CZ-Mail - February 2023

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

Upcoming Coastal Resilience Grants - Pre-Application Support Available from CZM - CZM anticipates the release of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 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 and regional 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 16 from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., CZM will host an informational webinar on the next Coastal Resilience Grant opportunity. The webinar will highlight a variety of successful projects funded in previous grant rounds, along with grant program goals, requirements, timeline, and tips for developing competitive proposals. The webinar will also include time for questions and discussion of potential project ideas. Please email [e-mail] to register and receive the Zoom meeting details. A recording of the presentation will be linked from the Coastal Resilience Grant Program web page following the webinar.

New CZM Stormwater Solutions Fact Sheet on Preventing Erosion - CZM’s Stormwater Solutions for Homeowners website, which gives property owners a range of best practices for reducing and treating stormwater on site, now includes a new fact sheet on Preventing Erosion. This fact sheet provides techniques that help slow and redirect stormwater, reducing erosion and capturing sediments and attached pollutants on site. Other fact sheets on the website include Vegetated Buffers, “Green” Lawn and Garden Practices, Rain Gardens, Reducing Impervious Surfaces, and Minimizing Contaminants (and stay tuned for a Vegetated Swales fact sheet coming soon).

Resilient MA Maps and Data Center - The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has launched the new Resilient MA Maps and Data Center, which features the up-to-date interactive maps, tools, and data to support climate resilience planning in Massachusetts. Available through the Resilient MA Climate Change Clearinghouse, the Maps and Data Center also includes the latest climate projections featured in the recently released 2022 Massachusetts Climate Change Assessment.

CZM Job Posting

Coastal Resilience Grant Specialist - CZM is seeking a Coastal Resilience Grant Specialist to provide administrative and technical support for CZM’s Coastal Resilience Grant Program. The position will assist with grant program planning, management, data development, and outreach. This position will be part of the StormSmart Coasts team, which works to protect coastal resources, properties, and public facilities from erosion, flooding, and sea level rise. To learn more about this new position and to apply, please see the full job posting. For clarifying questions, contact [e-mail], and for notifications of CZM job postings between CZ-Mail editions, follow CZM on Twitter.

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

Coastal Resilience Grants - CZM anticipates the release of the FY 2024 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 and regional projects. CZM will host an informational webinar on the Coastal Resilience grant program on March 16 from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. See Upcoming Coastal Resilience Grants - Pre-Application Support Available from CZM at the beginning of this CZ-Mail for additional details.

Grants and Loans for Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal - EEA is seeking grant or loan applications 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 grants to qualified applicants 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 Requests for Responses, see the COMMBUYS bid solicitations for design and permitting grants, construction grants, and construction loans. Proposals for both grant opportunities are due by February 17, and construction loan proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis until April 28.

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 of up to $350,000 are available this grant round. See the application instructions for details. Applications are due by March 10 at 3:00 p.m.

Landscape Partnership Grants - DCS is seeking Landscape Partnership Grant Program applications for conservation projects that protect 100-500 acres of land through partnerships between local, state, and federal agencies and nonprofit organizations. Funding for park or playground development is also available for towns with less than 7,000 residents. Grants up to $1,250,000 will be available this grant round. See the application instructions for details. Applications are due by April 18 at 3:00 p.m.

Small Communities Conservation Grants - DCS is seeking applications for the Conservation Assistance for Small Communities Grant Program, which provides funding to municipalities with 7,000 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. See the application instructions for details. The final application deadline is May 5.

Environmental Justice Grants - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking proposals for projects that advance environmental justice in underserved and overburdened communities. Approximately $100 million in Inflation Reduction Act funds is available through two new programs. The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS) Cooperative Agreement Program provides funding to address local environmental and public health issues through collaborative partnerships. The Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G) Program provides funding to the state, local, territorial, and tribal governments for activities that “lead to measurable environmental or public health results in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms and risks.” Applications for both programs are due by April 10 for projects that will begin on October 1.

Coastal Watersheds Grant Program - Restore America’s Estuaries, in partnership with EPA, is seeking proposals for the National Estuary Program Coastal Watersheds Grant Program for projects that address issues affecting coastal and estuarine areas of national significance (see map). Approximately $3.2 million is available to fund projects focusing on harmful algal blooms, loss of habitat, nutrient and warm water impacts, flooding and coastal erosion, and other priorities. Grants will range from $200,000 to $500,000 for projects up to four years in length. Submit proposal Letters of Intent through the submittal portal by February 10 at 8:00 p.m. Full proposals will be by invitation only.

Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative Small Research Grants - The Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative is seeking proposals for the Small Research Grants Program, which funds research on: 1) understudied taxonomic groups and the overall biodiversity of Nantucket, Tuckernuck, and/or Muskeget Islands, and 2) links between biodiversity and climate change on Nantucket Island. Grants up to $3,500 will be awarded. Proposals are due by March 3.

Online Tools and Resources

Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool - The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has launched version 1.0 of the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. This tool is designed to help identify communities that can benefit from the Justice40 Initiative, which seeks to deliver 40 percent of federal climate, clean energy, clean water, and other program investments to communities disproportionally affected by pollution and historic underinvestment. For more information, see the CEQ press release.

New Resource and Data from NOAA Digital Coast - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Digital Coast has posted these new resources:

• Climate Mapping for Resilience and Adaptation Tool - This tool provides an assessment of climate hazard information to help agencies and recipients of federal funds to identify, prioritize, and implement climate-oriented infrastructure spending.
• New and updated data sets (PDF, 142 KB)

Newsletters and Other Periodicals

Coastal & Estuarine Science News - The December 2022 issue of Coastal & Estuarine Science News, the newsletter of the Coastal & Estuarine Research Foundation, includes articles on beach erosion dynamics in Ghana, impacts of estuarine salinity on fish communities, and other coastal and estuarine research topics.

DMF News - The latest issue of DMF News, a newsletter of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), covers a new story map on cod-focused research in Massachusetts, offshore wind, and other Massachusetts fisheries updates and includes an editorial on the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Sea Watch program’s “red listing” of American lobster.

Massachusetts Lobstermen’s News - The January 2023 Newspaper (PDF, 17 MB) from the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) includes stories on the MLA’s 60^th anniversary, a Stellwagen Sanctuary Council meeting that included discussion of windmills in the Gulf of Maine, installation of the Amitié submarine telecommunications cable in U.S. waters, recycling old fishing gear, updates, and other lobster news.

NOAA HabitatNews - The December 2022 issue of HabitatNews, a newsletter of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation, includes articles on nearly $105 million in funding recommended by NOAA for 36 fish passage projects, an upcoming restoration project in Oregon to help the threatened chinook salmon, and other marine fisheries habitat news.

Northeast Ocean Data Portal Newsletter - The December 2022 issue of Northeast Ocean Data, a newsletter of the Northeast Ocean Data Portal, provides information on new data layers available in the portal (including commercial fishing vessel activity, Maine lobster landings, and outfall pipes) examples of how the portal is being used for wind energy planning and public engagement, and other portal news and updates.

Right Whale News - The December 2022 issue of Right Whale News (PDF, 2 MB), an e-newsletter distributed by the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, includes stories on the Consortium’s annual meeting in October 2022, the 2021 report on right whale population numbers, whale sitings in southeast U.S. waters, and other right whale news and events.

The Sandbar - The January 2023 issue of The Sandbar, a National Sea Grant College Program publication on U.S. ocean and coastal legal issues, covers the “red listing” of the American lobster by the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Sea Watch program, a court ruling that affirms the Shinnecock Tribe’s right to sue over their ancestral fishing rights on Long Island, a marina expansion rejected by the Rhode Island Supreme Court, and other ocean- and coastal-related legal issues.

USGS Sound Waves - The September-November 2022 issue of Sound Waves, a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) newsletter, includes pieces on an expedition to explore offshore wind sites off the West Coast, a recent study showing climate change mitigation benefits from restoration of tidal flow to coastal wetlands, and other coastal and marine research news.

Products/Publications

Report on Equitable Support in Disaster Recovery and Mitigation - The Coastal Resilience Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has released From the Voices of Communities, Local Governments, and Academics: Assessing Preparedness and Recovery for Socially Marginalized Communities Impacted by Natural Disasters (PDF, 1 MB). The purpose of this report is to: “1) document the extent of support marginalized communities receive before, during, and after an event, 2) inform federal agencies on how to improve relations, communication, and trust with marginalized communities, and 3) present policy recommendations based on feedback from participants.”

Global Change Research Strategic Plan - The United States Global Change Research Program has released the U.S. Global Change Research Program 2022-2031 Strategic Plan for federal global change research over the next 10 years. This plan—which received input from federal agencies, the public, and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine—focuses on advancing science, expanding the impact of this research, and transferring urgently needed information to inform decisions nationally and around the world.

Coastal Management Policies Report - The Duke University Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability has released State of the Coast: A Review of Coastal Management Policies for Six States. This report analyzes coastal habitat policy for the protection and restoration of oyster reefs, mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass in California, Florida, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington.

Jobs/Internship Postings

Coastal Resilience Grant Specialist - CZM is seeking a Coastal Resilience Grant Specialist to assist with planning, management, data development, and outreach for the Coastal Resilience Grant Program. Find details in the CZM Job Posting section above, along with more in the full posting.

Climate Scientist - EEA is seeking a Climate Scientist to launch and manage the new Office of Climate Science, which will maintain, update, and develop best available statewide climate change hazard and impact data, projections, and models. Duties will include strategic development and management of the office, agency and municipal coordination, technical assistance, agency- and state-wide guidance development on applying data to policy and planning, coordination and development of climate science and data, project management, staff supervision, and communications. For more information, see the position posting.

Deputy Director of Climate Adaptation & Resilience/Climate Finance Strategist - This EEA position will support cross-government implementation of the State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan (SHMCAP) and administration of the Resilient MA Action Team. The Deputy Director will develop and lead a new Climate Finance Strategy that identifies funding sources, partners, and equitable distribution models to catalyze and increase the capacity of the Commonwealth’s municipal and agency climate investments. For details, see the job listing.

Deputy Director of Climate Equity and Environmental Justice - This EEA position will support program strategic development and advancement, as well as implementation of priority actions identified in the 2023 SHMCAP. In coordination with EEA’s Environmental Justice (EJ) Office, the Deputy Director will also develop and lead a new Climate EJ Strategy to ensure the climate adaptation and resilience program is leading by example and integrating best practices into stakeholder engagement and outreach. See the position posting for more details.

Social Media and Outreach Coordinator - Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) is seeking a Social Media and Outreach Coordinator to manage and expand the DER social media presence and e-newsletter, as well as provide support for time-sensitive communications issues and requests for information, plan and organize public events, write and review press releases, and respond to media requests. For details, see the position posting.

Capacity Building Branch Manager - DER is seeking a manager for its Capacity Building Branch, which includes DER programs that provide technical, financial, and other assistance to help communities and organizations with ecological restoration and climate adaptation initiatives. The Branch Manager will support and guide these programs and develop other capacity building services in line with DER priorities. For details, see the job posting.

DCR Lifeguards - The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is seeking certified lifeguards for DCR pools and inland and ocean beaches. A limited number of free lifeguard and first aid/CPR training courses are available through May for candidates that commit to a DCR position for the summer of 2023. For details, see the DCR Lifeguarding web page.

Septic System Test Center Operator - Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment is seeking a full-time Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center Operator to manage pump and treatment system operation and maintenance, collect daily samples, maintain the Test Center’s grounds, and construct research projects. For more information, including job requirements, see the position posting.

Buzzards Bay Coalition Positions - The Buzzards Bay Coalition is seeking applicants for available full-time, part-time, and intern positions, including Director of Individual Giving, Real Estate Project Manager, Salt Marsh Research Technicians (2), Assistant Coordinator-Baywatchers Monitoring Program, and Events and Community Engagement Interns (2). For details, including application instructions, see the Coalition’s Job Opportunities page.

Shark Center Manager - The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) is seeking a full-time Shark Center Manager to run AWSC’s outreach facility in Chatham. The manager will oversee day-to-day operations, recruit and train volunteers and seasonal staff, assist with development of educational experiences, and manage all events. For details, see the job listing (PDF, 214 KB).

Research and Monitoring Interns - The North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA) and the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Partnership (MassBays) are seeking applicants for three paid internships for the summer 2023. Two Research and Monitoring Interns will assist with field work, data entry and analysis, and outreach efforts. An Eelgrass Monitoring Intern will organize and coordinate volunteers and boat owners for eelgrass surveys in August, maintain field survey equipment, assist with field survey training, and help with data organization and entry. All interns must have their own vehicle and will be reimbursed for mileage. Applications for all positions are due by February 13. For details, see the NSRWA Internships page.

Seasonal Field Teachers - Mass Audubon Cape Cod is seeking two entry-level Seasonal Field Teachers for the spring school and field trip season and summer nature camp. Both positions offer optional dorm housing at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. For more information, see the job listing.

Sea Education Association Positions - The Sea Education Association (SEA) in Woods Hole is seeking applicants for several full-time and seasonal positions, including Captain/Nautical Science Faculty Member, Program Assistant, Vessel Operations Manager, and a variety of ship-based jobs (captains, mates, engineers, stewards, deck hands). For details, including application instructions, see the SEA Employment page.

Great Pond Foundation Seasonal Positions - The Great Pond Foundation in Edgartown is seeking a Field Crew Leader to oversee the Ecosystem Monitoring Program, collect and process samples for the MV CYANO cyanobacteria monitoring program, and support outreach activities and two Summer Science Interns to assist with the Ecosystem Monitoring Program, Biodiversity Monitoring Program, and MV CYANO. For details, see the Great Pond jobs page. Applications for all positions are due by February 22.

Marine Education Internships - The Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown is seeking applications from college students and recent graduates for summer Marine Education Internships to assist with environmental education programs. For more information, see the Center’s Internships page. Applications are due by March 10.

Land Stewardship Summer Intern - The Brewster Conservation Trust is seeking a Land Stewardship Summer Intern to assist with stewardship of trust properties through trail maintenance, plant and wildlife habitat restoration, invasive plant species management, outreach activities, and other office and field work. The internship posting (PDF, 213 KB) includes additional details. Applications are due by March 3.

Summer Camp Staff - The Trustees of Reservations is seeking seasonal staff for the SummerQuest day camp at the Crane Estate in Ipswich, which provides environmental education, crafts, sports, and other activities for kids ages 4-14. For details, see the seasonal job postings for Seasonal Assistant Camp Director, Seasonal Lead Camp Educator, and Seasonal Full-Time Camp Educator.

Reminders - These job postings, listed previously in CZ-Mail, are still open:

• National Estuarine Research Reserve Liaison for New England - Lykner Technologies is seeking a contract liaison position to serve the Wells, Great Bay, and Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserves, supporting coordination of NOAA Office for Coastal Management work in New England to build community and coastal resilience and promote nature-based solutions. This is a fully remote position, but candidates must live in New England and have access to the coast for partner meetings and events.
• Water Resources Restoration Program Manager - The Cape Cod Conservation District (CCCD) is seeking a Program Manager to primarily assist the Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS) with the management and administration needs to implement the Cape Cod Water Resources Restoration Project (CCWRRP), as well as provide leadership to complete all activities and deliverables assigned to CCCD.
• Research Assistant - In addition to the positions listed above, the Buzzards Bay Coalition is seeking a full-time Research Assistant to work on water quality monitoring and salt marsh monitoring around Buzzards Bay, including desktop research and data management/statistical analysis, fieldwork, and equipment preparation and deployment. For details, see the job posting (PDF, 449 KB).
• Environmental Educator - The Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) is seeking a full-time Environmental Educator to manage all aspects of IRWA’s in-person education programs for youth and adults focused on water conservation, climate change, water quality, wastewater treatment, and other issues that support the IRWA mission. For details, see the job posting (PDF, 653 KB).
• MAPC Positions - The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is seeking applicants for five full-time positions, including Assistant Director of Transportation, IT Helpdesk Support Generalist, IT System Administrator, Operation Specialist, and Senior Housing and Land Use Planner. For details, including application instructions, see the MAPC Employment Opportunities page.

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 (MEPA) Office.

Salem Municipal Harbor Plan/Plan del Puerto Municipal de Salem - The City of Salem has submitted a Municipal Harbor Plan and Designated Port Area Master Plan for approval by the EEA Secretary. For more information, see the CZM Public Notice (PDF, 121 KB) included in the January 25 edition of the Environmental Monitor. On February 7, CZM will conduct a virtual public hearing through Zoom to solicit comments on these proposed plans. Spanish interpretation of the public hearing will be available. (See the Public Notice (PDF, 121 KB) for Zoom meeting details.) Submit written comments by 5:00 p.m. on February 24 to Kathryn Glenn at [e-mail] or mail to the Office of Coastal Zone Management, Attention: Kathryn Glenn, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114. [Una traducción al español está disponible en la segunda página del Aviso Público.]

2009 South Boston Waterfront District Municipal Harbor Plan Amendment Clarification Request - The Boston Planning & Development Agency has requested a clarification on the building height and Water-Dependent Use Zone substitute provisions approved under the Secretary’s Decision on the 2009 South Boston Waterfront District Municipal Harbor Plan Amendment (PDF, 590 KB). For more information, see the CZM Public Notice (PDF, 118 KB) included in the January 25 edition of the Environmental Monitor. Submit written comments by 5:00 p.m. on February 24 to Joanna Yelen at [e-mail] or mail to the Office of Coastal Zone Management, Attention: Joanna Yelen, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114.

Calendar - Individual Events and Announcements

Coastal GeoTools 2023 - February 6-9, biennial conference sponsored by the Association of State Floodplain Managers to be held in Charleston, South Carolina.

EBC 4^th Annual PFAS Seminar - February 7, seminar presented by the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) to be held in Westborough.

EBC Ocean and Coastal Resources Webinar: 3^rd Annual Regional Agency Update - February 10, EBC webinar featuring New England state environmental regulators.

2023 High School Marine Science Symposium—Call for Workshops and Student Attendance Numbers - March 9, annual symposium sponsored by Massachusetts Marine Educators and Northeastern University’s Marine Science Center to be held at Northeastern University in Boston. Workshop proposals and final student attendance numbers are due by February 14.

2023 Invasive Species and Climate Change Symposium - February 14-15, virtual symposium from the Northeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Management Network, which will include a presentation on February 14 by CZM on the Marine Invader Monitoring and Information Collaborative and Rapid Assessment Survey programs.

Funding Nature Based Community Resilience in Southeastern Massachusetts - February 15 and 28, two-part workshop series for municipalities and eligible nonprofits on available climate resilience funding from the Southeast New England Program Network, with support from EEA’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program, CZM, Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program, MassDEP, DER, and others to be held as a webinar for the first part and at Bridgewater State University for the second part.

Bringing Shark Research on Cape Cod into Your Classroom - February 15, workshop for educators presented by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to be held in Woods Hole.

EBC Tenth Annual Offshore Wind Conference - February 15, hybrid conference on offshore wind from EBC to be held in Boston with a virtual option.

Northeast Aquatic Biologists Conference - February 15-17, annual conference sponsored by NEIWPCC to be held in Plymouth.

Marine Archaeology Talk and Sunset Hike - February 18, a presentation at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich on Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR) and The Trustees of Reservations work to research and protect important maritime heritage resources on the property, followed by a guided hike to remnants of the 1875 Ada K. Damon and the 1895 Edward S. Eveleth shipwrecks.

Underwater Archaeology Presentation - February 21, virtual presentation from BUAR, Fearless Devotion: An Accounting of the Sinking and Salvage of the US Submarine S-4, at the monthly meeting of the South Shore Neptunes Dive Club.

Underwater Archaeology Talk - February 22, talk from BUAR on Massachusetts underwater archaeological resources at the Massachusetts Archaeological Society-Cape Cod Chapter’s monthly meeting to be held at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster.

Ecological Landscaping Conference - February 22-23, virtual conference and eco-marketplace sponsored by the Ecological Landscaping Alliance.

MACC Annual Conference - February 28-March 9, virtual conference sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC), which will include a workshop on February 28 by CZM and MassDEP, Delineating and Evaluating the Function of Coastal Beaches, Dunes, Banks, and Barrier Beaches in Developed and/or Altered Areas under the Wetlands Protection Act Regulations, along with dozens of other offerings.

Cape Cod Natural History Conference - March 11, annual MassAudubon conference at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable, which will include a presentation from CZM, Coastal Habitat Vulnerability Assessment for the Sandy Neck Barrier Beach System Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC).

A New Toolkit for Engaging Youth in Ocean Health and Conservation - March 15, webinar sponsored by the Ocean Foundation and Open Communications for the Ocean (OCTO).

CRWA Annual Meeting - March 30, virtual meeting sponsored by the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA).

33^rd Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference - April 12-13, conference sponsored by NEIWPCC with theme “Environmental Justice, Equity & Climate Change,” to be held in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Plastics & The Future of Our Planet - April 13, conversation with Bill McKibben and Elizabeth Kolbert sponsored by Beyond Plastics.

Massachusetts Park Serve Day - April 22, annual statewide day of volunteer service sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to help get Massachusetts state parks and beaches ready for summer.

Muddy River Cleanup - April 22, annual cleanup sponsored by the Emerald Necklace Conservancy as part of the Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup.

Neponset River Spring Cleanup - April 22, waterfront and parkland cleanup sponsored by the Neponset River Watershed Association.

City Nature Challenge 2023 - April 28-May 7, a citizen-science opportunity organized by the Natural History Museum Los Angeles County and the California Academy of Sciences and held virtually.

78^th Annual Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference - April 30-May 2, sponsored by the Northeast Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies to be held in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Neponset Day - June 3, family-friendly community celebration along the Neponset River sponsored by the Neponset River Watershed Association that will include free boating, kid's crafts, music, food trucks, environmental exhibits, and more, to be held at DCR’s Neponset River Reservation.

Stormwater Conference - August 29-31, annual conference sponsored by StormCon to be held in Dallas, Texas.

Living Shorelines Tech Transfer Workshop - October 23-25, biennial workshop from Restore America’s Estuaries to be held in Galveston, Texas.

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

• International Erosion Control Conference - February 5-8, conference and exposition sponsored by the International Erosion Control Association on erosion, sediment control, and stormwater to be held in Kansas City, Missouri.
• MEES Conference - March 8, annual conference of the Massachusetts Environmental Education Society (MEES) to be held in Worcester.
• AWRA Summer Conference: Connecting Land & Water for Healthy Communities - July 17-19, conference from the American Water Resources Association (AWRA), which will focus on programs to better connect land and water planning and policy, to be held in Denver, Colorado. Student Poster Abstracts are due by April 14.
• 2023 National Watershed and Stormwater Conference - April 24-27, conference sponsored by the Center for Watershed Protection to be held in San Diego, California.
• National Monitoring Conference - April 24-28, 13^th National Monitoring Conference sponsored by the National Water Quality Monitoring Council to be held in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with a limited virtual option.
• 2023 Stone Living Lab Conference - April 26-28, event presented by the Stone Living Lab at the University of Massachusetts Boston to be held in Boston with the theme “Nature-based Coastal Resilience in Urban Settings.”
• National Floodplain Managers Conference - May 7-11, 47^th annual conference sponsored by the Association of State Floodplain Managers to be held in Raleigh, North Carolina, with a virtual option.
• Interagency Conference on Research in the Watersheds - June 5-8, periodic federal interagency conference on watershed science to be held in Corvallis, Oregon.
• 23^rd AEES Meeting - June 6-9, annual meeting of the American Ecological Engineering Society (AEES) with the theme “Nature-based Solutions for Resilient Communities,” to be held in Tampa, Florida.
• CERF 2023 Conference - November 12-16, biennial conference sponsored by the Coastal Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) to be held in Portland, Oregon.

Calendar - Multiple/Ongoing Events

Aquarium Lecture Series - Upcoming lectures at the New England Aquarium by scientists, environmental writers, photographers, and others. Recordings of past lectures are available on their archive page.

Barnstable Land Trust Events - Programs for children and adults across Barnstable.

Boat Safety Course - Free course from the Massachusetts Environmental Police held in coastal communities.

Boston Harbor Islands Events - Upcoming events and activities in the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park.

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 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 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. See the MACC Complete Education Catalog and Community Calendar.

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

Great Massachusetts Cleanup - Volunteer and coordinator opportunities through the spring from Keep Massachusetts Beautiful.

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

Marion Natural History Museum Programs - After school and community programs at the museum in Marion.

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

MBL Falmouth Forum Lecture Series - Free public lectures at the Marine Biological Lab (MBL) 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.

Neponset River Watershed Association Events - Events throughout the 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, including the 2023 WaterWatch lectures series with talks through March.

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

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

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

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

Westport River Watershed Alliance Events - Events presented by the Westport River Watershed Alliance, including the Winter Speaker Series with monthly presentations through April.

Other Items of Interest

Volunteer Water Monitoring - The Neponset River Watershed Association is seeking volunteers to join the Community Water Monitoring Network for the 2023 season to help monitor water quality in the Neponset River Watershed. If interested, please contact Len Yeomans at [e-mail].

Lewis E. Kimball Scholarship - The Friends of Chatham Waterways (FCW) is seeking applications for the Lewis E. Kimball Environmental Scholarship, with up to $3,000 available for upper-level undergraduate or graduate students from Cape Cod or the Islands 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.

EPA Environmental Challenge - EPA is seeking entries for the Pollution Prevention Works: A Storytelling Challenge for Students, a contest where high school and college students can win cash prizes ($1,500-$5,000) by telling pollution prevention (P2) stories. To enter, individuals or teams can submit videos, written stories, infographics, or StoryMaps illustrating how a facility in EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) P2 Search Tool reduced chemical releases with innovative pollution prevention practices and benefitted the environment and communities. Entries are due February 17.

Science without Borders Art Challenge - The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation has launched the 2023 Science without Borders Challenge, a contest for students and teachers involved and interested in ocean conservation through art. This year’s theme is The Sixth Extinction, and students are encouraged to create a piece of art that illustrates the “beauty and importance of a marine species that is on the brink of extinction.” Primary and secondary school students 11-19 years old are eligible, with prizes of up to $500 awarded to winning entries. The deadline for entry is March 6.

Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest - Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs, Inc. is now accepting creative submissions for the 2023 Ocean Awareness Contest with the theme, Climate Heroes in Action. Students ages 11-18 can work as individuals, a group, class, or club and submit entries highlighting solutions to the climate crisis and the “heroes” working to address climate change impacts. Participants can earn cash awards and scholarships up to $1,500, with students in Massachusetts eligible for additional $250 cash awards. Submissions are due by June 13.

New England Fishery Management Council - Massachusetts is seeking qualified individuals for four 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 Healey should contact Julia Kaplan at [e-mail]. Nominations are due by February 3.

Sea Education Association High School Programs - The Sea Education Association (SEA) in Woods Hole is seeking applications for its 2023 High School Summer Programs. SEASCape: Ocean Studies 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 high school students from around the world to learn about the sea and ocean conservation, while preparing for college level academics.