|
|
|
|
Mass.Gov Home Page | |
|
State Agencies | |
|
State A-Z Topic List | |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
CZ-Mail August 2009 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. Please feel free to share CZ-Mail with colleagues and friends—and 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.
Draft Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan—Public Review and Comment On July 1, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles released the draft comprehensive ocean management plan for public review and comment. The draft plan was developed by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and CZM, with broad support from the Departments of Fish and Game and Environmental Protection. Mandated by the Oceans Act of 2008, the draft plan was developed in the context of an extensive and ongoing public participation process. Formal public hearings regarding the plan have been scheduled for September 14 in Boston, September 15 in New Bedford, September 16 in Barnstable, and September 17 in Gloucester. For details, see CZM's Calendar page. For links to the two-volume draft plan and all maps and figures, see the Draft Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan website. To receive periodic ocean plan updates, send an email to join-env-oceanplan@listserv.state.ma.us. The Oceans Act sets a deadline of December 31, 2009, for final promulgation of a plan that balances protection of marine resources with uses such as renewable energy development. Also pursuant to the Act, public comments on the draft plan must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 16. To provide online comments, see the Ocean Plan Public Input Portal comments page. Submit written comments to: Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management Re: Draft Ocean Management Plan 251 Causeway Street, Suite 800 Boston, MA 02114 Spatial Data for Draft Ocean Plan Now in MORIS The spatial information that was incorporated into the Draft Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan is now available in the Massachusetts Ocean Resource Information System (MORIS), CZM's online mapping tool. MORIS presents all the data layers featured in the draft plan maps and each layer is symbolized to match the PDF version of the maps. In MORIS, users have the ability to read the metadata that accompanies each layer and combine data layers with other CZM and Massachusetts Office of Geographic and Environmental Information (MassGIS) data. Also, the layers can be downloaded as industry standard ESRI shapefiles. For questions about the map layers or MORIS, contact Daniel Sampson at daniel.sampson@state.ma.us. Climate Change Advisory Committee Work Underway Since the first meeting of the state's Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Committee (CCAAC) on June 4, a series of five subcommittees (Coastal Zone and Ocean, Natural Resources and Habitat, Local Economy, Human Health and Welfare, and Key Infrastructure) have been hard at work compiling information for climate change scenarios in the Northeast. These subcommittees are identifying key sectors within each topic area, examining vulnerabilities, and exploring options and strategies for improving readiness and resiliency. The Coastal Zone and Ocean Subcommittee last met on July 8 and will meet on August 4 to continue its efforts to develop a draft report for submittal to the full CCAAC at the end of August. Stay tuned to CZ-Mail for future details. CZM and Boston Welcome CZ09 From July 19-23, Coastal Zone 2009 (CZ09), the bi-annual, international conference on coastal management, was held in Boston. On July 20, Secretary Bowles welcomed conference participants at the opening plenary, which featured Dr. Jane Lubchenco, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator; Laura Davis, Associate Deputy Secretary for the U.S. Department of Interior; and Suzanne Schwartz, Acting Director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds. CZM Director Deerin Babb-Brott moderated the local plenary on July 22, which included opening remarks from Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray and a panel on the Draft Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan with state Senator Robert O'Leary (Cape and Islands); Jack Wiggin, Director of the Urban Harbor Institute; Rich Delaney, Director of the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies and chair of the Massachusetts Ocean Partnership governing board; and Paul Diodati, Director of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. CZM had a very strong presence at this five-day event, making presentations, moderating sessions, leading field trips, and networking with peers from around the globe. CZM staff gave talks and facilitated sessions on the following wide-ranging topics: the draft ocean plan, smart growth and CZM's StormSmart Coasts Program, remote sensing, climate change adaptation, working waterfronts, education and outreach, harbor planning, no discharge areas, marine spatial data, regional sediment management, and water quality. For the conference proceedings, see the CZ09 Technical Program web page. Great Neck Project Awarded 2009 CELCP Funding In June, NOAA announced that the Great Neck Conservation Partnership Project in Wareham will receive almost $2 million in Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP) funding. Working closely with CZM and other project partners—including Mass Audubon, the Wareham Land Trust, the town of Wareham, and the Coalition for Buzzards Bay—the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) recently submitted the project's formal grant application requesting $1,986,750. These funds (expected later this fall) will help purchase a conservation restriction on approximately 95 acres of land owned by the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts—leveraging protection of much of the approximately 170 acres surrounding the property. Almost all of the project area is designated by the Commonwealth's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program as Priority Habitat for Rare Species and BioMap Supporting Natural Landscape. The 260 acres protected through this project feature 1.37 miles of shoreline habitat, 19 acres of salt marsh, more than two acres of beach, tens of acres of freshwater wetland habitat, and many acres of developable upland forest. These CELCP funds secure a rare opportunity to permanently protect these coastal lands with their public access opportunities and valuable ecological resources from the development that is rapidly consuming remaining coastal areas in this region. The Great Neck Conservation Partnership Project continues the high standards set by previous CELCP projects funded by NOAA in Massachusetts. Wetlands Restoration Program Moves to Fish and Game In July, CZM's Wetlands Restoration Program (WRP) merged with the Riverways Program to create a new Division of Ecological Restoration within the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG). This new division will be focused on pro-active ecological restoration of coastal and inland aquatic systems, an important step in the advancement of restoration efforts in the Commonwealth and beyond, as it will be the first state division of its kind in the nation. WRP joined CZM in 2003 and made significant progress in advancing CZM's programmatic interests in the restoration of coastal wetlands. WRP is currently working with partners to develop more than 40 active priority projects in the coastal zone and is committed to supporting and advancing those projects toward implementation. CZM looks forward to continued collaboration with WRP to restore coastal habitats and wishes good luck to Hunt Durey, Georgeann Keer, and Jeremy Bell in their new home at DFG. Grants/Funding Opportunities Climate Change Funding - NOAA's Climate Program Office is seeking proposals for several competitive climate change research programs. For more information, see the federal funding opportunity announcement. Applications are due by August 31. CAMEO Program - NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service and National Science Foundation Division of Ocean Sciences are seeking proposals for the Comparative Analysis of Marine Ecosystem Organization (CAMEO) program to support fundamental research to understand complex dynamics controlling ecosystem structure, productivity, behavior, resilience, and population connectivity, as well as effects of climate variability and anthropogenic pressures on living marine resources and critical habitats. For more information, see the Federal Register Notice. Proposals are due by October 5. NOAA Grant Funds - NOAA has announced the availability of numerous competitive grants and cooperative agreements for FY2010. This notice replaces the multiple notices that traditionally announce the availability of NOAA's discretionary funds for various programs. For information on each program, including application details, see the Federal Register Notice. Reminder - This opportunity listed in the last CZ-Mail is still available:
Climate Change Adaptation Documents - EPA has published two documents to help coastal resource managers adapt and prepare for the potential impacts of climate change. Synthesis of Adaptation Options for Coastal Areas (PDF, 918 KB) provides a summary of key adaptation options relevant to estuarine management goals, such as maintaining critical habitats, shorelines, and water quality. The white paper entitled Adaptation Planning for the National Estuary Program (PDF, 536 KB) was developed to assist National Estuary Programs achieve recognition as Climate Ready Estuaries and describes five critical elements of adaptation planning, provides examples of these elements, and references additional resources. Gulf of Maine Council Climate Change Publications - The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment's Climate Change Network has released three climate change documents. Identifying Coastal Habitats at Risk from Climate Change Impacts in the Gulf of Maine (6.5 MB) identifies the research carried out in relation to climate change and its effects on the Gulf of Maine coast. Identifying the Possible Effects of Climate Change on Invasive Species in the Gulf of Maine—A Background Report (PDF, 1 MB) identifies available research on climate change and its effect on invasive species in the Gulf of Maine. Identifying the Possible Effects of Extreme Precipitation and Other Climate Change Impacts on Streamflow and Water Quality in the Gulf of Maine—A Background Report (PDF, 1.3 MB) identifies available research on streamflow measurements, sediment contamination, effects of precipitation changes on watercourse erosion rates, and the consequences to water quality in freshwater and marine environments. Adapting to Climate Change Guidebook - The U.S. Agency for International Development has released the document entitled Adapting to Coastal Climate Change: A Guidebook for Development Planners, which proposes an approach to assess vulnerability to climate change and climate variability, develop and implement adaptation options, and integrate options into programs, development plans, and projects at the national and local levels. Aquatic Invasives Poster - Maine Sea Grant has published the poster New England's Marine Invasion (PDF, 3 MB), which displays and describes aquatic nuisance species in Gulf of Maine waters. To request a free copy, contact Beth Bisson at beth.bisson@maine.edu. Ecosystem Indicator Partnership Fact Sheet - The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment's EcoSystem Indicator Partnership (ESIP) has released its first online fact sheet, which introduces the selected priority indicators for the Gulf of Maine. Stay tuned for two additional ESIP fact sheets on climate change and eutrophication. Marine Spatial Planning and Ecosystem-Based Management Guide - The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission has released a guide entitled Marine Spatial Planning: A Step-by-Step Approach toward Ecosystem-Based Management. The guide defines marine spatial planning, describes why it is needed, details its benefits and outputs, and illustrates how it relates to other marine management approaches. Ecosystem-Based Management for the Oceans - Island Press has released Ecosystem-Based Management for the Oceans, a comprehensive guide to the science and practice of marine ecosystem-based management that features contributions from 46 leading scholars and practitioners. Ocean and Coastal Economies Report - The National Ocean Economics Program has released State of the U.S. Ocean and Coastal Economies - 2009, which presents time-series data compiled over the past 10 years that track economic activities, demographics, natural resource production, non-market values, and federal expenditures in the U.S. coastal zone on land and water. The report states that coastal states account for more than 80 percent of the U.S. economy. Recreational Water Quality Literature Reviews - EPA has conducted two literature reviews that will help inform development of new or revised recreational water quality criteria by 2012. The first document, Review of Published Studies to Characterize Relative Risks from Different Sources of Fecal Contamination in Recreational Waters, describes the existing information available to characterize the relative risks of human illness from various sources of fecal contamination in recreational waters. The second document, Review of Zoonotic Pathogens in Ambient Water, provides a summary of information on waterborne pathogens that come primarily from warm-blooded animals. To download each publication, see EPA's Recreational Water Quality Criteria web page. Offshore Renewable Energy Regulatory Primer - The National Sea Grant Law Center has published Offshore Renewable Energy - Regulatory Primer (PDF, 590 KB), which presents basic regulatory information related to offshore wind, wave, tidal, and ocean thermal energy conversion projects. It also provides brief discussions on state authority, local concerns, and an emerging alternative management framework-marine spatial planning. Marine Protected Area Newsletter - The July-August 2009 issue of MPA News features an article on the progress of marine protected area (MPA) networks in Australia and Hawaii, updates from the Second International Marine Protected Areas Congress, and other MPA news and notes. Runoff Rundown - The summer 2009 issue of Runoff Rundown, the quarterly electronic newsletter of the Center for Watershed Protection, is now available. The Center for Watershed Protection is a national organization that works to protect, restore, and enhance streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and bays. Greenscapes E-Newsletter - The early summer 2009 issue of the Greenscapes E-Newsletter features a yard-care calendar, upcoming events, lawn care tips, and more. The Greenscapes Massachusetts program is a multi-partner outreach effort focusing on water conservation and protection. To receive the e-newsletter directly, subscribe online. Reminder - The following CZM publication listed in the last CZ-Mail is still available:
Hurricane and Emergency Planning - This summer, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) website features information about hurricanes, including: Cape Cod emergency traffic plans; shelter-in-place; evacuation steps; preparedness tips; property protection information; and other details about hurricanes in New England. FEMA Ready Kids - The Ready Kids website from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) features age-appropriate, step-by-step instructions on what families can do to be better prepared and the role kids can play in this effort. Ready Kids is part of FEMA's Ready campaign, a national public service advertising campaign designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, potential terrorist attacks, and other emergencies. Electronic Angler Logbook - The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) in conjunction with the Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program has developed a new electronic angler logbook (eLogbook) for recreational anglers willing to provide data useful for management of marine fishes in Massachusetts. The eLogbook is a web database designed for recreational anglers to enter daily trip information on general location, gear used, and sizes of fish that are harvested or released. Also, participating anglers can access and summarize their fishing data in tabular or graphical forms. Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition - The Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition (MLTC) has re-designed and overhauled its website. MLTC is a voluntary association of land trusts founded to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information, increase the effectiveness of Massachusetts land trusts in working with the state legislature and environmental agencies, and promote high professional standards. United Nations Climate Change Portal - The Gateway to the UN System's Work on Climate Change website provides a comprehensive look at the United Nations involvement and activities surrounding climate change. Calendar Waquoit Bay Watershed Block Party - On August 4 at 3:30 p.m., join the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) for the annual Watershed Block Party—an event to raise awareness about estuaries and watersheds. Renewable Energy Technical Conference—Call for Papers - On October 15, the New England Marine Renewable Energy Center will hold a technical conference in Fall River. To submit an abstract, see the Call for Papers. Abstract are due by August 15. Wellfleet Bay Summer Lecture Series - The Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary summer lecture series, Bayside Talks, features two lectures in August. On August 19 at 7:30 p.m., Seals of Cape Cod will be presented by Lisa Sette from the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies. On August 26 at 7:30 p.m., Sharks in New England will be presented by Dr. Greg Skomal from DMF. For details, contact Melissa Lowe at mlowe@massaudubon.org. Legal and Ethical Duties in a Changing Climate - On September 11, the University of Oregon School of Law will host Legal and Ethical Duties in a Changing Climate, a symposium focusing on reshaping current discourse on climate law and policy to address the inequitable effects climate change will have on the environment, biodiversity, and human health. Ocean Energy for New England - On September 17, the 2nd Annual Ocean Energy for New England Conference will take place at the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis. Permitting Renewable Energy Projects - On September 21 in Boston, Law Seminars International will hold a strategic one-day seminar on Permitting Renewable Energy Projects. Presenters will provide updates to energy professionals at all levels of the industry on critical changes in the permitting process including the statewide permitting streamlining effort. Northeast Beaches Conference - On September 21-23, the 2009 Northeast Beaches Conference will be held in Woods Hole. The 2009 conference theme is local shoreline management and protection efforts. Two field trips and more than 50 presentations on a range of coastal topics are on the agenda. For more information and to register, see the 2009 conference website. Discounts are available for early August registration. Mapping Massachusetts Communities Workshop - On both September 24 and 25, New Urban Research is holding a one-day GIS workshop in Boston. Mapping Massachusetts Communities Workshop: An Introduction to GIS and Community Analysis is a beginner-level class for anyone interested in mapping their community. Water Resources Conference—Save the Date - On November 10, the Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) will hold A Water Resources Conference: Commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the Massachusetts Environmental Trust at Holy Cross College in Worcester. Established as part of the Boston Harbor cleanup, MET has infused more than $17 million into water quality, aquatic species, and environmental education projects. This conference is targeted to practitioners that protect and restore water quality and the continuity of aquatic systems. For more information, contact Susan Lanza at susan.lanza@state.ma.us. Reminders - The following calendar items posted in the last CZ-Mail are still to come:
COASTSWEEP 2009 - COASTSWEEP, the state-wide beach cleanup sponsored by CZM and the Urban Harbors Institute at UMass Boston, will kick off its 22nd year on September 19 at Nantasket Beach in Hull. 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 what they find. 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. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Boston, MA 02114