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CZ-Mail February 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.
Coastal- and Ocean-Related Legislation on Beacon Hill The Massachusetts energy bill is headed toward conference committee to work out the differences between the House (H4373) and Senate (S2468) versions. The Senate added its ocean management bill as an amendment to its version of the energy bill. The House version of the energy bill would allow renewable energy as a permitted use in all Ocean Sanctuaries other than Cape Cod. In January, the energy and environment bond bill (H4446) was heard by the joint Committee of the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture. This bill would provide the capital funding to administer many of the Commonwealth's environmental programs. For more information about these legislative efforts, contact CZM's Mary-Lee King at marylee.king@state.ma.us. CZM's Robin Lacey Named Educator of the Year by Mass Marine Trades In recognition of his dedicated work to help marina owners and operators comply with existing and emerging water quality regulations, CZM's Robin Lacey was presented with the Educator of the Year Award by the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) on January 29. "For almost 10 years, Robin has patiently and proactively educated Massachusetts marine businesses on their responsibilities as stewards of the coastal environment. If one of our member firms is overwhelmed with the complexity of a specific environmental compliance regulation, they can count on Robin to swiftly answer their questions with clear and concise information," said MMTA's Greg Glavin. "In doing so, he has shepherded an entire industry in the direction of environmental compliance solutions that are effective, attainable, and affordable," he continued. "Robin is firmly committed to helping make all of this easier for the marina operators, who are more than willing to do all they can to keep the water that their businesses depend on as clean as possible," said CZM Director Leslie-Ann McGee. "We are very proud that he was recognized by MMTA for his efforts, and look forward to our continued partnership with them." For more on clean boating and marina operations, see CZM's Marinas in Massachusetts web page, which includes links to the Massachusetts Clean Marina Guide. Congratulations Robin! 30th Anniversary of the Blizzard of '78 On the morning of Monday, February 6, 1978, the National Weather Service (NWS) announced that a "Snow Watch" was in effect for southern New England. Motorists traveling to work were advised to expect an accumulation of six inches of snow and relief from the preceding week's bitter cold, with temperatures rising to the low 30s. For coastal communities, the weather indicators were only slightly more serious, as the NWS issued "Gale Warnings." With these rather tame weather reports, New Englanders went about their day, never expecting to be confronted with what turned out to be the most destructive winter storm in the history of the Commonwealth. The blizzard was most severe in the eastern half of the Commonwealth, where accumulations ranged from more than 25 inches in Boston to as much as 54 inches in some of our southern communities. The storm has been commemorated in a number of books. The new Greater Boston's Blizzard of 1978 by Alan R. Earls (2008, Arcadia Publishing) provides a photo journal with more than 200 images of the storm. Great New England Storms of the 20th Century by the Boston Globe features the '78 blizzard and many other big storms. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has developed a Blizzard of '78: Thirty Year Anniversary web page about the storm that includes detailed descriptions of its impacts and statistics. Finally, see CZM's Blizzard of '78 Gallery, which features 37 compelling images of this storm of the century. One Million Dollars Awarded to Eel River Restoration Project CZM's Wetland Restoration Program (WRP) and the town of Plymouth have received a $1 million Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant to help the town of Plymouth repair degraded aquatic habitats within the town-owned Eel River Headwaters conservation area. Combined with other partner funding, this U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant will restore approximately one mile of the Eel River Headwaters and nearly 40 acres of adjacent wetlands damaged by previous agricultural operations. For more information, please view the EEA press release (PDF, 42 KB). Environmental Education Awards EEA is now accepting applications for the 2008 Secretary Awards for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education. All K-l2 Massachusetts schools are eligible for cash awards for outstanding environmental education programs. For more information, see the EEA website, or email Meg Colclough at meg.colclough@state.ma.us. Applications are due by March 18. 2008 Hurricane Season Predictions Although the 2007 hurricane season concluded only two months ago, the hurricane forecasting team at Colorado State University (CSU) is already predicting an above-average Atlantic hurricane season for 2008. The CSU team is predicting 13 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three intense hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5) for the Atlantic coast. That prediction compares with an average of 9.6 named storms, 5.9 hurricanes, and 2.3 intense hurricanes for the period of 1950-2000. The researchers, marking their 25th year of forecasting, believe that the Atlantic basin is in an active cycle that will continue for at least another decade. See the entire forecast report. It is never too early to begin preparations. See the CZM Hurricane Preparedness Kit and CZM's 2002 Coastlines magazine for more information on Massachusetts hurricanes and their potential impacts, articles on how to build and rebuild to withstand a storm, and information on a wide range of tools available for reducing risks in hurricane-prone areas. Mass2-1-1 Citizens Helpline The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the United Way have teamed up to provide a new citizen's helpline—Mass2-1-1—as the Commonwealth's primary telephone information call center during times of emergency. Designed, in part, to reduce the number of non-emergency calls made to 9-1-1, Mass2-1-1 will offer citizens the opportunity for "one-stop-shopping," with access to vital updated disaster information, numerous post-disaster programs, interpreter services, and call tracking of caller locations. Mass2-1-1 will also have the ability to act as the registration site for volunteers and donations from the public during an emergency or crisis. For more information, see the MEMA website. Grants/Funding Opportunities Wetlands Restoration Grants - CZM's Wetlands Restoration Program (WRP) is seeking proposals for wetland restoration grants for designated priority projects. Activities that are eligible to receive grants include construction-related activities, and pre- and post-construction monitoring. Approximately $200,000 is anticipated to be available for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 grant round. To view the Request for Responses (RFR), visit the Comm-PASS website and search for document number "ENV 08 CZM 06." Proposals are due by February 8. Environmental Literacy Grants - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Office of Education (OED) is seeking applications for environmental literacy projects in support of K-12 education. Funded projects will be between one and five years in duration and will promote changes in K-12 education to expand the amount of Earth System Science taught in the classroom and improve student learning and application of that subject. See the OED website for the full announcement. Pre-proposals are required and are due by February 20. Coastal Counties Restoration Initiative - The National Association of Counties, in partnership with the NOAA Community-Based Restoration Program, is seeking proposals for Coastal Counties Restoration Initiative (CCRI) grants. In 2008, CCRI will provide $500,000 in grants to improve stream, river, estuarine, and other important marine habitats, with a priority of fish passage barriers in coastal streams and rivers. Applications are due by March 24. FishAmerica Grants - FishAmerica, in partnership with the NOAA Restoration Center, is seeking proposals for grants to local communities and government agencies to restore habitat for marine and anadromous fish species. For details, see the FishAmerica website. Proposals are due February 11. Ballast Water Management Demonstration Program - The National Sea Grant College Program is seeking proposals for projects to develop, test, and demonstrate technologies and practices that reduce the threat of introduction of aquatic invasive species to U.S. waters through the discharge of ballast water. For details, see the grant announcement. Letters of intent are due by February 21. EPA CARE Grants - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking proposals for the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program. Up to $3 million is available in 2008 to support community-based partnerships to reduce toxic pollution at the local level. Eligible applicants include county and local governments, tribes, non-profit organizations, and universities. For additional information see the CARE website. Taunton River Watershed Mini-Grants - The Taunton River Watershed Campaign, a partnership of 10 local, regional, and state conservation and planning organizations, is seeking grassroots conservation project proposals for its Watershed Mini-Grant Program. A total of $15,000 is available for small grants to communities and conservation advocates in the watershed. Priority will be given to proposals for municipal open space plans, conservation projects, and passage of the Community Preservation Act. For details, see the Taunton Watershed Alliance website. Applications are due by February 22. Products/Publications Eelgrass Management in Gloucester Report - CZM's Tony Wilbur, with co-authors Phil Colarusso (EPA) and Brandy M.M. Wilbur (Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sea Grant), have published the report Adaptive Management for Impacts to Eelgrass Habitat in Gloucester Harbor (PDF, 2.1 MB), which summarizes the effort in 2006-2007 to create an eelgrass bank, raise awareness of the value of eelgrass habitat, and facilitate transplanting efforts to Boston Harbor. This project was initiated in response to a planned impact to eelgrass habitat in Gloucester Harbor, as part of the combined sewer overflow construction off Pavilion Beach. Stream Barrier Removal Monitoring Guide - The River Restoration Monitoring Committee of the Gulf of Maine Council has published the Stream Barrier Removal Monitoring Guide, which presents a standardized framework for monitoring the ecological changes that occur when dams, culverts, and other stream barriers are removed. Developed collaboratively by more than 70 people from government agencies and non-governmental organizations, the framework is based on eight critical monitoring parameters. The Monitoring Guide presents an overview of the scientific context of stream barrier removal and provides methods for monitoring critical parameters. Reduce Costs by Using Low Impact Development Practices - EPA has released a new report, Reducing Stormwater Costs through Low Impact Development (LID) Strategies and Practices, which contains 17 case studies from across North America that show the economic viability of LID practices. LID practices use innovative approaches to manage urban stormwater runoff at its source. The report highlights examples that, in most cases, reduce project costs while improving environmental performance. Total capital savings ranged from 15 to 80 percent, with few exceptions. Water and Waste Guidance - EPA has released Integrating Water and Waste Programs to Restore Watersheds: A Guide for Federal and State Project Managers, a manual targeted to project managers in water and waste programs who are working on assessment or cleanup projects in watersheds contaminated by hazardous materials or waste. The goal of the manual is to enhance coordination across EPA and state waste and water programs by identifying opportunities for streamlining requirements, leveraging resources, and implementing restoration activities more efficiently. Massachusetts Bays Window - The Winter 2007-2008 issue of Massachusetts Bays Window, the quarterly eNewsletter from the Massachusetts Bays Program (MBP), is now online. This issue features pieces on Cohasset's Watershed Academy, flooding in Peabody and Salem, and the RiverWatch Sampling Program on the South Shore. To receive future issues, send a blank email to join-env-massbayswindow@listserv.state.ma.us. Salt Marsh Monitoring Handbook - CZM's Volunteer's Handbook for Monitoring New England Salt Marshes helps local volunteer groups collect and record data on salt marsh health in a consistent and scientifically sound manner. This 100+ page handbook includes chapters on salt marsh monitoring, New England salt marshes, study design, and monitoring plants, invertebrates, fishes and crabs, birds, salinity, and tidal hydrology. To order a hard copy, email your request to czm@state.ma.us. Urban Subwatershed Restoration Manual Series - The Center for Watershed Protection has made its first two manuals of the Urban Subwatershed Restoration Manual Series available permanently for free download. An Integrated Framework to Restore Small Urban Watersheds examines the basic concepts and techniques of urban watershed restoration and provides a framework to evaluate subwatershed restoration potential. Methods to Develop Restoration Plans for Small Urban Watersheds outlines a practical, step-by-step approach to develop, adopt, and implement a subwatershed plan in your community. Download both from the Center's website. New Oceanographic Education Journal - NOAA and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration have produced Rising Tides—a new oceanographic education journal for high school science teachers and students that focuses on the biological aspects of coastal oceanography with an emphasis on research technology. It offers a collection of cutting-edge research articles as well as classroom and laboratory activities, scientist interviews, further reading, and links to oceanography topics. Estuaries SciGuide - NOAA's National Estuarine Research Reserve System and the National Science Teachers Association have developed The Estuaries SciGuide—a science guide and valuable classroom resource for science teachers interested in integrating the web into their teaching. This resource on estuaries has been pre-evaluated and aligned to the National Science Education Standards. The guide is free, but registration is required. Coastal Decision Making Report - The Coastal States Organization, the Coastal States Stewardship Foundation, and the NOAA Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET) have released Strengthening the Application of Science in Coastal Decision Making. This report—based on multiple surveys, focus groups, and workshops conducted in coastal regions around the United States—identifies land use, habitat, and coastal hazards as the top three priorities for coastal resource managers. CICEET Progress Reports - CICEET has released the Fall 2007 Progress Reports for its environmental technology development projects. Each project addresses a priority challenge faced by natural resource managers in coastal states around the country. These reports detail progress in gathering data, meeting research objectives, reaching out to coastal managers, and soliciting feedback from potential end users. Gulf of Maine Monitor - The December 2007 issue of the Gulf of Maine Monitor (PDF, 1.9 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 the importance of high calcium carbonate levels, a coordinated effort to measure estuarine water quality, and water currents in the Gulf of Maine. Greenscapes E-Newsletter - The early winter issue of the Greenscapes E-Newsletter is now available online with articles about an organic land care course and an organic landscaping and lawn care workshop. Greenscapes is a multi-partner outreach effort sponsored by the Massachusetts Bays Estuary Association (MBEA) and many other organizations, 31 municipalities, and other sponsors and supporters. Subscribe to the newsletter. MassDEP Environmental eNewsletter - The Fall 2007/Winter 2008 issue of EnviroMatters, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) eNewsletter, features pieces on the Commissioner's strategic priorities for 2008, MassDEP's permit streamlining efforts, an energy management pilot for municipal wastewater and drinking water facilities, and other recent MassDEP efforts, achievements, news, and updates. Coastal Management Newsletter - The January edition of NOAA's Coastal Programs Division's National Coastal Management Program News features a piece on Rhode Island's new regulations to address sea level rise, and includes stories about green shores in Florida and integrated coastal and ocean mapping. Coastal Services Magazine - The January/February 2008 issue of Coastal Services, a NOAA Coastal Services Center magazine, is now available online. This issue features stories about helping homeowners prepare for hurricanes in Florida, recycling shrink-wrap from boats in Ohio, and how coastal communities can plan and adapt to climate change. Websites Pressure Wash Virtual Trade Show - EPA's Marina Assistance Team and Center for Environmental Industry and Technology has developed a Pressure Wash Virtual Trade Show to help marina owners identify technologies that can help them control boat pressure washwater. Companies who have their technologies listed have applied and met certain criteria. The site includes details about the technology, including applications, performance, limitations, benefits, and costs. All information has been provided directly by the vendors and EPA has not confirmed the accuracy or legal adequacy of any disclosures, product performance, or other information provided by the companies. For more information, contact EPA's Larry Wells at wells.larry@epa.gov, or call (617) 918-1836. Urban BMP Performance Tool - EPA has created a new web-based tool to provide stormwater professionals with easy access to approximately 220 studies assessing the performance of more than 275 stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP). The Urban BMP Performance Tool provides access to studies covering a variety of traditional and low impact BMP types, including retention and detention ponds, biofilters, grassed filter strips, porous pavement, wetlands, and others. Explorations Magazine - The Scripps Institution of Oceanography has created a new monthly online magazine, Explorations, which covers ocean and earth science news to inform and educate the public, alumni, and the scientific community about ongoing research and events. Public Comment Cape Wind Energy Project - The Minerals Management Service is seeking comments on the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Cape Wind Offshore Energy Project—the proposal to construct a 130-turbine offshore wind park in Nantucket Sound. A copy of the EIS is available on the MMS website. In addition, MMS will hold public hearings on March 10 in West Yarmouth, March 11 in Nantucket, March 12 in Oak Bluffs, and March 13 in South Boston. Comments will also be accepted at these hearings. For additional information, see the January 14, 2008 Federal Register Notice. Draft Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report - EPA is seeking comments on the Draft Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report, which assesses five cruise ship waste streams: sewage, graywater, bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous waste. Submit comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2007-1156, by February 4 at http://www.regulations.gov. Climate Change Science Program Revised Research Plan - The U.S. Climate Change Science Program Revised Research Plan Summary is available for public comment. The revised research plan represents an update to the 2003 strategic plan of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program. Send comments to Dr. Fabien Laurier at research-plan-summary@usgcrp.gov by February 26. Proposed Flood Elevation Determinations for Areas of Revere - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has updated the Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) for areas of Revere. 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 Revere City Hall. For more information, contact FEMA's William R. Blanton, Jr. at (202) 646-3151. Job Postings Oceans Team Director - Environmental Defense, a national nonprofit organization, is seeking a Program Director for the New England Region Oceans Team. Responsibilities include advancing work to restore the region's fishery resources and make sustainable fishing practices and conservation the most economically sound way of doing business. See the position announcement. Summer 2008 Jobs on Cape Cod - The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is seeking applicants for a number of summer jobs at the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Falmouth. For more information, go to http://www.waquoitbayreserve.org and click on "Employment." Marine Ecologist - The Nature Conservancy is seeking applicants for a Marine Ecologist in Boston. The Marine Ecologist will be working with the region's Marine Conservation Director to develop and implement the Eastern U.S. Region's Marine Conservation Program. The priority in the first year will be to work with Conservancy Chapters throughout the region to complete the marine ecoregional assessment. For more information, see the full job announcement. Calendar Winter Botanical Walk - On February 3 at 2:00 p.m., the Harwich Conservation Trust will hold a Winter Plant Identification Botanical Walk at Coy's Brook Woodlands in West Harwich. This free walk will be led by Rich Eldred, a botanist and environmental journalist. Coy's Brook Woodlands offers a variety of upland and wetland habitat. For more information, see the Trust's website. Revisions to Stormwater Regulations Workshops - The MassDEP Circuit Riders are holding a series of free workshops to provide information on: the regulatory changes to the stormwater standards, Low Impact Design (LID) techniques, and stormwater management system design. Two of these Regulatory Revisions to Stormwater Management in Massachusetts workshops are being held in coastal communities—on February 6 in Newburyport and February 8 in Harwich. For details and directions, see the MassDEP Circuit Rider website. Stormwater Webcasts - On February 6, EPA will resume its webcast series for municipal stormwater professionals—featuring five webcasts on a variety of topics, including BMP performance, stormwater retrofits, finding and fixing illicit discharges, and MS4 program performance. In addition, a Stormwater 101 Course will be offered this summer. See the new schedule at http://www.epa.gov/npdes/training. Blue Lobster Bowl - On February 9, MIT Sea Grant will co-host the 11th Annual Blue Lobster Bowl (BLB)-one of 25 contests conducted around the nation each year as part of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB). Sixteen teams from across the state will participate in the BLB. The NOSB seeks to generate student interest and excitement about science and the oceans and give young people a chance to examine marine science as a field of study and possible career path. Cape Cod Book Discussion - On February 14, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will host a gathering at 2:00 p.m. to discuss Sippewissett: Or, Life on a Salt Marsh by Tim Traver and Marshes by William Burt. Traver writes with the knowledge of a scientist and the perspective of a poet, enhanced by a lifetime of summers spent on the Sippewissett marsh. Marshes is an extraordinary photographic "show-and-tell" of the marshes of North America. The talk will be led by Dr. Marcia Dalton—a faculty member at the Cape Cod Community College and a trail guide at the Museum. For details, call (508) 896-3867 x129. Blizzard of '78 Commemoration - On February 16, the Cape Cod National Seashore will commemorate the anniversary of the February 6-7, 1978 storm. 2008 marks the 30th anniversary of the blizzard that battered the Cape Cod shoreline, tore coastal homes from their foundations, and transformed off-Cape highways into snowbound parking lots for thousands of stranded drivers. Through presentations and remembrances, this dramatic weather event will be brought to life again for seashore residents and visitors. All activities will be held free-of-charge at Salt Pond Visitor Center on Route 6 in Eastham. For more information, call (508) 255 3421. Ocean Sciences Meeting - On March 2-7, the 2008 Ocean Sciences Meeting—From the Watershed to the Global Ocean—will be held in Orlando, Florida. Join limnologists, oceanographers, and educators to discuss water and the interconnections between the land and the sea. Ecological Landscaping Conference - On March 6-8, the Ecological Landscaping Association (ELA) will hold its annual conference in Springfield. Revisioning the Landscape: An Ecological Approach will feature eco-landscape experts, authors, and scientists. Cape Cod Natural History Conference - On March 8, Mass Audubon will hold the 13th Annual Cape Cod Natural History Conference at Cape Cod Community College. This full-day conference will feature presenters from environmental organizations across Cape Cod, speaking on a diversity of natural history topics. Come learn about local research projects, conservation efforts, and local environmental organizations. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Course - On March 11-13, the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) will hold the 3rd Northeast Onsite Wastewater Treatment Short Course and Equipment Exhibition in Groton, Connecticut. The Northeast Onsite Short Course takes place every three years, and provides a unique opportunity for those involved with permits, design, construction, and maintenance, as well as concerned citizens, to learn from and interact with the national and regional experts in the onsite treatment industry. Also, the Equipment Exhibition will provide attendees with the opportunity to see the latest in onsite technologies. Low Impact Development Conference—Call for Abstracts - On November 16-19, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) will hold the 2008 International Low Impact Development (LID) Conference in Seattle. For more information, including abstract details, see the ASCE conference website. Abstracts are due by March 14. Coastal Resiliency Symposium - On March 25-26, the National Sea Grant Law Center will hold a Coastal Resiliency Symposium at the University of Mississippi. Coastal resiliency refers to the ability of coastal cities, towns, and communities to adapt and recover from natural hazards, including hurricanes, tsunamis, floods, and disease epidemics. Land Conservation Conference - On March 29, 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. For more information, see the Putnam Conservation Institute's website. Water Resources Conference - On April 8, the Massachusetts Water Resources Research Center and University of Massachusetts (UMass) Extension will hold the 5th Annual Conference on Water Resources at UMass Amherst. This year's conference, Integrating Water Resources Management for a Secure Water Future, will highlight integrated water resources management-from cutting-edge research on the assessment and remediation of impaired water resources to policy for water use, reuse, conservation, and balance. Benthic Ecology Meeting - On April 9-13, the 37th Benthic Ecology Meeting will be held in Providence, Rhode Island. Abstracts are due by February 15. Great Marsh Symposium - On April 12 from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., the Great Marsh Coalition will host the 2nd Annual Great Marsh Symposium at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters in Newburyport. From the earliest use by Native Americans, the Great Marsh—stretching from Gloucester to southern New Hampshire—has been an important part of daily life on the North Shore. Salt marsh haying, farming, fishing, shipbuilding, and the arts continue to link our past to the present. Come learn more and hear an outstanding roster of speakers who will provide presentations about this coastal treasure. There is a $12.00 cost per person. Please pre-register on the Coalition's website. Coastal Hazards Conference - On April 13-16, the Coasts, Oceans, Ports, and Rivers Institute (COPRI) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) will hold the Solutions to Coastal Disasters Conference in Oahu, Hawaii. The conference will include short courses, plenary and technical sessions, exhibits, posters, field trips, and networking events. Solutions to Coastal Disasters 2008 will encourage greater examination of the ecosystem dynamics, vulnerability, and ways to incorporate social and ecological solutions into the discussion of coastal disasters. Green Roofs Conference - On April 30-May 2, the Sixth Annual International Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities, Conference, Awards, and Trade Show will be held in Baltimore, Maryland. Organized by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities—a nonprofit industry association working to promote the green roof industry in North America—the three-day conference will consist of plenary and specialized sessions focused on three main topics: policies and programs to support green roofs, green roof design and implementation, and research and technical papers on green roof performance. Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference - On May 19-21, NEIWPCC will hold the 19th Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference in Groton, Connecticut. The three-day event brings together those in New England and New York state involved in nonpoint source pollution management, including participants from government and private sector, academia, and watershed organizations. This year, the conference will feature a one-day Stormwater Funding and Utility Development Workshop. Other Items of Interest LNG Port Safety Zone - The U.S. Coast Guard has established two 500-meter temporary safety zones around the primary components (two independent submerged turret loading buoys) of the Northeast Gateway Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) deepwater port facility located off Cape Ann in Massachusetts Bay. All vessels, with the exception of deepwater port support vessels, are prohibited from entering into or moving within either of the safety zones from January 8 until May 7. For more information, see docket USCG-2007-0191 at http://www.regulations.gov. 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 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. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Boston, MA 02114