The Official Website of the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game
- Department of Fish and Game
- Commissioner Mary B. Griffin
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Ebb&Flow #6The Division of Ecological Restoration Ebb&Flow #6 - December, 2010 An electronic newsletter from the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration Welcome Letter
Greetings, Ebb&Flow Readers - This final issue of Ebb&Flow for 2010 marks the close of a busy and productive year featuring several major milestones and accomplishments. We are pleased to announce that over 1,000 acres of wetland are now under restoration across the Commonwealth; we have a new western Massachusetts base of operations; and the state’s largest dam removal and marsh restoration projects were both completed this fall. The 1,000 acres of wetland restoration is a milestone that was reached with the completion of the federal Recovery Act-funded Stony Brook Restoration in Brewster on Cape Cod. Further north up the coast, completion of the 94-acre Straits Pond project in Hull marks the largest tidal wetland restoration to date. In addition, a precedent-setting urban revitalization project along the banks of the North Nashua River was recently celebrated at an event attended by Mayor Lisa Wong, Representative Stephen DiNatale, Commissioner Mary Griffin and Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Ian Bowles (see the article about that below). Not to be overshadowed by these three impressive projects, one of the largest dams in the state (Briggsville, a.k.a. Cascade School Supplies) has been removed on the North Hoosic River in Clarksburg, just outside of the City of North Adams – restoring natural stream flow and continuity to over 30 miles of cold water stream. You can read about that project on the EEA’s Great Outdoors Blog as well as the USDA blog, and view a video from the North Adams Transcript. Finally, DER has teamed up with the Westfield River Wild and Scenic Committee and Westfield State University to establish a regional office at Westfield State’s Environmental Center in Westfield, MA. We are looking forward to building a new partnership with the University to further shared goals of protecting and restoring the Westfield River and watersheds throughout the Connecticut, Hoosic, Housatonic, Hudson and Farmington River basins. Looking forward to 2011, DER is working with many partners on over 20 restoration projects that we anticipate will be completed by the end of next year. Speaking of partners, we want to take this opportunity to recognize and thank all of the dedicated people and organizations who work with us to restore and protect the ecological integrity of Massachusetts. Happy holidays –
Tim Purinton, Acting Director
Hunt Durey, Acting Deputy Director
And the Wall Came Tumbling (Partially) Down By Cindy Delpapa
The North Nashua River arcs through the city of Fitchburg, flowing tantalizingly close to most of the city’s residents, yet virtually inaccessible and unseen. Tall, book-ended concrete and granite walls snake through the downtown river reach, erected to prevent a repeat of the devastation the floods of the mid 20th century caused throughout Fitchburg. The walls manage high waters but also serve as a looming barrier between the city and its river. Nearly five decades of work, investment and dedication have transformed the North Nashua River from a biologically depauperate body of water to a thriving and recovering waterway. The improvements have not gone unnoticed. At a community visioning session, hosted by DER (then Riverways) and the city of Fitchburg, the aspirations of the attendees were clear- it was time to open up the river to people. The challenge was how and where to tackle this request. The where proved easy to identify. A recent grant from the state Urban Self Help Program (now the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Program) allowed the city to transform an old mill site into a small park. The site provided it all – a centrally located, publicly-owned site, (just a block from the Main Street ) adjacent to the North Nashua River, with only the concrete flood wall between park visitors and the river. Even the name was prophetic: Riverfront Park. Priority Project funding from DER (Riverways) started the planning and design process in concert with the city, the Fitchburg Greenway Committee and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The project had two major components. The first was to modify the flood wall, constructed by the Army Corps as a Local Protection Project (LPP). The second goal was to improve the instream habitat altered by the Corps’ flood control project, two worthwhile enhancements, with a full complement of challenges to implementation. Beside the usual array of permits needed for work in a river and Riverfront Area wetland resource area, the project also needed approval from the Corps to alter the flood walls. The Riverfront Park site is also a converted brownfield with use restrictions. A major priority was to maintain the flood protection provided by the existing wall. The elegant solution to this challenge was already partially in place. During the conversion of the former mill site to Riverfront Park, a small berm was constructed across a portion of the most landward edge of the park. By extending this berm along the entire back property line and attaining a height higher than the existing wall, the flood control function of the wall was replicated. The berm had the additional benefit of buffering the park from the neighboring active rail line. While this resolved a major dilemma, there was still a lot of details be ironed out. The park enhancement designs were a collaborative endeavor with input from the Corps, the community, the Greenway Committee and the city boards and staff. The fundamental design hinged on removing much of the flood wall in the center of the park and terracing the land down to the river. With the wall gone, equipment could be driven into the river, at low water, to reposition dislodged stone to create a low flow channel with riffles and pools, thus improving habitat, water quality and passage. As the design progressed, an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant pathway to a riverfront landing was added, along with a small stepped area centered on the terrace. This half moon circle of granite will serve as an informal amphitheatre to facilitate outdoor classroom activities. The slope treatment was upgraded to include a fabric underlayer to stabilize the area until the low-maintenance, deep-rooted, native vegetation selected becomes established, and a low fence added at the top of the slope. This project was several years in the making but succeeded thanks to the work of a great many people. Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong championed this project from its inception. Current and former city staff, including Dave Streb, Mike O’ Hara, Amy LeBlanc, Larry Casassa , Lenny Laasko and Gary Bevilacqua worked unflaggingly. Congressman John Olver and his staff person Kristin Wood were invaluable liaisons to the Corps. Bill Hubbard, Ted Lento, Scott Michalak, Paul Sneeringer and David Larson of the Corps pushed the project forward despite the hurdles and provided helpful advice. Bill Norris and Andy Selle of Interfluve not only designed this innovative project; they were always there to answer questions and help tackle any problems encountered. Dennis Lowry of AECOM donated pro bono permitting assistance through the Corporate Wetlands Restoration Program. The MA Department of Environmental Protection’s Marty Suuberg, Greg Root and Mark Baldi brought their considerable expertise to the onsite work. Joe Spinelli of Spinelli Construction performed magic to get the project completed on time, on budget and beautifully. Melissa Cryan of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Division of Conservation Services believed in the value of this project and provided the funding for implementation. The Fitchburg Greenway Committee was on board from the start and continues working make the city a greener and more connected place. The reward for all of those who worked on this project came in late spring when fences sprouted around the park and the heavy equipment moved in to build the berm, excavate the slope and finally take down a part of the flood wall that had separated the city from its river for over 50 years. In mid-October, the city hosted a formal dedication of the newly enhanced park. EEA Secretary Ian Bowles, DFG Commissioner Mary Griffin, Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong and Marion Stoddard led the celebration just a few feet from the river’s edge, while an otter, obviously pleased with the improved instream habitat that brought fish to this stretch of the river, scrutinized the gathered crowd from the left riverbank.
Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong (at podium) speaking at the Riverfront Park
Division of Ecological Restoration News and Project Updates Patrick-Murray Administration Announces Wetlands Restoration Milestone BOSTON – Wednesday, December 15, 2010 – Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Ian Bowles today announced that since 1998, the state has managed more than 1,000 acres of wetlands restoration projects across the Commonwealth. With the completion of a salt marsh restoration project in Brewster, the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) has overseen more than 62 projects over the past 12 years. “Boosted by community partnerships and spurred recently by federal stimulus dollars, this is significant milestone for this program, which protects wildlife habitat and sustains commercial and recreational fisheries,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles, whose office includes DER. At the end of November, the town of Brewster and its partners completed major construction on the Stony Brook Salt Marsh both on schedule and under budget. Funded by a $1.36 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), the project included installation of a new culvert under Route 6A where it crosses the tidal portion of Stony Brook, restoring natural tidal flow to a 20-acre degraded salt marsh and enhancing fish access to 386 acres of ponds that provide essential habitat for river herring and American eels. When the Massachusetts Wetlands Restoration Program (now part of the Division of Ecological Restoration) was created in 1994, it was the first state program in the nation to help communities restore degraded wetlands. These projects – the first of which was completed in 1998 – deliver significant environmental benefits including reduced flood damage, improved water quality, and enhanced fish and wildlife habitat. Since 2007, modest investments of state resources in projects from the Berkshires to Cape Cod have leveraged $23 million in federal, municipal, non-profit and private sector funding. “I want to congratulate Governor Patrick for reaching this important milestone for our coastal economy,” said Congressman Bill Delahunt. “The Brewster project is the most recent initiative in a long list of restoration projects we are undertaking in my district. While the federal government funds the lion’s share of work, the projects simply would not happen without the enthusiastic support of our governor and an impressive coalition of groups, including local and county government, and environmental organizations like the Association for the Preservation of Cape Cod.” Like the Brewster Stony Brook project, most of the wetlands restored to date are salt marshes that have been degraded by road, rail and other man-made crossings that restrict tidal flow. “Salt marshes continue to be one of the most critical coastal habitats under the greatest threat from water pollution, antiquated infrastructure, development, invasive species and sea level rise,” said John Catena, Northeast Regional Supervisor of the NOAA Restoration Center. “The Commonwealth is one of our strongest restoration partners nationwide.” “Habitat restoration promotes healthy rivers, streams and wetlands, which pay important economic, environmental and quality of life dividends for our communities today and for future generations,” said DFG Commissioner Mary Griffin. Tidal wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on earth and their productivity directly supports commercial and recreational fisheries. The healthier marshes are, the better they can serve as nurseries for a host of fish, from predators such as striped bass and winter flounder, to prey such as sticklebacks and mummichogs. Created in 2009 by the merger of the Wetlands Restoration and Riverways Programs, DER now spearheads and coordinates habitat restoration activities throughout the state. There are more than 40 wetland projects under development representing over 2,000 acres of future restoration potential. “Massachusetts is a regional and national leader in wetland acres restored and sheer number of projects implemented,” said Bill Hubbard of the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Coastal America Partnership. “In addition, projects in the state frequently involve contributions from the private sector through a strategic partnership with the Massachusetts Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership (CWRP).” “Our partnership with state restoration programs and others has been very rewarding and productive. It allows our corporate members and their employees to give back to local communities in ways that enhance everyone’s quality of life,” said George Olson, CWRP Chairman and Procter & Gamble representative. “The Massachusetts CWRP has donated well over one million dollars in cash and services, helping to leverage millions more in federal grants to priority ecological restoration projects in Massachusetts over the past decade.” In addition to NOAA and USACE, other key federal restoration partners include the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The mission of the Division of Ecological Restoration is to restore and protect the Commonwealth’s rivers, wetlands and watersheds for the benefit of people and the environment. The Division was created in 2009 with the merger of the Riverways and Wetland Restoration Programs and is coordinating 80 ecological restoration projects across the Commonwealth. DFG is responsible for promoting the enjoyment and conservation of the Commonwealth's natural resources. DFG carries out this mission through land preservation and wildlife habitat management, management of inland and marine fish and game species, and enforcement of the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. DFG promotes enjoyment of the Massachusetts environment through outdoor skills workshops, fishing festivals and other educational programs, and by enhancing access to the Commonwealth's lakes and ponds. Coastal Wetland Restoration Project Updates Stony Brook Salt Marsh and Fish Passage Restoration Project, Brewster
West Island Beach Salt Marsh Restoration Project, Fairhaven
Cape Cod Water Resources Restoration Project Update
The Cape Cod Water Resources Restoration Project (CCWRRP) is in full swing, after receiving $6.5 million in federal funding (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) through 2011. DER is partnering with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Cape Cod Conservation District (District) and Cape towns to implement the project, which includes shellfish bed, fish passage and salt marsh restoration. Four salt marsh restoration projects have been targeted for construction in 2011: Rushy Marsh in Barnstable, Freemans Pond in Brewster, Sunken Meadow in Eastham and Red River Beach in Harwich. Additional salt marsh restoration projects throughout the Cape have been identified for feasibility studies over the next year. The District has also established a CCWRRP Project office located adjacent to the NRCS office at 270 Communication Way, Unit 1-H, Hyannis, MA and has hired four staff members: Rick Devergilio, Project Coordinator; Valerie Boyajian, Clerical Assistant; Abigail Franklin, Anadromous Fish Project Manager; and Martha Craig Rheinhardt, Wetland Restoration Project Manager. Martha will be working closely with DER staff and the Cape Cod towns to oversee implementation of the salt marsh restoration projects. Martha can be reached at martha.rheinhardt@ma.usda.gov or (508) 771-6476 ext. 107. More information about the CCWRRP can be found at the District’s website at www.capecodcd.org River Restoration Project Updates Amethyst Brook Restoration Project/Bartlett Rod Shop Dam Removal (Pelham) The drained impoundment above the dam really greened up this summer. This process will make sediment removal much easier and less costly during dam removal (expect late summer 2011). With funding secured from DER, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the American Rivers/NOAA partnership, the final engineering design phase is underway (Stantec Consulting Services). Project permitting is expected to begin in January. In November, the project was awarded $75,000 in grant funding from the FishAmerica Foundation/NOAA Restoration Center Partnership – a great step toward securing the funding needed for dam removal in 2011. Additional fundraising is in progress. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project targeting improve habitat and restore passage for both diadromous and resident fish species. In the not too distant future, that pool of trout stranded below the dam will finally be able to make it upstream! Wellingsley Brook Restoration Project, Plymouth
David Gould, Town of Plymouth Environmental Manager and key partner with DER on several restoration projects, stands at the upper dam (to be removed). Design plans (Interfluve, Inc.) are nearing completion. With funding secured from DER and the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF)/Restore America’s Estuaries (RAE)/NOAA Partnership, final engineering designs are in progress (Interfluve, Inc). Project partners held a public meeting about the project in November, which was attended by approximately 20 local residents. Permitting will begin this winter, and construction is planned to start in the summer of 2011 in order to avoid time of year restrictions for eels. Funding for construction is in the works from the CLF /RAE /NOAA partnership. This is a small-scale project that will remove 3 small dams, reconstruct a section of stream, and improve local habitat for both American eel and resident brook trout. MassWildlife is a partner with DER on this project. Thousand Acre Brook Restoration Project – Headwaters, Athol and Phillipston
The project will remove two dams – one large and one small – in the headwaters of Thousand Acre Brook. DER is currently assisting the Town of Athol in the removal of the Phillipston Reservoir Dam. Located near the headwaters of Thousand Acre Brook, this former water supply reservoir is no longer in service, and the dam represents liability to the town. With the impoundment now drained, several small stream channels have formed within a new wetland area. This project will focus on restoring the connections with the downstream wetlands and stream channel. Beyond removing this obsolete dam, the project will also remove a second small dam upstream as well as a perched culvert, and fill in an ephemeral drainage swale. DER is funding final engineering design (Stantec Consulting), and will start project permitting this winter. Construction activities are planned for fall 2011. Ox Pasture Brook, Lower Dam Removal, Rowley Now almost one year after the removal of the dam, Ox Pasture Brook looks remarkably different (see photos). The naturally formed stream channel in the former impoundment, native wetland vegetation, and re-colonization of aquatic life in this area continues to exceed our expectations. On-going monitoring is continuing to help understand future biological and physical changes. Thanks again to all of our great partners that made this project possible, including NOAA, USFWS, Trout Unlimited, American Rivers, and others. Eel River Headwaters Restoration, Plymouth
May 2008 ---------------------------------------> August 2010
Construction is now complete on this precedent-setting, holistic restoration effort of a former cranberry bog and headwaters area. DER and partners gave numerous tours of the completed site this fall to groups including the Society for Ecological Restoration, Ecological Landscaping Association, Association of Massachusetts Wetland Scientists, and others. Both visual observation and monitoring suggest rapid re-colonization of the new stream channel by a variety of insects, including some never before seen on the site. We are thrilled at the initial results, and express our deep appreciation to the many partners involved, including the Town of Plymouth, USFWS, USDA NRCS, Mass DEP, and many others. Thank you all. Mill River Restoration Project, Taunton
Emergency and temporary replacement for the Whittenton Mill Pond Dam.
Flood flows passing over the State Hospital Dam this past March. The Mill River Project’s long term goal is to remove the three lower dams and add a fish ladder at Morey's Bridge Dam, thus opening up 30 miles of mainstem, tributary, and natural pond habitat in the upper Mill River Watershed to migratory and resident fish and wildlife.
Cotley River Restoration Project, Taunton Shallow impoundment behind the Barstowe’s Pond Dam, which will be restored to a free-flowing river once the dam is removed. Save the Bay is leading this project to remove the first and only dam on the Cotley River Barstowe's Pond Dam. Removing the dam will open around 8 miles of river to herring and eel, and reconnect the Cotley River to the mainstem of the Taunton River and Narragansett Bay. South Middleton Dam Removal Project, Middleton
Project partners wrapped up a preliminary feasibility study for the South Middleton Dam Removal Project on the Ipswich River. The dam is the third from the ocean and the first without a fish ladder. Removing the dam will open more than 50 miles of mainstem and tributary habitat for lamprey, herring, and eel. The study evaluated the quantity and quality of sediment behind the dam as well as the feasibility of developing an alternative for fire suppression for the Bostik, Inc. industrial plant. New Plan Identifies Over $3 Billion in Gulf of Maine Restoration and Conservation Needs On December 8th, a coalition of non-government organizations unveiled the U.S. Gulf of Maine Habitat Restoration and Conservation Plan, which documents $3 billion in restoration and conservation needs for the ecoregion during the next five years. Over two years in the making, this ambitious Plan was developed by NGO representatives with input from state and federal agencies to identify critical needs and cost estimates for the U.S. portion of the Gulf of Maine. Similar to the Great Lakes and Florida Everglades where “Great Waters” plans recently helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars, the Gulf of Maine Plan provides an assessment of ecosystem needs and priority actions that partners can rally around as they work to greatly increase the scope, speed, and success of restoration and conservation efforts. Click here for low-res. and here for high-res. versions of the Plan, here for the Executive Summary, and here for the expanded spreadsheet of needs. Contact Peter Alexander of the Gulf of Maine Restoration Coalition at peter@peteralexander.us or (802) 380-3080 for more info. [Click here for the related State of the Gulf of Maine report and the Gulf of Maine Habitat Restoration and Conservation Initiative.] Grant, Prize, Fellowship, Contest, Award, Fundraising, etc. Opportunities (presented in rough chronological order by application/nomination/entry deadline) Nominations are being sought (until December 15, 2010) for the Environmental Law Institute’s 2011 National Wetlands Awards. Awards will be given for individuals in the following six categories: Conservation and Restoration; Education and Outreach; Landowner Stewardship; Science Research; State, Tribal, and Local Program Development; and Wetlands Community Leader. Recipients are chosen by a selection committee of wetland experts from across the country and honored at a ceremony on Capitol Hill each May - American Wetlands Month. Click here for more info. The MA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is currently seeking respondents to its RFR for its FFY 11 604(b) Water Quality Management Planning grant program. For FFY 2011, DEP will continue to focus 604b funds towards watershed or subwatershed based nonpoint source assessment-type grant projects leading to the: 1) determination of the nature, extent and causes of water quality problems; 2) assessment of impacts and determination of pollutant loads reductions necessary to meet water quality standards; 3) green infrastructure projects that manage wet weather to maintain or restore natural hydrology; and 4) development of implementation plans that will address water quality impairments. Proposals that address data needs for the Massachusetts Estuaries Project, TMDL development, or water supply source protection planning will also be considered. DEP's assessment needs are identified in Massachusetts Watershed based plans, Massachusetts Nonpoint Source Management Plan and DEP's watershed water quality assessment reports. Grant applicants must be either Regional Public Comprehensive Planning Organizations or Interstate Organizations. Eligible entities include: regional planning agencies, council of governments, counties, conservation districts, cities and towns, and other sub-state public planning agencies and interstate agencies. MA DEP encourages Respondents to propose water quality assessment/planning projects that will lead to direct actions by municipalities and others to implement water quality improvements. MA DEP is seeking project proposals that will identify water quality problems and provide preliminary or final designs for BMPs to address these problems. To access the 604(b) RFR, go to http://www.comm-pass.com, click on “Search for Solicitations”, and then enter BRP 2010-07 into the “Keywords” box. The application deadline is Monday, December 20, 2011. Contact Gary Gonyea at (617) 556-1152 or gary.gonyea@state.ma.us for more info. The US EPA’s National Center for Environmental Research’s 8th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet awards grants of up to $10,000 to teams of undergraduate and graduate students, along with their faculty advisors, to design and develop innovative technologies and other sustainability projects, and in the process integrate sustainability issues into higher education curricula. Phase I grantees are required to present their designs at the annual National Sustainable Design Expo on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. where they will have an opportunity to compete for Phase II grant awards of up to $75,000. The application deadline is December 22, 2010; click here for more info. The President's Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) recognizes young people across America involved in projects that demonstrate their commitment to the environment. Young people in all 50 states and the U.S. territories are invited to participate in the program. Projects recognized by PEYA include recycling programs in schools and communities; construction of nature preserves; major tree planting programs; videos, skits, and newsletters created by students that focused on environmental issues; and environmental science projects. To be eligible to compete, a student or students, sponsored by an adult, must submit to their local EPA regional office evidence of a completed project as defined in the PEYA application, as well as a completed application. The deadline for submitting a PEYA application is December 31, 2010 – click here to access an application form, or contact Kristen Conroy at (617) 918-1069 or conroy.kristen@epa.gov for more info. The U.S. EPA anticipates that the request for proposals (RFPs) for the 2011 Environmental Education (EE) Grants Program will be available in early January. Click here in early 2011 for more info. The MA Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) recently posted an RFR (Request For Responses) to its Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) grant program. For Fiscal Year 2011, the CPR program will provide up to $375,500 to municipalities located in the Massachusetts Coastal Watershed to assess and remediate stormwater pollution from paved and unpaved surfaces and to design, install, or upgrade boat pumpout facilities. To view the RFR, visit the Comm-PASS website, click on Search for Solicitations, and then enter ENV 11 CZM 03 into the “Keywords” box. Proposals are due by January 7, 2011. Click here or contact Mr. Jan Smith, CZM Water Quality and Coastal Habitat Manager, at (617) 626-1231 or jan.smith@state.ma.us for more info. A new river restoration project grant program, resulting from a partnership between Trout Unlimited and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Restoration Center, seeks to provide funding to river restoration projects in the six New England states involving salmon and sea-run trout as the primary target species, along with other diadromous fish. Proposals are sought for local efforts to accomplish on-the-ground restoration of marine, estuarine, and freshwater habitats. Although all types of habitat improvement activities are eligible for funding, there is special emphasis involving fish passage projects, such as culvert removals in Northeast states. Applications are currently being accepted for 2011 project funding with a deadline of January 12, 2011. Trout Unlimited local chapters and councils, as well as organizations working in partnership with a Trout Unlimited local chapter and council, are eligible for funding. Most grant awards will range between $25,000 and $50,000, with a maximum award of $70,000. Click here or contact Joe McGurrin for more info. The Massachusetts Service Alliance( MSA ) recently announced the availability of funding for its 2011 Spring/Summer Commonwealth Corps program, which is focused on connecting middle school aged youth with university and college students for summer enrichment and service-learning opportunities. Visit the MSA ’s homepage for more details or click here to view the Request for Proposals (RFP). The application deadline is January 20, 2011 (the intent to apply deadline was 12/10/10, but applicants are not required to submit it.) Contact Beth McGuinness, Director of Programs, at (617) 542-2544 ext. 217 or bmcguinness@mass-service.org for more info. Bring Back the Natives: A Public-Private Partnership for Restoring Populations of Native Aquatic Species, a grant program administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service , Bureau of Land Management ( BLM ), the U.S. Forest Service, and Trout Unlimited (TU), is pleased to request pre-proposals from nonprofit organizations, universities, Native American tribes, and local, state, and federal agencies interested in restoring, protecting, and enhancing native populations of sensitive or listed aquatic species, especially on lands on or adjacent to federal agency lands. Funding for the BBN program is administered through NFWF from federal agencies cooperating to support this program. This funding suggests a $2 non-federal match for each federal dollar requested by applicants. The deadline for pre-proposals for the next round of BBN funding is January 14, 2011. Click here and here or contact Krystyna Wolniakowski at (503) 417-8700 x 6005 or wolniakowski@nfwf.org for more info. Kinship Foundation is issuing a call for applications (until January 24, 2011) for its 2011 Kinship Conservation Fellows program, a competitive training program that seeks to improve the leadership skills of practitioners who confront the ever-shifting challenges in the field of conservation. Kinship’s intensive, in-residence instruction in the forces that drive environmental markets will transform the way that you work. The 2011 program will take place from June 28-July 29 in Bellingham, WA . Eighteen Fellows will be selected to participate and awarded $6,000 and lodging for their month in Bellingham. Fellows engage in unique peer and community learning to explore the business, finance, and economic principles underpinning trends in the field of conservation. Kinship's faculty is composed of practitioners with global experience who bring Fellows’ individual projects to life through case study comparisons, working groups, and mentoring sessions. Click here or contact Sarah Knobloch at sarah.knobloch@kinshiptrustco.com or (312) 803-6200 for more info. The mission of the Boston-based Albert Schweitzer Fellowship is to develop “leaders in service”: individuals who are dedicated and skilled in addressing the health needs of underserved communities, and whose example influences and inspires others. Each year, the U.S. Schweitzer Fellows Program selects approximately 200 exceptional students from the nation's top health and human service schools to follow in Dr. Albert Schweitzer's footsteps. These Schweitzer Fellows – mostly university graduate students – partner with community-based organizations to identify an unmet health need, design a yearlong service project with a demonstrable impact on that need, and bring that project from idea to implementation and impact – all on top of their usual graduate school responsibilities. The application deadline for the 2011-12 Fellowships is February 1, 2011. Click here or contact Devon Reber at (617) 667-1526 or dreber@bidmc.harvard.edu for more info. Harvard University’s Charles Bullard Fellowship in Forest Research supports advanced research and study by individuals who show promise of making an important contribution, either as scholars or administrators, to forestry and forest-related subjects from biology to earth sciences, economics, politics, administration, philosophy, humanities, the arts or law. The application deadline is February 1, 2011. Click here to apply or write to hfapps@fas.harvard.edu for more info. The Five Star Restoration Grant Program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), provides modest financial assistance on a competitive basis to support community-based wetland, riparian, and coastal habitat restoration projects that build diverse partnerships and foster local natural resource stewardship through education, outreach and training activities. The deadline to apply is Monday, February 14, 2010 – click here to access the full Request for Proposals document and other items relating to this grant opportunity. At least $375,000 of the current grant round will be made available to support urban conservation and restoration in twelve metropolitan areas (including Boston). To be eligible for this urban conservation and restoration funding, projects must include a spring community service day in which funding partners can participate in a restoration project (e.g., planting trees or native plants, pulling invasive plants, removing trash from urban waterways, installing rain gardens, etc.). All Five Star-funded projects must: (1) include on-the-ground wetland, riparian, in stream and/or coastal habitat restoration (in the targeted metropolitan areas, urban restoration projects may also include the creation of backyard wildlife habitat and “green infrastructure” through tree plantings, rain gardens, pollinator gardens, etc.); (2) integrate meaningful environmental education into the restoration project either through community outreach, participation, and/or integration with K-12 environmental curriculum; (3) involve a diverse set of community partners to accomplish the project’s objectives; (4) result in measurable ecological and educational/social benefits. The Five Star partners will host a webinar on Thursday, December 16th, 2010 from 2:00-3:30 PM which will provide supplemental information regarding the grants program and respond to questions (click here for more info). The Toyota TAPESTRY Grants for Science Teachers program, administered by the National Science Teachers Association, provides support for K-12 science teachers throughout the United States for innovative projects that enhance science education in their schools and/or school districts. TAPESTRY grants fund projects that emphasize the efficient use of natural resources and protection of the environment. Students participating in these projects should gain an increased awareness of the terrestrial, aquatic, and/or atmospheric environment and an understanding of their own interdependence with the natural world. Fifty large grants of up to $10,000 and a minimum of 20 to 32 mini-grants of up to $2,500 will be awarded. All applicants must have at least two years of science teaching experience in a K-12 school, not including the current school year. Online applications must be submitted through the National Science Teachers Association website by February 23, 2011. The Gulf of Maine Council is seeking proposals for coastal habitat restoration projects within the Gulf of Maine watershed. In partnership with the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Community-Based Restoration Program, the Gulf of Maine Council provides grants to further the goal of habitat restoration and to support a strategic approach to marine, coastal, and riverine habitat restoration. For details, click here or see the Gulf of Maine Habitat Restoration web portal. Full applications must be submitted online from February 2 to March 16, 2011. The W. Bradford Ingalls Charitable Foundation (no web page) provides grants to health, sportsman and other causes in Massachusetts and elsewhere. The annual application deadline is March 1. Send funding requests to: Raymond M. Masciarella II, 840 U.S. Highway One Summit Building, Suite 340, North Palm Beach, FL (561) 627-4448. The EASTER Foundation was created in the spring of 2006 by Fred and Anne Osborn of Garrison NY, with proceeds from the purchase by Colgate Palmolive of Tom's of Maine. The Osborn children decided to use the letters of the word EASTER to clarify the areas of focus for the foundation: Education, Arts, Sustainability, Technology, Environment and Rights. There is no formal application form or deadlines, but organizations seeking funding should write the Easter Foundation c/o Fred Osborn III, P O Box 347, Garrison, NY 10524-0347; no telephone calls please. Click here for more info. The New York City-based Dr. Robert C. and Tina Sohn Foundation gives grants to environmental organizations and projects and is particularly interested in funding educational projects which bring an awareness of the environment, alternative health care and the arts to those who are underserved, particularly to young people. Click here to read the grant guidelines, here to read the application process, and here to contact the Foundation to submit grant requests, questions or for more info. The Cleveland-based Perkins Charitable Foundation (no web page) gives grants to environmental and educational organizations throughout the U.S. There are no specific application guidelines or deadlines. Requests for funding should be sent to: Marilyn Best, 1030 Hanna Building, 1422 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115. The Sharpe Family Foundation (no web page) gives grants to a number of environmental and educational organizations, primarily in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Requests for funding should be in the form of a letter describing: (1) the proposed purpose of the grant; (2) the operations and history of the applying organization; and (3) the tax-exempt status of the organization. Letters should be addressed to: Henry D. Sharpe Jr. c/o Amy E. Szostak, Northern Trust, 50 S. Lasalle St., Chicago, IL 60675, (312) 630-6000. The PerkinElmer Foundation gives grants to charitable organizations in Greater Boston and elsewhere that support the PerkinElmer Company's focus and commitment to Human and Environmental Health. The Foundation has a special focus on helping non-profit organizations that are dedicated to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of disease and improving and protecting the environment in which we live. Interested applicants should contact the Foundation for application guidelines. Contact: Ms. Suzanne Hurley, PerkinElmer Foundation, 940 Winter St., Waltham, MA 02451, (781) 663-6900, (781) 431-4109, suzanne.hurley@perkinelmer.com. The Boston-based Mattina R. Proctor Foundation (no web page)gives grants to health and other civic-minded projects and organizations in the northeastern U.S. Requests for funding should be submitted by letter and should contain a description of the applicant organization, the purpose of and budget for the grant solicited, and proof of the organization’s tax-exempt status. Funding requests should be submitted to: Alvin S. Hochberg, Trustee, c/o Broude & Hochberg LLP, 75 Federal St., Suite 1300, Boston, MA 02110, (617) 748-5100. The New York City-based Geoffrey C. Hughes Foundation (no web page) has given grants to a number of environmental and other organizations for projects in the northeastern U.S. and elsewhere. Interested grant applicants may submit letters of inquiry stating the purpose and amount of the grant requested, along with a description of the nature and tax-exempt status of the applicant organization, to: John R. Young, President, Geoffrey C. Hughes Foundation, c/o Cahill, Gordon and Reindel LLP, 80 Pine St. New York, NY 10005-1702, or call (202) 701-3400. The Mary W. Harriman Foundation (no web page) gives grants to a large number of educational, health and environmental programs and organizations in the New York area, with some giving in Massachusetts and the other New England states. Requests for funding should be submitted by typed letter and should the organization’s history as well as details of the purposes for which grant funding is sought. Letters are accepted any time and should be addressed to: Barbara O’Connell, Mary W. Harriman Foundation, c/o Brown Brothers Harriman Trust Co. 140 Broadway, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10005, (212) 493-8182. The Minnesota-based Cherbec Advancement Foundation (no web page) makes grants to a wide variety of environmental, educational and other charitable causes in New England and elsewhere. Proposals are considered throughout the year, and a letter advising of the decision of the directors will be sent to the applicant as promptly as possible. The applications need not be in any particular form, and the directors have not set any restrictions or limitations on the types of requests that will be considered. Requests for funding should be directed to: Charles A. Weyerhaeuser, President, 30 East Seventh St., Suite 2000, St. Paul, MN 55101-4930, (651) 228-0935. The Worcester-based Hermann Foundation (no web page) gives grants to a number of charitable [§501(c)(3)] organizations in the Worcester and Cape Cod regions and elsewhere. Requests for funds should be submitted by letter to: Mr. Henry Lusardi, Treasurer, Hermann Foundation, Inc., 370 Main St., Suite 925, Worcester, MA 01608, (508) 756-4657. The Wapack Foundation (no web page), a family foundation that benefits educational, environmental and cultural organizations, gives small grants to a number of conservation and other nonprofits in Massachusetts and elsewhere. There are no submission deadlines and no specified format for funding requests. Funding requests should be submitted to: James R. Nichols, Trustee, c/o Nichols and Pratt, 50 Congress St. Boston MA 02109 (617) 523-6800. The Copeland Family Foundation (no web page) gives grants to a large number of educational, health and environmental programs and organizations in Milton, MA and elsewhere in Massachusetts and beyond. Requests for funding should be submitted by letter and should summarize the project for which funding is sought, as well as include evidence of the organization’s federal tax-exempt (§501(c)(3)) status. Letters are accepted any time and acceptance, rejection or deferral responses are made promptly. Letters should be addressed to: Copeland Family Foundation, c/o Martha Verdone, 1183 Randolph Avenue, Milton, MA 02186. The Plourde Family Charitable Trust (no web page) has given a number of small grants to environmental and other organizations for projects in Massachusetts. Interested applicants should send a letter of inquiry requesting funds to: Roger P. Plourde, Jr. c/o Morris and Morris P.C., 2 Kearney Road, Needham Heights, MA 02494 or call (781) 455-6900. Tisbest is among a growing number of on-line services (including JustGive, GlobalGiving (see below) and the Good Card) that encourage non-material gift giving by offering Charity Gift Cards in which the donor gets to take the charitable tax deduction and the recipient gets to select which charity or charities receive the money. The GlobalGiving websiteconnects potential donors to over 1,000 pre-screened grassroots environmental and other charity projects around the world. Project leaders post their causes and details about what they need on GlobalGiving.org, giving potential donors an inside look at the project's unique needs and work being done. Donors browse the website, research causes by topic or location, and pick the one that matches their interests and passions, then make a tax-deductible donation. GlobalGiving then provides regular updates telling donors what a difference their gift is making and the results that have been achieved. GlobalGiving Gift Cards let you give the gift of giving - the recipient gets to pick the project(s) that they want to support and then see how their money has been put to work through regular updates from the field. Click here and here to learn how you can nominate an organization or project to be eligible to receive donations via GlobalGiving. [Click here for advice from the Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program on how your organization can increase donations to it from donor-advised funds.] The December 2, 2010 edition of the Guidestar Newsletter contains some good advice how organizations can initiate planned giving programs without actuarial tables or any in-house expertise. Another recent Guidestar newsletter article offers some good advice for the contents of a fundraising letter or other appeal. Still need to do some holiday shopping? Then you may want to know that We-care.com enables a small percentage of all on-line purchases you or others make to be donated to a non-profit organization, association or school of your choice. Nonprofits participating in this program already include Clean Water Action, The Nature Conservancy and The Conservation Fund. You can even download a we-care reminder that automatically prompts you for the donation opportunity while shopping on-line with participating retailers. Organizations wishing to be eligible to receive donations via we-care.com should click here or here for more info. [Click here or here for nature-related gift ideas from MassWildlife.]
Advance Notice of Funding Opportunity – the Coldwater Land Conservancy Fund Trout Unlimited’s strategic plan focuses on four key goals: to “Protect, Reconnect, Restore and Sustain” the habitat and watersheds that support wild and native trout and salmon in North America . To achieve the “protect” component of the plan, it will be necessary to secure the future of coldwater habitat on both public and private lands. The Coldwater Land Conservancy Fund (CLCF) is a central component of TU's work to permanently protect private lands from incompatible development and energy exploitation. The CLCF is intended to encourage collaborations and partnerships with land trusts and public agencies to achieve the common goal of permanently protecting lands with important trout and salmon habitat. TU’s goal is to create, through the CLCF, a $2 million grant fund to support collaborative efforts between TU and the land trust community to protect high-priority trout and salmon habitat. Specifically, the CLCF will be a source of restricted funding, similar to TU's successful Embrace-A-Stream program, which provides grants to TU chapters and councils, land trusts, and state agencies to permanently protect priority streams and watersheds throughout North America. Once established, the CLCF will provide funding on a bi-annual basis to cover the transaction costs associated with donated and purchased conservation easements and the stewardship costs associated with voluntary public angling access on lands protected through TU-land trust partnerships. hile CLCF is still in its formative stages, you can register now to receive notice of the first Request for Proposals by emailing landprotection@tu.org. [See TU’s Eastern Land Protection Project web page for related info, which includes helpful publications on how land trusts and coldwater fisheries advocates can work together.] (sorted chronologically by date of event, submission deadline, etc.) The Southern New England Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society will hold its 2010 Annual Winter Conference: From Rain to Runoff on Friday, December 17, 2010 from 9:00 AM –3:00 PM at the Bishop Center on the UConn campus in Storrs, CT. This conference will highlight sustainable environmental practices for urban and agricultural landscapes, including: soil nutrient management and composting, green landscape and low impact development and storm water management. Click here, here or contact Jeff Anliker at (413) 213-6885 or anliker@charter.net for more info. The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) is (until December 30, 2010) seeking abstracts for its 22nd Annual Nonpoint Source Conference: NPS Management in a Lean Green Scene, to be held on May 17-18, 2011, in Saratoga Springs, NY. Click here, here or contact Clair Ryan at (978) 349-2522 or cryan@neiwpcc.org for more info. As part an effort to engage citizens in better preparing their communities before a disaster strikes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is soliciting ideas on how the government can support community-based activities to help communities be as prepared as possible. FEMA is seeking ideas from across the spectrum—from new ways to engage the public to new device or technology that can mitigate the effects of disaster to informative public service announcements. Submissions will be judged based on originality, level of community engagement, and ease of implementation. For details, see the challenge web page. Submissions are due by January 2, 2011. The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) is sponsoring a program entitled Wastewater: The Scoop on Poop – Know Your Options, part of WBNERR’s Reducing Your Nitrogen Footprint series of talks, on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. The program will cover the many options Cape Codders have when decided what is best for their town and the region. Topics include sewering, cluster systems, treatment plants and alternative septic systems. The program is free and open to everyone. Click here or contact Joan Muller at (508) 457-0495 ext. 107 for more info. There’s a call for abstracts (until January 14, 2011) for the 4th National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration, to be held from August 1-5, 2011 in Baltimore, MD. The purpose of NCER is to provide an interactive forum for physical, biological and social scientists, engineers, resource managers, planners and policy makers to share their experiences and research results concerning large-scale ecosystem restoration on both national and international levels. Click here or contact: Beth Miller-Tipton at (352) 392-5930 for more info. The UMass Dept. of Environmental Conservation, in cooperation with UMass Extension, is offering Wetlands Assessment and Field Techniques, a 2-credit course during spring semester at the UMass/Amherst, beginning on January 20, 2011. This course offers in-depth information about Massachusetts wetland regulations, wetland classification, boundary delineation, wetland condition assessment, functional assessment, vernal pool certification, wildlife habitat evaluation, and techniques for evaluating and mitigating development impacts on wildlife habitat. Click here or contact Scott Jackson at (413) 545-4743 or sjackson@umext.umass.edu for more info. The 10th Annual Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Course in Organic Land Care will be held January 12, 13 , 14, 18 and 19, 2011, at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge headquarters in Newburyport, MA. This 5-day intensive course trains and accredits professionals to practice organic land care, covering all aspects from organic soil health and amendments to pests and invasives management. It is recommended for landscapers, designers, municipal and parks employees, horticulturists, master gardeners and entrepreneurs. Click here or contact coordinator Kathy Litchfield at (413) 773-3830 or kathy@nofamass.org for more info. You are invited to share your projects and presentations with the audience at the 67th Annual Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference, to take place from April 17-19, 2011 at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester, NH . Presentations/posters are sought for the following subject tracks: Freshwater Fisheries; Information, Education, and Outreach; Law Enforcement; Marine Fisheries; and Wildlife. You may submit one of the following formats: 20 minute presentation to be combined with other like topics; Panel presentation for 1.5 hours that you develop and coordinate; 1.5 hour workshop or symposium on a specific topic; and Poster display. Abstracts will be accepted on-line until January 15, 2011; click here for submission, track chair contact and other info. The annual meeting of the Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society (NEAPMS) will be held January 18-20, 2011 at the historic Wentworth by the Sea Resort in New Castle, NH. The program is lined up with an array of presentations on topics related to aquatic plant ecology and management. Click here or contact Amy P. Smagula at (603) 271-2248 or Amy.Smagula@des.nh.gov for more info. The New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA) will host its 2011 Annual Conference and Exhibition at the Marriott Copley Place Hotel in Boston from January 23-26, 2011. The NEWEA conference is the largest water quality conference held in New England and features a large exhibit area with more than 180 vendors. Technical sessions will focus on industrial waste, collections systems, plant operations, wetlands, government affairs, hazardous waste, and watershed management. Click here for more conference info. The Grant Training Center is offering a Professional Grant Development Workshop from January 26–28, 2011 from 8:30 AM –4:30 PM at Bentley University in Waltham, MA . This intensive workshop is geared for those who wish to strengthen their grant writing skills as well as beginners who wish to acquire and master the techniques of preparing, writing and winning proposals from various funding agencies. The center of attention will be on how to effectively tell the story that leads to funding. Click here or call (866) 704-7268 to sign up or for more info. The 24th Annual Mass. Congress of Lake and Pond Associations (MA COLAP) Winter Workshop on Lake and Pond Management and Restoration is scheduled this year for Saturday, January 29, 2011 at Worcester State College from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with a snow date of January 30. Click here for more info. The 135th Annual Meeting of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) will be taking place will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2011, at the Sheraton Four Points, Norwood Hotel & Conference Center, Norwood, MA. This event is open to everyone and will include exciting workshops and an AMC Showcase highlighting Chapters, AMC departments and destinations. Click here or contact Event Coordinator Cindy Martell (617) 391-6603 or cmartell@outdoors.org to sign up or for more info. All too frequently, individuals and groups involved with natural resource conservation fail to celebrate their hard-won successes. Too often, important victories are allowed to be overshadowed by the next issue or threat. Challenges always lie ahead, but River Network wants to take time each year to celebrate the people who make our collective achievements possible. Nominations are currently being sought (until February 4, 2011 ) for River Network's River Heroes Award, which celebrates rivers and those who protect them by recognizing some of our victories and honoring those who provide us with leadership and inspiration along the way. The award ceremony will take place at the National River Rally 2011, which will take place in Charleston, SC from June 3-6. Click here to nominate a deserving candidate. Abstract submissions for oral and poster presentations are being sought (until February 15, 2011 ) for the 2011 National Conference on Engineering & Ecohydrology for Fish Passage, to be held at UMass/Amherst from June 27-29, 2011. The conference should be of interest to researchers, educators, practitioners, funders, and regulators who have an interest in advancements in technical fishways, nature-like fishways, stream restoration and stabilization, dam removal, road ecology, and the myriad of funding, safety, climate change, and other social issues surrounding connectivity projects. Click here for a list of abstract topics, here to submit an abstract, here for more info on the conference, and here for more info on the UMass Ecohydrology and Fish Passage Engineering Program. The Humboldt Field Research Institute and Eagle Hill Foundation are seeking proposals for organized sessions, workshops, field trips, and other special events (until February 1, 2011) and abstracts (until March 1) for the 11th Northeast Natural History Conference (NENHC) and the historic first meeting of the Association of Northeastern Biologists (ANB), to be held from April 6-9, 2011 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany, NY. This conference promises to be the largest regional forum for researchers, natural resource managers, students, and naturalists to present current information on the varied aspects of applied field biology (freshwater, marine, and terrestrial) and natural history for the Northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. Click here or call (207) 546-2821 for more info. The Center for Whole Communities is offering a Conservation in a New Nation Workshop from March 16-17, 2011 at the Essex Conference Center , Essex MA. What are the shifts in American demographics that are changing how people use and benefit from land? How does conservation remain relevant, innovative and responsive to these changes? What are the key opportunities for conservation today and what are the leadership skills and strategies necessary to take the movement forward? This 2-day workshop, led by Peter Forbes and Mohamad Chakaki, delves intensively into these topics. Click here or call (802) 496-5690 for more info. The U.S. Geological Survey MA/RI Water Science Center’s recently released report, Effects of Low-Impact-Development (LID) Practices on Streamflow, Runoff Quantity, and Runoff Quality in the Ipswich River Basin, Massachusetts – A Summary of Field and Modeling Studies, provides condensed study results from a DCR cooperative study with USGS funded by an EPA Targeted Watershed Grant for the Ipswich River. The report describes three of the nine demonstration projects funded under the grant, as well as the results from a modeling study evaluating the theoretical effects of applying low impact development (LID) techniques and various water conservation strategies widely across the Ipswich Watershed. Results for the other six demonstration projects (including Partridgeberry Place) are summarized on the project website. [Click here to read a related story on Partridgeberry Place and LID in the July-August 2010 edition of Stormwater Magazine.] Earlier this fall, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) issued a final rule for the federal Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) that adds a new national priority to restore and enhance wildlife habitat: “to protect, restore, develop or enhance important migration and other movement corridors for wildlife.” This new focus complements the four existing national WHIP priorities that focus on activities benefiting native fish and wildlife habitats, conservation of “at-risk” species, protection of declining or important aquatic wildlife and reducing the impacts of invasive species on fish and wildlife habitat. Authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, WHIP is a voluntary program for conservation-minded landowners who want to develop and improve fish and wildlife habitat on agricultural and private land. Click here for more info. [Click here for an update on Farm Bill program application deadlines.] A new documentary video, Playing Smart Against Invasive Species: How to Enjoy and Protect the Great Outdoors, was released this fall by the USDA’s Forest Service as part of the National Invasive Species Threat Campaign, with support from many organizations. The video targets outdoor recreation enthusiasts, from campers and climbers to boaters and skiers, by presenting practical tips and methods for preventing the spread of invasive plants, animals, and pathogens. Furthermore, the video frames the issue of invasive species within the context of prevention and control as achievable goals and encourages outdoorsmen and women to adhere to outdoor recreation ethics. Playing Smart is the third installment in a series of documentary videos that aims to educate and inspire outdoor recreationists to join the effort to protect the ecosystems they love. Previous titles include Defending Favorite Places: How Hunters and Anglers Can Stop the Spread of Invasive Species and Dangerous Travelers: Controlling Invasive Plants Along America’s Roadways. All three videos, in various lengths, are available on-line or on DVD from the Center for Invasive Plant Management Store. The EPA recently released a “beta” version of a new web-based tool that allows anyone to search and identify the amount, type, and location of wastewater pollutant discharges and the identity of the discharger. EPA is seeking comments (until February 4, 2011) on how to improve this tool and on the accuracy of the discharge monitoring data supporting it. This new tool supports the Agency’s Clean Water Act Action Plan, which seeks to improve transparency of information and public knowledge about pollutant releases that may cause water quality impairments. Click here or contact Carey Johnston at johnston.carey@epa.gov for more info. The National Environmental Services Center (NESC) provides technical services relating to drinking water, environmental training, infrastructure resilience, utility management, and onsite wastewater demonstration projects. NESC produces three publications (now available only on-line due to recent budget cuts): Small Flows Quarterly, a magazine about wastewater, Pipeline, an easy-to-read newsletter about wastewater topics for homeowners, and On Tap, a magazine about drinking water. NESC also maintains a vast inventory of low-cost and free products that customers can order, a toll-free technical assistance hotline, and a Web site with searchable databases. Click here or call (800) 624-8301 ext. 3 for more info. The Winter 2010-2011 edition of the Narragansett Bay Journal, put out by the Narragansett Bay Estuary Program, contains several articles of interest to Ebb&Flow readers, particularly the Habitat Restoration Update section, which includes an update on the Labor-in-Vain Brook salt marsh restoration in Somerset, MA. Click here for more info. The Mass. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Office of Technical Assistance and Technology (OTA) recently posted on-line a document entitled The Marlboro Water Conservation Project Final Report . OTA completed eight water audits as part of a project funded by the U.S. EPA and MassDEP to assess water use and identify opportunities to reduce wastewater loads to the treatment works of the City of Marlborough, which was at capacity for discharge to receiving waters. Significant water conservation opportunities were found at all eight facilities, which represented a variety of dischargers: three manufacturers, two hotels, a medical facility, a biological research facility, and a school. The average payback period for all 36 proposed water-conserving actions was just under 3 years. If you are interested in receiving assistance with locating water conservation opportunities, please contact William McGowan at (617) 626-1078 . Also on the OTA web page are the proceedings for Saving Money Through Greening Hospitality: Reducing Costs and Attracting Customers Through Water and Energy Conservation, Waste Reduction, and Toxics Use Reduction, a conference which took place in June of 2009. Non-government On-line Resources (in rough alphabetical order – the following are offered for information purposes only and are not an endorsement of the items listed below) Brown Paper Tickets (BPT) Billing itself as “the first and only fair-trade ticketing company”, Brown Paper Tickets offers an electronic events ticketing service for organizations that can’t or don’t want to manage that service themselves. BPT donates at least 5% of its profits to charities in the communities it serves. At the end of every ticket purchase, buyers can choose how these proceeds are divided, with Animals & Environment being one of the categories. Each month, BPT distributes its donations to groups according to the votes of our users. If you know of a charity that you would like to have considered as a recipient, let BPT know by clicking here. Clearinghouse for Dam Removal Information (CDRI) CDRI is an online repository for documents about proposed and completed dam removal projects across the country. The goal of CDRI is to collect documents from government agencies, consulting firms, universities, and non-profit organizations so that those making decisions about dam removal, including cases where a decision is made to retain the dam, can access all the information in one place. The CDRI website offers a searchable database and (once CDRI’s host, the Water Resources Center Archives, as completed moving into its new home in January) the ability of users to upload documents about their own dam removal projects. Contact Clare O’Reilly at ckoreilly@gmail.com for more info. Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange (CAKE) CAKE, a joint project of Island Press and EcoAdapt, is aimed at building a shared knowledge base for managing natural systems in the face of rapid climate change. CAKE brings together EcoAdapt’s recognized leadership in developing the concepts and practices of climate adaptation with Island Press’s 27 years as the leading publisher of solutions-based environmental information to offer the most valuable, up-to-date, and authoritative materials on the subject. The CAKE website helps users to get beyond the limitations of their time and the unwieldy thicket of books, papers and articles by vetting and clearly organizing the best information available, building a community via an interactive online platform, creating a directory of practitioners to share knowledge and strategies and identifying and explaining data tools and information available from other sites. It consists principally of 4 interlinked components; a Virtual Library; Case Studies; a Directory and Tools, as wee as community forums for the discussion of current issues in conservation in a changing climate. Global Restoration Network (GRN) Established by the Society for Ecological Restoration International (SER), the GRN website is a searchable worldwide database of environmental restoration projects and a listing of restoration-related conferences. It is an excellent resource for information on all aspects of environmental restoration, from historic ecosystems and causes of degradation to in-depth case studies and proven restoration methods and techniques. Anyone involved in restoration is encouraged to post their projects on the GRN database to help showcase the spectrum of restoration projects here in New England to the international restoration community in order to foster an innovative exchange of experience, vision, and expertise. Contact GRN Case Studies Coordinator Levi Wickwire at levi@ser.org if you have questions or for more info. H 2O Conserve H 2O Conserve is an online source of tools and information that enable individuals to make water conservation part of their everyday lives. H 2O Conserve is a program of GRACE, a not-for-profit that highlights the interconnections between food, water and energy. H 2O Conserve is best known for its Water Footprint Calculator, an interactive tool that allows visitors to estimate their water use and then find out how to reduce their “water footprint.” The H 2O Conserve website also features downloadable Issue Pages developed to increase understanding of current issues including water used in energy production and water conservation in the home and garden, among other water-related topics. [You may also want to check out the Pacific Institute’s WECalc home water-energy-climate calculator or this list of “30 Most Interesting Water Management Blogs” for other info.] LightHawk Is your watershed, park or other place you’re concerned about threatened by an activity that is best documented via viewing it from above ? Established in 1979 with the organizational mission “to champion environmental protection through the unique perspective of flight”, LightHawk is the largest and oldest volunteer-based environmental aviation organization in North America. LightHawk’s network of volunteer pilots fly on behalf of partner organizations, the media, decision-makers, community members and researchers. LightHawk’s missions have addressed a broad range of issues, strengthening partners’ efforts by offering the aerial perspective on the issues they consider critical and enabling them to gather data and documentation for their campaigns. But most of all, the view from above speaks for itself, providing breathtaking clarity of understanding. If this sounds useful to your group, click here or contact LightHawk’s Eastern Region Program Manager, Kelly Tucker, at (518) 946-1213. Mission-Based Massachusetts Moderated by nonprofit consultant Deborah Elizabeth Finn, Mission-Based Massachusetts is an email distribution list for people who care about nonprofit, philanthropic, educational, community-based, grassroots, socially responsible, and other mission-oriented organizations in the Bay State. It is a moderated, flame-free email distribution list that is open to anyone who is interested in the topic and willing to adhere to the basic principles of civil society. Click here to read recently-posted messages and here for info on how to join Pingg Season’s End and Beyond Season’s End This website was established in 2008 by the Wildlife Management Institute, to host a report entitled Seasons’ End; Global Warming’s Threat to Hunting and Fishing, detailing the predicted impacts of climate change on fish and wildlife habitat and the future of hunting and fishing in the United States. This has since been followed up in May of this year with Beyond Season’s End: A Path Forward for Fish and Wildlife in the Era of Climate Change. The Beyond Season’s End book and accompanying web page are intended to assist fish and wildlife professionals and advocates in sharing information and discussing ideas about taking action in response to global warming-induced climate change. [Click here to read more info about Beyond Season’s End from Trout Unlimited.] VolunteerSpot VolunteerSpot launched in Spring, 2009 with the mission of enabling anyone to quickly mobilize and coordinate volunteers in their community, congregation and social network. VolunteerSpot’s simple sign up application makes it easy for community members to participate and say YES to volunteering. No waiting for approvals and passwords, no software to install, just easy, free scheduling and sign up tools for everyday heroes making a difference. Although this service is primarily oriented to schools, other nonprofits can use VolunteerSpot to recruit and manage volunteers. Other tools on this web page include free e-books on various volunteering and fundraising topics, and a volunteer resources page. (the following are offered for information purposes only and are not an endorsement of the items listed below.)
large number of species living in the varied wetland, upland and riverine habitats within the Alewife Reservation and adjacent open space lands in Cambridge and Belmont . Documented species include over 80 different species of birds (including great blue heron, pheasants, hawks, owls and woodcocks) which breed, migrate, winter or visit the Alewife Reservation and adjacent areas, and 16 wild mammal species (including beaver, muskrat, weasel, fox and mink). This Alewife study presents a good example of an ecological inventory which other groups might want to replicate to document the biodiversity of areas they’re concerned about. Printed copies of the Alewife study are available for $10 from the Friends of Alewife Reservation (FAR), 186 Alewife Brook Parkway, Suite 304, Cambridge, MA 02138. [Click here to view an excerpt of the report, or contact FAR at (617) 415-1884 or info@friendsofalewifereservation.org for more info.]
Marion Stoddart lived next to one of the nation's most polluted rivers (the Nashua ) – and unexpectedly transformed herself from a small-town housewife into an environmental activist and citizen hero honored by the United Nations. Marion Stoddart: The Work of 1000, an inspiring 30-minute documentary film about How One Person Can Make a Difference, tells a real-life motivational story of successful techniques of a world-renowned activist and her growth as a leader through a commitment to collective action. Engage and mobilize your organization, board members, or community by hosting a The Work of 1000 screening & discussion possibly involving the filmmakers or perhaps even Marion herself. Click here or contact: Susan Edwards at (978) 433-5697 for more info.
><((((º>`•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸.•´¯`•...¸><((((º>¸.•´¯`•.¸. , . .•´¯`•.. ><((((º>`•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸.•´¯`•...¸><((((º> The Mass. Watershed Coalition (MWC)’s “mwc-list” listserv is a great source of information on river- and watershed-related funding and job opportunities, upcoming events, recent articles and more. Many of the posted items are time-sensitive and can’t wait until the next edition of Ebb&Flow. You can access the mwc-list listserv at http://lists.topica.com/lists/mwc-list@igc.topica.com, where you can subscribe to receive the posted messages to your e-mail address, or simply read them on-line. Highly recommended!
The Great Outdoors blog
Division of Ecological Restoration Staff: Tim Purinton, Acting Director ******************************************* Commonwealth of Massachusetts 251 Causeway St. Suite 400 Boston , MA 02114 617) 626-1540 http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/river Visit the DER Staff page
|
|
|
Major construction was completed this fall on the Stony Brook Salt Marsh and Fish Passage Restoration Project in Brewster, a coastal stream with one of the largest river herring runs on Cape Cod . Stony Brook was made famous by John Hay’s book “The Run” (1959, Doubleday & Co.). Project partners the town of Brewster, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, The Association to Preserve Cape Cod, the Mass Bays Program, and DER combined efforts to restore the 20 acre marsh and improve fish passage conditions to more than 300 acres of upstream spawning ponds. The Stony Brook project received the majority of its funding through a NOAA ‘stimulus grant’ (American Reinvestment and Recovery Act) in 2009, which funded design, permitting and construction. The Stony Brook grant was one of 50 NOAA grants awarded nationwide – and was the only project funded by NOAA in Massachusetts. In addition to the restoration benefits, the project provided economic benefits through consulting and construction jobs. Additional funding was provided by the Gulf of Maine Council/NOAA partnership grant, and DER. The new 18-foot culvert (see photo) is flowing freely to the marsh, which features a nature trail maintained by the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History. 
In November, construction was completed on the West Island Beach Salt Marsh Restoration Project, restoring tidal flow to 6.5 acres of wetlands adjacent to the West Island Beach in Fairhaven. Prior to restoration, tidal flow to the marsh was restricted by a deteriorated 15-inch culvert that was not only too small, but was also inverted, with the downstream end of the culvert being higher than the upstream end. The old culvert was replaced with a 3-foot by 5-foot box culvert (see photo) designed to restore natural tidal exchange, provide better drainage of freshwater from the marsh, increase salinity within the marsh, and reduce coverage of the invasive plant Phragmites australis (Common Reed). Completion of this project provides a significant contribution of restored wetlands under the New Bedford Harbor Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration Program, which seeks to restore natural resources injured by past contamination of the New Bedford Harbor Estuary. The project was funded by the New Bedford Harbor Trustee Council and managed by the NOAA Restoration Center, in partnership with the Town of Fairhaven and DER. 
Now in its second printing, Biodiversity Study of Alewife Reservation Area: Species, Habitat and Ecosystems documents the 
This past summer, two Malden youth, Alex Deng and Ngobitak Ndiwane, worked with 
As the climate changes, bringing more frequent and intense storms and floods, communities living near streams and rivers and on our coasts are facing increasing threats. Lives and property are increasingly at risk, flood damages are straining tax-payer dollars, and clean water and wildlife habitat are suffering. Our changing climate, outdated management approaches and policies, underfunded and under utilized green infrastructure, and increasing urbanization are causing a flood management crisis for federal agencies and communities alike. 
Has your watershed association, land trust or other nonprofit organization wondered about how to harness social networking to accomplish your group’s goals? In the recently-published book 
On the (somewhat related) topic of social marketing, i.e., the science of using advertising and other marketing tools to encourage people to behave in socially-responsible ways (conserve water and energy, recycle, etc.), 
Water is the most important substance on Earth; it is also the most threatened – by climate change, wasteful usage, trash, and pollution. Young people across the globe are responding to the world water crisis by transforming their ideas and energy into action and participating in service learning. A new resource to help spur that along is 
| Division of Ecological Restoration, Department of Fish & Game, 251 Causeway St., Suite 400, Boston, MA 02114 (617) 626-1540 (main line), (617) 626-1505 (fax) Visit the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Visit the Department of Fish & Game |