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.
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Highlights
Gulf of Maine Council Awards - On June 5, the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment presented its annual awards during a ceremony in Gloucester, which included awards to two environmental leaders from Massachusetts:
- Bob Zimmerman, Director of the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) received a Visionary award. For nearly three decades, Bob’s energy, strategic thinking, and persistence with improving the Charles River has set the bar for river advocacy not only within Massachusetts and the Gulf of Maine, but across the country. Since 1990, he helped the organization expand its focus to include scientific research and analysis, ecosystem and land-use planning studies, land and water regulation reform, and restorative technologies, while winning major battles to restore and protect the Charles River and its parklands. Under his leadership, the CRWA was successful in restoring shad populations and increasing sustainable water resource management among the 35 cities and towns in the watershed. Thanks to Bob’s tireless efforts to monitor and advocate for water quality improvements, conditions in the Charles River have improved dramatically from receiving an EPA grade of D in 1995 to an A- in 2013.
- Maritime Gloucester was also awarded a Visionary Award. In 1999, Geoffrey Richon of Gloucester organized almost 300 Cape Ann community members to create a nonprofit educational institution. The mission of Maritime Gloucester is to inspire students and visitors to value marine science, maritime heritage, and environmental stewardship through hands-on education and experiential learning that emphasize four core values—inspiring discovery, exploring science, embracing history, and living stewardship. For nearly 20 years, Maritime Gloucester has revitalized an important harbor-side facility that preserves Gloucester's maritime heritage and established a vibrant community center for learning and exploration in the marine and environmental sciences. This center provides services to 70 schools and school groups, and annually attracts more than 4,500 students in classrooms, workshops, and drop-in programs.
For a complete list of winners and more information on the awards, see the Gulf of Maine Council website.
Grants Awarded to Buzzards Bay Communities to Protect Habitat and Water Quality - On June 7, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton announced $48,920 in federal funds for habitat restoration and water quality protection projects in Buzzards Bay. The Municipal Mini-Grants were awarded by the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program (BBNEP) through CZM with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The grant funding will be matched by $43,950 in municipal and private contributions and will support BBNEP’s goals to reduce boat waste and address salt marsh die off in Buzzards Bay. These two grants were awarded:
- Town of Gosnold - $13,920 to purchase a stationary, self-service boat waste pumpout unit for the Cuttyhunk Vessel Pumpout Station, which will be made available at no cost to recreational boaters.
- Town of Dartmouth - $35,000 to perform a restoration study to determine the causes of deterioration in Cow Yards salt marsh, located at the mouth of the Little River in Dartmouth.
For more information, see the EEA Press Release.
CZM to Lead Sixth Marine Invasive Species Rapid Assessment Survey - This July, CZM staff and a team of scientific experts will spend an intensive week searching floating docks and piers from Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, to Casco Bay, Maine, in search of native and invasive marine species. The Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS), held every 3-5 years since 2000, uses a visual search method within a fixed timeframe to identify marine species at long-term sampling sites. The RAS is critical for detection of new species introductions and to capture regional trends, with several new marine invasive species discovered in our region by the team in past surveys. Funding for the 2018 RAS is provided by the Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, Massachusetts Bays and Buzzards Bay National Estuary Programs, and the Northeast Aquatic Nuisance Species Panel. For more information on the methods, sampling sites, and data from a similar survey performed in 2013, see the Report on the 2013 Rapid Assessment Survey of Marine Species at New England Bays and Harbors (PDF, 53 MB). For more information on marine invasive species, see CZM’s Marine Invasive Species Program web page.
Seeking Local Cleanup Coordinators for COASTSWEEP 2018 - COASTSWEEP, the annual statewide beach cleanup sponsored by CZM, kicks off in September—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 will be scheduled throughout September and October. To get involved, see the COASTSWEEP website.
Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities
Reducing Marine Plastics Pollution Grants - The National Geographic Society is seeking proposals for Reducing Marine Plastics Pollution with projects that prevent plastics from reaching the ocean. Applicants can request up to $100,000, but typical projects will request less than $30,000. Proposals are due by July 10.
Tribal Resilience Support - The U.S. Department of the Interior, through the Office of Trust Services, Tribal Resilience Program, is seeking proposals from tribal nonprofit and tribal non-governmental organizations and associations for grants to support Tribal Resilience and Ocean and Coastal Management and Planning. This program supports preparation for extreme events and harmful environmental trends that impact tribal treaty and trust resources, economies, infrastructure, and human health and safety. Applicants can request up to $150,000. Proposals are due by July 12.
Reminders - These opportunities, listed in the last CZ-Mail, are still available:
- Parks and Conservation Grants - EEA’s Division of Conservation Services is seeking applications for the FY 2019 Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC), Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND), and Conservation Partnership grants. PARC grants help communities acquire parkland, develop new parks, and renovate existing parks. LAND grants provide funds to municipal conservation commissions to purchase conservation land and conservation restrictions. Conservation Partnership grants provide funds to nonprofit organizations for land acquisitions. PARC and LAND grant applications are due by July 12. Conservation Partnership applications are due by July 16.
- Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Funding - EPA is seeking applications for long-term, low-cost supplemental loans for regionally and nationally significant water infrastructure projects. Funding is provided through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act and can supplement loans received through the Sate Revolving Fund. Up to 49% of the project cost is eligible for funding. The minimum project size is $20 million for large communities and $5 million for communities with less than 25,000 residents. Letters of interest from applicants are due by July 31.
Products/Publications
Martha’s Vineyard Coastal Conference Presentations - On June 6, Woods Hole Sea Grant, in coordination with the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and CZM, held the 2018 Martha’s Vineyard Coastal Conference. Presentations from the conference are now available on the Wood Hole Sea Grant website. Topics discussed include coastal resilience, alternative energy (water and wind), sea level rise, ocean acidification, storm flooding, water quality, and erosion.
International Coastal Cleanup Report - Ocean Conservancy has released its most recent Cleanup Report, which provides data and details on the 2017 International Coastal Cleanup. Overall, more than 800,000 volunteers collected more than 20 million pieces of debris from the world’s beaches and waterways. Along the Massachusetts coast, 2,349 COASTSWEEP volunteers collected more than 158,000 items. What was the number one item collected (again!)? Cigarette butts. To get involved with this year’s cleanup, see the COASTSWEEP website.
Rising Seas and Flooding Impacts on Coastal Real Estate - The Union of Concerned Scientists has released Underwater: Rising Seas, Chronic Floods, and the Implications for US Coastal Real Estate, a report that analyzes the risk to coastal real estate in the United States from sea level rise and more frequent flooding.
Ocean Risk Summit Report - The Ocean Risk Summit: Reducing Risk from a Changing Ocean was held in Bermuda from May 8-10. Two reports were released during the summit. The first, Ocean Connections: An Introduction to Rising Risks from a Warming, Changing Ocean, describes increasing ocean hazards and risks fueled by a warming global ocean. The second, Ocean Risk and the Insurance Industry, aims to raise awareness of potential insurance industry-related impacts from a rapidly changing ocean.
Sleeper Invasive Species and Climate Change - The Northeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Network has released Preparing for Sleeper Species: Climate change could awaken some naturalized species (PDF, 15 MB), an informative flyer about what sleeper species are and how managers can prioritize and prepare for this invasive species management challenge.
Engaging Communities on Climate Change - The George Wright Forum has published The Changing Cape: Using History to Engage Coastal Residents in Community Conversations about Climate Change (PDF, 813 KB), a paper by David Glassberg from the University of Massachusetts Amherst that discusses a Cape Cod National Seashore project on communicating climate change and other environmental issues to the public.
Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge - The National Park Service has released Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge Projections for the National Park Service, a report that illustrates the potential for permanent coastal flooding from sea level rise and storm surge using various greenhouse gas levels.
Coastal Impacts - The June 2018 issue of Coastal Impacts, the newsletter of Woods Hole Sea Grant, includes articles on the Massachusetts Rapid Response Coastal Storm Damage Assessment Team, analyzing sediment cores to reconstruct the history of past storms, and other Woods Hole Sea Grant news and updates.
BOEM Ocean Science - The latest issue BOEM Ocean Science, the science and technology journal of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), includes articles on ocean circulation in Alaska, physical science in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, and other ocean science news.
HabitatNews - The June 2018 issue of HabitatNews, a newsletter of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Office of Habitat Restoration, includes articles on building coastal resiliency in Louisiana, proactive coral reef restoration, restoration of damaged habitats off California, and other marine fisheries habitat news.
Beneath the Surface - The June 2018 issue of Beneath the Surface, a newsletter from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), includes articles on the discovery of the San Jose shipwreck and its $17 billion treasure, forecasting future hurricanes (video), and other news and updates from WHOI.
Right Whale News - The March 2018 issue of Right Whale News, a quarterly e-newsletter distributed by the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, reports on the southeast U.S. right whale calving grounds, and other right whale news.
Newswave - The Spring 2018 and Summer 2018 Photo issues of NEWSWAVE, the quarterly newsletter on ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes activities from the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), feature articles offshore oil and gas revenues, a new review process for offshore energy permits, DOI’s “Blue Portfolio” photos, and other ocean and coastal news.
National Water Monitoring News - The Spring 2018 issue of National Water Monitoring News, the newsletter of National Water Monitoring Council, includes articles on groundwater quality in aquifers nationwide, microbial contaminants in stormwater in North Carolina, harmful algal bloom monitoring, and other water monitoring news and updates.
Web-Based and Mobile-User Resources
Updates to Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange - The Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange (CAKE) has launched a new and improved website. CAKE is a shared knowledge base for managing natural and built systems in response to rapid climate change. The latest updates include a user-friendly interface along with new tools, documents, and case studies.
Boston Harbor Cleanup Video - EPA has created a Boston Harbor Cleanup video that provides recollections from EPA staff and others in a review of the Boston Harbor cleanup and the environmental improvements that resulted from this effort.
New Digital Coast Content - NOAA’s Digital Coast has new content available. The Our Coast, Our Future Flood Map is a coastal planning tool to help users understand ecosystem and human risks from hazards due to sea level rise, coastal storms, and shoreline change. Estuaries: Nature’s Water Filters is an animated video that demonstrates how estuaries remove sediment, nutrients, and toxins as water moves from the land to the ocean. Digital Coast also includes 50+ new and updated data sets (PDF, 42 KB).
New Marine Life Identification App - The field guide Marine Life of the North Atlantic by photographer Andrew J. Martinez is now available as a mobile application. Marine Life - North Atlantic is available for Apple and Android phones and includes photos, descriptions of animal behaviors, and other features to help identify marine life.
Calendar
Boston Harborfest 2018 - Through July 4, Boston will host an Independence Day festival with many family-friendly events scheduled including fireworks, historical reenactments, Freedom Trail walks, boat tours, live entertainment, and much more. For additional details and schedule information, visit the Harborfest website.
Chemistry for Kids - In July and August, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will present Mixology! Chemistry for Kids. Attendees will enjoy hands-on activities and demonstrations designed to encourage kids to ask questions and stimulate their interests through chemistry. The first session is on July 6.
Coastal Explorer Van - On July 6, July 18, and August 2, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will offer access to the Barnstable 4-H Coastal Explorer Van, a 31-foot, handicapped-accessible motor coach that provides visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about Cape Cod's coastal environment. Visitors will find saltwater aquariums with live animals, computer and interactive games, a TV/VCR for viewing marine life videos, microscopes to view marine life, blue shark and dolphin models, and a hands-on exhibit. The van will be parked in the museum parking lot in Brewster from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on these days.
Aquarium Lecture Series - The New England Aquarium Lecture Series features free lectures and films by scientists, environmental writers, photographers, and others. The next session, on July 12, is The Southern Right Whales of Argentina: A 47-Year Story Written by Biological Research and Citizen Science by Ornela Vilches, Marine Conservation Action Fund Fellow and Instituto de Conservación de Ballenas researcher at the New England Aquarium.
Northeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Symposium - On July 12, the 2nd annual Northeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Symposium will be held at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. This free conference will provide information on climate change and invasive species management issues.
Inflatable Humpback Whale - On several dates this summer, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will allow visitors to walk inside a 44-foot inflatable humpback whale. Learn all about the magnificent whale’s behaviors and habits from the inside out. Registration are required. The next session is on July 13.
Marine Science and Maritime Festival - On July 14, the Haborkeepers will hold the first East Boston Marine Science & Maritime Festival at Constitution Beach in East Boston. This event will celebrate East Boston's rich maritime history, foster environmental stewardship and ocean conservation, and teach marine education and climate resiliency through hands-on activities. Designed to be a fun day on the Boston waterfront, the event will include recycled art making, marine science exhibits, boating safety demonstrations, knot tying lessons, storytelling, live music, and food. Outside organizations are also welcome to join the event with a table and activity. For more information, email theharborkeepers@gmail.com.
Sand Sculpting Festival - From July 20-22, the 2018 International Sand Sculpting Festival will be held at Revere Beach. Join the festival to stroll past giant sand sculptures, listen to free music at the bandstand, and watch Saturday night fireworks.
Plastics Talk - On July 26, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod will present Plastics: A Toxic Love Story at the Eastham Public Library. Author and journalist Susan Freinkel will talk about her book, Plastics: A Toxic Love Story, which looks at the pervasive role plastics play. Advanced registration is requested.
Northeastern University Marine Science Center Tours - Each month through October, the Northeastern University Marine Science Center in Nahant will host guided public tours where visitors can learn about the center’s research. The free tours run from 2:30-4:00 p.m. on July 26, August 30, September 20, and October 25. Space is limited, so please register.
Boston Harbor Educators Conference—Call for Presenters - On September 29, Massachusetts Marine Educators will hold the Boston Harbor Educators Conference, Our New Boston Harbor Shoreline, at the University of Massachusetts Boston. The 2018 conference will include speakers, hands-on workshops, a panel discussion, a Boston Harbor Island cruise, and a keynote from Frederick A. Laskey, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. See the Call for Presenters, which are due by August 1.
Cape Cod Field Schools - Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is offering a variety of 2-, 3-, and 4-day field courses for adults that focus on the coastal environment and wildlife of Cape Cod. Cape Cod Field Schools are “in-the-field” experiences taught by professional naturalists and scientists. The next course is Wildlife Photography from August 3-5.
Great River Race - On August 11, the North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA) will hold the 2018 Great River Race, a 7.5-mile race along the South Shore’s North River. NSRWA invites all to participate on a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, row boat, or other non-motorized vessel. Proceeds from the event support NSRWA's work to protect and restore local streams, salt marshes, and the watershed.
Stormwater Conference - From August 12-16, StormCon: The North American Surface Water Quality Conference and Exposition will be held in Denver, Colorado. The conference will feature presentations on best management practice case studies, green infrastructure, stormwater program management, advanced research topics, water-quality monitoring, and industrial stormwater management.
Annual Antique & Classic Boat Festival - From August 25-26, Brewer Hawthorne Cove Marina in Salem will host the 36th annual Antique & Classic Boat Festival, where vessels of all sizes and shapes will be on display, including 1900s-60s motor yachts, mahogany speedboats, sloops, yawls, schooners, and a 19th century gold-leaf canoe. This celebration of maritime heritage also includes a craft fair, artists, old-time band music, children's activities, the Blessing of the Fleet, and a boat parade.
Annual Swim & Fin—Save the Date - On August 26, Salem Sound Coastwatch will host the 13th annual Swim & Fin Race for Salem Sound at Forest River Park in Salem. People of all ages and levels may join the event for open-water swimming races of three different distances: 500 meters, 1 mile, and 5K. Proceeds from this event support Salem Sound Coastwatch's work to protect local beaches, streams, salt marshes, and coastal waters.
Boat Safety Course - Through July, the Massachusetts Environmental Police will offer free, state and nationally approved Boat Safety Courses for boaters age 12 and older. Courses focus on responsible equipment and operating guidelines. All graduates ages 12-15 receive a safety certificate that allows operation of a motorboat without adult supervision, as required by state law. All graduates ages 16-17 will also be allowed to operate a personal watercraft (jet ski, wave runner, etc.).
Barnstable Land Trust Walks and Talks - The Barnstable Land Trust has scheduled several events as part of its Walks & Talks nature series. The first talk in July, a Birding Presentation on July 12, is an educational talk by Wild Care’s Executive Director, Stephanie Ellis, who will discuss the breeding habits of backyard birds.
Buzzards Bay Walks and Events - The Buzzards Bay Coalition maintains an Events page with walks and other nature-based events hosted by numerous organizations and land trusts in the region. July events include yoga, bird walks, kayaking, lectures, hikes, and more. Events can be filtered by town, month, host, or select topics, such as kid-friendly and volunteering.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Programs - The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History hosts a wide variety of events including bird watching walks, educational programs, family field walks, and so much more. Check out their events calendar for details.
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary Programs and Activities - Mass Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary provides numerous nature walks, talks, and adventures. See the programs, classes, & activities page and search the program catalog for event and schedule information on topics such as day camps for children, campouts, family art classes, and evening paddling.
Joppa Flats Education Center Programs and Events - This summer, the Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center will host a number of educational opportunities for children and adults. See their program catalog for events, classes, and education activities, including lectures, summer day camps for children, a tide pool touch tank, science and music for preschoolers, and art classes for adults.
MACC Education - The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) offers a variety of specialized education programs. Visit the MACC workshops page for an overview of upcoming wetland delineation and other workshops. The MACC online calendar provides a schedule of other programs.
Mass Audubon Cape Cod Walks, Lectures, and Events - Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Barnstable offer a variety of educational programs for children and adults including guided family walks, birding programs, kayak trips, day camps for children, and more. For more information, search the calendar of programs, classes, and activities for Wellfleet Bay and Long Pasture.
National Marine Life Center Programs - Through the summer, the National Marine Life Center (NMLC) in Buzzards Bay offers a variety of daily drop-in education programs on marine animals, strandings, rehabilitation, and conservation for ages 3-14. NMLC also offers scheduled group programs for scout groups, community associations, schools, day care programs, and summer camps. See the event calendar for a daily schedule.
NOAA Science and Climate Seminars - The OneNOAA Science Seminar web page provides listings and details on NOAA science and climate seminars and webinars that are available across the nation.
North and South Rivers Watershed Events - This summer, the NSRWA will host numerous events including pontoon tours, sunset paddles, walks, and workshops. See the NSRWA Events page for details.
Waquoit Bay Reserve Programs and Activities - This summer, discover the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve’s activities and programs for kids and adults. See the Waquoit Bay Reserve Brochure.
Reminders - The following calendar items posted previously in CZ-Mail are still to come:
- Natural Hazards Research Workshop - From July 8-11, the Natural Hazards Center will host the 43rd annual Natural Hazards Research and Applications Workshop, Twenty Questions: Looking for Answers to Reduce Disaster Risk, in Broomfield, Colorado. The three-day workshop is divided into plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, poster sessions, and extracurricular activities.
- Neponset RiverFest - On July 14, the Neponset River Watershed Association will hold the Neponset RiverFest in Dorchester. Join this family-friendly celebration of the river and its natural salt marshes and wetlands, which includes food, children’s activities, music, and free use of canoes and kayaks.
- National Marine Educators Conference - From July 15-20, the National Marine Educators Association 2018 Conference, Charting the Course for Conservation, will be held in Long Beach, California. This conference brings together marine educators from around the world to promote awareness and education of the global marine environment.
- Regional Restoration Conference—Call for Abstracts - From October 11-13, the Society for Ecological Restoration New England Chapter will hold its 2018 Regional Conference, Connecting Communities and Ecosystems in Restoration Practice, in New Haven, Connecticut. This conference will highlight innovative projects and ideas in ecological restoration. Abstracts are now being accepted for talks and posters. See the Call for Abstracts, which are due by July 27.
Other Items of Interest
Mass Audubon Photo Contest - Mass Audubon is holding its 2018 Picture This: Your Great Outdoors photo contest, which is open to all participants and seeks digital images that highlight the beauty and diversity of Massachusetts wildlife, plant life, landscapes, and people in nature. Entries are due by September 30.