result of CZM's exciting ongoing work, our staff were selected and invited to give seven presentations on the following wide-ranging topics: Massachusetts public trust lands, coastal structures, seafloor mapping, working waterfronts, CZM's StormSmart Coasts Program, and integrated ocean management. The presentations and associated discussion panels were well received and CZM's work on broad coastal issues was noted and appreciated by the conference participants. CZM Nominates Wareham Property for CELCP Funding In July, CZM submitted an application to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to nominate the Great Neck Conservation Partnership Program in Wareham for fiscal year (FY) 2009 federal Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP) funding. CZM worked closely with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and other project partners, including Mass Audubon, the Wareham Land Trust, the town of Wareham, and the Coalition for Buzzards Bay, to help craft the CELCP nomination application. Project partners are seeking $2.3 million in CELCP funding to help purchase a conservation restriction on approximately 95 acres located on the Wareham shoreline. The complete $8.26 million project will lead to the long-term protection of more than 260 acres that have many of the ecological, conservation, recreational, historic, and aesthetic values important to the CELCP. Competition for the limited federal CELCP funds is expected to be strong. For more information, see CZM's CELCP website. Red Tide Bloom Subsides—Some Areas Reopen Over the past month, the red tide bloom has subsided in some portions of the Commonwealth's coast, allowing the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) to reopen a number of areas to shellfishing. For the latest information about the red tide bloom in Massachusetts, including detailed closure maps, go to the DMF website. For additional information on red tide, see the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Red Tide Fact Sheet, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) New England Red Tide Information Center, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Harmful Algae web page. CZM Staff & People Ocean Services Manager - On August 5, CZM will welcome back John Weber as the Ocean Services Manager, filling a critical policy, planning, and coordinating role for the ocean planning efforts of EEA. John has spent the last two years working for the Maine Coastal Program on wind energy and coastal land use issues. He also served as CZM's Boston Harbor Regional Coordinator in 2005-2006, where he played key roles in developing harbor plans for the Charlestown Navy Yard and Fort Point Channel. Welcome back John! Grants/Funding Opportunities FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grants - The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is inviting communities to submit applications for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grants. These competitive grants are available to assist communities with hazard mitigation planning and the implementation of hazard mitigation projects prior to a disaster. The program goals are to reduce overall risks to the population and structures, and reduce the reliance on taxpayer-funded federal assistance for disaster recovery. FEMA mitigation grants cannot be used for maintenance, repair, or projects already in progress. See the full announcement on CZM's StormSmart Coasts Funding page. Applications are due by November 21. NOAA Grant Funds - NOAA has announced the availability of numerous competitive grants and cooperative agreements for FY 2009. This notice replaces the multiple notices that traditionally announce the availability of NOAA's discretionary funds for various programs. For details on each program, including application details, see the Federal Register Notice. Reminders - This funding opportunity listed in the last CZ-Mail is still available:
Massachusetts Outdoor Recreation Map - The Massachusetts Departments of Fish and Game (DFG) and Conservation and Recreation (DCR) have produced the Massachusetts Outdoor Recreation Map (PDF, 3.1 MB), a resource packed with details about outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hunting, camping, hiking, wildlife watching, and swimming across the Bay State. The new map features information about the 620,000 acres of open space managed by DCR and DFG's Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. It also identifies all boat access, sport fishing piers, and shore fishing areas managed by DFG's Office of Fishing and Boating Access, and lists hundreds of state properties and facilities and the types of recreational opportunities they offer. There is additional information about outdoor safety, outdoor ethics, licensing requirements for fishing and hunting, and web links to further information regarding recreational opportunities on state properties. Copies of the map are available at MassWildlife Offices, many DCR parks, and select highway information centers. NOAA Literature Review for Northeast - NOAA has released a literature review for the northeast coastal states to help identify high-priority regional needs. Literature Review of the U.S. Northeast Coastal Community: Management of Coastal Ecosystems and Natural Hazards (PDF, 348 KB) was produced by NOAA in conjunction with the Coastal Resources Center at the University of Rhode Island. The review cites documents on the sound management of ecosystems and natural hazards and outlines NOAA's potential role in helping to address the regional needs. Coastal Management Newsletter - The July 2008 edition of NOAA's Coastal Program Division's National Coastal Management Program News features a piece on CZM's StormSmart Coasts Program, a new section with updates on the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program that highlights program acquisitions during the past quarter, and New Hampshire's efforts against invasive plants. Coastal Services Magazine - The July/August 2008 issue of Coastal Services, a NOAA Coastal Services Center magazine, is now available online. This issue features stories about dam removal in the Gulf of Maine, tsunami signs in Oregon, and Indiana's coastal vision. Greenscapes E-Newsletter - The summer 2008 issue of the Greenscapes E-Newsletter is now available online. This issue features stories on water conservation, irrigation, and lawn care. 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. EPA Nonpoint News - The July 2008 issue of Nonpoint Source News-Notes is now available online. This edition provides a special focus on a suite of new web-based watershed tools from EPA. MassDEP eNewsletter - The Spring/Summer 2008 issue of EnviroMatters from MassDEP is now available online. This issue features pieces on MassCleanDiesel (a new program to reduce air pollution from school buses), development of a new MassDEP stormwater program, and other recent MassDEP efforts, achievements, news, and updates. Marine Protected Area Newsletter - The July 2008 issue of MPA News is now available and features articles on the costs of marine protected areas (MPA), MPAs on the outer continental shelf, and other MPA news and notes. EPA Report on Climate Change and Health - EPA has released a report that discusses the potential impacts of climate change on human health, human welfare, and communities in the United States. The report, Analyses of the Effects of Global Change on Human Health and Welfare and Human Systems, also identifies strategies to help respond to the challenges of a changing climate and identifies near- and long-term research goals for addressing data and knowledge gaps. Reminders - The following CZM publication listed in the last CZ-Mail is still available:
CZM Mapping Tool Now Online - MORIS, the Massachusetts Ocean Resource Information System, is an online mapping tool created by CZM and the Massachusetts Office of Geographic and Environmental Information (MassGIS). MORIS can be used to search and display spatial data pertaining to the Massachusetts coastal zone. Users can interactively view various data layers (e.g., tide gauge stations, marine protected areas, access points, eelgrass beds, etc.) over a backdrop of aerial photographs, political boundaries, natural resources, human uses, bathymetry, or other data. Users can quickly create and share maps and download the actual data for use in a Geographic Information System (GIS). While designed for coastal management professionals, MORIS can be used by anyone interested in these data and maps. See CZM's MORIS web page for more information and to launch MORIS. NOAA Shoreline Website - NOAA recently launched the NOAA Shoreline website—a comprehensive guide to national shoreline data and terms. It is the first site to allow vector shoreline data from NOAA and other federal agencies to be conveniently accessed and compared in one place. The website also includes frequently asked questions, common uses of shoreline data, shoreline terms, and references. National Ocean Economics Program - Established in 1999, the National Ocean Economics Program provides a full range of the most current economic and socio-economic information available on changes and trends along the U.S. coast and in coastal waters. Center for Watershed Protection - The Center has launched its new website to provide information on what the Center does and guidance to watershed professionals on research resources from the Center and other organizations. Public Comment Alternative Energy on the Outer Continental Shelf - The U.S. Department of Interior's Minerals Management Service (MMS) is seeking comments on proposed regulations that would establish a program to grant leases, easements, and rights-of-way for alternative energy project activities on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) as well as for certain previously unauthorized activities that involve the alternate use of existing facilities located on the OCS. These regulations would also establish the methods for sharing revenues generated by this program with nearby coastal states. In addition, these regulations are also intended to ensure the orderly, safe, and environmentally responsible development of alternative energy sources on the OCS. The MMS has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment analyzing this proposed rule. For details, including commenting instructions, see the Federal Register Notice. Comments are due by September 8. Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports - NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is seeking comments on the Draft 2008 Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports. Submit Comments by October 14 to mmsar.2008@noaa.gov. NOAA Climate Change Document - NOAA's U.S. Climate Change Science Program is seeking comments on the draft climate change publication Global Climate Change in the United States. Comments are due by August 14. Instructions for commenting are provided on the publication's web page. Reminder - The following comment opportunities listed in the last CZ-Mail are still open:
Clean Marina Program Intern - The Cape Cod & Massachusetts Marine Trades Associations are seeking an intern, hosted by CZM, to develop resources that support the Massachusetts Clean Marina Program. The intern will compile resources developed by Clean Marina Certification Programs in other states, identify needs for improving regulatory compliance in Massachusetts, and develop new resources to move Massachusetts towards the development and implementation of a Clean Marina Certification Program. See the full job posting (PDF, 193 KB). Applications will be accepted until an intern is selected. Calendar WHOI Public Talks - In August, the WHOI Ocean Science Exhibit Center and Information Office are sponsoring a series of public talks by WHOI scientists and engineers. Designed for a lay audience, this series is a great opportunity to learn more about WHOI science. The following talks are scheduled:
Waquoit Bay Annual Watershed Block Party - On August 5 from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m., join the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) for the annual Watershed Block Party—an event to raise awareness about estuaries and watersheds. For details, contact WBNERR's Laurie Tompkins at Laurie.Tompkins@state.ma.us. Wastewater Treatment Workshop Series - On August 6 from 9:00 a.m. to noon, WBNERR will hold the workshop Cluster Systems: A Decentralized Approach to Enhanced Wastewater Treatment, the second in a series of free monthly workshops on comprehensive wastewater management planning for municipal officials (Wastewater Committees, Planning Boards, Health Boards, Conservation Commissions, and Public Works) and consultants. Cluster systems are growing in appeal as one possible alternative for managing wastewater. This workshop will define cluster systems and examine their ability to meet wastewater treatment goals. Registration is required. Contact Tonna-Marie Rodgers at Tonna-Marie.Surgeon-Rogers@state.ma.us. Mapping Massachusetts Communities Workshop - On both August 14 and 15, 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. Intertidal Bioblitz - On August 18, the Boston Harbor Islands National Park will host an Intertidal Bioblitz to explore the intertidal diversity of the islands park area. Sponsors are seeking scientists, professional and amateur naturalists, and other interested individuals help to compare species diversity in different intertidal habitats. For details, see the Bioblitz registration page. Shellfish Workshop - On August 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., WHOI will hold the Topics in Oceanography workshop, Happy as a Clam? How Do We Know? The Secret Lives of Shellfish in our Coastal Waters. This hands-on workshop will be presented by William Walton, fisheries and aquaculture specialist with Woods Hole Sea Grant and Cape Cod Cooperative Extension. The registration deadline is August 18. Southern New England Planning Conference - On September 4-5, the Southern New England Chapter of the American Planning Association will hold its 2008 conference in Providence, Rhode Island. This focus of this year's conference is "Planners in Action," and will highlight regional planners who have taken action to improve their communities and the profession. TMDL Seminar - On September 11, the Water Environment Federation in coordination with EPA is holding the seminar TMDL Development and Implementation: Current Progress and Future Direction in Baltimore, Maryland. Attendees to this one-day seminar will learn how recently issued policies and guidance from EPA are being interpreted and implemented across the country, discuss examples of successful approaches to Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) development, and share innovations that have led to improvements in TMDL implementation and effectiveness tracking. Wetlands 2008 - On September 15-19, the Association of State Wetlands Managers will hold Wetlands 2008 in Portland, Oregon. The focus of the conference is Wetlands and Global Climate Change, with a goal of identifying opportunities and cooperative strategies for managing wetlands and water resources in response to climate change while meeting the ongoing challenges of conserving and protecting wetlands. New England Environmental Education Conference - On October 3-5, the 2008 New England Environmental Education Alliance Conference, A Journey Home: Fostering Ecologically Centered Communities, will be held in Hancock, New Hampshire. The conference will take a close look at strategies for communities built around basic ecological principles. Conference strands will explore approaches for creating and nurturing communities through systems thinking. MACC Conference—Call for Speakers and Nominees - On February 28, 2009, the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) will hold the 2009 Annual Environmental Conference in Worcester. MACC is now accepting proposals for conference workshop topics and speakers, as well as nominees for a number of Annual Environmental Service Awards. For details, see the MACC website. Coastal Zone '09—Call for Abstracts - On July 19-23, 2009, the Coastal Zone '09 Conference, Revolutionary Times: Catching the Wave of Change, will be held in Boston. The coastal and ocean landscape is changing, whether it's the climate, shoreline, or habitat. Come to Boston to explore the many facets of change and share tools and information to help in managing our changing coastal and ocean resources. See the Call for Abstracts, which are due by November 21. Reminders - The following calendar items, posted in the last CZ-Mail, are still to come:
COASTSWEEP 2008 - COASTSWEEP, the state-wide beach cleanup sponsored by CZM and the Urban Harbors Institute at UMass Boston, will kick off its 21st year on September 20 at Salisbury Beach. Volunteers throughout Massachusetts turn out in large numbers each year for this event, which is part of an international campaign organized by The Ocean Conservancy in Washington, DC. Participants all over the world collect marine debris and record the types of trash they collect. This information is then used to help reduce future marine debris problems. Cleanups will be scheduled throughout September and October. To get involved, go to the COASTSWEEP website. Stellwagen Advisory Council - The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for one vacant at-large seat on its Sanctuary Advisory Council. To receive an application kit, contact Elizabeth.Stokes@noaa.gov. Applications are due by September 15. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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