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CZ-Mail March 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.
EEA Awards Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grants In February, Ian Bowles, Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), announced more than $400,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 grants to Massachusetts communities through CZM's Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) Grant Program. Recipients of CPR awards include the towns of Weymouth, Duxbury, Cohasset, Bourne, Dennis, Brewster, and Provincetown. CPR funding will be used to assess and remediate nonpoint source pollution from sources such as stormwater runoff and boat waste discharges that adversely impact swimming beaches, shellfish beds, and other coastal resources. Since 1996, approximately $5.5 million has been awarded through this grant program. See the CPR Grants Press Release (PDF, 51 KB). Commonwealth's CELCP Plan Approved The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management has approved the Massachusetts Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Plan (CELCP Plan), which identifies potential priority areas for coastal and estuarine land conservation projects within the Commonwealth. An approved CELCP plan is good for five years and will soon be required by NOAA to receive CELCP funding for land conservation projects. CZM lead the plan development efforts with close cooperation and participation from EEA, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Department of Fish and Game, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. One of the state's priority CELCP projects, the Center Hill Beach Project in Plymouth, was selected by NOAA to receive $2.25 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 07 CELCP funds. CZM is currently working with DCR, Plymouth, and NOAA to complete this grant award. This spring, CZM is expecting to release the Request for Responses (RFR) to solicit priority projects for nomination to NOAA for FY 09 CELCP funds. For more information, see CZM's CELCP web page. House Passes Ocean Management Legislation On February 13, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed their version of an Ocean Management Bill (H4527), which would allow renewable energy projects in ocean sanctuaries. The House bill will now head to the House-Senate conference committee to be reconciled with the previously approved Senate version of the bill (S2468). For more information about these legislative efforts, contact CZM's Mary-Lee King at marylee.king@state.ma.us. Patrick Administration Awards Smart Growth/Smart Energy Grants On February 15, EEA Secretary Bowles awarded grants to seven communities for projects that implement local land use and clean energy techniques within the Smart Growth/Smart Energy Tooklit. Sharing $111,500 are projects in Northampton, Stow, Dedham, Worcester, Dennis, Shelburne, and Peabody, which include feasibility studies for a "green" building and a hydroelectric facility, design plans for new and expanded parks, and efforts to develop two regional trails. Designed to help incorporate the Commonwealth's Sustainable Development Principles into local development and recreation projects, EEA's Smart Growth/Smart Energy Technical Assistance Grant Program has awarded more than $3 million to cities and towns since it began four years ago, helping to produce more than 100 new land use plans and bylaw amendments. For details, see the Smart Growth/Smart Energy Grants Press Release (PDF, 50 KB). Grants/Funding Opportunities §319 Grants Pre-RFR Meeting - On March 25 from 10:00 a.m.-noon, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will hold a meeting to field questions and discuss the upcoming RFR for the §319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Competitive Grants Program. The meeting will be held at the MassDEP offices in Worcester. Additional information is available on the Comm-PASS website. Search for the keyword "319." For more information, email MassDEP's §319 coordinator, Jane Peirce at jane.peirce@state.ma.us. For details about past §319 projects, see MassDEP's Website. Nature Conservancy Restoration Grants - The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in partnership with the NOAA) Community-Based Restoration Program is seeking proposals for projects at TNC priority sites throughout the U.S. and its territories to restore or enhance estuarine, marine, and anadromous species, and their habitats. For details, see the NOAA/TNC Grants web page. Proposals are due by March 28. American Rivers Community Restoration Grants - The American Rivers/NOAA Community-Based Restoration Program Partnership is seeking proposals for community-based river restoration grants. The grants fund stream barrier removal projects that help restore riverine ecosystems, enhance public safety and community resilience, and have clear and identifiable benefits to diadromous fish populations. Applications will be evaluated based on four priority criteria: ecological merits, technical feasibility, local community benefits, and financial clarity of the application. Potential applicants should contact American Rivers to discuss potential projects prior to submitting an application. For more information, see the American Rivers website. Applications are due by April 1. Smart Growth Implementation Assistance Program - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking applications for the Smart Growth Implementation Assistance (SGIA) Program to provide free technical assistance to communities, regions, or states that want to incorporate smart growth techniques into their future development. For more information, see the SGIA web page. Applications are due by May 8. Small Shipyard Grants -The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration is seeking applications from small shipyards. Under this new program, grants are available for capital improvements and related infrastructure improvements at qualified shipyards that will facilitate the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality of domestic ship construction for commercial and federal government use. For details, contact Jean E. McKeever at jean.mckeever@dot.gov or (202) 366-5737. Reminders - These funding opportunities, listed in the last CZ-Mail, are still available:
Eelgrass Restoration Fact Sheet - CZM has developed, Eelgrass Habitat Restoration in the Annisquam River (PDF, 402 KB), a fact sheet that describes the efforts of CZM and its partners to study the potential to restore this valuable habitat. A detailed final report for the project is expected later this year. For more information, contact Tony Wilbur at tony.wilbur@state.ma.us. Gulf of Maine Habitat Report - The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment has released Habitat Classification in the Gulf of Maine: A Review of Schemes and a Discussion of Related Regional Issues, a report that provides background information on marine habitat classification and current research to develop classification schemes in the region. Habitat classification allows people to communicate more effectively about the marine environment and helps determine environmental factors that are important indicators for marine ecosystem health. Salt Marsh Booklet - The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment has released Salt Marshes in the Gulf of Maine: Human Impacts, Habitat Restoration, and Long-Term Change Analysis, a 42-page booklet that presents an overview of scientific findings about the importance of salt marshes and options for their management and restoration. Wetlands Restoration Program Update - The CZM Wetlands Restoration Program (WRP) has released the February 2008 Update on Massachusetts Wetlands Restoration. This latest update provides details on recent restoration sites that WRP and partners have helped restore, as well as other project updates and recent publications, current grant opportunities, and upcoming conferences. Riverways eNewsletter - The February issue of Riverways NewsNotes, an eNewsletter from the Massachusetts Riverways Program, is now available online. This special edition details upcoming grant and award opportunities. Greenscapes E-Newsletter - The late-winter 2008 issue of the Greenscapes E-Newsletter is now available online with articles about Lyme disease and a number of upcoming conferences. 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. Energy Management Guidebook for Wastewater and Water Utilities - EPA has released a new guidance document, Ensuring a Sustainable Future: An Energy Management Guidebook for Wastewater and Water Utilities, to help utilities systematically assess their current energy costs and practices, set measurable performance improvement goals, and monitor and measure their progress over time. Steadily rising energy costs and associated environmental effects have made energy use one of the most pressing challenges facing water utilities. Municipal Wastewater Technology Fact Sheets - EPA has developed four new fact sheets for innovative municipal wastewater technologies as part of a continuing effort by its Office of Water to provide municipal utilities and state regulators with general technical and cost information on a variety of innovative or cost-effective technologies and best management practices. Check out the facts sheets on the EPA website. NEPA Guide - The Council on Environmental Quality has published A Citizen's Guide to the National Environmental Policy Act—Having Your Voice Heard (PDF, 931 KB) to explain the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and how it is implemented, as well as how people outside the federal government can better participate in the federal environmental impact assessment process. To obtain a hard copy, contact Horst Greczmiel at hgreczmiel@ceq.eop.gov. Marine Protected Area (MPA) Newsletter - The February 2008 issue of MPA News is now available and features articles on a new project to strengthen the world database on protected areas, the International Year of the Reef 2008, and other MPA news and notes. Reminders - This CZM publication, listed in the last CZ-Mail, is still available:
Smart Growth/Smart Energy Conference Presentations Now Online - PowerPoint presentations from the Smart Growth/Smart Energy Conference held in December 2007 are now available on the Executive Office of Transportation's website. Coastal Conservation Website - The Land Trust Alliance, the Nature Conservancy, and NOAA are working to raise the profile of coastal conservation. As part of this effort, a Coastal Conservation Networking website has been developed to provide information about tools and resources suited for the needs of coastal land trusts and their partners. In addition, the website highlights examples of conservation networking and unlikely partnerships. Your comments are welcome at brooke.chakides@noaa.gov. Coastal Projects under CZM Review Salem Municipal Harbor Plan - The city of Salem has submitted an updated Salem Harbor Plan renewal for review and approval by EEA Secretary Bowles. Comments on the proposed plan can be submitted by March 7 to CZM, 251 Causeway Street, Suite 800, Boston MA 02114-2136, Attn: North Shore Regional Coordinator. Copies of the proposed plan and supporting documentation regarding compliance with plan approval standards are on file on the city of Salem's website, at the Salem Public Library, and in the City Planning office. For hard copies of the plan, contact Frank Taormina at (978) 745-9595 x5685. A fee may apply to cover printing and mailing costs. For more information about the public comment process, contact the CZM North Shore Regional Office at (978) 281-3972. South Shore NDA - EEA and CZM are seeking comments on the intent to designate the coastal waters of Scituate, Cohasset, and Marshfield as a boat sewage No Discharge Area (NDA). Through the federal Clean Water Act, states can designate water bodies as "no discharge" for those waters that the state determines to be ecologically and recreationally important enough to deserve additional protection. To get EPA approval for the designation, EEA must also demonstrate that adequate boat sewage pumpout facilities and outreach and enforcement components are in place. Submit comments by March 7 to CZM, 251 Causeway Street, Suite 800, Boston MA 02114-2136, Attn: Todd Callaghan. Reminders - The following comment opportunity listed in the last CZ-Mail is still open:
NOAA Climate Change Document - NOAA is seeking public comments on the draft climate change publication Coastal Elevation and Sensitivity to Sea Level Rise. Comments are due by April 10. Instructions for commenting are provided on the publication's web page. Oil Pollution Act Amendments - The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is seeking comments on proposed amendments to the regulatory requirements (under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act) for vessel operators to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility. The amendments would ensure the amounts of financial responsibility demonstrated are consistent with recent statutory increases, and future mandated increases, in the limits of liability under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. The amendments, including instructions for commenting, are available at www.regulations.gov. Search using docket number USCG-2005-21780. Comments are due by May 5. Small Takings of Marine Mammals - The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is seeking comments on an application from Neptune LNG, L.L.C to take marine mammals incidental to the construction and operation of its offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Massachusetts Bay. A copy of the application is available on the NMFS website. Comments are due by March 20 at PR1.XA81@noaa.gov. Fore River Anchorage Restrictions - The USCG is seeking comments on its proposed special anchorage area in the Fore River in Weymouth. This proposed action is necessary to facilitate safe navigation and provide a safe and secure anchorage for vessels of not more than 65 feet in length. For more information, contact John J. Mauro at John.J.Mauro@uscg.mil. Submit comments by April 14 to Commander (dpw) (USCG-2007-0199), First Coast Guard District, 408 Atlantic Ave., Boston, MA 02110. Reminders - The following comment opportunity listed in the last CZ-Mail is still open:
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 two positions—a River Herring Monitoring Assistant and a Citizens Water Quality Monitoring Program Assistant Coordinator. For full job descriptions, including application instructions, see the Coalition's website or contact Tony Williams at williams@savebuzzardsbay.org. MACC Executive Director - The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) is seeking applicants for Executive Director. MACC provides education to and support for Conservation Commissions in the Commonwealth. For more information, email searchcommittee@maccweb.org or call (617) 489-3930. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Gulf of Maine Mapping Initiative Coordinator - The Gulf of Maine Mapping Initiative (GOMMI) is seeking a contractor (April to September) to assist the GOMMI Steering Committee in advancing mapping efforts in the region. GOMMI is a partnership of government and non-governmental organizations in Canada and the United States, with the goal to map the entire Gulf of Maine basin using acoustic technology and ground-truth sampling. For details, see the full position announcement. Applications are due by March 17. Marine Educators - The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (PCCS) is seeking applicants for full- and part-time marine educators to work from May to October. Applicants must have knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Gulf of Maine, particularly knowledge of cetaceans. Also, candidates must have lecture and teaching experience and a degree in biology or related field. For details, see the PCCS website. Calendar March Conservation Walk - In March, the Harwich Conservation Trust will offer a free walk led by Todd Kelley of Kelley Trailblazer. Join them on March 12 at 10:00 a.m., for Changes in People, Culture, & Landscape. For more information, see the Trust's website or call (508) 432-3997. Green Cities Discussion - On March 5, the city of Boston, Harvard University's Center for the Environment, the Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston, and the Taubman Center for State and Local Government will hold a free morning discussion—Green Cities: Lessons from Boston and Beyond—at the Boston Public Library. Please RSVP to Polly by email at polly@rappaportinstitute.org or call (617) 495-5091. Boston Harbor Islands Advisory Council Meeting - On March 5 from 6:00-8:00 p.m., the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area Advisory Council will hold a public meeting in the Bayview Room at the University of Massachusetts Boston Campus Center. Conservation through Art Lecture Series - On Wednesdays from March 5 through April 2, Nantucket Soundkeeper and the Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society will hold an evening lecture series—A Sea of Culture: Conservation through Art—at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster. For details, see the lecture series web page. 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. These Regulatory Revisions to Stormwater Management in Massachusetts workshops are being held on March 7 in Martha's Vineyard, March 13 in Wilmington, and March 20 in Boston. For details, email Circuit Rider Alice Smith at alice.smith@state.ma.us. Marsh Dieback Talk - On March 11 at 1:30 p.m., the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will host a Marsh Dieback and Restoration discussion by Stephen M. Smith, a plant ecologist for the Cape Cod National Seashore. Smith will talk on the changes that have occurred in Cape Cod salt marshes over the last 60 years, including salt marsh dieback. Planning Conference - On March 15, the 7th Annual Citizens Planning Training Collaborative Conference, Advanced Tools and Techniques for Planning and Zoning, will be held at Holy Cross College in Worcester. The keynote speaker is State Senator Pamela Resor. The conference is valuable for planning, zoning, and conservation officials; citizens interested in land use and development issue in their communities; municipal staff members; and other professionals and consultants. Free March Weekends at CCMNH - Parents and kids are invited to the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History (CCMNH) for two free weekends—March 15-16 and March 29-30. Free admission provides a special opportunity to explore all the Museum has to offer, including exhibits of whales, indigenous birds, and mammals; an aquarium of live crustaceans, mollusks, fish, frogs, turtles, and snakes; and interactive displays geared to children. For details, see the CCMNH website. Sustainable Watersheds Workshop - On March 20 from 5:00-7:30 p.m., the Massachusetts Watershed Coalition will hold a Sustainable Watersheds Workshop at the Doyle Conservation Center in Leominster to examine green designs and open space plans that can sustain the health of local watersheds. This workshop will supply practical guidance for watershed organizations, lake associations, land trusts, municipal officials, town planners, homebuilders, engineers, and concerned citizens. Pre-registration is requested. Please contact Ed Himlan at mwc@commonwaters.org or call (978) 534-0379. Field Guide Training Course - Starting March 20, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will hold its annual training course for those interested in becoming museum field guides. This year's course will consist of eight sessions held from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. each Thursday through May 8. Field guides are trained to take out school groups in the spring and fall and lead tourists during the summer. For more information, see the Museum's website. Energy Efficiency Water Forum - On April 8 from 7:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m., the Environmental Business Council and MassDEP will hold the Water Forum—Energy Efficiency and Water Facilities in Boston to bring together interested parties to discuss water infrastructure financing issues in an open forum. Mystic River Watershed Summit - On April 10, EPA is holding a Mystic River Watershed Summit in Boston. The goal of this full-day summit is to generate ideas, develop goals, and map a strategy to improve water quality in the Mystic River. For details, see EPA's Summit website. Global Marine Renewable Energy Conference - On April 17-18, the Global Marine Renewable Energy Conference will be held in New York City. International and U.S.-based leaders and innovators will convene to exchange the latest information on marine renewable energy. Low Impact Development Conference and Vendor Exhibit—Save the Date - On May 19, the 2nd Annual Massachusetts Low Impact Development Conference and Vendor Exhibit will be held in Burlington. More details will be available soon, so stay tuned to CZM's calendar page, or contact EEA-CZM Smart Growth Coordinator Andrea Cooper at andrea.cooper@state.ma.us. Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative Week - The Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative (NBI) will sponsor the 3rd NBI Week on Nantucket from May 25-31. The NBI is a collaborative of Nantucket's leading conservation organizations together with universities, non-governmental organizations, and individual partners on and off-island acting to inventory and monitor the many species of plants and animals found on the island and to educate the community about Nantucket's rich local biodiversity. For details, see the NBI website. The deadline for registration is April 25. Summer Institute in Coastal Management - On June 9-27, the Coastal Resources Center at the University of Rhode Island is holding an advanced program on Planning and Implementation of Regional and Place-Based Coastal Management. To learn more or apply, see the URI website. Reminders - The following calendar items, posted in the last CZ-Mail, are still to come:
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. 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. Environmental Literacy Program for Gulf of Maine - The Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA) is recruiting middle school teachers in coastal New England to help develop and transform the traditional middle school study of seasons and weather into an exploration of the dynamic interactions between land, oceans, atmosphere, and the living world. Through workshops, field trips, and online discussion, teachers will gain further understanding of the earth as a system, learn instructional strategies that support student learning, and help to develop and pilot two units that integrate NOAA resources into instruction to support student thinking about earth system science. For more information, see the MMSA website. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Boston, MA 02114