CZ-Mail - August 2022

The monthly electronic newsletter from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM).

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, send a blank email (please be sure that the email is completely blank, with no signature line) to [e-mail]. 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 [e-mail]. For periodic updates from CZM between CZ-Mail editions, please follow us on Twitter.

All links on this web page were current and working on the date of publication.

Highlights

CZM Releases Fact Sheets to Help Coastal Property Owners Reduce Stormwater Pollution - CZM is pleased to announce the launch of the Stormwater Solutions for Homeowners website with fact sheets that offer property owners a range of best practices for reducing and treating stormwater on site. Each fact sheet includes information on the technique’s benefits; recommended guidelines for locating, designing, implementing, and maintaining specific practices; and a brief overview of regulatory and permitting requirements. Step-by-step instructional guidelines, photos, and figures can help homeowners select the most appropriate projects and practices for their property to help protect local water quality, reduce flooding, and improve wildlife habitats. The four techniques covered in this first round of fact sheets are: Vegetated Buffers, “Green” Lawn and Garden Practices, Rain Gardens, and Reducing Impervious Surfaces. In the coming year, CZM will add additional fact sheets on: Preventing Erosion, Minimizing Contaminants, and Vegetated Swales. CZM would like to thank the staff from Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the members of the Technical Advisory Committee—stormwater specialists, engineers, natural resources specialists, and other environmental consultants with extensive stormwater management experience—who provided their expertise in the review of these materials.

CZM Co-Hosts and Participates in the National Working Waterfront Conference - From July 19-21, CZM co-hosted the National Working Waterfront Network (NWWN) Conference in coordination with the Urban Harbors Institute at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Boston and Maine Sea Grant. At the 2022 conference, held at the UMass oceanfront campus, CZM participated as speakers and panelists for several program sessions. CZM Director Lisa Engler participated in a panel discussion to address how New England’s working waterfronts are adapting to change. CZM Assistant Director Tyler Soleau moderated a panel discussion focused on leveraging partnerships and funding to create thriving working waterfronts for traditional marine industries, as well as the emerging offshore wind industry in Massachusetts. The CZM team of Regional Coordinators facilitated another panel, moderated by North Shore Regional Coordinator Kathryn Glenn, on coastal resilience issues for working waterfronts, where industries must balance the need to continue operations directly adjacent to the coast while implementing resiliency techniques that protect infrastructure and assets from climate change impacts, including sea level rise and increased coastal storm surge. For more information, see the 2022 NWWN Conference website.

MassBays Launches New Interactive Tool to Track Estuary Health - The new MassBays Ecohealth Tracking Tool provides a gateway for the public, scientists, and policy makers to interact with coastal habitat and water quality data across the MassBays region (Ipswich Bay, Massachusetts Bay, and Cape Cod Bay). Users can check the status and trends of salt marshes, eelgrass meadows, tidal flats, and diadromous fish habitats. Within each embayment, users can track progress toward MassBays goals for each habitat type. In addition, water quality data are available from thousands of sampling stations, which allows users to find data (including bacteria, nutrients, temperature, and other parameters) from estuaries across the region. Water quality stations can be selected to view a time series of the data and to see if measurements are within healthy thresholds.

2022 Gulf of Maine Awards—Massachusetts Awardees Include CZM’s Bob Boeri - On July 28, three Massachusetts individuals were honored at the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment 2022 Awards Ceremony for their exceptional work to protect and enhance environmental quality in the Gulf of Maine. CZM's Bob Boeri received the prestigious Susan Snow-Cotter Leadership Award for his dedication to the coastal profession. Since joining CZM, Bob has served as Dredge Coordinator, Project Review Coordinator, and Acting Assistant Director. His leadership skills and expertise allow him to bring the right people to the table to work together for effective solutions. In addition, Dr. Anna Robuck received a Visionary Award for her research on per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics in Massachusetts Bay food webs. Cynde McInnis, a whale watch naturalist and educator, also received a Visionary Award for her lifelong dedication to teaching about whales and the ocean and the threats they face. She is the creator of the Whalemobile, a 43-foot inflatable humpback whale that she brings across the country educating thousands of students. Congratulations Bob, Anna, and Cynde!

Massachusetts Dredging Program Awards More than $3 Million in Grants - In July, the Baker-Polito Administration announced $3.2 million in grant awards for six public dredging projects through the Massachusetts Dredging Program. These one-year construction grants will support removal and disposal of nearly 188,000 cubic yards of harbor material, preserving or expanding use of more than 3,000 moorings and dockage slips, as well as navigation for over 450 commercial vessels. Approximately one third of all dredged material will be beneficially reused for public beach nourishment. Applications for the 2022 grant round were evaluated by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED) in collaboration with CZM and the Seaport Economic Council. This year’s dredging grants include:

• Chatham - $500,000 for dredging of the entrance channel in Stage Harbor.
• Dennis - $87,000 for dredging of the entrance channel in Sesuit Harbor.
• Harwich - $48,000 for dredging sand from the Allen Harbor entrance channel.
• Newburyport - $40,000 to dredge an area between the federal entrance channel and the north jetty of Newburyport Harbor.
• Truro - $25,000 for dredging the inlet and approach channels of Pamet Harbor.
• Wellfleet - $2,500,000 for dredging the South Anchorage in Wellfleet Harbor.

For more information, see the EOHED Press Release.

New Geophysical and Geological Data from Cape Cod Bay - CZM and U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) have published High-Resolution Geophysical and Geological Data Collected in Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts During USGS Field Activities 2019-002-FA and 2019-034-FA, datasets that includes more than 4,700-trackline-kilometers of bathymetric, backscatter, subbottom, and multi-channel seismic data, as well as seafloor photo, underwater video, and sediment texture data. These datasets are the first systematic mapping of the southern-most Gulf of Maine since the 1940s and offer an unprecedented view of the Bay’s seafloor and subseafloor. The data support research on the geologic evolution of coastal Massachusetts, the influence of sea-level change and sediment supply on coastal change through time, and efforts to understand the type, distribution, and quality of subtidal marine habitats. This effort is part of a long-term collaboration between CZM and USGS to map the State’s waters and develop high-resolution geologic maps and Geographic Information System (GIS) data that serve the needs of research, management, and the public. For more information on CZM/USGS seafloor work, see CZM’s Seafloor Mapping Program website and the USGS Geologic Mapping of the Seafloor Offshore of Massachusetts website, or contact CZM’s Dan Sampson at [e-mail].

Seeking Local Cleanup Coordinators for COASTSWEEP 2022 - COASTSWEEP, the annual statewide beach cleanup sponsored by CZM, will begin in late August—and now is the time to sign up to be a local cleanup coordinator for your favorite beach, marsh, dive site, and riverbank. Volunteers throughout Massachusetts turn out in large numbers each year for this event, which is part of an international campaign organized by the Ocean Conservancy in Washington, DC. Participants all over the world collect trash and other marine debris and record what they find. This information is then used to help reduce future marine debris problems. Cleanups can be scheduled from late August into November. To get involved as a cleanup coordinator or to volunteer at a cleanup, see the COASTSWEEP website.

CZM Offices Remain Closed - All CZM offices are currently closed for in-person services, however, CZM staff are available to assist with coastal management issues. See Contact CZM for details.

CZM Job Posting

Offshore Project Review Specialist - CZM is seeking an Offshore Project Review Specialist position to assist the CZM team with its federal consistency review responsibilities and environmental impact analysis of permits and supporting documents related to offshore development including offshore wind, cables, pipelines, and aquaculture. To learn more about this new position and to apply, see the full position posting. For clarifying questions, please contact [e-mail]. And to receive notification of CZM job postings between CZ-Mail editions, follow us on Twitter.

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grants—Deadline Extended for Statements of Interest - The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is seeking applications for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides funding for projects that reduce loss of life and protect natural resources, property, infrastructure, public health, and the economy from natural hazards and climate change impacts. More than $110 million is available statewide. The federal cost-share for this grant round has been increased to “no less than 90%,” and the cap for individual projects in Massachusetts is $15 million. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact MEMA for application assistance. For details, including application information, see the MEMA website and the revised Notice of Funding Opportunity (PDF, 264 KB), or email questions to [e-mail]. Statements of Interest are accepted on a rolling basis, but should be submitted by mid-August, and final applications are due by October 9.

Water Quality Management Planning Grants - MassDEP is seeking proposals for the 2022 §604(b) Water Quality Management Planning Grants to fund assessment and planning projects to address nonpoint source pollution. For more information, see the §604b Request for Responses (RFR) (PDF, 2 MB). Project proposals are due by August 17.

NOAA Funding Opportunities - NOAA is seeking proposals to address the climate crisis and strengthen coastal resilience and infrastructure. Up to $2.96 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds are available through several NOAA programs over the next five years to make investments in habitat restoration, coastal resilience, and climate data and services. NOAA will select high-impact projects that invest in communities, states, and regions to support these three major initiatives:

• Climate Ready Coasts - to help coastal communities invest in natural infrastructure projects that build coastal resilience, create jobs, store carbon, remove marine debris, and restore habitat.
• Climate Data and Services - to support government efforts to address the climate crisis by providing information and tools for decision-makers to address floods, wildfire, drought, and ocean health.
• Fisheries and Protected Resources - to support efforts to restore important fisheries habitat and promote community economic development.

For details about these funding opportunities, see the NOAA Press Release.

Funding to Prevent and Remove Marine Debris - The National Sea Grant College program is seeking proposals to support marine debris removal and prevention initiatives. The Marine Debris Challenge Competition will provide approximately $16 million to support innovative research that will address the prevention and removal of marine debris. Eligible applicants include Sea Grant programs and other entities that have partnered with a Sea Grant Program (interested partners should contact a Sea Grant Program). The Marine Debris Community Action Coalitions opportunity will provide approximately $3 million to support the creation of coalitions and partnerships to address marine debris prevention and removal. This program is only open to Sea Grant programs. Letters of intent for the Marine Debris Challenge are due by August 9. Marine Debris Community Action Coalitions letters of intent are due by August 16. For details on both programs, see the Sea Grant website.

Reminders - This opportunity, listed previously in CZ-Mail, is still open or upcoming:

• Restoring Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Grants - NOAA Fisheries is seeking proposals for locally led fish passage projects that will remove in-stream barriers, such as dams. Up to $65 million in funding is available in FY2022 under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to reopen migratory routes and restore access to better fish habitats. For more information, see the NOAA Fisheries website. Proposals are due by August 15.

Online Tools and Resources

NOAA Marine Debris Blog - Recent posts in the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s Marine Debris Blog cover efforts to address marine debris in the Gulf of Mexico and new federal funding for marine debris removal. All blog topics can be searched by category and date. To receive notifications of new posts, sign up for email updates.

Products/Publications

Educational Sand Dune Signs - Woods Hole Sea Grant and the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension are offering new signs for beach managers to encourage visitors to protect the dunes by using designated pathways. The signs feature winning artwork from the 2021 student art contest and are fabricated using durable aluminum. Signs are free to towns while supplies last and multiple designs are available. To request signs, email Greg Berman at [e-mail].

2021 Beach Cleanup Report - The Surfrider Foundation has released the 2021 Beach Cleanup Annual Report, which highlights the results of the Surfrider Beach Cleanup program for 2021. The report presents stories from around the country, cleanup data, and details of the Surfrider network’s most successful year to date.

Newsletters and Other Periodicals

Ebb & Flow - The Summer 2022 issue of Ebb & Flow, the Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) eNewsletter, reports on new DER staff, $2.1 million recently awarded for river and wetland restoration projects, and other restoration project updates and resource links.

Massachusetts Lobstermen’s News - The July 2022 Newspaper (PDF, 10 MB) from the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association includes stories on the May 2022 meeting of the Gulf of Maine Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force, updates from the Northeast Regional Ocean Council, plans from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to issue an offshore wind request for interest (RFI) for offshore wind development in the Gulf of Maine, and public notices, updates, and other lobster news.

Jobs/Internship Postings

Climate Resilience Program Coordinator - The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is seeking a Climate Resilience Program Coordinator to serve under the Director of Climate Resilience to support DCR climate change mitigation and adaption planning, monitoring and research initiatives, and related projects. For complete details, see the job posting.

Restoration Costs Data Specialist - The Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game and DER are seeking a Restoration Costs Data Specialist to work with the In-Lieu Fee Program (ILFP) and DER staff to organize, interpret, and analyze restoration project data. The position will also analyze ecological metrics to improve understanding of the costs associated with desired ecological outcomes for various tidal and freshwater projects. For details on this six-month contract position, see the job posting.

National Estuarine Research Reserve Liaison for New England - Lykner Technologies is seeking a National Estuarine Research Reserve Liaison to serve the Wells, Great Bay, and Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserves. This position will support coordination of NOAA Office for Coastal Management work in New England to build community and coastal resilience and promote nature-based solutions. This contract position is fully remote, but candidates need to live in New England and have access to the coast for partner meetings and events. For more information, see the position posting.

MAPC Positions - The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is seeking applicants for seven available full-time positions, including Digital Media and Marketing Specialist, Director of Clean Energy, Regional Land Use Planner, Regional Humanities Specialist, Senior Communications Specialist, Procurement and Contract Coordinator, and Operations Manager. For details, including application instructions, see the MAPC Employment Opportunities page.

Communications and Administration Coordinator - The Cape Cod Climate Change Collaborative is seeking a part-time Communications and Administration Coordinator to support the work of the Collaborative’s Outreach & Communications and Finance & Development Committees. The coordinator will work with chairs of both committees to implement strategic communications that support solutions to climate change issues, including management of website, social media, and newsletter content, event coordination, and donor communications.

Environmental Educator - The Westport River Watershed Alliance is seeking a full-time Environmental Educator to assist with watershed education programs in the Westport schools and develop and provide community outreach through weekend programming for the public, school groups, and families. For details, see the job listing.

Buzzards Bay Coalition Positions - The Buzzards Bay Coalition is seeking applicants for four available full- and part-time positions, including Experiential Learning Manager, Development Assistant, Waterfront Leaders, and Sailing Instructor. For details, including application instructions, see the Coalition’s Job Opportunities page.

TerraCorps Positions - In 2022, the TerraCorps program is seeking to fill a number of full-time AmeriCorps positions in one of five roles: Community Engagement Coordinator, Youth Education Coordinator, Land Stewardship Coordinator, Regional Collaboration Coordinator, and Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator. Members will serve in 11-month positions (August 29, 2022-July 28, 2023), and will receive a living allowance, education award, and additional AmeriCorps benefits. For more information, including application details, see the TerraCorps website.

Public Notice/Public Comment

Please note: All official CZM requests for public comment are published in the Public Notices section of the Environmental Monitor, the bi-weekly publication from the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office.

Designation Report for the East Boston Designated Port Area (DPA) Boundary—Comment Period Extended - On December 15, 2021, CZM issued the East Boston DPA boundary designation report (PDF, 2 MB) for public comment. At the request of the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA), CZM has extended the comment period for the report several times, with the most recent comment extension ending on August 1. At the request of the BPDA, CZM has extended the comment period for an additional 90 days, ending on November 1. CZM shall consider written comments received by 5:00 p.m. on November 1. The notice of this extension will be published in the Environmental Monitor on August 10. Submit comments to [e-mail] or by mail to: Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, Attention: Joanna Yelen, Boston Regional Coordinator, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114.

Calendar - Individual Events and Announcements

Teachers on the Estuary Workshops - August 1 (virtual), 3, 4, and November 16 (virtual), teacher training for middle and high school teachers at the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Falmouth on “Investigating a Changing Environment.”

National Climate Educators Retreat - August 2-6, professional development opportunity for high school teachers to incorporate climate education into curriculums, sponsored by The Climate Initiative and The Ecology School to be held in Saco, Maine.

International Webinar on Microplastics in Environment - August 3, full-day webinar from the United Nations Environment Program on Environmental Technologies and the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies.

New England Climate Change and Resiliency Summit - September 13, virtual summit from the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC).

Water Quality Modeling Workshop - September 19-23, workshop from the Association of Clean Water Administrators to be held in Chicago, Illinois.

Coastal & Island Symposium—Call for Abstracts - November 10-11, symposium from the Center for Watershed Protection with the theme “Mitigation and Adaptation to Environmental Changes in Coastal & Island Communities” to be held in Fulton, Maryland. Abstract submissions are due by August 26.

Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride - October 2, fundraising ride to support the Buzzards Bay Coalition. Registration is required.

AWRA 2022 Annual Water Resources Conference - November 7-9, conference sponsored by the American Water Resources Association (AWRA) to be held in Renton, Washington.

Reminders - The following calendar items posted previously in CZ-Mail are still to come:

• OneCape Summit - August 1-2, annual summit sponsored by the Cape Cod Commission on climate change, water quality, housing, and the economy on Cape Cod to be held in Harwich.
• Marine Mammal Biology Conference - August 1-5, biennial conference sponsored by the Society of Marine Mammalogy to be held in Palm Beach, Florida, with a virtual option.
• Stormwater Conference - September 26-28, annual conference sponsored by StormCon to be held in National Harbor, Maryland.
• Sea Rovers Show - October 1-2, annual event in Danvers from Boston Sea Rovers to showcase the marine environment with a focus on diving. The event includes seminars, workshops, displays of dive equipment and services, an art exhibit, kids’ activities, and a film festival.
• U.S. Symposium on Harmful Algae - October 23-28, 11^th symposium organized by NEIWPCC, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and U.S. Geological Survey to be held in Albany, New York.
• National Adaptation Forum - October 25-27, 5^th national event on climate adaptation to be held in Baltimore, Maryland.
• NALMS Symposium - November 14-17, 42^nd International Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS), entitled “Leveraging Experience to Manage Diverse Lakes, Landscapes, and People,” to be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
• 2022 National Coastal and Estuarine Summit - December 4-8, annual conference sponsored by Restore America’s Estuaries to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, with a virtual option.

Calendar - Multiple/Ongoing Events

APCC Events - Free virtual events on landscaping, gardening, and more from the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC).

Boston Harbor Now Events - Events throughout the Boston Harbor area.

Buzzards Bay Events - Regional events compiled by the Buzzards Bay Coalition.

Cape Cod Bird Club Walks and Activities - Free bird-watching field trips across Cape Cod.

Cape Cod Field Schools - Multi-day field courses offered by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.

Cape Cod Maritime Museum Events - Upcoming events at the museum in Hyannis.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Programs - A calendar of events at the museum in Brewster.

Center for Coastal Studies Events - Events across the Cape Cod region.

Climate Adaptation Science Fall Webinar Series - Webinars on climate change, adaptation, and resilience from the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center at UMass Amherst.

Climate Conversations: Pathways to Action - Monthly webinars from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on national policy action on climate change. Recording of past webinars are also available.

Conservation Commission Education - Workshops, webinars, and trainings scheduled across Massachusetts and posted by the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC). See the MACC Complete Education Catalog and Community Calendar.

Ecological Landscaping Events - Webinars and classes from the Ecological Landscape Alliance.

Harwich Summer Birding Walks on the Sound - On Tuesdays in August, the Harwich Conservation Trust will hold a series of summer birding walks along Nantucket Sound with naturalist and author Peter Trull. Registration is required.

Hazard Mitigation Assistance Summer Engagement Series - Webinar series from FEMA to provide technical information, best practices, tools, and resources for Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs.

Keep Massachusetts Beautiful Events - Talks and volunteer opportunities across the Commonwealth on litter prevention and cleanup, waste reduction and recycling, beautification and community greening, and environmental education.

Mass Audubon Program Catalog - Programs for children and adults hosted at the following Mass Audubon coastal locations:

• Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
• Joppa Flats Education Center
• Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary
• North River Wildlife Sanctuary
• Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Mystic River Watershed Events - Events throughout the watershed compiled by the Mystic River Watershed Association.

National Marine Sanctuaries Webinars - Webinars hosted by the sanctuary system.

Native Plant Trust Events - Classes, field studies, and webinars across Massachusetts.

Neponset River Watershed Association Events - Events throughout the Neponset River Watershed.

NOAA Coastal Training and Learning Resources - A range of training opportunities from NOAA’s Digital Coast.

NOAA Planet Stewards Events - Webinars, workshops, and book club sessions from the NOAA Planet Stewards Education Project.

NOAA Science Seminars - Webinars and seminars on science and climate issues from several NOAA partners.

North and South Rivers Watershed Association Events - Event listings on the South Shore.

Salem Sound Coastwatch Community Calendar - Events posted in the Salem Sound region.

Trustees Activities - Programs and activities at The Trustees of Reservations properties across the Commonwealth.

Walks & Events in Harwich - Birding and nature walks from the Harwich Conservation Trust.

Walks & Events in Orleans - Guided walks, programs, and talks from the Orleans Conservation Trust.

Wednesday Morning Garden Tours - Guided tours of the Shirley G. Cross Wildflower Garden at the Thornton Burgess Society’s Green Briar Nature Center in East Sandwich through August 24.

Westport River Watershed Alliance Events - Events presented by the Westport River Watershed Alliance.

Other Items of Interest

Volunteers Needed for Eelgrass Blitz on the South Shore - From August 8-24, the North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA), MassBays, and Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries will coordinate the 5^th annual Eelgrass Blitz—an on-the-water eelgrass survey in Duxbury, Kingston, and Plymouth Bays designed to document and help understand the extensive eelgrass losses observed in these embayments since 1995. Teams of volunteers on boats will collect data on eelgrass at multiple points throughout the bays. NSRWA is seeking boat owners (with their boats) and volunteers to help conduct the survey. A training session will be held on August 7 followed by the survey from August 8-24. To get involved, please submit your availability on the Eelgrass Blitz form or Boat Captain form. For more information, contact Taylor Czybora at [e-mail] or Sara Grady at [e-mail].

Pen Pal Program for Future Scientists - Letters to a Pre-Scientist has a goal to clarify and explain careers in science by creating connections between real scientists and middle school students. Interested science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals are invited to be matched with a pen pal for the 2022-23 school year. This volunteer opportunity will involve exchanging four rounds of letters with your assigned student. Learn how to sign up.

Marine Sanctuary Photo Contest - NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is seeking photos for the 2022 Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest. Submit photos of scenic views, ocean life, and recreation activities within a National Marine Sanctuary; photos illustrating how you connect with a sanctuary from home through stewardship activities; or artwork related to the sanctuaries. Submissions are due by September 5.