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, 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 to CZ-Mail, 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, feel free to share CZ-Mail with colleagues and friends—and if you have suggestions for future editions or would like to make a change to your subscription, email your request to CZ-Mail@mass.gov. For periodic updates from CZM between CZ-Mail editions, follow us on Instagram, Bluesky, and Twitter/X.
All links on this web page were current and working on the date of publication.
Highlights
New Federal Consistency Review Web Page for Army Corps Nationwide Permits - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has implemented Nationwide General Permits (NWPs) for Section 10 and Section 404 authorizations in Massachusetts, replacing the Massachusetts General Permits. For projects that have been submitted to CZM as part of their NWP review and authorization, CZM has developed a Status of CZM Review web page where proponents may receive updates on submitted projects. The web page includes an overview of the NWP process as it pertains to CZM’s federal consistency review, as well as a table with the review status for each project under review by CZM. Section 10 covers structures or work in or affecting navigable waters of the United States, and Section 404 covers discharges of dredged or fill material into the waters of the United States. The NWPs went into effect on March 15. CZM performed federal consistency review on the USACE NWPs proposal and provided a conditional concurrence on the NWPs. This CZM decision (PDF, 219 KB) outlines the project thresholds that, if exceeded, require CZM to be notified of the project, the notification process applicants should follow, and the necessary data and information that should be included in the notification. For more information on CZM federal consistency review and the NWP review process, please email Sean Duffey, CZM Project Review and Dredging Coordinator, at sean.duffey@mass.gov.
Seeking Local Cleanup Coordinators for COASTSWEEP 2026 - As summer gears up, so does the planning for COASTSWEEP, the statewide beach cleanup sponsored by CZM—and we are looking for local coordinators for cleanups from late August into November. With more than 400 public beaches and over 3,000 coastal access sites in Massachusetts, CZM can use all the local coordinators we can get! COASTSWEEP is part of the International Coastal Cleanup organized by the Ocean Conservancy, with people from all over the world collecting trash and other marine debris and recording data to help find solutions. In Massachusetts, local coordinators choose a date/time and cleanup location (beach, marsh, dive site, and riverbank), publicize the event locally, receive supplies (including a coordinator t-shirt to thank you for your efforts!), distribute materials to volunteers, oversee the cleanup, arrange for proper trash disposal, and ensure data are collected (either through the mobile app or on data cards)—all with support from CZM. Volunteers for scheduled cleanups are also always welcome! For more information on getting involved as a cleanup coordinator or volunteer, see Sign Up to Volunteer for COASTSWEEP.
Gulf of Maine Council Presents 2026 Awards - The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment (GOMC) announced their 2026 awards in New Brunswick, Canada. The following Massachusetts award winners were recognized:
- Betsy Nicholson, North Regional Director for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office for Coastal Management, received the Susan Snow-Cotter Leadership Award in recognition of her extraordinary role in advancing coastal and ocean management throughout the region. Throughout her career with NOAA, Betsy has been a trusted and collaborative leader who consistently brought people together to address complex coastal and ocean challenges. She helped establish and co-led the Gulf of Maine Council’s Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning Committee, creating opportunities for cross-border collaboration and information sharing during a pivotal time in regional ocean planning. Betsy also played an important role in launching the Northeast Regional Ocean Council, helping to strengthen coordination among coastal managers throughout New England. Through her vision, mentorship, and decades of public service, she has made a lasting contribution toward a healthier and more resilient Gulf of Maine watershed.
- Vito Giacalone was presented with the Sustainable Industry Award. In 2007, he founded the Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund, a nonprofit community permit bank. Under his leadership, the organization purchases, holds, and leases fishing permits to ensure these critical fishing rights remain in Gloucester rather than being sold to outside interests, which helps sustain local livelihoods, strengthen Gloucester’s commercial fishing fleet, and preserve the traditions of one of New England’s most iconic fishing communities. Vito has created a successful model for protecting community-based fisheries and supporting the long-term resilience of Gulf of Maine coastal communities.
- Jill Carr, Habitat Restoration Program Manager at the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Partnership, was recognized with a Visionary Award for her dedication to protecting natural resources within the Gulf of Maine. Through more than two decades of advancing coastal conservation while strengthening regional partnerships, she has developed several widely used tools that support water quality monitoring, environmental data collection, and public access to scientific information. Her expertise in seagrasses, wetlands, fisheries, water quality, and coastal habitat conservation, along with creativity, determination, and practical problem-solving skills, have made a real difference in the region.
- Michael Thompson, Geographer and GIS Analyst at the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, also received a Visionary Award. One of his most significant accomplishments has been advancing whale protection through a messaging system developed in partnership with Maritime Information Systems, Inc., that sends real-time alerts to vessels exceeding speed limits in Right Whale Seasonal Management Areas, improving compliance and reducing risks to endangered whales. He also led spatial mapping efforts that informed the U.S. Coast Guard’s adoption of the Massachusetts Bay and Gulf of Maine Fairways—reducing ship strikes and improving conditions for marine wildlife and maritime navigation—and integrated nearly 5 million commercial fishing records into an economic analysis demonstrating the Sanctuary’s important role in supporting sustainable fisheries and coastal economies.
- Ellen Mecray, former Gulf of Maine Council Member, was recognized with a Distinguished Service Award for her exceptional contributions as a long-time Council member and leadership in advancing regional climate science and adaptation. She served as co-chair of the Council’s Climate Network, working to bring scientists, coastal managers, and practitioners together to better understand climate impacts in the Gulf of Maine ecosystem. Ellen consistently championed the use of science to inform practical solutions to coastal flooding, sea level rise, storm surge, and other climate-related challenges and partnered with Canadian colleagues to launch the Gulf of Maine Climate Quarterly Outlooks and Outreach, an innovative tool for scientists to share seasonal data, anomalies, and regional climate impacts.
See the Gulf of Maine Council Annual Awards for details.
Join CZM on Instagram - The CZM Instagram account includes video reels, photos, graphics, and more. Here are some highlights from the last month:
- World Sea Turtle Day - Learn about the four species of sea turtles in the Bay State and how to protect them.
- Happy World Oceans Day! - Check out a slide show of beautiful photos of ocean vistas and marine life in Massachusetts.
- Five Firsts for Coastal Massachusetts - Delve into some of the interesting historical firsts on the Commonwealth’s coast.
CZM Job Posting
Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program Director - The Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program (BBNEP), housed within CZM, is a federally funded, science-based partnership dedicated to protecting and restoring the water quality and ecological health of Buzzards Bay and its watershed. Working collaboratively with municipalities, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and state and federal partners, BBNEP provides funding, technical assistance, and strategic leadership to advance water quality improvement, habitat restoration, and coastal resilience initiatives throughout the region.
BBNEP is seeking a self-directed, goal-oriented, and strategically minded Director who can continue the NEP’s growth by maintaining productive partnerships with local municipalities, community partners including the Buzzards Bay Coalition, the Buzzards Bay Action Committee, local institutions of higher education, state agency partners, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), while forming new collaborations to advance the program’s mission.
The Director will provide strategic leadership and overall management for BBNEP and will be responsible for overseeing program operations, budget and fiscal management, staff supervision, partnership development, and implementation of the Buzzards Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. For further details, see the job posting.
Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities
Community Assistance Projects - The EPA Southeast New England Program (SNEP) Network is seeking applications for free technical support for stormwater management, ecological restoration, climate resilience, and funding and financing projects. Municipalities, Tribes, and nonprofits within the SNEP Network Boundary are eligible to apply for a variety of training and technical assistance services. Additional details, including application instructions, are available on the SNEP website. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on July 15.
Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grants - The U.S. Department of Transportation is seeking proposals for National Culvert Removal, Replacement and Restoration Grants to replace, repair, or remove culverts and weirs to improve passage of anadromous fish. Up to $800 million is available to states, local government, and Tribes. Applications are due by July 16.
Products/Publications
Coastal Resilience Tool - The Nature Conservancy and partners have released a Coastal Resilience Methodology that quantifies the flood-protection values that mangroves and tidal marshes deliver to coastal property and communities by absorbing incoming wave energy at higher rates, providing low-cost storm protection, and delivering other benefits such as carbon absorption to mitigate future climate impacts. For additional details, see the press release.
Newsletters and Other Periodicals
NOAA HabitatNews - The June 2026 issue of HabitatNews, a newsletter from NOAA Fisheries, includes items on habitat restoration in collaboration with recreational fishers, minimizing oil pollution from grounded ships, and other marine fisheries habitat news.
USGS Sound Waves - The February-May 2026 issue of Sound Waves, a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) newsletter, includes stories on a resource to visualize seabed hazards for protection of offshore infrastructure, new models on the fate of barrier islands due to sea level rise, and other coastal and marine research news.
Jobs/Internships
Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program Director - BBNEP is seeking a Director to provide strategic leadership and oversee program operations, budget and fiscal management, staff supervision, partnership development, and implementation of the Buzzards Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. Find details in the CZM Job Posting section above and the job posting.
Buzzards Bay Coalition Positions - The Buzzards Bay Coalition is seeking two full-time positions: Land Conservation Director and Conservation Program Assistant. For details, including application instructions, see the Careers page.
Development Manager - The Ipswich River Watershed Association is seeking a full-time Development Manager to oversee the membership-level donor program, annual appeals, and grant tracking and support engagement efforts. See the Careers web page.
Director of Donor Engagement - The Charles River Watershed Association is seeking a Director of Donor Engagement to drive organizational growth through meaningful fundraising and long-term partnerships with donors. For details, see position posting.
Education Coordinator - The Neponset River Watershed Association is seeking a part-time, permanent Education Coordinator to lead and grow a school outreach program that provides lessons on water pollution, water conservation, and climate resilience. See the Employment page.
Strategic and Communications Specialist - The Massachusetts Bays National Estuarine Partnership (MassBays) is seeking a Strategic Communications Specialist to implement the MassBays Communications Plan, coordinate with UMass Boston on funding and development, and provide program support and event coordination. For more information, see the position listing. Applications are due by July 24.
TerraCorps Positions - The TerraCorps program is seeking to fill full-time AmeriCorps positions in Massachusetts and Rhode Island in one of five roles: Land Conservation Coordinator, Land Stewardship Coordinator, Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator, Community Engagement Coordinator, and Youth Education Coordinator. Members will serve in 11-month positions (September 8, 2026-July 30, 2027) and will receive a $27,750 stipend, healthcare and childcare coverage, an education award, and additional AmeriCorps benefits. For more information, including application details, see the TerraCorps website.
Calendar - Individual Events and Announcements
Barnstable Land Trust Annual Meeting - July 15, annual meeting of the Barnstable Land Trust to be held at Cape Cod Community College in Barnstable with a virtual option.
MBTA Resilience Roadmap - July 15, part one of an Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) webinar series on Climate Resilience in Massachusetts featuring leadership from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
International Sand Sculpting Festival - July 17-19, annual festival at Revere Beach.
Bloom-Build with Nature - July 22, half-day summit from Climate Beacon on biodiversity in the built environment to be held in Boston with site visits to local projects.
Massachusetts DCR’s Priority Actions - July 29, part two of an EBC webinar series on Climate Resilience in Massachusetts with leadership from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
Soil Matters - July 30, conference of the Southern New England Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society with a focus on soil, sediment, and related matters, including hands-on soil classification and soil microscopy workshops to be held at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut.
Great River Race - August 9, river paddling race to support the North and South Rivers Watershed Association.
Teacher Training on Climate and Water Topics - August 13, teacher training from the New England Water Environment Association on climate and water topics for the K-12 classroom to be held at the South Essex Sewerage District in Salem.
Ecological Landscaping Conference - August 27-28, annual conference and eco-marketplace from the Ecological Landscape Alliance with the theme “Navigating Uncertainty” to be held in Providence, Rhode Island.
National Coastal Conference 2026—Call for Poster Presentations - October 5-8, conference on coastal science, technology, and policy with the theme, “Celebrating 100 Years of Shore and Beach Preservation,” sponsored by the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association to be held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Poster presentation abstracts (PDF, 284 KB) are due by August 15.
Calendar - Multiple/Ongoing Events
Association to Preserve Cape Cod Events - Free events and webinars on natural resources, gardening, and more, with links to free films, recordings of previous webinars, and information from past events.
Barnstable Clean Water Coalition Events - Activities and events for all ages throughout Barnstable.
Barnstable Land Trust Events - Programs for children and adults across Barnstable.
Better Beaches Events - Programs at beaches around Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay featuring music, arts, games, children’s activities, boating, and more from Save the Harbor Save the Bay.
Boat Safety Course - Free, in-person course from the Massachusetts Environmental Police held in Commonwealth communities. This course meets the mandatory boater education requirements for all motorized vessel operators that began on April 1.
Boston Harbor Islands Calendar - Upcoming events and activities in the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park.
Boston Harbor Now Events - Events throughout the Boston Harbor area.
Buzzards Bay Coalition - Bay Adventures - Free, guided activities across the Buzzards Bay watershed.
Cape Cod Bird Club Walks and Activities - Free birdwatching field trips across Cape Cod.
Cape Cod Field Schools - Multi-day field courses offered by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
Cape Cod Maritime Museum Events & Lectures - Upcoming events and lectures for all ages at the museum in Hyannis. Links to recordings of past lectures are also posted.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Events - Events at the museum in Brewster.
Center for Coastal Studies Events - Events and educational programs across the Cape Cod region.
Charles River Watershed Association Events - Upcoming events throughout the Charles River watershed.
Chatham Conservation Foundation Events - Activities and events across Chatham.
Climate Conversations: Pathways to Action - Monthly webinars from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on national policy action on climate change. Recordings of past webinars are also available.
Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation Webinar Series - Monthly science webinars, with recordings of previous webinars available to Federation members.
Conservation Commission Education - Workshops, webinars, and trainings scheduled across Massachusetts and posted by the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC). See the MACC Educational Programming Page and Events Calendar.
Dam Busters 2026 Webinars Series - Lunchtime webinars on dam safety, dam removal financing, and community engagement in Massachusetts sponsored by the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, and Charles River Watershed Association, with links to past webinars and related material.
Duxbury Beach Events & Programs - Public events and education programs from Duxbury Beach Reservation.
Ecological Landscaping Alliance Events - Webinars, workshops, tours, and conferences on natural landscaping options, with recordings of past webinars available to Alliance members.
Emerald Necklace Conservancy Events - Upcoming events and volunteer opportunities throughout the Emerald Necklace parklands in Boston and Brookline.
Evening with Experts Series - Free public lecture series on ecology and native plant landscaping, including recordings of past events, hosted by Grow Native Massachusetts.
Falmouth Forum Lecture Series - Free public lectures at the Marine Biological Lab in Woods Hole. Recordings of previous lectures are available.
Floodplain Management Training - Various training opportunities compiled by the Department of Conservation and Recreation Flood Hazard Management Program.
Friends of Herring River Events - Upcoming Herring River watershed events in Truro and Wellfleet.
Harwich Conservation Trust Walks, Talks, and Events - Birding and nature activities.
Healthy and Resilient Communities Research Webinar Series - Periodic community resilience webinars from EPA for local decision makers, with links to Past Webinar Recordings.
International Erosion Control Association Webinars - Webinars on erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, climate adaptation, and more, with links to previous webinars through the on-demand catalog.
Ipswich River Watershed Association Events - Events throughout the watershed focusing on natural resources.
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. See the Great Massachusetts Cleanup page for community-wide litter cleanups and park maintenance opportunities.
Lloyd Center for the Environment Calendar - Birding and nature walks and other activities for all ages at the center in Dartmouth.
MACC Lunch & Learn Webinars - Free monthly webinars on a variety of natural resource protection topics. Recordings of previous webinars are available.
Marion Natural History Museum Programs - Community and summer programs at the museum in Marion.
Mass Audubon Programs & Events - Opportunities for children and adults hosted at the following Mass Audubon coastal locations:
- Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
- Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
- Joppa Flats Education Center
- Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary
- North River Wildlife Sanctuary
- Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Mudflat Mania - Hikes to Cape Cod Bay to explore the Brewster sand flats led by the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History through September 3.
Mystic River Watershed Association Calendar - Volunteer events, festivals, learning opportunities, public meetings, and more throughout the watershed.
Nantucket Conservation Foundation Events - Walks, workshops, and community events across Nantucket.
National Marine Sanctuaries Webinar Series - Webinars hosted by the sanctuary system. See Past Webinar Recordings for descriptions of and links to previous webinars.
National Tools for Coastal Challenges Showcase - Quarterly webinars from the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association on tools to address coastal challenges.
Native Plant Trust Classes & Field Studies - Events on plants and landscaping throughout the region.
Neponset River Watershed Association Events - Opportunities throughout the watershed.
New England Aquarium Events and Programs - Events, lectures, and programs at the aquarium in Boston. Recordings of past lectures are available on the Lowell Lecture Series page.
NOAA Digital Coast Training Calendar - A range of NOAA training opportunities, with links to on-demand resources available on the Training page.
NOAA Science Seminars - Webinars and seminars on science and climate issues from several NOAA partners. Past seminars are catalogued and available.
Nonpoint Source Pollution Technical Exchange Webinars - Periodic webinars from EPA on a variety of nonpoint source pollution topics, with links to previous webinars.
North and South Rivers Watershed Association Events - Event listings on the South Shore.
Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center Webinars - Webinars on climate change, adaptation, and resilience from this center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with links to Archived Webinars.
Northeast Monthly Climate Updates - Free webinars from the Northeast Regional Climate Center to address timely weather and climate concerns. Recordings of previous webinars are also available, along with PDF copies of presentation materials.
Northeast Waste Management Officials Association Events - Upcoming webinars and events, with links to past presentations.
Ocean Encounters - Periodic educational webinars from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution on various ocean-related topics, with links to previous webinars.
Open Communications for the Ocean Webinars - Periodic webinars on ocean topics, with links to past webinars.
Orleans Conservation Trust Events - Guided walks, programs, and talks in Orleans.
Rainwater Readiness Stormwater Workshop Series - Free public workshops on municipal stormwater management strategies and financing in Massachusetts presented by the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, with links to previous workshop resources.
Salem Sound Coastwatch Events - Activities and events posted in the Salem Sound region.
Soak Up the Rain New England Webinar Series - Periodic webinars from EPA that highlight innovative ways to address stormwater, with links to archived webcasts.
Sound in the Sea Webinars - Webinars on underwater sound hosted by the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography. See the Webinar Archives for links to past presentations.
Stone Living Lab Events - Free climate-focused events around Boston Harbor from this lab at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Trustees Programs - Experiences and opportunities at The Trustees of Reservations properties across the Commonwealth.
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Events - Activities for all ages at the reserve.
Westport River Watershed Alliance Events - Events in the watershed.
Whale & Dolphin Conservation Events - Education and outreach opportunities in Massachusetts and beyond.
Other Items of Interest
Marine Sanctuary Photo Contest - NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is seeking photos for the 2026 Get into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest. Submissions are due by September 7 under the following categories: Life in Motion, Sanctuaries and You, The Water’s Edge, and Ripples from the Past. Winning photos will be featured in the “Earth Is Blue” social media campaign.