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CZ-Mail August 2010 Welcome to CZ-Mail, the monthly electronic newsletter from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). Each issue 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. To subscribe to CZ-Mail, send a blank email to join-env-cz-mail@listserv.state.ma.us. Also, please feel free to share CZ-Mail with colleagues and friends—and if you have any suggestions for future editions, or would like make a change to your CZ-Mail subscription, 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.
Obama Administration Issues National Ocean Policy and Related Executive Order On July 19, the Obama Administration issued an Executive Order and Final Recommendations of the Ocean Policy Task Force to, according to the White House press release, "establish a National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, Coasts, and Great Lakes and create a National Ocean Council (NOC) to strengthen ocean governance and coordination." The Executive Order contains 10 policy statements and instructs the NOC to provide direction to federal agencies to implement these policies. The Executive Order also directs the NOC to guide the federal agency implementation of the Ocean Policy Task Force recommendations (PDF, 3.6 MB), which include the development of regional coastal and marine spatial plans. As described in the Executive Order, these regional plans are intended to provide a "more integrated, comprehensive, ecosystem-based, flexible, and proactive approach to planning and managing sustainable multiple uses." CZM provided input and recommendations to the Ocean Policy Task Force based on our experience developing the Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan and are pleased to see that many of these recommendations have been included. CZM is working with fellow New England states through the Northeast Regional Ocean Council to develop a planning strategy to respond to the national policy. New Bedford/Fairhaven Municipal Harbor Plan Renewal Approved On June 14, the city of New Bedford/town of Fairhaven's Municipal Harbor Plan Renewal was approved by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), replacing the original 2002 harbor plan. The renewal outlines the municipalities' plans to support traditional harbor industries, improve harbor infrastructure, capture new port business opportunities, and enhance the harbor environment. The five-year renewal also includes elements that enhance public access in portions of the harbor outside of the Designated Port Area (DPA) through Chapter 91 licensing. CZM provided New Bedford and Fairhaven officials and their harbor planning consultants significant technical assistance throughout the planning and approval process. See the full MHP decision (PDF, 2.9 MB). Lynn Municipal Harbor Plan and DPA Master Plan Approved On June 28, the city of Lynn Municipal Harbor Plan and DPA Master Plan was approved by EEA. The plan seeks to revitalize the city's waterfront through strategic redevelopment and creation of public open spaces and amenities, encouraging and expanding compatible marine industries and supporting uses within the DPA and enhancing the connection between the Lynn downtown area. The plan contains provisions to provide greater building heights and setbacks from the waterfront to create mixed-use neighborhoods that maximize public open space and water views during Chapter 91 licensing. The public benefits associated with the plan include enhanced public access and public open space, including a unified series of public spaces along a waterfront promenade and the creation of a signature park for staging community events and celebrations. CZM provided the city with harbor planning technical assistance throughout the process. See the full MHP decision (PDF, 2.7 MB). Pleasant Bay NDA Approved In July, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the state's proposal to designate the coastal waters of Pleasant Bay on Cape Cod as a vessel No Discharge Area (NDA). This latest NDA designation prohibits the discharge of any treated or untreated waste in a 14-square-mile region of state waters in Harwich, Chatham, Orleans, and Brewster. The Pleasant Bay NDA now protects one of the most diverse and productive marine habitats on the East Coast. The designation is in response to the nomination for NDA status submitted by CZM on behalf of EEA earlier this year—capping a year-long effort involving extensive work by CZM and the Pleasant Bay Resource Management Alliance in conjunction with the four communities. For details, see the Pleasant Bay Federal Register Notice. EPA is also currently reviewing EEA's nomination to designate an NDA for the North Shore from Gloucester to Salisbury. This NDA is expected to be approved in early August. Related efforts to authorize NDAs are underway for Nantucket Sound, Mt. Hope Bay, and the outer Cape from Chatham to Provincetown. For more on NDA activities along the coast, see CZM's NDA website. CZ-Tip: Help Clean Up Massachusetts Shores at COASTSWEEP 2010 With more than 1,500 miles of Massachusetts shoreline, there's plenty of coast to be cleaned. Volunteers throughout Massachusetts turn out in large numbers each year for this cleanup 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 help in this effort and learn a bit about marine debris and how to prevent it, see the CZ-Tip - Help Clean Up Massachusetts Shores at COASTSWEEP 2010. To get involved, see the COASTSWEEP website or check out COASTSWEEP on Facebook. CZM Staff & People Mass Bays Marine Scientist - In June, Christian Krahforst left the Massachusetts Bays Program (MBP) to accept an Assistant Professor position at the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass). Christian served the Massachusetts Bays Program and CZM for many years as marine scientist, leading marine research and monitoring initiatives throughout the state and region, including the National Coastal Condition Assessment and the Gulf Watch program. MBP will continue to work with Christian and UMass on these and other important coastal research efforts. CZM and MBP wish Christian all the best in his new role. Boston Harbor Regional Coordinator - In July, Brad Washburn, CZM's Boston Harbor Regional Coordinator, left CZM to accept a position as Planning Director for the town of Easton. During his three years at CZM, Brad fulfilled a wide variety of crucial functions, including the development of the Charlestown, East Boston, and South Boston Municipal Harbor Plans; updating and revising the Designated Port Area regulations to allow for increased flexibility; and shepherding the Boston Harbor No Discharge Area through its approval. Within CZM, Brad was known for his sense of humor, his ability to expand his personal domain to include multiple office cubes, and his colorful stories of his southern upbringing. We wish Brad all the best in his new position, knowing that Easton is in competent hands. NOAA Coastal Fellow - In August, CZM will wish farewell to Daniella Hirschfeld, the 2008-2010 Coastal Management Fellow from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Coastal Services Center. Daniella, CZM's seventh NOAA Fellow, has accepted a position as the new Program Officer in climate adaptation for ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, an association of local governments focused on sustainability, climate protection, and climate change adaptation. While at CZM, Daniella coordinated the StormSmart Coasts program, working directly with seven coastal communities on five successful pilot projects that developed a suite of tools, case studies, planning strategies, and other technical assistance information that will help coastal communities address the challenges arising from storms, floods, sea level rise, and climate change. We wish Daniella good luck and look forward to continued work with her and ICLEI. Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities GPS Handheld Mapping Unit - CZM is looking to purchase one new Trimble GeoXT (GeoExplorer 2008 series) handheld global positioning system (GPS) unit and associated software for mapping purposes. To view the Request for Responses (RFR), see the Comm-PASS website and search for document number "ENV 11 CZM 01." Bids are due by August 10. Climate Program Funding Opportunities - The NOAA Climate Program Office is seeking proposals for several grant programs. The Climate Program Office manages the competitive research program in which NOAA funds high-priority climate science to advance understanding of Earth's climate system and its atmospheric, oceanic, land, and snow and ice components. For details about these opportunities, see the NOAA website. Proposals are due by September 10. Marine Debris Removal Grants - The NOAA Marine Debris Program funds locally driven, community-based marine debris removal projects that benefit coastal habitat, waterways, and wildlife including migratory fish. Applications are due by November 1. Open River Initiative - 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 by November 17. NOAA Grant Funds - NOAA has announced the availability of numerous competitive grants and cooperative agreements for FY2011. 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. Reminders - These opportunities listed in the last CZ-Mail are still available:
Coastal Management Newsletter - The July 2010 edition of NOAA's Coastal Program Division's Coastal Management News features articles about the NOAA award presentations in June, including the presentation of the Susan Snow-Cotter Award for Excellence in Ocean and Coastal Resource Management to CZM Director Deerin Babb-Brott, perceptions of climate change in Delaware, the Gulf CZM Programs' response to the Deepwater Horizon Spill, and more. NRDC Water Quality Report - The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has released its 20th annual beach water quality report, which provides a compilation of water quality data on U.S. beaches. The 2010 Testing the Waters: A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches report identifies the best and worst beaches for protecting beachgoers from contaminated water. Pollution at the nation's ocean, lake, and bay beaches resulted in more than 18,000 closing or swimming advisory days in 2009—the sixth worst year since NRDC began tracking these data. The NRDC concluded that coastal beaches continue to be affected by contamination from stormwater runoff, sewage spills, and others sources of pollution, which are further amplified by heavy rainfalls and aging and poorly designed sewage systems. Marine Spatial Planning Workshop Proceedings - In October 2009, the Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC) held a Marine Spatial Planning Working Session in Gloucester. Workshop themes included governance processes; regulatory efficiencies and coordination; data needs, collection, and standards; decision support product needs; and the role of NROC and other regional partners. The proceedings are available on the NROC website (PDF, 3 MB). Cost Benefit Analysis of Climate Change—Workshop Proceedings - In March 2009, the Pew Center on Global Climate Change convened a workshop to address the use of cost-benefit analyses (CBAs) in determining climate change costs. A major focus of the workshop was the inadequacy of traditional analytical tools, such as CBA, for guiding policy decisions about non-incremental changes in economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions. The workshop proceedings contain an extended summary of 17 presentations and the full text of nine background papers by experts in climate science and economics. StormSmart Coasts National Newsletter - The July issue of the national StormSmart Coasts Network's monthly newsletter provides a discussion and updates on the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and includes other StormSmart Coasts news. Each month the newsletter features new resources for coastal decision makers looking for information on how to protect communities from weather and climate hazards. Coastal Services Magazine - The July-August 2010 issue of Coastal Services, a NOAA Coastal Services Center magazine, features articles about flood hazard assessment in Hawaii, climate change in California, oil spill communication in the Gulf of Mexico, and other news and notes. EPA Nonpoint News - The June 2010 issue of Nonpoint Source News-Notes, a periodic newsletter from EPA, includes articles about the condition of the water-related environment, control of nonpoint sources of water pollution, and the ecological management and restoration of watersheds. Marine Protected Area Newsletter - The July-August 2010 issue of MPA News features articles on marine protected areas (MPAs) in Italy, offshore drilling and MPAs, and other MPA news and notes. Atlantic CoastWatch Newsletter - The May/June 2010 issue of Atlantic CoastWatch, the bimonthly newsletter from the Sustainable Development Institute that provides news and information about the Atlantic coasts of Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean, includes articles on the Gulf oil spill and offshore drilling, the predicted severe hurricane season, and other Atlantic coast news. Sound Waves - The July 2010 issue of Sound Waves, the monthly newsletter from U.S. Geological Survey, features articles on coastal erosion in North Carolina, the February tsunami in Chile, extreme storms and vulnerable coasts, natural gas exploration in the Nile River, and other coastal and marine research news. Websites Responses to Climate Change Website - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Responses to Climate Change (RCC) Program develops and implements practical, nationally consistent, and cost-effective approaches and policies to reduce potential vulnerabilities to the nation's water infrastructure resulting from climate change and variability. The new RCC website shares news and information about program activities as well as the potential impacts of climate change, interagency efforts, and strategies for dealing with climate change. Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange - Island Press and EcoAdapt have developed a new Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange (CAKE) as an online source for climate change adaptation information. CAKE was created to explicitly address the effects of climate change on wildlife, ecosystems, and other natural resources, giving managers the tools and insights needed to help natural systems adapt. Coastal Climate Adaptation Website - NOAA's Coastal Services Center has updated the Coastal Climate Adaptation website, which focuses on adaptation-related resources, such as local and state plans, new policies, case studies, risk and vulnerability assessments, and decision-support tools. The one-stop website, designed for states and communities that seek information about what others are doing to address climate change, has been updated to allow uploading state resources and provide more opportunities to engage in discussions about climate-related solutions. Center for Watershed Protection - The Center for Watershed Protection's (CWP) website has been updated to provide an easier, more organized user experience. The site features a new "Watershed 101" section that organizes materials into major thematic categories—both from CWP and external resources. CWP works to protect, restore, and enhance water resources and create viable solutions and partnerships for responsible land and water management. Check out the new website at www.cwp.org. Public Comment NOAA's Next Generation Strategic Plan - NOAA is seeking comments on its Next Generation Strategic Plan, which lays the foundation for NOAA to play a leading role in responding to the nation's most urgent challenges, ranging from climate change, severe weather, and natural or human-induced disasters to declining biodiversity and threatened or degraded ocean and coastal resources. Comments are due by August 10. Draft Marine and Hydrokinetic Energy Technologies Report - The Hydropower Reform Coalition, is seeking comments on Hydrokinetic Energy Projects & Recreation: A Guide to Assessing Impacts. This report, drafted in partnership with the National Park Service and the Department of Energy, provides guidance on how to evaluate the impacts of new hydropower technologies (tidal, in-river current, and wave) on the recreational uses of these resources. It was developed for utilities, developers, state and federal agencies, and other interested stakeholders involved in assessing recreation impacts. Comments are due by August 31. National Weather Service Strategic Plan - The National Weather Service's (NWS) is seeking comments on its Strategic Plan for 2011-2020. The plan establishes the framework to better meet the needs of citizens and to respond to some of the nation's most urgent challenges. Comments are due by September 7. Proposed Flood Elevation Determinations - FEMA is seeking comments on the proposed Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) for the following coastal communities: Brewster, Cohasset, Ipswich, Quincy, and Weymouth. The BFEs are the basis for the floodplain management measures that a community must adopt to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for the proposed BFEs are available at each community's town or city hall. Submit comments by October 25 to Kevin Long at kevin.long@dhs.gov. Performance Standards for Marine Sanitation Devices - EPA is seeking comments on a request to revise regulations for marine sanitation devices (MSDs). An MSD is an apparatus that treats and/or manages sewage on vessels. The request asks that EPA create performance standards for MSDs and establish monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements to ensure compliance with the new standards. EPA has not made a decision on whether to grant or deny the requests, nor are they proposing any changes to the performance standards or other provisions of its regulations at this time. The purpose of this comment opportunity is to obtain the public's input to help EPA determine appropriate action. For details see the EPA website. Comments are due by November 9. Reminder - The following comment opportunity posted in the last CZ-Mail is still open:
Marine Disease Symposium - On August 10-11, the 9th Annual Ronald C. Baird Sea Grant Science Symposium, New Approaches to Understanding Emerging Marine Diseases: From Science to Management, will be held at the University of Rhode Island. The symposium follows the conclusion of the New England Lobster Research Initiative, which looked into the causes of lobster shell disease and the contributing factors that make lobsters vulnerable to the disease. Experts in crustacean endocrinology, genetics, veterinary medicine, behavior, microbiology, lobster biology, chemistry, environmental science, and epidemiology will present their findings and the implications for dealing with shell disease and other marine diseases. Flood and Stormwater Management Meeting - On August 23-27, the National Association of Flood & Stormwater Management Agencies will hold the 2010 Annual Meeting in San Diego, California. The 2010 meeting agenda includes sessions on water resources, flood risk management, FEMA Risk MAP strategy, EPA stormwater rulemaking efforts, climate change and flood and stormwater management, and more. Science Made Public Lecture Series - On Tuesdays in August, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) will hold a Science Made Public Lecture Series. All talks are held at 2:30 p.m. in the WHOI Ocean Science Exhibit Center Auditorium, 15 School Street, Woods Hole. California and the World Ocean Conference - On September 7-10, the California and the World Ocean 2010 Conference will be held in San Francisco, California. Presentations will focus on actions that can be taken at the local, state, regional, national, and international levels. Emerging topics such as climate change impacts, marine spatial planning, marine protected areas, regional ocean governance, and renewable offshore energy will be featured. Coastal 5K - On September 12, Salem Sound Coastwatch (SSCW) will hold the Coastal 5K: Run for the Beach! to support SSCW's new Adopt a Beach program. The 5K road race will start at Lynch Park in Beverly and will feature a gentle course with rolling terrain and ocean views. Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative Week - September 15-21 is Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative Week. Scientists, naturalists, and volunteers will inventory and monitor the many species of plants and animals found on Nantucket and educate the public about the importance of protecting the rare elements that contribute to Nantucket's rich local biodiversity. For details, or to join this effort, see the initiative's website. The registration deadline is August 15. OCEANS Conference - On September 20-23, the Ocean 2010 Conference will be held in Seattle, Washington. The annual conference is a major international forum for scientists, engineers, and responsible ocean users to present the latest research results, ideas, developments, and applications in oceanic engineering and marine technology. Working Waterways and Waterfronts Symposium - On September 27-30, the Working Waterways and Waterfronts National Symposium on Water Access will take place in Portland, Maine. The symposium will provide a forum to help communities, organizations, businesses, and individuals address waterfront access challenges by showcasing successful models and tools from around the country. Flood Modeling Course - On September 28-30, the Floodplain Management Association will hold a FLO-2D short course in San Diego, California. FLO-2D is a FEMA-approved hydraulic model for riverine studies and unconfined flood analyses. GreenGov Symposium - On October 5-7, the White House Council on Environmental Quality will hold the first GreenGov Symposium in Washington, DC. The symposium will bring together leaders from federal, state, and local governments, nonprofit and academic communities, and the private sector to identify opportunities around greening the federal government. During the three-day educational event, participants will share challenges and best practices and discuss cutting-edge approaches for the future. National Coastal Conference - On October 13-15, the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association will hold the 2010 National Coastal Conference, Celebrating the Diversity of the Coast, in Charleston, South Carolina. The three-day conference will feature discussions on coastal science, policy, technology, and politics. Reminders - The following calendar items posted in the last CZ-Mail are still to come:
Gulf of Maine Council Awards - The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment is seeking nominations for its annual Visionary, Longard, Susan Snow-Cotter Leadership, and Industry Awards. Visionary Awards will be presented to two individuals or organizations in each state and province bordering the Gulf. The Longard Award will be presented to an outstanding volunteer within the Gulf watershed. The Susan Snow-Cotter Award will recognize a coastal management professional who exemplifies outstanding leadership or exceptional mentoring in the Gulf of Maine watershed. The Industry Award will go to a business that has shown leadership in efforts to improve the well-being of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem. Submit nomination forms by September 24 to info@gulfofmaine.org. Mass Audubon Photo Contest - Calling all shutterbugs! Mass Audubon is holding its first-ever Picture This: My Connection to Nature photo contest, open to all participants. New England's largest conservation organization welcomes striking digital images that highlight the beauty and diversity of Massachusetts wildlife, habitats, and people in nature. National Geographic award-winning photojournalist (and Massachusetts native) Brian Skerry will be on the panel of judges that will select up to 24 winners (12 adults and 12 students). Two Grand Prize Winners' photos will be featured on the cover of a Mass Audubon publication, which reaches more than 100,000 people throughout New England and beyond. Entries are due by September 6. Stellwagen Advisory Council - The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for several seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council. To receive an application kit, contact Elizabeth.Stokes@noaa.gov. Applications are due by September 10. Recreational Boating Access Awards - BoatUS is seeking nominations for the fourth annual BoatUS Recreational Boating Access Awards to recognize those individuals or groups who have succeeded in preserving or improving public waterway access. Examples of solutions could include creative public/private partnerships, changes in land-use planning or permitting processes, tax incentives, legislation or public ballots, publicity, or public education. Eligible activities must have been undertaken in the last three years. Nominations are due by October 1. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Boston, MA 02114