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CZ-Mail May 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.
Ocean Planning Process Continues In April, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) continued work toward meeting the June 30, 2009, deadline for submittal of a draft ocean management plan to the Massachusetts Legislature. The Ocean Science Advisory Council met on April 13 to continue its review and discussion of an approach to evaluating the ecological importance of ocean waters. This approach will be used as a tool for considering siting of allowable uses and identifying "special, sensitive, and unique marine and estuarine life and habitats," as required in the Oceans Act. EEA developed criteria for specific planning decisions, building on goals and strategies derived from the Oceans Act. Continuing the public participation process, EEA prepared for two Ocean Advisory Commission public workshops, scheduled on May 2 (9:30 a.m. at the Jonsson Center in Wood's Hole) and May 6 (9:00 a.m. at the Hynes Convention Center, Boston), to review preliminary spatial analysis and conceptual management measures. For more on the ocean planning process, see EEA's Massachusetts Ocean Plan website. To receive periodic ocean plan updates, send an email to join-env-oceanplan@listserv.state.ma.us. EEA Awards Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grants In April, EEA announced $337,000 in Fiscal Year 2009 grants to Massachusetts communities through CZM's Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) Grant Program. CPR awards were granted to the towns of Barnstable, Duxbury, Plymouth, and Provincetown 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, almost $6 million has been awarded through this grant program. See EEA's CPR Grants Press Release. Parker Avenue Cut Restoration Project Breaks Ground In April, construction began on the Parker Avenue Cut wetland restoration project in Cohasset, a priority project of CZM's Wetland Restoration Program (WRP). This project will reconstruct and enlarge a collapsed culvert under Border Street between the Gulf River Estuary and Cohasset Harbor. The goals are to reestablish and increase tidal flow to reduce habitat fragmentation, restore hydraulic connectivity, and improve ecological/habitat integrity to 1.7 acres of salt marsh and the much larger upstream marsh, pond, and mud flat system. Project partners include WRP, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Conservation Law Foundation/Restore America's Estuaries program, and the town of Cohasset. Project monitoring will be provided by the Cohasset Center for Student Coastal Research. Construction is expected to be completed in early May. U.S. House Introduces Bills to Amend the CZMA U.S. Representative Lois Capps (California) has introduced two bills that would amend the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) of 1972. The first (H.R. 1690) would authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to coastal states to support state efforts to perform surveys of coastal waters to identify potential areas suitable for the exploration, development, and production of renewable energy, and other purposes. The second bill (H.R. 1905) would require the Secretary of Commerce to establish a coastal climate change adaptation planning and response program. This program would provide assistance to coastal states to voluntarily develop coastal climate change adaptation plans, as well as provide financial and technical assistance and training to enable coastal states to implement such plans. Both bills have been referred to the Committee on Natural Resources' Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife. Grants/Funding Opportunities §604(b) Grants—Additional Funding Available - Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has received additional funding for §604(b) Water Quality Management Planning Program Grants. MassDEP is seeking project proposals for watershed- or subwatershed-based nonpoint source assessment activities that support MassDEP's efforts. To view the Request for Responses (RFR), see the Comm-PASS website and search for document number "BRP 2009-03." Proposals are due by May 15. Conservation Partnership Grants - EEA's Division of Conservation Services (DCS) is seeking proposals for the Conservation Partnership Grant Program, which provides funds to non-public, nonprofit corporations to acquire and hold lands suitable for conservation or recreation. To view the RFR, see the Comm-PASS website and search for document number "ENV 10 DCS 03." Applications are due by July 13. Reminder - These opportunities listed in the last CZ-Mail are still available:
Volunteer Monitoring Newsletter - The spring 2009 issue of the Volunteer Monitor focuses on aquatic invasives species and features an article about pioneering work on invasive species by Salem Sound Coastwatch, which received funding and technical support from CZM. Resilient Coasts Blueprint - The Heinz Center and Ceres have released Resilient Coasts: A Blueprint for Action, which outlines policy changes and common sense actions that could reduce economic, ecological, and social losses from future storms and rising sea levels along U.S. coastlines. Specific recommendations include: enable planning for climate impacts by providing the necessary science and decision-making tools; require risk-based land use planning; and design adaptable infrastructure and building code standards to meet future risk. The blueprint was produced by a coalition of leading insurers, public officials, risk experts, builders, and conservation groups. Natural Hazards Observer - The March 2009 issue of the Natural Hazards Observer is available online. This bimonthly periodical of the Natural Hazards Center reports on current disaster issues; new international, national, and local disaster management, mitigation, and education programs; hazards research; political and policy developments; new information sources and websites; upcoming conferences; and recent publications. The March issue features CZM's StormSmart Coasts website as a Web Site of Interest. Riverways eNewsletter - The April 2009 issue of Riverways NewsNotes, an eNewsletter from the Massachusetts Riverways Program, is now available online. This edition details the pending federal legislation relating to rivers and conservation through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, resources and grants available, upcoming events, online resources, and more. FEMA Compendium of Flood Map Changes - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released the latest semi-annual Compendium of Flood Map Changes, which provides a listing of changes made to the National Flood Insurance Program maps that went into effect from July 1 through December 31, 2008. Climate Literacy Guide - NOAA has released Climate Literacy: The Essential Principles of Climate Science, a 13-page guide that includes information on how individuals and communities can help reduce climate change and its impacts. To download, see the NOAA website. Ocean Priorities Report - The Joint Ocean Commission Initiative has released Changing Oceans, Changing World: Ocean Priorities for the Obama Administration and Congress, a report that outlines priority actions for ocean and coastal policy and management, international leadership, ocean science, and funding for ocean and coastal policies and programs. For details, see the Commission website. Coastal Management Newsletter - The April 2009 edition of NOAA's Coastal Program Division's Coastal Management News features articles about sea level rise adaptation in Maryland, aquaculture permitting in Connecticut, an offshore energy symposium in Rhode Island, and more. Coastal Connections - The April/May 2009 issue of NOAA's Coastal Connections is now available online. This edition focuses on how to design exceptional resource management projects that produce measurable results. Greenscapes E-Newsletter - The mid-spring 2009 issue of the Greenscapes E-Newsletter is now available online. This issue 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. Runoff Rundown - The spring 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 our streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and bays. Runoff Rundown covers current Center project work, provides information on the latest technical research, and lists the latest events, articles, and resources for the watershed professional. Marine Protected Area Newsletter - The April 2009 issue of MPA News is now available and features articles on the role of marine protected areas (MPA) in ecosystem-based management, the approach to MPAs in Canada, and other MPA news and notes. Reminder - The following CZM publication listed in the last CZ-Mail is still available:
CZM and MassGIS Data on NASA Site - CZM and the Massachusetts Geographic Information System (MassGIS) now have a GIS data portal on the NASA Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) metadata site. All CZM and MassGIS data are posted here in a searchable format. GCMD records include a brief description of the data, a Google map showing the extent of the data, citation information, and a link to where the data can be viewed or downloaded. CZM and MassGIS data listed can also be viewed through MORIS, CZM's online mapping tool. Oceans, Weather, and Climate - NOAA's new Ocean's Role in Weather and Climate website features materials to help teachers and students understand factors that impact the Earth's weather and climate and how changes in temperature or air circulation are part of complex, long-term cycles. The website offers classroom resources, teacher tutorials, web seminar archives, and more. Coastal Geotools 2009 - The proceedings and presentations from Coastal Geotools 2009, Building the Digital Coast, are now available online. This March 2009 conference, held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, focused on the benefits and applicability of emerging tools and techniques, best practices, and the development of public-private partnerships. See the Coastal Geotools 2009 web page for links. Healthy Watersheds Initiative - EPA has launched a new initiative called Healthy Watersheds that emphasizes protection and conservation of aquatic ecosystems. The new Healthy Watersheds website provides information on watershed protection tools for local governments, watershed practitioners, and regional agencies. Calendar No Adverse Impact Lecture - On May 11, CZM's StormSmart Coasts program, Michael Baker Jr., Inc, and the towns of Plymouth, Kingston, and Duxbury will hold the lecture No Adverse Impacts: Best Management Practices for Coastal Communities. Targeted at local officials, town counsels, and department staff, the presentation will introduce the No Adverse Impact philosophy and explain how communities can work toward an improved floodplain management strategy. The lecture will be held in Room 200 of Kingston Town House at 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact Daniella Hirschfeld at daniella.hirschfeld@ma.state.us. BUAR Public Meeting - On May 28, CZM's Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR) will hold its bimonthly public board meeting at CZM's Boston office in the CZM Large Conference Room at 1:30 p.m. Preliminary agenda items include the renewal of six Reconnaissance permits in Eastham, Falmouth, Marblehead, Salisbury, Wellfleet, and Worcester and the discussion and vote on one new Special Use permit application in Salem. For details, contact BUAR Director, Victor Mastone, at victor.mastone@state.ma.us. North Shore Climate Change Workshop - On June 11, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, in partnership with CZM and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), will hold workshop entitled North Shore Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise Workshop II: Preparing for Impacts—Mapping Hazard Areas. Workshop presentations will describe current and upcoming flood mapping strategies—including FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Sea, Lake and Overland Surges from Hurricanes (SLOSH) Maps. Information about other coastal threats not covered by these maps will also be presented. This workshop, to be held from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the Gordon Room in the Peabody Institute Library, is targeted to municipal officials and staff. For more information, contact Sam Cleaves at scleaves@mapc.org. Water Use and Sustainable Landscapes Forums - In May, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council will sponsor two Peak Summer Water Demand and Sustainable Landscaping forums. Seasonal peak water demand places stress on many local water supply systems as well as aquifers and streams. Much of this peak demand is related to outdoor water use that can be managed by a variety of tools, including sustainable landscaping techniques. The first forum is on May 14 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Peabody Institute Library in Danvers. The second will be held on May 21 at Hingham Town Hall from 6:30-9:00 p.m. 2009 Estuarine Research Conference—Call for Abstracts - On November 1-5, the 2009 Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation Conference, Coasts and Estuaries in a Changing World, will be held in Portland, Oregon. The deadline for abstracts is May 15. New England Mitigation Conference - On May 20-22, the 2009 New England Mitigation Conference will be held in Newport, Rhode Island. For more information, contact Samantha Clay at samantha.clay@dhs.gov. Cape Cod Maritime History Symposium - On May 30, the 13th annual Cape Cod Maritime History Symposium will be held at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History. Victor Mastone, BUAR Director, will present Encountering History Might Just Be a Walk on a Cape Cod Beach. To register, see the museum's website. Coastal Ocean Circulation Conference - On June 7-12, the 2009 Gordon Conference on Coastal Circulation will be held at Colby Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire. The conference will present recent advances in understanding of the physical processes determining circulation and mixing in the coastal ocean. The registration deadline is May 17. Coastal Ecosystems for Science Teachers - On July 13-17, the Northeastern University Marine Science Center in Nahant will offer a Survey of New England Coastal Ecosystems course for science teachers of grades 6-12. Coastal Zone '09 - On July 19-23, the Coastal Zone '09 Conference, Revolutionary Times: Catching the Wave of Change, will be held at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston. The coastal and ocean landscape is changing, whether it's the climate, shoreline, or habitat. Coastal Zone '09 will explore the many facets of change and share tools and information to help manage the changing coastal and ocean resources. Conference on Coastal Environmental Sensing Networks - On July 23-24, the University of Massachusetts Boston Center for Coastal Environmental Sensing Networks (CESN) will hold CESN '09. This two-day conference will provide a forum to share state-of-the-art technology capabilities and learn about informational needs related to environmental sensing networks. CESN '09 will feature three panel sessions held in conjunction with Coastal Zone '09, a networking dinner, presentations, posters, and plenary talks. Scholarships are available for employees of nonprofit organizations and state and municipal resource management offices. Swim & Fin Festival - On July 25, Salem Sound Coastwatch is holding the 4th Annual Swim & Fin Festival 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. Nantucket Biodiversity Conference—Call for Papers - On September 19, the Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative will hold the third bi-annual Biodiversity Conference in Nantucket. Conference organizers are seeking presentations about biodiversity-related research on Nantucket, Tuckernuck, Muskeget, Cape Cod, Long Island, or other similar habitats. For more information, contact Bob Kennedy at rkennedy@mmo.org. Abstracts are due by August 11. Reminders - The following calendar items posted in the last CZ-Mail are still to come:
May Is American Wetlands Month - EPA will celebrate American Wetlands Month in May. This annual celebration recognizes and highlights the benefits that wetlands provide to the natural environment. For more information, see EPA's Wetland's Month web page. Environmental Justice Awards - EPA is seeking nominations for the 2009 Environmental Justice Achievement Awards. National awards for achievements in environmental justice will be given to multi-stakeholder partnerships for their achievement (during 2004-2008) in addressing environmental justice issues or achieving the goals of environmental justice in a manner that results in positive impacts to a community. EPA will announce award winners this fall. Nominations are due by May 13. Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee Nominations - NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is seeking qualified nominees to the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee, which advises the Secretary of Commerce on all matters concerning living marine resources that are the responsibility of the Department of Commerce. Send nominations to Mark Holliday at Mark.Holliday@noaa.gov by June 5. Rachel Carson Contest - EPA is calling for submissions to the third annual Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder Contest. Carson is considered to be the founder of the contemporary environmental movement through her landmark book, Silent Spring. Entries will be accepted in four categories—poetry, essay, dance, and photography. For more information, see the EPA contest website. Submissions are due by June 10. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Boston, MA 02114