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CZ-Mail - February 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 join-env-czmail@listserv.state.ma.us. Also, please feel free to share CZ-Mail with colleagues and friends—and if you have any suggestions for future editions, or would like make a change to your CZ-Mail subscription, please email your request to CZ-Mail@mass.gov. For daily updates from CZM, please follow us on Twitter.

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

Highlights

New Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grants Awarded - On January 25, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) announced $180,627 in funding through CZM’s Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) Grant Program for local efforts to address polluted stormwater runoff to protect coastal water quality and habitat. These projects will reduce pollutants such as nutrients and bacteria in the Massachusetts coastal watershed—protecting water quality at beaches and shellfish harvesting areas and protecting fish habitat. These new grants are in addition to the CPR grant awards announced in August 2021 to Barnstable, Milton, New Bedford, and Provincetown—for a total of $468,267 in CPR-funded projects this fiscal year. The new grants will be matched by $81,392 from municipal sources, demonstrating a strong local commitment to coastal water quality. The following three CPR grants were awarded:

  • Braintree - $55,000 to the Town of Braintree to finalize designs for stormwater treatment at Watson Park, using green infrastructure principles that mimic natural processes to capture and treat stormwater runoff before it reaches the Weymouth Fore River. When constructed, the project will reduce bacterial contamination to improve habitat and water quality in the area.
  • Chelsea - $88,585 to the City of Chelsea to conduct a nonpoint source pollutant assessment to identify sources and pathways of bacteria and other pollutants entering Mill Creek, in partnership with the City of Revere, Mystic River Watershed Association, and GreenRoots. The project builds on a multi-year effort to restore habitat and water quality, and includes opportunities for community engagement, outreach, and education. The assessment will result in a list of priority sites for installation of stormwater treatment, with two sites chosen to further develop designs for green stormwater infrastructure practices.
  • Kingston - $37,042 to the Town of Kingston to construct a rain garden and reduce impervious surface at Gray’s Beach to treat stormwater runoff to Kingston Bay. The rain garden will capture stormwater, trap sediment, and treat nutrient and bacterial contamination through natural processes using plants and soils. The project aims to reduce beach closures at Gray’s Beach and improve water quality and habitat in Kingston Bay for shellfish, eelgrass, and diadromous fish habitat.

For more information, see the EEA Press Release and the links below for news articles on these CPR grants. (Articles may only be available for a limited time. Not working? Try copying the web address directly into your browser, rather than clicking on it.)

Upcoming Coastal Resilience Grants - Get CZM Assistance - CZM anticipates the release of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Request for Responses (RFR) for the Coastal Resilience Grant Program in the spring. Coastal Resilience Grants provide funding and technical assistance to coastal communities and eligible nonprofit organizations to reduce risks associated with coastal storms, flooding, erosion, and sea level rise through innovative and transferable local projects. The following CZM support is available for this grant program:

  • Direct Support - Up until the RFR is released, CZM can discuss project ideas and eligibility for the grants with potential applicants. See the contact information at the bottom of the Coastal Resilience Grant page to connect with CZM.
  • Coastal Resilience Grant Program Webinar - On March 3 from 1:00-2:30 p.m., CZM will host an informational webinar on the next Coastal Resilience Grant opportunity. The webinar will highlight a variety of successful projects supported by CZM, along with grant program goals, requirements, expected funding levels, timeline, and tips for developing competitive proposals. There will be time for questions and discussion of potential project ideas. Please email patricia.bowie@mass.gov to register and receive the Zoom meeting details. A recording of the presentation will be linked from the Coastal Resilience Grant Program website following the webinar.

Final 2021 Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan Released - On January 3, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the release of the final 2021 Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan. Authorized by the Oceans Act of 2008, the ocean plan protects critical marine habitat and important water-dependent uses and sets standards for ocean-based development. The Oceans Act requires the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) to review the ocean plan at least once every five years—a process led by CZM and supported by input from the Ocean Advisory Commission, Ocean Science Advisory Council, technical work groups, and a significant public engagement process. The final 2021 ocean plan, which now supersedes all previous plans, contains revised maps of special, sensitive, or unique resources and water-dependent uses, a current assessment of the status and trends in ocean conditions, and a Science Framework to ensure progress on key ocean management priorities over the next five years. To remain informed about future ocean plan reviews, updates, and amendments, please send a blank email to join-env-oceanplan@listserv.state.ma.us. For more information on the ocean plan and update process, see the Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan website. Also see the EEA Press Release and the links below for details on the release of the 2021 ocean plan. (Articles may only be available for a limited time. Not working? Try copying the web address directly into your browser, rather than clicking on it.)

Storm Team Activated for January Nor’easter - During the nor’easter on January 29-30, CZM, along with other state agencies, staffed the State Emergency Operations Center. Also, 20 members of the Massachusetts Coastal Storm Damage Assessment Team (Storm Team) were activated by CZM, documenting impacts of the weekend blizzard along the Commonwealth’s coast. More than 100 reports on impacts in 19 communities were submitted by Storm Team members along north- and east-facing shorelines from Salisbury to Nantucket. Splashover of coastal structures and shallow flooding of parking lots and coastal roads occurred during the Saturday morning high tide. Beach and dune erosion was documented in many communities on Sunday. Reports can be viewed using the StormReporter tool.

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 Postings

Boston Harbor Resilience Study Manager - EEA is seeking a Boston Harbor Resilience Study Manager to coordinate and manage the engagement of external stakeholders and state agency staff for an upcoming U.S. Army Corps of Engineer (USACE) study that will develop a regional resilience assessment for greater Boston Harbor. The selected candidate will be the main point of contact between EEA, CZM, USACE, and stakeholders; work with the project team to finalize and implement a project management plan; serve as the project co-lead to ensure timely deliverables; and manage the project contract to ensure on-time payments and proper cost sharing. This is a full-time contract position through December 2024. For more information, see the position posting.

Boston Harbor Regional Coordinator - CZM is seeking a qualified Boston Harbor Regional Coordinator who will be responsible for providing coastal management assistance to municipalities, non-governmental organizations, local, state and federal agencies, Conservation Commissions, Planning Boards, Harbormasters, Departments of Public Works, and other municipal offices as applicable. The Boston Harbor Regional Coordinator will serve as lead reviewer for projects in the Boston Harbor Region and will manage a variety of programs and tasks for the Boston Harbor region including municipal harbor planning, designated port area planning, Chapter 91 license review, special area management planning, wetland restoration, land use planning, coastal hazards planning, and non-point source pollution remediation. For more information, see the position posting.

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

Coastal Resilience Grants - CZM anticipates the release of the FY 2023 RFR for the Coastal Resilience Grant Program in the spring. Coastal Resilience Grants provide funding and technical assistance to coastal communities and eligible nonprofit organizations to reduce risks associated with coastal storms, flooding, erosion, and sea level rise through innovative and transferable local projects. CZM will host an informational webinar on the Coastal Resilience grant program on March 3 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. See Upcoming Coastal Resilience Grants - Get CZM Assistance at the beginning of this CZ-Mail for additional details.

Grants and Loans for Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal - EEA is seeking applications for grants or loans for the repair or removal of dams, levees, seawalls, and other forms of inland and coastal flood control. The Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program offers qualified applicants grants for final design and permitting, along with grant and loan funds for repair, reconstruction, and removal projects. EEA encourages applicants to maximize restoration of natural systems. Projects that minimize or eliminate the use of hard infrastructure are eligible for a zero-percent interest rate. To view the three RFRs, see the COMMBUYS bid solicitations for design and permitting, construction grants, and construction loans. Proposals for both grant opportunities are due by February 3, and construction loan proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis until April 29.

Drinking Water Supply Protection Grants - The EEA Division of Conservation Services (DCS) is seeking applications for the Drinking Water Supply Protection Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to public water systems and municipal water departments to purchase land or interests in land for the protection of existing Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)-approved public drinking water supplies, planned future public drinking water supplies, or groundwater recharge. Grants up to $300,000 are available this grant round. A virtual grant workshop will be held on February 2 at 2:00 p.m. To attend, RSVP to Vanessa Farny at vanessa.farny@mass.gov to receive the Teams meeting link. Applications are due by March 18. See the application instructions for details.

Landscape Partnership Grants - DCS is also seeking applications to the Landscape Partnership Grant Program for conservation projects that protect at least 500 acres of land through partnerships between local, state, and federal agencies and nonprofit organizations. Grants up to $1,250,000 will be available this grant round. A virtual grant workshop will be held March 2 at 2:00 p.m. To attend, RSVP to Vanessa Farny at vanessa.farny@mass.gov by February 28 to receive the Teams meeting link. Applications are due by May 2. See the application instructions for details.

Conservation Partnership Grant Program - DCS is also seeking applications for a second round of the FY 2022 Conservation Partnership Grant Program. Conservation Partnership Grants provide funds to nonprofit organizations for land acquisitions. For questions, email Melissa Cryan at melissa.cryan@mass.gov. Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on March 30. See How to Apply for details.

Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grants - The Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) will soon seek proposals from Massachusetts municipalities for the Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grant Program to replace undersized, perched, and/or degraded culverts in areas with high ecological value with new structures that meet environmental design and structural standards along with climate resiliency criteria. Only projects that will meet the goals of the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards are eligible (see DER’s River Restoration: Culvert Replacements page for information on the standards). The RFR is expected to be released on February 14. Applicants are strongly encouraged to stay tuned to the DER website for recorded grant briefings and other resources on these grants.

Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative Small Research Grants - The Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative is seeking proposals for the Small Research Grants Program to conduct research on understudied taxonomic groups and the biodiversity of Nantucket, Tuckernuck, and/or Muskeget Islands. Grants up to $3,500 will be awarded. Proposals are due by March 4.

Reminders - This opportunity, listed previously in CZ-Mail, is still available:

  • Small Communities Grants - DCS is also seeking applications for the Fiscal Year 2022 Conservation Assistance for Small Communities Grant Program, which provides funding to municipalities with 6,000 or fewer residents to produce Open Space and Recreation Plans, complete other plans to facilitate land conservation, and/or prepare appraisals as required to apply for the other DCS grant programs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The final deadline is May 6. See the application instructions for details.

Online Tools and Resources

Cape Cod State of the Waters 2021 Report - The Association to Preserve Cape Cod has released State of the Waters: Cape Cod 2021, an online report that provides a comprehensive look at the water quality of Cape Cod’s estuaries, ponds, and drinking water, with detailed results presented in maps and spreadsheets. The results indicate that the number of unacceptable embayments (87%) increased from 2020 conditions, primarily due to excess nutrients from wastewater treatment limitations, along with stormwater runoff and fertilizer use on the Cape.

NOAA Marine Debris Blog - Recent posts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program’s Marine Debris Blog include entries on the 2021 Marine Debris Program Accomplishments Report, efforts to manage marine debris in the Pacific Islands region, and removing derelict fishing gear from artificial reefs in Florida. All blog topics can be searched by category and date. To receive notifications of new posts, sign up for email updates.

New Resource and Data from NOAA Digital Coast - NOAA’s Digital Coast has posted these new resources:

Products/Publications

Report on the U.S. Role in Global Ocean Plastic Waste - The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine has released Reckoning with the U.S. Role in Global Ocean Plastic Waste, a report on the contributions of plastic waste by the United States into the global ocean. This report, funded by the NOAA Marine Debris Program, evaluates the magnitude of marine debris and mismanaged plastic waste, examines the import and export of plastic waste to and from the United States, and explores the potential value of a national marine debris monitoring system.

Newsletters and Other Periodicals

Coastal & Estuarine Science News - The November 2021 issue of Coastal & Estuarine Science News, the newsletter of the Coastal & Estuarine Research Foundation, includes articles on work by researchers and shellfishing stakeholders to model bacterial contamination in shellfishing areas, the use of drones in coastal management, and other coastal and estuarine research topics.

DMF News - The latest issue of DMF News (PDF, 7MB), the twice-yearly newsletter of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), features articles on the value of seafood landings in Massachusetts reaching an all-time high, the distribution of $23 million in CARES Act Fisheries relief to those impacted by COVID-19, and other Massachusetts fisheries updates.

DOI Newswave - The Winter 2021 issue of NEWSWAVE, the quarterly newsletter on ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes activities from the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), features articles on the first lease issued for a wave energy research project in federal waters off the U.S. West Coast, tracking male sea turtles with satellites, salt marsh vulnerability assessments using the unvegetated-vegetated marsh ratio, and other ocean and coastal new from DOI.

Neponset River Watershed News - The January Watershed Update from the Neponset River Watershed Association includes details on the Mill Pond dam removal underway in Norwood to reduce the risk of extreme flooding and restore brook trout habitat, the redesign of Doyle Park in Hyde Park along the Neponset River, draft designs for the park at Edgewater Drive in Mattapan, and other Neponset River news, events, and updates.

NOAA HabitatNews - The January 2022 issue of HabitatNews, a newsletter of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation, includes articles on the economic benefits of a project to restore salmon habitat and reduce flooding in Oregon, training provided to 1,000 Chesapeake Bay educators on how to investigate local environmental issues, a review of the top HabitatNews stories from 2021, and other marine fisheries habitat news.

The Sandbar - The January 2022 issue of The Sandbar, a quarterly publication from the National Sea Grant College Program on U.S. ocean and coastal legal issues, covers a court ruling that reinstates a seasonal closure of the Maine lobster fishery to protect North Atlantic right whales; an appeals court ruling that property owners cannot hold the town of East Hampton, New York, or the federal government liable for erosion caused by nearby jetties; and other ocean- and coastal-related legal issues.

USGS Sound Waves - This November-December 2021 issue of Sound Waves, a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) newsletter, includes articles on using clams to investigate historical climate patterns in the North Atlantic, the role of various sediments in coastal resiliency, and other coastal and marine research news.

Jobs/Internship Postings

Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration Positions - The Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) is seeking applications for two open positions. The Grants Specialist will conduct fiscal administrative tasks under the supervision of the DER’s Finance Manager, including fiscal tracking, reconciliation, and reporting on federal grant awards; oversight of grant match commitments; coordination of applications for new federal grants; and maintenance of federal grant records and reimbursement transactions. The Fiscal Coordinator will carry out fiscal administrative duties to support the DER Finance Manager. Responsibilities include conducting fiscal transactions, preparing and analyzing fiscal and accounting reports, budget tracking, maintaining inventory records, and tracking and analyzing spending.

Waquoit Bay Reserve Job Opportunities - The Department of Conservation and Recreation is seeking qualified candidates for two full-time positions at the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The Stewardship Coordinator will manage the ongoing uses of the reserve as a research facility, outdoor classroom, recreational facility, and management demonstration area to ensure protection of the reserve’s natural resources, all in coordination with a team comprised of the reserve’s Research Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Coastal Training Program Coordinator, Forest and Parks Supervisor, and Reserve Manager. The Research Associate will collect, assess, analyze, and report environmental data gathered at the reserve. Other duties include managing the Waquoit Bay Reserve Laboratory, coordinating with local and regional researchers, teaching and supervising community volunteers, contributing to reports for peer-reviewed journal articles, and presenting findings at events and conferences.

Buzzards Bay Coalition Positions - The Buzzards Bay Coalition is seeking applicants for six available full and part-time positions, including Clean Water Projects Manager, Communication Manager, Staff Accountant, Water Resource Specialist, Salt Marsh Research Technicians (2), and Baywatchers Monitoring Program Assistant Coordinator. For details, including application instructions, see the Coalition’s Job Opportunities page.

Planning and Resilience Program Manager - The Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) is seeking a full-time Planning and Resilience Program Manager to develop and lead Ipswich River resiliency plans and actions, overseeing related environmental education activities, and participate in additional IRWA initiatives. For more information, see the job posting.

Teacher Naturalist - Mass Audubon is seeking a year-round, full-time Teacher Naturalist to work with school and camp staff to provide youth programming across the Audubon’s Cape Region. The Teacher Naturalist will work with the school programs team to deliver Mass Audubon’s preK-12 programming inside classrooms, online in remote classrooms, and outside at Audubon sanctuaries and other conservation areas. For details, see the position posting.

Marine Education Internships - The Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown is seeking applicants for summer Marine Education Internships to assist with environmental education programs. The internship is open to college students and recent graduates. For more information, including application details, see the Center’s Internships page. Applications are due by March 11.

Blue Economy Internships - The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole is seeking qualified applicants for the Blue Economy Internship Program, which offers paid, experiential learning positions for Massachusetts public school students (high school and college)—providing professional experience, skills, and knowledge of life sciences, technology, and the “Blue Economy.” Applicants must be at least 16 years of age. For more information, including available positions, see the MBL website.

Girls Science and Nature Camp Staff - The Penikese Island School in Woods Hole is seeking five staff members for the summer 2022 camp season, which runs from July 5-August 20. The camp’s primary goal is to “empower middle-school girls in the sciences by providing them with role models of women that work in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and help end gender imbalance in the sciences.” The school is hiring a Camp Coordinator to manage all camp programming; an Island Steward to oversee island operations; and three Camp Counselors to serve as role models, assist with visiting scientists and artists, and conduct science, art, and educational activities. For details on these full-time, temporary positions, see the school’s jobs page. Applications are due by March 1.

Summer Science Internship - The Great Pond Foundation in Edgartown is seeking two summer interns to assist with their Ecological Monitoring Program and help monitor water quality and cyanobacteria. In addition to these duties, interns will assist with one of two ongoing projects as a Data Digitization Specialist or a Biodiversity Specialist. Candidates should be college students with an interest in marine biology, environmental science, and science communication. For details, see the internship posting. Applications are due by March 1.

Coastal Senior Planner - The Municipal Planning Assistance Program in the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry is seeking a Coastal Senior Planner to assist Maine coastal municipalities with planning needs, provide technical assistance to regional planning commissions, and manage grant programs for regional planning commissions and municipalities, including Coastal Community grants. For more information, see the job posting. Applications are due by February 21.

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge Internships - The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells, Maine, is seeking qualified candidates for three summer 2022 internships: Avian Monitoring Internship, Habitat Management Internship, and Salt Marsh Internship. For more information, see the internships posting. Applications are due by February 11.

Recreational Boating Job Opportunities - The Massachusetts recreational boating industry is hiring. For more information on job/career opportunities, marine industry training, and scholarship information, please visit www.massboatingcareers.com.

Regulatory Decisions

MEPA Regulation Updates - The Massachusetts Environmental Policy Office (MEPA) promulgated amendments to its regulations (301 CMR 11.00) on December 24, 2021. In response to Governor Baker’s An Act Creating a Next Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy, the MEPA regulations were updated following an extensive public review and comment process. For additional details and explanatory materials, see the MEPA website.

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 DPA Boundary—Comment Period Extended - On December 15, CZM issued the East Boston DPA boundary designation report (PDF, 2 MB) for public comment. The initial 30-day comment period ended on January 21. At the request of the Boston Planning & Development Agency, CZM has extended the comment period for an additional 28 days. CZM shall consider written comments received by 5:00 p.m. on February 18. See the “attachments tab” in the Environmental Monitor notice for a PDF copy of the notice of extension. Submit comments to tyler.soleau@mass.gov or by mail to: Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, Attention: Tyler Soleau, Assistant Director, 251 Causeway Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA 02114.

Designation Report for the Lynn Designated Port Area Boundary - CZM has issued the Lynn Designated Port Area (DPA) boundary designation report for public comment. See the “attachments tab” in the Environmental Monitor notice for a PDF copy of the notice, which includes the designation report. CZM shall consider written comments received by 5:00 p.m. on February 25. Submit comments by email to kathryn.glenn@mass.gov or by mail to Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, Attention: Kathryn Glenn, North Shore Regional Coordinator, 251 Causeway Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA 02114.

On February 9, at 6:00 p.m., CZM will convene a virtual public hearing on the DPA boundary designation report.

A Spanish interpretation of the public hearing will be available.

Copies of the state regulation under which a DPA Boundary review is conducted (301 CMR 25.00) can be obtained at the State Bookstore, State House, Room 116, Boston, MA 02133 or electronically at: https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/wl/301-cmr-25.pdf.

[Una traducción al español de este aviso está disponible en la segunda página de este Aviso Público.]

Calendar - Individual Events and Announcements

Please note: Please check links frequently for updates due to COVID-19.

EBC Ocean and Coastal Resources Webinar: 2nd Annual Regional Agency Update - Protecting Coastal Resources and Structure - February 3, webinar presented by the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) on strategies to protect coastal resources and structures in compliance with state regulatory programs.

Climate Warming and Impacts to Staff and Assets - February 3, webinar hosted by NOAA on heat-related impacts to outdoor worker health and water utility infrastructure.

Blue Lobster Bowl—Volunteers Needed - March 5-6, virtual ocean science competition sponsored by MIT Sea Grant. Volunteer applications are due by February 3.

Marine Connectivity Conservation “Rules of Thumb” for MPA and MPA Network Design - February 8, webinar on ecological connectivity considerations for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) presented by Open Communications for the Ocean (OCTO) and the NOAA National Marine Protected Areas Center.

Community Visioning Workshop: Coastal Resilience in Woods Hole - February 9, virtual public forum sponsored by ResilientWoodsHole, a partnership of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Marine Biological Laboratory, and NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center, the Town of Falmouth, CZM, and the Woods Hole Group. This community engagement is supported by CZM through a Coastal Resilience Grant.

Education Workshop - February 15, full-day workshop for educators sponsored by the Stone Living Lab at University of Massachusetts Boston with virtual lightning talks in the morning and an afternoon with three in-person collaborative sessions in Boston. If interested in presenting a three-minute lighting talk, submit this form by February 9.

EBC Water Resources Webinar: How Your State Is Funding Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Infrastructure Projects - February 9, webinar presented EBC.

EBC Offshore Wind Conference - February 11, virtual conference on commercial scale wind energy sponsored by EBC.

Global Waste Management Symposium - February 14-17, biennial conference for research and case studies on waste management to be held in Indian Wells, California.

EBC PFAS Seminar - February 15, virtual event from EBC on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Attendees should register separately for the morning and afternoon sessions.

International Erosion Control Conference - February 15-18, conference and exposition sponsored by the International Erosion Control Association on erosion, sediment control, and stormwater to be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with a virtual option from March 1-3.

EBC Leadership Series: MassDEP Commissioner Suuberg and the Southeast Region Leadership Team - February 16, virtual event from EBC that will highlight the programs and priorities MassDEP and its regional offices.

Federal and Other Funding for Adaptation - February 17, webinar hosted by NOAA that will highlight and explain available funding for climate-related initiatives.

Ecological Landscaping Conference - February 23-24, virtual conference and eco-marketplace sponsored by the Ecological Landscaping Alliance.

National Working Waterfront Network Conference—Call for Abstracts and Sessions - July 19-21, annual conference on working waterfronts and ports to be held in Boston. The 2022 conference will be hosted by Urban Harbors Institute and University of Massachusetts Boston and co-hosted by CZM and Maine Sea Grant. Abstracts and Session Proposals are due by February 25.

MIT Sustainability Summit - February 25, annual conference from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that explores sustainability and environmental justice to be held at MIT in Cambridge.

Stormwater Conference—Call for Abstracts - September 26-28, annual conference sponsored by StormCon to be held in National Harbor, Maryland. Submissions are due by February 25.

MACC Conference - March 1-12, virtual conference sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC), which will include a workshop on March 10 by CZM and MassDEP on the draft Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage performance standards, along with dozens of other offerings.

Northeast Aquatic Biologists Conference - March 2-4, virtual conference sponsored by NEIWPCC to be held in Portland, Maine.

Plastics Recycling Conference 2022 - March 7-9, annual conference sponsored by the Association of Plastic Recyclers to be held in National Harbor, Maryland.

MEES 2022 Conference - March 9-10, virtual environmental education conference sponsored by the Massachusetts Environmental Education Society (MEES).

Regulatory Permitting for Floodplain Managers - March 16-17, two-part online course from the Floodplain Management Association on requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program and considerations for floodplain managers regarding development inside Special Flood Hazard Areas.

Biodiversity Without Boundaries 2022 - March 22-24, conference sponsored by NatureServe for biodiversity and conservation scientists to be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Soil and Water Conservation Society Winter Conference - March 25, virtual conference with a focus on soil carbon sequestration.

Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference - From April 3-5, sponsored by the Northeast Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies to be held in Long Brach, New Jersey. Also, stay tuned for a potential virtual option.

2022 National Watershed and Stormwater Conference - April 26-29, conference sponsored by the Center for Watershed Protection to be held in St. Petersburg, Florida.

32nd Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference - April 27-28, conference sponsored by NEIWPCC to held in Woodstock, Vermont.

City Nature Challenge 2022 - From April 29-May 8, a citizen-science opportunity organized by the Natural History Museum Los Angeles County and the California Academy of Sciences and held virtually.

Joint Aquatic Sciences Meeting - May 14-20, conference organized by the Consortium of Aquatic Science Societies to be held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a virtual option.

National Floodplain Managers Conference - May 15-19, 46th annual conference sponsored by the Association of State Floodplain Managers to be held in Orlando, Florida.

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.

Calendar - Multiple/Ongoing Events

Please note: Please check links frequently for updates due to COVID-19.

Aquarium Lecture Series - Webinars presented by the New England Aquarium.

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

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

Cape Cod Maritime Museum Lectures - Upcoming lectures at the museum.

Climate Change and Adaptation Webinars - Webinars from the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center.

Coastal Perspectives Lecture Series - Virtual lectures through April sponsored by the University of Connecticut.

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

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

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:

MBL Falmouth Forum Lecture Series - Free public lectures presented in person and virtually from the Marine Biological Lab in Woods Hole.

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.

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

NOAA Planet Stewards Educator 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.

Salem Sound Coastwatch Community Calendar - Events posted in the Salem Sound region, including the monthly Underwater in Salem Sound Lecture Series through April.

Westport River Watershed Alliance Lectures - Online lectures through March presented by the Westport River Watershed Alliance.

Winter Nature Challenge - Weekly challenges through March that feature a virtual presentation, a nature challenge, and an optional guided outdoor event, all from the North and South Rivers Watershed Association.

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

Other Items of Interest

New England Fishery Management Council - Massachusetts is seeking qualified individuals for two upcoming, open, at-large seats on the New England Fishery Management Council, one of eight regional councils that manage fisheries in U.S. federal waters. Qualified individuals interested in being considered for nomination by Governor Baker should contact Julia Kaplan at Julia.Kaplan@mass.gov. Nominations are due by February 4.

Mystic River Water Quality Monitors - The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) is seeking a dedicated group of monitors to collect water quality samples around the watershed each month. Collected data will inform the EPA status grade for the Mystic River. A Water Quality Monitor training will be held on February 12 for interested participants. No experience is required. For details and to register, see the MyWRA website.

Lewis E. Kimball Scholarship - The Friends of Chatham Waterways (FCW) is seeking applications for the Lewis E. Kimball Environmental Scholarship. Up to $3,000 is available for upper-level undergraduate or graduate students from Cape Cod or the Islands that are majoring in environmental studies, marine ecology, or a related field. For more information, see the FCW Scholarships & Awards page. The application deadline is March 31.

Dune Sign Student Art Contest - Wood Hole Sea Grant is accepting submissions from Massachusetts students in grades K-12, and selected artwork will be used on signage at local beaches to encourage beachgoers to use proper paths and to stay off the dunes. Winners in three age categories will also receive Amazon gift cards. For more information about the contest and the importance of dunes, see the Sea Grant website. Entries are due by March 7.

Science without Borders Art Challenge - The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation has launched the 2022 Science without Borders Challenge—a contest for students and teachers involved and interested in ocean conservation through art. This year’s theme is Ridge to Reef, and students are encouraged to create a piece of art that illustrates actions that preserve coral reefs using comprehensive, integrated, whole ecosystem approach. The challenge is open to primary and secondary school students 11-19 years old, with prizes of up to $500 awarded to winning entries. See the contest rules for more details. The deadline for entry is March 7.

Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest - Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs is now accepting creative submissions for the 2022 Ocean Awareness Contest. The 2022 theme is The Funny Thing about Climate Change, and students ages 11-18 are invited to learn about climate change and its impact on the oceans. Students can work as individuals, a group, class, or club. Participants can earn cash awards and scholarships up to $1,500. Also, students in Massachusetts can win $250 cash scholarships. Submissions are due by June 13.

Sea Education Association High School Programs - The Sea Education Association (SEA) in Woods Hole is seeking applications for its 2022 High School Summer Programs. SEASCape: SEA Science on the Cape allows students to study the marine environment while living in Woods Hole. SEA Expedition is a two-week offshore sailing and oceanographic research voyage where high school students and recent graduates get a hands-on science and sailing experience. SEA Quest is a two-week, online summer seminar program for students around the world to learn about the sea and ocean conservation, while preparing for college level academics.

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