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CZ-Mail October 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.
Public Input Begins for Ocean Plan On September 18, at the Great Hall in Faneuil Hall, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Ian Bowles kicked off the public input process for the development of the ocean plan. Secretary Bowles opened the well-attended meeting by welcoming the audience and citing the importance of the public process as EEA develops this first-in-the-nation comprehensive ocean plan. This first public input meeting begins a series of 18 such meetings to be held along the coast and inland through October. See EEA's new Ocean Plan website for meeting dates and locations. In other ocean management-related news, the Ocean Science Advisory Council met on September 5 in Boston. After a welcome from Secretary Bowles, the Council began its work immediately by reviewing a proposed draft outline for the baseline assessment of the ocean planning area (preparation of this baseline assessment is a Council task mandated by the Oceans Act). The Council also started a conversation regarding the big-picture questions that the ocean plan should address by acknowledging the reality of environmental variability in an ecosystem-based approach to management. For more information about this ocean planning process, see the new EEA Ocean Plan website. To receive periodic updates as these efforts progress, send an email to join-env-oceanplan@listserv.state.ma.us. Please note: CZ-Mail subscribers will no longer be automatically receiving these Ocean Planning Alerts. So if you would like to continue to receive them, please email join-env-oceanplan@listserv.state.ma.us. Hundreds Launch COASTSWEEP 2008 at Salisbury Beach On September 20, CZM Director Leslie-Ann McGee welcomed more than 200 dedicated volunteers to kick off the 2008 COASTSWEEP at the Salisbury Beach State Reservation. COASTSWEEP is the annual shoreline cleanup in Massachusetts, with more than 100 cleanups scheduled along the Commonwealth's coast throughout September and October. These cleanups and beach trash are the focus of a WBZ-TV story, Beach-Goers Leave Trashy Beaches Behind, which features Director McGee. For COASTSWEEP details or to get involved with a cleanup near you, see the COASTSWEEP website. Additional cleanups are scheduled through the end of the month. CZM Staff & People Ocean Analyst - EEA and CZM welcome Pressada Vella to the ocean management planning team. Pressada is finalizing her doctoral dissertation at UMass Boston where she has been studying various aspects of marine ecosystem-based management, and also brings international experience in such issues to EEA/CZM. Pressada previously interned for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Chapter 91 Waterways Licensing Program, and has worked for the government of Malta on environmental issues related to the European Union. Welcome Pressada! Marine Spatial Planner - In September, CZM welcomed Emily Chambliss as a Marine Spatial Planner. Emily will provide mapping assistance with CZM's ocean planning efforts and will be developing new geographic information system (GIS) data layers for MORIS, the Massachusetts Ocean Resource Information System, which fulfills her interest in using GIS to better manage and protect the coastal marine environment. Emily received her master's of environmental management from Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences and her bachelor's from Boston College. Welcome Emily! David Trubey Leaves CZM - On September 30, David Trubey left CZM to take a position with Fathom Research, a marine science consulting firm. For the past nine years, David has served as the Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources' (BUAR) Deputy Director and Staff Archaeologist. During this time, David participated in all aspects of BUAR activities—from field investigations to outreach activities to coordinating project review. As the consummate team player, he is an asset that will be sorely missed at BUAR and CZM and we wish him much success at his new endeavor. Wes Shaw Leaves CZM - In September, CZM bid farewell to Wes Shaw, our 2006-2008 Coastal Management Fellow from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Coastal Services Center (CSC). Wes was the mastermind behind CZM's nationally acclaimed StormSmart Coasts Program, which was designed to give local decision-makers the information and tools for coastal storm damage and flood protection, as well as sea level rise and climate change preparation. Wes will be moving to Washington, where, with funding from CSC, he will transfer the Massachusetts StormSmart Coasts model to other coastal areas around the country, beginning with regional websites for the Gulf of Mexico Coast and the New England states. Thanks to Wes for sharing his creativity, innovative ideas, and sense of humor! CZM wishes him all the best in his new role. Clean Marina Intern - In September, CZM welcomed Kim Starbuck as the Massachusetts Clean Marina Program Intern. With financial support from the Cape Cod & the Massachusetts Marine Trades Associations, CZM was able to bring Kim on board to assist CZM's Clean Marina Program, which provides resources and direct technical assistance regarding environmental compliance to Massachusetts marinas. During this internship, Kim will initiate the development of an environmental regulatory compliance checklist and compile information on Clean Marina Certification Programs around the country to inform future efforts in Massachusetts. Kim comes to us from the Urban Harbors Institute at UMass Boston where she earned a master's of science in environmental, earth, and ocean sciences. Welcome aboard Kim! Grants/Funding Opportunities StormSmart Coasts Technical Assistance - CZM has released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), seeking proposals from coastal communities to serve as pilots for implementing coastal floodplain and sea level rise management tools and strategies developed through its StormSmart Coasts Program. CZM will provide direct technical and outreach assistance to select and apply the appropriate tools and strategies that address the specific coastal issues of each chosen community. To view the RFQ, visit the Comm-PASS website and search for document number "ENV 09 CZM 05." For additional information, attend one of the bidder's conferences detailed in the RFQ or contact Daniella Hirschfeld at daniella.hirschfeld@state.ma.us. Proposals are due by November 14. Priority Coastal Wetland Restoration Projects - CZM's Wetlands Restoration Program (WRP) has issued a call for Priority Coastal Wetland Restoration Projects. In most fiscal years, WRP designates a limited number of priority projects that are eligible to receive WRP-funded technical services. Designated priority projects are also eligible for funding under WRP's grants program to support monitoring and construction-related needs. For details, visit the Comm-PASS website and search for document number "ENV 09 CZM 02." The priority project nomination period is open until November 21. See the current list of WRP priority projects. Estuarine Watershed Funding - The National Estuary Program Community-based Restoration Partnership (NEP/CRP) is seeking pre-proposals for on-the-ground activities within watersheds of the National Estuary Programs (NEP) that restore marine, estuarine, and riparian habitats benefiting living marine resources and foster local stewardship of the coastal environment. The NEP/CRP is a multi-year, regional partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Community-based Restoration Program, the Association of National Estuary Programs (ANEP) and the NEPs. Massachusetts proposals should be coordinated through a Commonwealth NEP. For projects in the Massachusetts Bays Program area, contact Jan Smith at jan.smith@state.ma.us. For projects in the Buzzards Bay Program area, contact Joe Costa at joe.costa@state.ma.us. Pre-proposals are due by October 20. River Restoration Grants - Two opportunities are available to fund stream barrier removal projects. The NOAA Open Rivers Initiative provides funding and technical expertise for community-driven, small dam and river barrier removals, primarily in coastal states. Proposals are due October 31. The American Rivers/NOAA Community-Based Restoration Program Partnership provides funding for river restoration grants to fund stream barrier removal projects that help restore riverine ecosystems. Proposals are due by December 3. Fish Habitat 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. Successful proposals have community-based restoration efforts with outreach to the local communities. Proposals are due October 6. Atlantic Salmon Grants - NOAA is seeking applications for Atlantic Salmon Conservation Grants to fund projects that address priority needs for Atlantic salmon recovery and restoration within the species current and historical range in New England. Applications are due by November 14. Reminder - This funding opportunity listed in the last CZ-Mail is still available:
Guide to Community Land-Use Planning and Development - CZM's Shoreline and Floodplain Manager Andrea Cooper and Mass Audubon's North Shore Advocacy Director Kathy Leahy have co-authored a chapter in the new book Preserving and Enhancing Communities: A Guide for Citizens, Planners, and Policymakers (University of Massachusetts Press, September 2007). The publication features pieces from various experts who describe in very practical terms the "community preservation" approach to town planning. Chapter 6, "Community Process: Establishing Values, Goals, Visions, and Realities" was written by Andrea and Kathy, both experts on the subject with their smart growth efforts on the North Shore. StormSmart Coasts Featured in Coastal Services Magazine - The September/October 2008 issue of Coastal Services, a NOAA Coastal Services Center magazine, is now available online. This issue features "Making Massachusetts' Coast StormSmart," a piece about CZM's StormSmart Program. Additional stories include capturing recreational boater behavior in Florida, using podcasts to increase supporters of sanctuaries in California, and permitting a marine ornamental farm in Rhode Island. Municipal Pollution Prevention Manual - The Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) has released the final installment of the Urban Subwatershed Restoration Manual Series, Manual 9: Municipal Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping Practices. The National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requires that most communities develop comprehensive pollution prevention/good housekeeping programs for stormwater discharges. This manual will assist communities with development of these programs and is available for free download from the CWP website. Street Sweeping and Storm Drain Cleanout Study - CWP has released Deriving Reliable Pollutant Removal Rates for Municipal Street Sweeping and Storm Drain Cleanout Programs in the Chesapeake Bay Basin. This study was performed to determine the pollutant removal success from street sweeping and storm drain cleaning practices and is available for free download from the CWP website. Right Whale News - The August 2008 issue of Right Whale News (PDF, 100 KB) is now available and features articles on ship strike reduction rules, proposed changes to endangered species rules, fishing gear rules, and more. Marine Protected Area Newsletter - The September 2008 issue of MPA News is now available and features articles on the future of marine protected areas (MPA), new MPAs in the Pacific, the impacts of structures in fishing areas, and other MPA news and notes. Websites Climate Ready Estuaries - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Climate Ready Estuaries (CRE) Program has launched its new website. The CRE Program is a partnership between EPA and National Estuary Programs (NEP) to address climate change in coastal areas and is currently working with six NEP pilots. The CRE website is designed to provide users with information about the importance of coastal adaptation to climate change and provide tools for adaptation in a toolkit that features resources related to coastal vulnerability, adaptation planning, smart growth, data and monitoring, and sustainable financing-all designed to serve a range of users, from community members to coastal managers. Historical Hurricane Tracks - NOAA has launched a new Historical Hurricane Tracks website—a new online tool that helps users get a quick picture of those coastal areas with the greatest frequency of hurricanes and tropical storms. As the U.S. coastal population continues to grow, so do the hazards when big storms approach. This tool can provide a historical "snapshot" to help community members and local emergency managers develop better plans for storm preparation and recovery. Although the Commonwealth has not seen a hurricane since Hurricane Bob in 1991, a Category 2 storm that made landfall near New Bedford with 115 mph winds, this information can help prepare for the inevitable return of a severe storm. Estuaries.Gov - The educational website of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS), Estuaries.Gov, has a new look and a host of new functions to help students and teachers understand the complexities of coastal and estuarine science. The new site includes a searchable video database, animated interpretations of live water quality and weather data from the System-Wide Monitoring Program, and a complete high school estuarine science curriculum. Coastal Projects under CZM Review Reminder - The following comment opportunity listed in the last CZ-Mail is still open:
Climate Change Document - The NOAA Climate Change Science Program is seeking public comments on the draft U.S. Geological Survey climate change publication, Thresholds of Change in Ecosystems. Instructions for commenting are provided on the publication's web page. Comments are due by October 17. Atlantic Salmon Critical Habitat - The National Marine Fisheries Service is seeking comments on the proposal to designate critical habitat for the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar). For details, including commenting instructions, see the Federal Register Notice. Comments are due by November 4. Reminder - The following comment opportunities listed in the last CZ-Mail are still open:
Boston Harbor Educators Conference - On October 4, the Massachusetts Marine Educators will hold its annual Boston Harbor Educators Conference—Riches and Resources of the Harbor and its Islands. The day-long conference will feature an all-day trip to Thompson Island to learn the history, topography, and biodiversity of the region. The trip leaves from the Fox Point Pavilion at UMass Boston at 9:00 a.m. For more information, see the conference brochure. Ocean Energy Prospects for New England - On October 6, the Marine Renewable Energy Center will host the first Ocean Energy for New England Conference in Fall River. The conference will highlight new government initiatives, technology options, partnering opportunities, and research needs for the emerging ocean energy business in New England waters. Panelists from industry, government, technology development, and public policy will discuss current activities and challenges of working within state and/or federal waters. Wastewater Treatment Workshop Series - On October 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve will hold the workshop Modifying Tidal Inlets to Mitigate Nitrogen Loading in Coastal Systems, the fourth in a series of free monthly workshops on comprehensive wastewater management planning for municipal officials (Wastewater Committees, Planning Boards, Health Boards, Conservation Commissions, and Public Works) and consultants. As towns seek to reduce watershed nitrogen loads to coastal bays and ponds, modifying tidal inlets to improve water quality may be considered as a potential management approach. Drawing on available science and regional examples, this workshop will examine whether or not this non-traditional approach can offer real solutions and how it compares with other nitrogen management alternatives. Registration is required. River and Coastal Flooding Conference - On November 7 in Wellesley, the Association of Massachusetts Wetland Scientists (AMWS) will hold the Solutions to River & Coastal Flooding in Massachusetts conference that will feature a discussion of CZM's StormSmart Coasts Program. For details, see the AMWS workshop calendar. Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference—Call for Abstracts - On May 18-20, 2009, the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, in partnership with its member states, will hold the 20th Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference in Portland, Maine. Submissions for projects, oral presentations, or posters are due by December 1. For details see the conference website. Reminders - The following calendar items, posted in the last CZ-Mail, are still to come:
EPA Issues New Multi-Sector General Permit - On September 29, EPA issued an updated Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for Industrial Stormwater Discharges. This permit provides rules and guidelines to a multitude of industrial facilities regarding stormwater pollution prevention. Regulated facilities, which include marinas, boatyards, yacht clubs, and other water transportation and ship/boat building and repair facilities, are required to develop a stormwater pollution prevention plan and install controls that meet established pollutant limits. The new MSGP also requires periodic stormwater monitoring to ensure compliance with performance standards and thresholds. The MSGP applies to facilities in states and territories not authorized to implement EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, including Massachusetts. Under the Clean Water Act, all facilities that discharge pollutants into U.S. waters must obtain a NPDES permit. The new permit replaces the MSGP issued in 2000. For permit details, see the EPA website. In addition, on November 5 from noon to 2:00 p.m., EPA will host a webcast to explain the new permit requirements. Register on the EPA NPDES Training web page two weeks before the webcast. For questions about MSGP compliance for marinas, contact CZM's Robin Lacey at robin.lacey@state.ma.us. Marine Policy Fellowships - The NOAA Sea Grant College Program is accepting applications for the 2010 Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program. This one-year program provides a unique educational experience to students who have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources. The program matches highly qualified graduate students with hosts in the legislative, executive branches, or appropriate associations/institutions located in the Washington, DC area, for a one year paid fellowship. Applications are due by February 20, 2009. NOAA Climate Working Group - The NOAA Science Advisory Board (SAB) is seeking nominations for four vacancies on the Climate Working Group to provide scientific advice and broad direction to NOAA's climate program in the context of both national and international activities. Submit nominations to noaa.sab.climate@noaa.gov by October 27. Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee - The Department of Commerce is seeking nominations for membership on the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee. Nominations are sought for highly qualified non-federal scientists, resource managers, and people representing other interests or organizations involved with or affected by marine conservation. Details are available on the Committee's web page. Nominations are due by November 30. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Boston, MA 02114