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CZ-Mail July 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.
Ocean Management On May 28, Governor Deval Patrick signed the Oceans Act of 2008, legislation that requires Massachusetts to develop a first-in-the-nation comprehensive plan to manage development in state waters, balance natural resource preservation with traditional and new uses, including renewable energy development. The Act requires Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Ian Bowles to develop the ocean plan based on scientific and stakeholder participation, and requires a draft plan by the summer of 2009 and a final plan by December 31, 2009. Deerin Babb-Brott, Assistant Secretary and Director of the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office and former CZM Assistant Director, has been appointed to lead development of the ocean plan and oversee CZM's ongoing work as Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Coastal Zone Management. CZM will provide technical and planning support to EEA and the two bodies established by the Act—the Ocean Advisory Commission and the Ocean Sciences Council. For details on the work done by the Massachusetts Ocean Management Task Force to lay the foundation for this current planning effort, see the Massachusetts Ocean Management Initiative website, which includes links to the Task Force's Waves of Change report, the Massachusetts Ocean Education Guide, and technical reports. Bruce Carlisle Receives Gulf of Maine Award On June 24, the Gulf of Maine (GOM) Council on the Marine Environment presented its 2008 awards to four Massachusetts visionaries, volunteers, and leaders. Council Chair and CZM Director Leslie-Ann McGee was especially honored to present the first Susan Snow-Cotter Leadership Award to Bruce Carlisle, CZM Assistant Director. The Susan Snow-Cotter Leadership Award is bestowed in memory of a long-time friend of the Council and former Director of CZM to an individual from the region who exemplifies outstanding leadership or exceptional mentoring in the GOM watershed. Carlisle, who started working at CZM in 1993, played a critical role in developing the state's Coastal Nonpoint Program—helping Massachusetts to become one of the first states in the country to receive federal approval for its comprehensive plan for dealing with this major water quality issue. He worked on coastal wetland assessment projects, pioneering the development of integrity indicators to measure salt marsh condition and later became Manager of CZM's Wetlands Restoration Program. In 2005 Carlisle was promoted to the CZM Assistant Director position, where he directs policy development, planning efforts, and technical approaches for program areas including shoreline and floodplain management, habitat restoration, water quality, and GIS/data management. During Susan Snow-Cotter's battle with Inflammatory Breast Cancer, he also served as Acting Director. "Innovative work on coastal management issues and true commitment to the people he works with are what makes Bruce Carlisle exceptional and deserving of this recognition," said Leslie-Ann McGee. "Susan would have been very happy to know he is the first to receive this prestigious award for his loyalty to CZM and support to her and her family during a very difficult time." Congratulations Bruce! The Longard Volunteer Award recognizes outstanding volunteers within the GOM watershed. The 2008 recipient is Lawry Reid, founder and president of the Straits Pond Watershed Association (SPWA). Straits Pond, a critically impaired 100-acre coastal salt pond in Hull, is part of a regional wetland restoration project in which Lawry and the 30 members of the SPWA have been cornerstone partners. The two Visionary Awards recognize innovation, creativity, and commitment to protecting the marine environment. Edward Thomas, Esquire was selected for his extensive pro bono publico assistance to CZM on the StormSmart Coasts Program. His dedication and expertise has significantly bolstered CZM's ability to promote coastal community resiliency through the No Adverse Impact Approach. The second Massachusetts Visionary Award was presented to David Delaney, the Director of Invasive Tracers, an organization that brings together biologists and volunteers to monitor sites from New Jersey to Canada for native and invasive species. His involvement in bringing inner city youth to marine environments to conduct hands-on learning has earned him status as a visionary. See the EEA press release (PDF, 54 KB). Secretary of Commerce Upholds Federal Consistency Objection to Weaver's Cove The proposed Weaver's Cove Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project in Fall River includes construction and operation of a 200,000 cubic meter LNG storage tank, a dock, and an LNG off-loading facility. On July 6, 2007, CZM issued an objection to the project, finding it inconsistent with its Coastal Management Program as the project proponents (Weaver's Cove, LLC, and Mill River Pipeline, LLC) failed to obtain and submit all applicable state permits. CZM's decision was appealed and on June 26, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Carlos Gutierrez, sustained the objection to the proposed project. The Secretary concluded in the decision that "although the Project furthers the national interest in a significant and substantial manner, the national interest furthered by the Project does not outweigh the Project's adverse coastal effects." The decision restricts federal agencies from issuing final authorizations necessary for construction or operation of the project as proposed, but does not prevent project proponents from seeking future federal consistency determinations after revising the project to address the adverse coastal effects. Salem Sound NDA Approved by EPA On June 24, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the state's proposal to designate the coastal waters of Salem Sound as a vessel No Discharge Area (NDA). The ban on discharge of all boat sewage would apply to the state waters of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Beverly, Danvers, Salem, and Marblehead. The designation is in response to the EEA nomination for NDA status, which was prepared by Salem Sound Coastwatch and CZM, working closely with the communities involved. For details, see the Federal Register Notice. A celebration event was held on June 25 at the harbor in Salem to announce the NDA designation. On hand to offer their congratulatory remarks were Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, Steven Perkins from EPA Region 1, CZM Director Leslie-Ann McGee, and Barbara Warren from Salem Sound Coastwatch. For more on NDA activities along the coast, see CZM's NDA website. Congressman Delahunt, EEA Secretary Bowles, and CZM Director McGee Highlight Dennis Restoration Event On June 13, project partners came together to celebrate the Sesuit Creek Restoration Project in Dennis—the largest salt marsh restoration completed to date in Massachusetts. For more than 80 years the Bridge Street crossing of Sesuit Creek had choked off upstream wetlands from natural tidal flows, causing severe degradation of the marsh and obstructing fish passage. The project replaced a failing two-foot diameter pipe beneath the road with two 10-foot by 12-foot concrete culverts, which increased flow capacity by 60 times and restored natural tidal conditions to the 65-acre marsh. Combined with the recent enlargement of other road culverts along the creek by the Massachusetts Highway Department, this project also restored the fish passage to an important fish-spawning habitat in upstream Scargo Lake. Secretary Ian Bowles, Director McGee, and Congressman William Delahunt spoke at the event, praising the town and project partners for this inspiring accomplishment. "As the state's largest coastal wetland restoration project to date, Sesuit Creek is an important and impressive achievement that will pay environmental dividends for generations to come," Secretary Bowles said. "I commend officials and residents of the town of Dennis for their strong stewardship of ecosystems such as this, which make the Cape an unparalleled place to live, work, and play." Led by the town of Dennis and its citizens, the project was supported by the following partners: CZM, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Significant funding was also provided by the Massachusetts Legislature through the efforts of Senator Robert O'Leary and Representative Cleon Turner. StormSmart Coasts Debut a Great Success In May, CZM launched its StormSmart Coasts program with a series of tailored, regional workshops attended by community planning boards, conservation commissions, zoning boards, and those agencies or departments responsible for public works, building and engineering, public health, and emergency management. Workshop highlights included presentations by Edward A. Thomas, nationally recognized legal expert on "No Adverse Impact," and Wes Shaw, CZM's NOAA Coastal Fellow and project manager for this initiative. CZM developed StormSmart Coasts to provide communities along the state's 1,500-mile shoreline with a suite of tools and strategies for managing coastal floodplains. The program offers technical assistance and legal guidance for cities and towns, regulatory tools, case studies, planning strategies, and an extensive website. In the fall with a new NOAA Coastal Fellow, CZM will provide "direct in-community" technical assistance to several communities to help local officials choose, apply, and implement the tools and strategies to meet communities' specific floodplain management goals. Stay tuned to CZ-Mail for information on how to become a community selected for this technical assistance. 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. Check it out at www.mass.gov/czm/mapping. Building Code Changes for Construction in Flood Zones and Coastal Dunes MassDEP and the Department of Public Safety have revised Appendix G of the Massachusetts Basic Building Code (780 CMR 120.G). The amended Code (which went into effect January 1, 2008) promotes the natural storm damage prevention and flood control capacity of coastal dunes, facilitates consistency between the Building Code and the Wetlands Protection Act regulations, adopts recommendations from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's post-storm damage assessments, and brings the Code into better conformance with the National Flood Insurance Program requirements. In addition, the revised Code establishes special administrative, design, and construction requirements for new and existing buildings and structures located in A and V flood zones, and/or in coastal dunes. For detailed information about the new requirements, see the MassDEP website. Red Tide Bloom Expands to Boston Harbor and Cape Cod Due to the spread of toxic red tide, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) has taken action to prohibit the harvesting, sale, or possession of some or all shellfish in Massachusetts waters from Salisbury to the Cape Cod Canal and portions of Cape Cod, including Pleasant Bay, Nauset Bay, and the outer Cape from Eastham to Chatham and around Nantucket. In addition, Boston Harbor has been closed due to red tide—the first such closure in 36 years. For the latest information about the red tide bloom in Massachusetts, including detailed closure maps, go to the DMF website. For additional information, see the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Red Tide Fact Sheet, the NOAA New England Red Tide Information Center, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Harmful Algae web page. Mass Bays Review On July 29-31, an EPA program evaluation review team will conduct an on-site visit with the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program (MBP) for a periodic review of this federally funded program. MBP is hosted and administered by CZM. The team will meet with MBP, CZM, and EEA staff and view implementation projects in the Salem Sound and Eight Towns and the Bay regions. CZM Staff & People CZM Coastal Fellow Receives National Recognition - Wesley Shaw, CZM's NOAA Coastal Management Fellow, received recognition at the 2008 national conference of the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) for his innovative work on the Massachusetts StormSmart Coasts initiative. The program is designed to assist coastal communities in addressing the challenges that arise from storms, sea level rise, and climate change. StormSmart Coasts provides "first of its kind" fact sheets, case studies, and a menu of tools for successful coastal floodplain management. Wes received similar accolades and acknowledgment at last year's conference for his pioneering efforts in the development of this national model. Congratulations Wes! AIS Program Intern - In June, CZM welcomed Alex Boeri as the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program Summer Intern. Alex will be assisting program staff to monitor for marine invasive species at several locations along the coast of Massachusetts and evaluate new introductions. In addition, he will provide support to the Marine Invader Monitoring and Information Collaborative, the volunteer early detection network of the AIS Program. Alex just completed his freshman year in the University of New Hampshire's Marine and Freshwater Biology Program and enjoys fishing and boating in his spare time. Welcome aboard Alex! Grants/Funding Opportunities Ocean Planning & Science Consultants - The Massachusetts Ocean Partnership (MOP) has issued two Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking qualified consultants to support its ocean management planning and data network development efforts. The first RFQ seeks consultants to assist in development of conceptual and operational planning framework options to guide integrated ocean management for the Commonwealth's coastal ocean waters. The second RFQ seeks consultants to support development of an integrated statewide ocean data network in collaboration with existing Massachusetts and regional data management efforts. MOP is a public-private partnership created to support and advance ecosystem-based integrated multi-use management of Massachusetts coastal ocean resources in collaboration with the Commonwealth's planning efforts. For details on each RFQ, see MOP's Contracting & Employment web page. Reponses are due by July 11. Land Mapping Assistance - EEA, through the Massachusetts Conservation Mapping Assistance Partnership Program (MACMAPP), is extending a popular in-kind grants program that helps municipal conservation commissions and land trusts obtain free computer mapping software, training, and digital maps to guide local land use decisions. MACMAPP is a partnership between MassGIS and the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI). It has provided valuable Geographic Information Service (GIS) technology and training to more than 50 conservation commissions and more than 20 nonprofit land trusts across the state since its inception two years ago. Under the program, ESRI provides software, technical support, and online training courses, while MassGIS provides map data, a comprehensive two-day hands-on training course, and ongoing support. Grants are available to municipal conservation commissions and nonprofit organizations with a conservation mission. For details, see the MassGIS website. Marine Mammal Protection Funds - The U.S. Marine Mammal Commission is seeking proposals for research and related activities that will further the conservation and management goals of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Proposals should be tailored to address one of two focused research topics: 1) conservation of critically endangered marine mammal species or populations, or 2) indirect effects of fisheries on marine mammals. For details, see the Commission's website. Proposals are due by July 15. Reminders - These funding opportunities listed in the last CZ-Mail are still available:
CZM's Wetlands Restoration Program Updates - The CZM Wetlands Restoration Program (WRP) produces a quarterly update on wetlands restoration activities in the Commonwealth. These updates are available on the WRP website. Email notifications of new updates are sent to more than 800 subscribers. To subscribe, email wetlands.restoration@state.ma.us. Gulf of Maine Times - The summer 2008 issue of the Gulf of Maine Times is now available online. The lead story on the Boston Harbor Insect Census describes the effort to develop a comprehensive database of insects in the 34-island harbor area. Also included is a piece on preparing for the next hurricane that features CZM's Storm Smart Coasts Program. Economic Value of Estuaries and Coasts Report - Restore America's Estuaries a national alliance of community-based conservation organizations with a mission of preserving the nation's network of estuaries, has released The Economic and Market Value of Coasts and Estuaries: What's at Stake? The report, funded in part by NOAA, examines the high costs of losing coastal and estuarine environments. Marine Area Characterization Guide - The Quebec-Labrador Foundation has released Seascapes: Getting to Know the Sea around Us. A Guide to Characterizing Marine and Coastal Areas, which describes a process for developing a well-rounded, comprehensive, and reliable compendium of basic information about any coastal marine area in the Gulf of Maine. Sea Grant Summer Publications - Get ready for summer with the following publications from Sea Grant. These Dunes Aren't Made For Walking is a free, waterproof, two-color, 11" x 14" poster that describes the importance of dunes. The Beachcomber's Companion© is a collection of cards that feature 50 common Atlantic coast marine invertebrates packaged in a mesh collecting bag, with a checklist card and marking pencil to record all the critters you find. Rip Currents: Break the Grip of the Rip is a free brochure that describes what a rip current is, how to identify one, and what to do if you find yourself caught in one. Get a Grip on Ocean Motion is a brochure for the prevention and treating of seasickness. Finally, Shark Sense is a free brochure that features images and descriptions of sharks found in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, and provides information on shark attacks and how to avoid them. To order any of these publications, contact Sheri DeRosa at sderosa@whoi.edu. Greenscapes eNewsletter - The late-spring 2008 issue of the Greenscapes eNewsletter is now available online with articles about lawn care and ways to replace that lawn with other plants. 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. To receive the e-newsletter directly, subscribe online. Coastal Services Magazine - The May/June 2008 issue of Coastal Services, a NOAA Coastal Services Center magazine, is now available online. This issue features stories about sea level rise in Rhode Island, beach replenishment in North Carolina, and California's Sharkmobile. Ecosystems and Climate Change Report - EPA's Climate Change Science Program has released the report Preliminary Review of Adaptation Options for Climate Sensitive Ecosystems and Resources, which identifies strategies to protect the environment from climate changes impacts. Yale Environmental Magazine - Yale University has introduced the new online magazine, Yale Environment 360. Edited by Roger Cohn, former editor of Mother Jones and Audubon magazines, Yale Environment 360 aims to be one of the leading websites for commentary and reporting on the crucial environmental issues of the day. The inaugural edition features articles by noted environmental advocate and author Bill McKibben, New Yorker staff writer Elizabeth Kolbert, climate scientist Richard C.J. Somerville, marine biologist and author Carl Safina, and British journalist Fred Pearce. Rethinking Environmental Management - The United Nations University has released the policy brief Stemming Decline of the Coastal Ocean: Rethinking Environmental Management (PDF, 1.6 MB), which details the critical needs to improve the management of coastal environments. Climate Change Booklet - The U.S. National Academies has released the 2008 edition of Understanding and Responding to Climate Change, a free booklet designed to provide the public with a comprehensive and easy-to-read analysis of findings and recommendations from the Academies' reports on climate change. Ocean and Coastal Law Review - American University's Washington College of Law publishes the journal Sustainable Development Law & Policy. The Winter 2008 edition (PDF, 4.4 MB) focuses on Climate Law and includes an article entitled "Domestic Ocean and Coastal Resource Law and Policy and Climate Change" on page 61. Reminders - The following CZM publication listed in the last CZ-Mail is still available:
EPA TMDL Website - EPA has launched a new Impaired Waters and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) website that features an overview of the Clean Water Act section 303(d) program activities, highlights new resources, and provides easier access to program resources, such as EPA's new Water Quality Assessment and TMDL Information (ATTAINS) website that provides state-reported information on water quality, impaired waters, causes and sources of impairment, and the status of actions to restore impaired waters. The site also features a TMDL Stormwater Resources page that hosts several stormwater-source TMDLs and case studies highlighting the innovative approaches states are using to address stormwater. Smart Growth Podcast - EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds has posted an inaugural podcast, the first in a planned series about smart growth and green development entitled, From Gray Funnels to Green Sponges. This program features a discussion with EPA's senior urban designer and smart growth expert Clark Wilson on how communities can more effectively manage rainwater and snow melt where it falls. Coastal Projects under CZM Review East Boston Municipal Harbor Plan Amendments - The city of Boston recently submitted an Amendment to the East Boston Municipal Harbor Plan (MHP) for an area in East Boston from the McArdle Bridge to Jeffries Point. Originally approved in 2002, the East Boston MHP Amendment addresses changes for three specific parcels in the planning area: 102-148 Border Street (Boston East), 6-26 New Street (New Street), and 125 Sumner Street. The current proposal for the New Street site includes a mixed-use/residential development with a waterfront restaurant, open space, waterfront amenities, and public access. The Boston East site includes a 200-unit mixed-use/residential development, waterfront amenities, public access, and an interpretive maritime exhibit that will showcase the existing marine railway that was used for East Boston's historic shipbuilding and repair industry. The 125 Sumner Street site, which is owned by the Boston Housing Authority, is currently occupied by two-story buildings containing 20 affordable residential units, with no immediate plans for redevelopment. In developing the MHP Amendment, the city coordinated with CZM, MassDEP, elected officials, waterfront and open space advocacy organizations, and neighborhood residents. The planning process has been ongoing for more than nine months and included a boat tour, two walking tours, a maritime history workshop, and 13 Advisory Committee meetings. Copies of the proposed MHP Amendment are available on the city of Boston's website. Written comments are due by July 11 to Brad Washburn, Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, 251 Causeway Street, Suite 800, Boston MA 02114. Salem Municipal Harbor Plan Renewal Approved - On June 24, the Salem Municipal Harbor Plan renewal was approved by EEA Secretary Ian Bowles. One of the driving forces for the city in renewing their MHP was the desire to facilitate the development of waterfront parcels in a way that meets the needs of the community while realizing Salem's vision of drawing the public to the harbor. The renewal focused on improving general public awareness of and access to the waterfront; highlighting the historic and cultural aspects of the waterfront; improving recreational boating opportunities and services; fostering marine commerce and transportation opportunities; and protecting and enhancing the environmental quality of the harbor. The new MHP also continues to support the significant redevelopment of the Designated Port Area to support expanded water-dependent industrial uses. See the full MHP decision (PDF, 670 KB). Public Comment No Discharge Area - EPA is seeking comments on a Massachusetts request to designate the coastal waters of the Boston Harbor as a vessel No Discharge Area. The NDA will encompass coastal waters from Winthrop to Hull, including all of the Boston Harbor Islands National Park and sections of the Chelsea, Mystic, Charles, Neponset, Weymouth Fore, Weymouth Back, and Weymouth Weir rivers. Within the NDA, the dumping of all boat sewage, both treated and untreated, will be prohibited. For details, including commenting instructions, see the Federal Register Notice. Comments are due by July 7. Draft NPDES Permits for Vessels - EPA is seeking comments on a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Vessel General Permit (VGP) and a NPDES Recreational General Permit (RGP) to cover discharges incidental to the normal operation of commercial and recreational vessels. This action is in response to a District Court ruling that vacates, as of September 30, 2008, a long-standing EPA regulation that excludes discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel from the need to obtain a NPDES permit. A copy of the permits and accompanying fact sheets are available on the EPA website. For details about this commenting opportunity, including the upcoming public meetings, hearing, and webcast, see the Federal Register Notice. Comments are due by August 1. National Saltwater Angler Registry Program - The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is seeking comments on proposed regulations to establish a national registry of recreational fishers. For details, see the Federal Register Notice. Comments are due by August 11. Reminder - The following comment opportunity listed in the last CZ-Mail is 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. Coalition for Buzzards Bay Advocacy Specialist - 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 applications for an Advocacy Specialist to provide policy and legal support to the Coalition's advocacy program. For full job descriptions, including application instructions, see the Coalition's website or contact Korrin Petersen at petersen@savebuzzardsbay.org. Calendar Wellfleet Summer Lecture Series - On July 9 at 7:30 p.m., the Mass Audubon's Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary will kickoff its summer lecture series with Crash: A Tale of Two Species. Local filmmaker Allison Argo will share her recent Nature film that tells the fascinating story of the relationship between horseshoe crabs and the red knot, a shorebird with a declining population. Ocean Management Conference - On July 11 from 7:30 a.m. to noon, the Environmental Business Council of New England will hold the 3rd Annual Ocean Management Conference—Managing Climate Change Impacts on New England's Ocean and Coastal Resources at the Battelle Memorial Institute in Duxbury. Swim & Fin OceanFest - On July 19, Salem Sound Coastwatch is holding the 3rd Annual Swim & Fin OceanFest at Forest River Park in Salem. The festival will feature open harbor swimming races for all ages, kayaking activities, music and entertainment, and many other fun-filled activities for kids. For details, see the Swim & Fin website. Underground Storage Tank Workshops - In July, the Office of the State Fire Marshal will hold a series of workshops for operators of Underground Storage Tanks (UST) about new regulations and tanks and container requirements that become law in 2010. For more information, see the Underground Storage Tank Program website. Ocean and Coastal Ecosystem Health Meeting - On August 14 from1:00-4:00 p.m., the Northeast Regional Ocean Council will hold a meeting to identify and prioritize ocean and coastal ecosystem health issues and activities that require coordinated action by the six New England states (Maine to Connecticut). This meeting is open to representatives from government, academia, nonprofit organizations, and businesses with an interest in the coastal environment. NROC, a state-federal partnership formed in 2005 by the New England Governors, focuses on three areas: ocean energy resource planning and management, ocean and coastal ecosystem health, and coastal hazards and resilience. The meeting will be held in Boston at 100 Cambridge Street, 2nd Floor, Conference Room D. For details and to RSVP, contact David Keeley at david@thekeeleygroup.com. Antique & Classic Boat Festival - On August 22-24, Hawthorne Cove Marina in Salem will host the 26th Annual Antique and Classic Boat Festival that will include exhibits, artists, crafts, and entertainment. Coastal and Estuarine Habitat Restoration Conference - On October 11-15 in Providence, Rhode Island, Restore American Estuaries is holding the 4thNational Conference on Coastal and Estuarine Habitat Restoration—Creating Solutions Through Collaborative Partnerships. The five-day conference will explore the state-of-the-art in all aspects and scales of restoration, and will be comprised of field sessions, plenary sessions, expert presentations, special evening events, workshops, a poster hall, and a restoration exposition. 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. 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. Hurricane Preparedness - The Atlantic Ocean hurricane season began on June 1 and an above average season is predicted. Updated predictions and the latest hurricane information are available on NOAA's National Hurricane Center website. To help prepare, see the CZM Hurricane Preparedness Kit. Also, see 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. Park Passport Program - In June, the Department of Conservation and Recreation launched the Park Passport Program in 76 state parks across the Commonwealth, providing little blue passports and artist-designed stamps to let park users chronicle their adventures in the great outdoors. The free Park Passport Program, part of the national No Child Left Inside initiative, is open to everyone who visits a participating park. The goal is to encourage families to discover and explore the plants and animals, fresh air, trails, beaches, fields, picnic areas, and campgrounds in the more than 450,000 acres of Massachusetts state parks. The passport has special pages to record the dates that individual parks were visited and to jot down thoughts and impressions of each park. It also includes environmental and safe hiking tips, and a guide to identifying animal tracks. At each park, children will find the colorful, birdhouse-like box that holds the Passport stamp. When they have visited each park in a region, any child under 14 will receive a t-shirt showing all the colorful stamps from that region. For details, see the Park Passport 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. LNG Port Navigation, Security, and Safety Zones - On July 17, the U.S. Coast Guard will establish a regulated navigation area around the Northeast Gateway liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Massachusetts Bay. Safety and security zones around the LNG carriers using this facility will also be established. For details about these restrictions, see the Federal Register Notice. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Boston, MA 02114