CZ-Mail - April 2019

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 daily updates from CZM, please follow us on Twitter.

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

Highlights

Lisa Berry Engler Named CZM Director - On March 1, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton announced the appointment of Lisa Berry Engler as CZM Director. Lisa has served as CZM Acting Director since November when former Director Bruce Carlisle took a position with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. In 2017, Lisa became CZM’s Assistant Director, overseeing and guiding policy development, planning efforts, and technical approaches for the agency. Before that, Lisa served as the CZM Boston Harbor Regional Coordinator, where she provided technical assistance and expertise on port and harbor planning, waterfront planning and development, coastal resilience planning and projects, and public access issues. Lisa brings with her a diverse background derived from her previous experiences working with CZM’s MassBays National Estuary Program, the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Areas of Critical Environmental Concern Program, and the Department of Transportation. Congratulations Lisa!

Robert Boeri Named Acting CZM Assistant Director - CZM's Project Review and Dredging Coordinator, Robert Boeri, is now serving as Acting Assistant Director. Bob joined CZM in 2006 as Dredging Coordinator and took over as Project Review Coordinator in 2007, overseeing CZM’s state and federal permitting processes and cultivating strong contacts throughout the agencies and other organizations. In his new role, Bob will help direct policy development, planning efforts, and technical approaches for the agency. Congratulations Bob!

Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan Survey - The Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan promotes sustainable use of state ocean waters and protects critical marine habitat and important water-dependent uses by setting siting and management standards for new ocean-based projects. The Oceans Act of 2008 requires that the plan—which was originally released by EEA in 2009 and updated in 2015—be reviewed at least once every five years. To inform the upcoming review, CZM invites you to participate in a 16-question survey of the main management and science aspects of the ocean plan (including siting and management standards, designation of areas of important habitat and water-dependent uses, public participation, and research and science priorities). The survey is designed for managers, academia, non-profits, recreational and commercial ocean users, and the interested public. Survey responses are due by April 12. If you wish to receive emails as part of the Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan review process, please send a blank email to [e-mail].

New Catalogue of Recommended Plants for Coastal Landscaping in Massachusetts - To prepare for the upcoming spring planting season, CZM has released Coastal Landscaping in Massachusetts - Plant Highlights and Images. This new section of the Coastal Landscaping website includes pages on grasses and perennials, shrubs and groundcovers, and trees—each page containing photographs, descriptions, and links to additional information for dozens of plants recommended for coastal areas of Massachusetts. See CZ-Tip - Spring Planting on the Coast for more information on planting as the weather warms and Benefits of Coastal Landscaping for details on using vegetation to control erosion, filter pollutants, create wildlife habitat, and reduce landscape maintenance costs.

New Report from Seafloor Mapping Initiative - CZM and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have published Shallow Geology, Sea-Floor Texture, and Physiographic Zones of the Inner Continental Shelf from Aquinnah to Wasque Point, Martha’s Vineyard, and Eel Point to Great Point, Nantucket, Massachusetts, which presents a series of interpretive maps that describe the geology, distribution, and texture of seafloor sediments, as well as landforms of the seafloor, along the south and west shores of Martha’s Vineyard and the north shore of Nantucket. These maps were created from previously released high-resolution geophysical data collected in 2013. This report was prepared as part of a cooperative mapping program between CZM and USGS, which began in 2003 and has mapped more than 2,403 square kilometers (928 square miles) of the Commonwealth’s coastal waters. For more information, see CZM’s Seafloor Mapping Program website and the USGS Geologic Mapping of the Massachusetts Seafloor website, or contact CZM’s Dan Sampson at [e-mail].

REMINDER - Coastal Resilience and Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant Announcements to Be Released Soon - CZM anticipates the release of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Requests for Responses (RFRs) for Coastal Resilience and Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) grants later this month. The Coastal Resilience Grant Program provides funding to coastal communities to reduce risks associated with coastal storms, flooding, erosion, and sea level rise through innovative and transferable local initiatives. Eligible projects include efforts to increase awareness and understanding of climate impacts, assess vulnerability and risk, plan for changing conditions, and redesign vulnerable public facilities and infrastructure. Additionally, both coastal communities and eligible nonprofits may seek funding for non-structural (or green infrastructure) approaches that enhance natural resources and provide storm damage protection. CZM’s CPR Grant Program provides funds to municipalities within the Massachusetts Coastal Watershed to identify and improve water quality impaired by nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. Funding can be used for water quality assessments, design and construction of structural Best Management Practices (BMPs), and commercial boat-waste pumpout facilities. Prior to the RFR release, CZM has been hosting information sessions to discuss the goals and requirements of the two grant programs, answer questions, and provide feedback on potential project ideas. One session remains:

• April 3, 10:00 a.m.-noon, Wareham Public Library - Meeting Room, 59 Marion Road, Wareham.

For additional assistance, potential applicants are also encouraged to refer to the contact information for the Coastal Resilience Grant Program and CPR Grant Program.

CZM Twitter Account Tops 1,000 Followers - The best time to plant beachgrass; recommendations to design stormwater Best Management Practices to withstand climate change impacts; a job posting for Chief Archaeologist for the Board of Underwater Archaeology—these are some of the daily messages CZM Twitter followers received in the month of March. Also this month, the CZM Twitter feed reached a milestone of 1,000 followers. Check out http://twitter.com/MassCZM to find the thousands of CZM tweets sent out to date, as well as to sign up to follow CZM and get timely information on calendar items, requests for proposals, job postings, comment opportunities, updates on CZM projects, and other time-sensitive matters, along with links to tools and information from the CZM website.

CZM Job Posting

Chief Archaeologist/State Underwater Archaeologist - The Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR), hosted at CZM, is seeking a Chief Archaeologist (State Underwater Archaeologist) who may also serve as BUAR Director. This position serves as lead technical specialist in underwater archaeology and related historic/cultural/heritage resource preservation issues with a responsibility to analyze data and provide advice to BUAR members, CZM, EEA, and other state and federal agencies. The Chief Archaeologist will carry out BUAR’s mission “to identify, preserve, and interpret the Commonwealth’s underwater cultural heritage, non-renewable public resources, for the recreational, economic, environmental, and historical benefit of its citizens.” For the complete job description, including application details, see the job posting. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

Coastal Resilience Grant Program - CZM anticipates the release of the FY 2020 RFR for the Coastal Resilience Grant Program later this month. These grants fund local efforts to address the effects of coastal storms, flooding, erosion, and sea level rise. See REMINDER - Coastal Resilience and Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant Announcements to Be Released Soon at the beginning of this CZ-Mail for additional details.

Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant Program - CZM anticipates the release of the FY 2020 RFR for the Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant Program later this month. CPR grants fund stormwater BMPs, commercial boat pumpout facilities, and other projects that address local nonpoint source pollution issues. See REMINDER - Coastal Resilience and Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant Announcements to Be Released Soon at the beginning of this CZ-Mail for additional details.

Buzzards Bay Municipal Mini-Grant Program - Round III - The Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program is seeking a third round of proposals for the Buzzards Bay Watershed Municipal Mini-Grant Program, with $95,418 in funding available for this grant round. Projects must implement a recommendation(s) in the Buzzards Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan to protect and restore water quality and living resources in Buzzards Bay and its surrounding watershed. Eligible projects include stormwater remediation designs for discharges affecting marine waters, wetland/open space/habitat acquisition, migratory fish passage restoration, construction of boat pumpout facilities, and other activities that support the management plan. A 33 percent match of requested funding is required, and only municipalities are eligible to apply. For more information, to view the RFR, and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. Proposals are due by May 6 at 4:00 p.m.

Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program Action Grants - EEA is seeking Action Grant proposals for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program. Action Grants provide designated MVP Communities funding and technical assistance to implement priority adaptation actions identified through the MVP planning process or similar climate change vulnerability assessment and action planning that has led to MVP designation. Projects that propose nature-based solutions or strategies that rely on green infrastructure or conservation and enhancement of natural systems are preferred. Applicants can request up to $2 million in funding (regional proposals may request up to $5 million), and a 25 percent match of the total project cost is required. For more information, see the MVP Action Grant Eligibility Criteria. To view the RFR and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. Proposals are due by 4:00 p.m. on April 19.

Massachusetts Dredging Program Grants - The Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development is seeking proposals from coastal communities for Massachusetts Dredging Program Grants, which provide construction-phase funding for saltwater dredging. These competitive grants for municipalities focus on “shovel-ready projects that contribute to the economic significance, public safety, recreational value, and/or coastal resiliency of the Commonwealth’s coastal harbors.” Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an information session on April 17 at 11:00 a.m. at One Ashburton Place, 21st Floor, Conference Room 3, Boston. Please RSVP to [e-mail] with the subject line “Dredging Info Session.” Applications are due by May 1. See How to Apply for details.

§319 Grants - On April 5, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) anticipates the release of FY 2020 RFR for the §319 Nonpoint Source Competitive Grants Program to fund comprehensive projects that address nonpoint sources of pollution affecting water quality. For more information, including a link to the RFR (once released), see the MassDEP website. Proposals are expected to be due on or around June 4.

Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Grants - The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) and the Fort Point Channel Operations Board are seeking proposals for the Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Grant Program to fund capital improvements and public programming (events for the general public) in and along the Fort Point Channel. These grants fund the goals outlined in the 2002 Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Plan, which was developed as the result of a collaborative effort to promote cultural activities and year-round programming in Fort Point. Approximately $50,000 is available for the 2019 grant cycle. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt, sponsored by a tax-exempt nonprofit, or a for-profit organization proposing a nonprofit, public project. For details, including application instructions, see the 2019 RFR (PDF, 124 KB). Proposals are due on April 12.

Southeast New England Program Watershed Grants - Restore America’s Estuaries is seeking pre-proposals for the 2019 Southeast New England Program Watershed Grants to address water pollution, habitat degradation, and other environmental issues in the coastal watershed of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts (see map). Up to $2.3 million is available to support grants to state, local, tribal, and regional partners. A 25 percent non-federal match of the total project cost is required. Grants will be awarded through a competitive two-step process. For more information, see the 2019 Request for Pre-Proposals (PDF, 477 KB). Pre-proposals are due by April 5.

Derelict Fishing Gear Grants - The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in partnership with Covanta Energy and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, is seeking proposals for Fishing for Energy grants to remove derelict fishing gear and develop innovative technology to reduce the gear loss and impacts of lost gear on threatened and endangered species. Projects in designated priority areas for northern right whales in the Gulf of Maine are given preference under this grant program. Up to $1 million is available for the 2019 grant round. Potential applicants are encouraged to participate in a Fishing for Energy Applicant Webinar on April 10 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Full proposals are due by April 25.

BoatUS Grassroots Grants - The BoatUS Foundation is seeking applications for its Grassroots Grants. Up to $10,000 is available to local volunteer organizations to promote education on safe and clean boating. Applications are accepted year round.

Reminders - These opportunities, listed in the last CZ-Mail, are still available:

• Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants - EEA’s Division of Conservation Services is seeking proposals for Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants, which provide up to $1,000,000 in matching funds to state agencies and local governments to acquire land for outdoor recreation, build or renovate parks, or conduct trail work. Applications are due by April 11 at 3:00 p.m. See How to Apply for details.
• MVP Planning Grants - EEA is seeking Planning Grant proposals for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program. Through MVP Planning Grants, the state awards communities funding to complete vulnerability assessments and develop action-oriented resiliency plans, and state-certified MVP providers offer technical assistance to communities in completing the assessment and resiliency plans. Communities who complete the MVP program become certified as an MVP community and are eligible for MVP Action Grant funding (see Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program Action Grants above). For more information, see MVP Planning Grant Eligibility Criteria. To view the RFR and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis until May 3, or until all allocated funds have been awarded.
• Habitat Restoration Grants - The NOAA Community-based Restoration Program is seeking proposals for 2019 Coastal and Marine Habitat Restoration Grants for habitat-based projects that rebuild fisheries, aid in the recovery of threatened or endangered species, improve ecosystem health, and benefit communities and the economy. Up to $6 million is available and proposals are due by April 16.
• American Lobster Research Funding - The National Sea Grant College Program is seeking proposals for the 2019 National Sea Grant American Lobster Research Program to fund research on how the American lobster fishery on George’s Bank and in the Gulf of Maine is being impacted by environmental change. For details, including a link to the RFR, see Grants.gov. Proposals are due by April 11.

Products/Publications

2019 Boaters’ Guide to Tides and Pumpout Facilities - This wallet-sized pamphlet from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries’ Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Program contains information on the locations of pumpout facilities along the Massachusetts coastline and a June-September tide chart. Download a free copy from the CVA website. Limited hardcopies are also available. Email your request and mailing address to Cecil French at [e-mail].

Atlas of Nature-Based Projects - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has released Engineering with Nature: An Atlas, which highlights 56 USACE projects that combine natural processes into engineering strategies to promote flood management, shoreline stabilization, improved navigation, ecosystem restoration, and other goals.

Newsletters and Other Periodicals

Buzzards Bay Coalition Newsletter - The latest edition of The Bay Buzz from the Buzzards Bay Coalition covers a new study of rapid salt marsh loss in Buzzards Bay, an upcoming stream and wetland restoration project in Mattapoisett, recipes using ingredients from Buzzards Bay, and other regional news, volunteer opportunities, and events.

DOI Newswave - The Fall 2018/Winter 2019 issue of NEWSWAVE, the quarterly newsletter on ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes activities from the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), features articles on disaster recovery in the U.S. Virgin Islands after hurricanes Irma and Maria, the economic value of protecting natural resources, and other ocean and coastal news.

Massachusetts Association for Floodplain Management Newsletter - The Winter 2019 Newsletter (PDF, 2 MB) from the Massachusetts Association for Floodplain Management (massFM) covers the November 2018 massFM Kickoff Event featuring a CZM presentation on No Adverse Impact (which looks at how development decisions impact flood management on other properties), the updated Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Risk Rating for flood insurance, hydrological modeling efforts to predict future streamflow changes due to climate change, and other Massachusetts floodplain management news.

NOAA HabitatNews - The March 2019 issue of HabitatNews, a newsletter of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Restoration, includes articles on oyster restoration in Chesapeake Bay and effects on water quality, NOAA’s work to support coral reef recovery efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico after hurricanes Irma and Maria, and other marine fisheries habitat news.

Stellwagen Bank E-Notes - The March 2019 issue of Stellwagen Bank E-Notes (PDF, 3 MB), the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary newsletter, includes stories on tracking the movements of satellite-tagged seabirds, North Atlantic Right Whale counts for the 2018-2019 calving season, and other sanctuary stories, news, and notes.

University of Washington Marine Ecosystem Newsletter - The March-April 2019 edition of The Skimmer on Marine Ecosystems and Management, the monthly newsletter on ocean planning and ecosystem-based management from the University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, focuses on the meaning of the term “blue economy” and includes additional marine planning and management tools, resources, and news.

University of Washington Marine Protected Area Newsletter - The February 2019 issue of MPA News includes articles on the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), a new modelling approach to analyze potential impacts of dam collapse and other catastrophic land-based events on coastal MPAs, and other MPA news and notes.

USGS Sound Waves - The December 2018/January 2019 issue of Sound Waves, a U.S. Geological Survey newsletter, features scientists’ efforts to measure waves and permafrost to determine the dynamics of erosion along the Arctic coast of Alaska, how USGS is using disaster recovery funds to help with damage from 2017 hurricanes and wildfires, recent USGS fieldwork, and other coastal and marine research news.

WHOI Ocean Insights - The latest issue of Ocean Insights, a newsletter from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), features a new underwater robot that tracks animals in the deep ocean, a video of a recent WHOI webinar on marine microplastics, a video on offshore wind power, and other news from WHOI.

Web-Based and Mobile-User Resources

Plastics and the Ocean - The New England Aquarium, as part of its First Friday Facebook Live series, has posted First Friday Facebook Live: Plastic and the Ocean, which explores how plastic gets into the ocean, the issues it creates, and some suggested solutions. This blog piece includes a video of the talk, pictures and descriptions of ocean plastics, and an opportunity to take the First Step Pledge to reduce disposable plastics use.

Marine Species Atlas - The University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences has released a new version of the Digital Atlas of Marine Species and Locations (DAMSL), a website where users can get an underwater view of the world’s oceans with photographs and locations of more than 3,500 marine species.

Straw Cops Video - The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, has released Straw Cops, a parody video showing a trailer for a buddy cop film to raise awareness of ocean pollution and the impacts of single-use plastics.

New Data from NOAA Digital Coast - NOAA’s Digital Coast has posted New and updated data sets (PDF, 83 KB).

Job/Internship Postings

Waquoit Bay Research Technician - The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) is seeking a Research Technician from June to September to collect, organize, and analyze salt marsh field data in support of its marsh sediment augmentation/thin layer deposition project. Candidates should minimally be a college sophomore studying biology or related sciences. Experience with salt marsh ecology and working outdoors is preferred. For more information, see the WBNERR Employment page. Applications are due by April 11.

Summer Science School Teacher - The Waquoit Reserve Foundation, in partnership with WBNERR, is seeking a Summer Science School Teacher to conduct weekly sessions on coastal ecology topics for children in grades 2-12. These sessions will be held from late-June through mid-August at the Waquoit Bay Reserve in East Falmouth. Candidates must be familiar with marine biology and coastal ecology, and should be comfortable with outdoor field work and handling live marine animals. For details, see the WBNERR Employment page.

North and South Rivers Watershed Internships - The North and South Rivers Watershed Association is seeking applicants for two internships. The Research and Monitoring Internship is a paid position for upper-level college students studying biology, chemistry, or environmental science who will assist with field work, data entry and analysis, public outreach, and events. The Eelgrass Monitoring Internship is an unpaid position for college seniors or graduate students studying biology, chemistry, or environmental science who will organize, coordinate, and train August eelgrass survey volunteers, maintain survey equipment, and assist with survey data entry and organization. For more information, see the Internship Opportunities page. Applications are due by April 3.

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.

MIT Sea Grant Review - The National Sea Grant College Program and NOAA and are seeking public comments to assist with the periodic review of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sea Grant College Program. The review covers all of MIT Sea Grant’s work, including the performance, operation, and management of the program. Submit comments, with “MIT Sea Grant site review” in the subject line, to [e-mail] by April 23.

Calendar - Individual Events and Announcements

Tufts University Water Symposium - On April 3, the Tufts Institute of the Environment will hold its 10^th Annual Symposium, Water: Visions of the Future, at Tufts in Medford. This event for industry, government, and advocacy groups on the how to manage water resources in New England into the future, will feature short presentations and a panel discussion. Registration is required.

Landscape Design for Managing Stormwater - On April 4, the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) will present Wrangling Rainwater on the Homestead and other Landscape Choices for a Changing Climate at the Barnstable Senior Center in Hyannis. The presentation will feature Kristin Andres, Director of Education and Outreach at the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, who will discuss landscape design choices that can handle rainfall volumes, protect water quality, and conserve water in dry weather. To register, please call the Senior Center at [phone].

Massachusetts Bay Harbor Safety Committee Meeting - On April 4 from 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., the Massachusetts Bay Harbor Safety Committee (MBHSC) will hold its annual Spring Meeting at the Flynn Cruiseport in Boston. This meeting is open to the public and will address Greater Boston port and harbor topics, including presentations from the U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port of Boston, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Boston Harbor Storm Surge Working Group, Seaport Economic Council, Massachusetts Environmental Police, Salem Harbormaster, and more. For more information, contact MBHSC Chair, Captain Angel Montanez, at [e-mail].

Clean Water Lectures - In April, the Barnstable Clean Water Coalition (BCWC) will present #CleanWaterMatters, a two-part series on clean water in Barnstable. On April 4, #CleanWaterMatters Cape Waters: Challenges and Opportunities will feature Zee Crocker, BCWC Executive Director, to discuss Barnstable watersheds, Cape Cod’s sole source aquifer, citizen impacts on water quality, and BCWC clean water efforts. On April 17, Amy Croteau, Barnstable Natural Resource Officer, will present #CleanWaterMatters Barnstable’s Wild Watersheds, a talk on the importance of water for wildlife survival featuring Barnstable’s traveling animal exhibit of local species, including osprey, river otters, and others. Both sessions will be held in Hyannis and registration is required.

Harmful Algal Bloom Workshop - On April 5, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod will hold An Emerging Concern—Cyanobacteria in Freshwater Ponds, a free morning workshop at the Barnstable County Complex in Barnstable on potentially harmful levels of cyanobacteria (or blue-green algae) found in freshwater ponds on Cape Cod. Presentations will include an overview of the water quality threats, the science of the rapid assessment monitoring method, monitoring programs underway on the Cape, and a panel discussion and question and answer session. Registration is required.

Cambridge Science Festival - From April 12-21, the 2019 Cambridge Science Festival will be held as a celebration of science, technology, engineering, art, and math with dozens of fun, interactive, family-friendly events featured throughout the city of Cambridge.

Social Science for Coastal Managers - On April 24, the Waquoit Bay Reserve Coastal Training Program will hold Social Science Basics for Coastal Managers in Falmouth. This full-day training covers social science skills—such as conducting interviews and writing survey questions—that can help coastal managers address flood mitigation, marsh restoration, and other important issues. Full-day participation is expected for those who register. Please sign up by April 19.

NEERS Spring Meeting - From April 25-27, the New England Estuarine Research Society (NEERS) will hold its Spring 2019 Meeting in York, Maine, which will include presentations on estuaries and coastal environments and will feature a symposium to honor marine scientist and seagrass ecology expert Dr. Fred Short from the University of New Hampshire.

Shoreline Stabilization Techniques Webinar - On April 26, the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve as part of its Sustainable Shoreline Designs Webinar Series will present Bioengineering Techniques for Shoreline Stabilization in Coastal Regions. This webinar on non-structural, nature-based solutions to stabilize coastal shorelines will feature presentations on the CZM StormSmart Properties Fact Sheets by CZM Coastal Geologist Rebecca Haney and Massachusetts case studies illustrating non-structural bioengineering techniques for shoreline stabilization by environmental consultant Seth Wilkinson. Registration is required.

Building Resilient Facilities - On April 26, the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) will present EBC Climate Change Program: Building Resilient Facilities Through Emergency Preparedness and Resilience Planning in Norwood. This morning program will show how public, private, and nonprofit organizations are using a variety of emergency preparedness and resiliency techniques to protect their facilities from extreme weather events, such as the March 2018 northeasters. In addition, the program will discuss state efforts to assist with small business resiliency.

Local Environmental Action Conference - On April 27, the Mass Climate Action Network and the Toxics Action Center will hold Local Environmental Action 2019 at Worcester State University in Worcester. This conference will feature workshops on activism, environmental justice, climate action plans, community organizing, and more.

Mystic River Earth Day Cleanup - On April 27 from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., the Mystic River Watershed Association will hold its annual Earth Day Cleanup in coordination with DCR’s Park Serve Day. Volunteers are needed to pick up litter from Torbert MacDonald Park in Medford. All supplies are provided and registration is requested.

Neponset River Cleanup - On April 27 from 9:00 a.m.-noon, the annual Neponset River Spring Cleanup will be held in coordination with DCR’s Park Serve Day. Volunteers are needed to pick up trash at various sites along the river. Registration is requested.

Youth Ocean Conservation Summit - On April 27, the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit for high school students will be held at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. Hosted by the Aquarium on Wheels student staff of the National Aquarium, this summit allows students to learn from marine scientists and conservationists about the current threats to marine ecosystems with workshops on implementing conservation projects, careers in marine conservation, and opportunities to protect oceans. The registration deadline is April 15.

Teacher Workshop on Coastal Pollution - On May 3, Woods Hole Sea Grant will present Impacts of Human-Derived Pollutants on the Coastal Environment, a professional development workshop for teachers of grades 6-12 on how marine debris and other pollutants affect the coastal environment. The workshop will feature presentations from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) research staff. Participants will also visit WHOI labs to discover how the color of plastic affects its breakdown in sunlight and how pollutants affect zebrafish. Attendees will receive professional development credits and a thumb drive with workshop materials and classroom activities. The registration deadline is April 30.

South Shore Climate Change Symposium - On May 9, the second South Shore Climate Change Symposium will be held in Norwell. This full-day symposium will present an overview of current research on climate change and its impacts, such as sea level rise, ocean acidification, and anticipated changes in precipitation that could cause inland flooding and changes to groundwater levels. Case studies of local climate change initiatives, including funding and opportunities for stormwater management and buyouts and relocation strategies, will also be presented. Other topics will include impacts on coastal property values and emergency preparedness and resiliency in the energy industry. This event is sponsored by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, CZM, Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program, North and South Rivers Watershed Association, Mass Audubon South Shore Sanctuaries, South Shore Climate Resiliency Network, and the towns of Norwell, Scituate, and Duxbury. Registration is required by May 1 and a discount is available through April 15.

Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle - On May 18, the Mystic River Watershed Association will hold the 23^rd annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle. This event consists of a 5K Run/Walk along the Mystic River Bike Path and a 3-, 9-, or 12-mile Paddling Race up the Mystic River. Compete in both the 5K road race and the 12-mile paddle race and be eligible for the Iron Herring Award for the male and female with the fastest overall time. Teams are encouraged for the 5K. Prizes donated by local businesses will be awarded. This is a family-fun event with children’s activities, educational booths, and more. Registration is required.

Climate Programs Discussion - On May 23, the Environmental Business Council of New England will present EBC Evening Program: Climate Programs for the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in Boston. Christopher Cook, Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space for the city of Boston, will discuss Boston’s Climate Action Plan and Climate Ready Boston. Kathleen Theoharides, EEA’s Undersecretary of Climate Change, will also present on the Commonwealth’s comprehensive climate strategy, and a moderated open discussion will be directed by Ruth Silman, Chair of the EBC Climate Change and Air Committee.

Capitol Hill Ocean Week - From June 4-6, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation will hold Capitol Hill Ocean Week in Washington, DC. This annual conference examines current marine, coastal, and Great Lakes policy issues and features an awards gala to recognize honorees for lifetime achievement, conservation innovation, and outstanding volunteer service.

Professional Development Workshops at New England Aquarium - This summer, the New England Aquarium will present the following Professional Development Workshops for teachers: Introduction to Oceanography and Marine Biology (July 8-12,) for grade 9-12 teachers; On the Waterfront: Integrating Science Standards Through Classroom and Field Investigations (July 22-26) for grade 6-8 teachers; and Go with the Flow: Water’s Journey Around the World (July 29-August 2) for grade 3-5 teachers. The deadline to register for all workshops is June 21.

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

• Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference - From April 14-16, the 75^th annual Northeast Fish & Wildlife Conference will be held in Groton, Connecticut, bringing together natural resource professionals to discuss wildlife management.
• Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference - From April 18-19, the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, state partners, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will hold the 30^th annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to share information about NPS pollution issues and projects in the region.
• National Adaptation Forum - From April 23-25, the National Adaption Forum will be held in Madison, Wisconsin. This biennial conference on climate change adaptation provides opportunities for professional development.
• City Nature Challenge - From April 26-29, participants in cities across the globe—including Boston and surrounding areas—will make nature observations, find different species, and get the most people to participate as part of the City Nature Challenge.
• Massachusetts Park Serve Day - On April 27, DCR’s annual Park Serve Day will be held throughout the Commonwealth. This statewide day of volunteer service helps to get Massachusetts state parks and beaches ready for summer. Thousands of volunteers help pick up litter along ocean beaches, clear debris from hiking trails, paint benches, plant trees and flowers, and much more.
• Earth Day Charles River Cleanup - On April 27, the 20^th annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup will be held as part of the American Rivers National River Cleanup. Thousands of volunteers will help beautify the Charles River and its tributaries by picking up trash and cleaning the riverbanks at sites from Bellingham to Boston.
• 2019 Great Massachusetts Cleanup - Keep Massachusetts Beautiful is seeking cleanup captains and volunteers for the 2019 Great Massachusetts Cleanup this spring. Cleanup dates are flexible, although scheduling cleanups on April 27 is encouraged. To get involved, register your cleanup or find cleanups on the events calendar.
• Whaling History Symposium - From April 27-28, the New Bedford Whaling Museum will host the 2019 Biennial Whaling History Symposium, Gaps in Analysis and New Perspectives on Whaling, World Cultures, and Contemporary Issues, featuring historical perspectives on whaling from around the world.
• Run of the Charles Canoe, Kayak, and Paddleboard Race - On April 28, the Charles River Watershed Association will hold the 37^th annual Run of the Charles boat race, with races at several locations along the river from Dedham to Brighton. The finish line features Riverfest with refreshments, live music, games, and more.
• Ceres Conference - From April 29-May 1, the Ceres Conference 2019 will be held in San Francisco, California, and will focus on sustainable business practices and economically sound solutions to the challenges of climate change, water scarcity, pollution, and human rights issues.
• Watershed and Stormwater Conference - From April 29-May 2, the Center for Watershed Protection will hold the 2019 National Watershed & Stormwater Conference in Charleston, South Carolina. This annual conference for watershed and stormwater professionals will focus on protection of water resources by increasing resiliency to respond to emerging and continuing threats.
• Flood Mitigation Conference - On April 30, the 2019 Rhode Island Flood Mitigation Association Conference, What Works? Implementing Lessons Learned, will be held in Smithfield, Rhode Island. The conference will include presentations on successful flood mitigation projects. An early registration discount is available through April 9.
• Mass Marine Educators Meeting and Conference - On May 4, Massachusetts Marine Educators will hold its 2019 Annual Meeting and Conference, Life in the Extreme, in Woods Hole. The conference will include presentations and workshops on how marine life has adapted to live in the extreme environments of the world’s ocean.
• Coastal Sediments Conference - From May 27-31, the Coastal Sediments 2019 Conference, Advancing Science & Engineering for Resilient Coastal Systems, will be held in St. Petersburg, Florida. This international coastal science and engineering conference will feature short courses, technical tours of local projects, and presentations.
• World Oceans Day - June 8 is World Oceans Day and activities celebrating oceans and coasts are held across the world throughout June. The 2019 theme is Together We Can Protect and Restore Our Ocean. To get involved, see the World Oceans Day website.
• Managed Retreat Conference - From June 19-21, the Climate Adaptation Initiative at Columbia University’s Earth Institute will host At What Point Managed Retreat? Resilience Building in the Coastal Zone in New York City. This conference will focus on the science and policies of sea level rise and coastal flooding.

Calendar - Multiple/Ongoing Events

Aquarium Lecture Series - On May 9, the New England Aquarium, as part of the Aquarium Lecture Series, will present Good Seatizenship: Policies, Plastics, and Programs to Conserve the Philippine Seas by Anna Oposa, Executive Director of Save Philippine Seas and New England Aquarium Marine Conservation Action Fund Fellow. The lecture is free and starts at 7 p.m. in the Aquarium’s IMAX Theatre. Sign up to be notified of future presentations by email. Recordings of past lectures are available on the lecture series archive page.

Barnstable Land Trust Walks, Talks, and Events - The Barnstable Land Trust has scheduled several upcoming events, including a Sandy Neck Walk on April 7 and The Cape Cod Shoreline presentation on April 17. For a full schedule, see their 2019 Events page.

Bird Walk and Talk - This spring, the Thornton Burgess Society, in coordination with the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, will hold several Bird Walk and Talk sessions at the Green Briar Nature Center in Sandwich. Alice Wynn will present basic bird identification skills followed by an outdoor walk to view birds in nature. The next sessions are on April 4 and 18 from 10-11 a.m.

Boat Safety - From now into summer, the Massachusetts Environmental Police will offer free, state and nationally approved Boat Safety Courses for boaters age 12 and older. Courses cover responsible equipment and operating guidelines, and 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.).

Boston Environmental History Seminar Series - The Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS) is hosting the 2018-2019 Boston Seminar on Environmental History, which includes sessions on how the environment has shaped American societies. The next session, Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice in Boston, will be held on April 9 at the MHS building in Boston. The programs include a light buffet supper and are free and open to the public, but subscribers receive advance online access to the topic papers.

Boston Harbor Now Events - Boston Harbor Now hosts events throughout the Boston Harbor area, including a Boston Harborwalk tour in East Boston and stewardship events. For details, see the Boston Harbor Now Events page.

Buzzards Bay Walks and Events - The Buzzards Bay Coalition maintains an Events page with nature-based events hosted by numerous organizations and land trusts in the region. April events include a black-capped chickadee walk and workshop, outdoor leadership training, a 25-mile scenic bike ride, and other walks, talks, and opportunities. Events can be filtered by town, month, host, or select topics, such as kid-friendly and volunteering.

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 environment and wildlife of Cape Cod. Cape Cod Field Schools are hand-on experiences taught by professional naturalists and scientists. The next course is Migrants: Hawks to Warblers from May 17-19.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Programs - The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History hosts a variety of lectures, bird walks and talks, trainings, gardening workshops, and other events. Check out their events calendar for details.

Center for Coastal Studies Lectures - The Center for Coastal Studies presents free public lectures on Cape Cod, including Right Whales–On the Brink of Extinction? on April 6 in Dennis. For additional upcoming events, see their events page.

Coffee House Series at Waquoit Bay - On Tuesday evenings in April, the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve will host the Research at the Reserve Coffee House Series in East Falmouth, and each week, a new scientist will discuss research in and around Waquoit Bay. Lectures are held from 6:30-8:00 p.m. and coffee and dessert will be served. The first lecture, What Can Tea Bags in Salt Marshes Tell Us about Climate Change? by Dr. Jim Tang, Associate Scientist, The Ecosystems Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, is on April 2.

Environmental Film Series - On April 20, Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, and WCAI Radio will continue the 2019 Sea Change Environmental Film Series with Ocean Cities, a film that looks at flood mitigation projects in major cities and the future policy questions cities may need to address. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion.

Gardening for Life - In April, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will host Gardening for Life with experts in the field of gardening and landscape design. On April 7, Teri Dunn Chace, horticulture writer and editor, will present A Journey into the World of Seedheads, Pods, and Fruit, and on April 28, botanist Hope Lesson will present Restoring Native Plant Communities with Natives Grown from Seed.

Harwich Conservation Trust Walks - In April, the Harwich Conservation Trust will present the three-walk series Spring Thaw—The First People's Journey Following the Waters, interpretive walks that explore the human settlement history of Cape Cod on April 6 in Harwich, April 13 in Brewster, and April 20 in Dennis. For additional events, see the Trust's 2019 events page.

Ipswich River Watershed Events - The Ipswich River Watershed Association hosts events on the North Shore, including gardening for volunteers, walks and hikes, educations opportunities, workshops, river cleanups, and more. See their events page 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 educational programs, kids’ vacation programs, butterfly gardening, art classes, walks, lectures, and more.

Joppa Flats Education Center Programs and Events - The Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center hosts a variety of programs for children and adults. See their program catalog for events, classes, and education opportunities, including lectures, birding, family events, activities for homeschoolers, and April vacation programs.

Mass Audubon Cape Cod Walks, Lectures, and Events - Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Barnstable offer educational programs for children, adults, and families including hikes and walks, birding, lectures, April vacation programs, and more. For more information, search the calendar of programs, classes, and activities for Wellfleet Bay and Long Pasture.

Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions Education - The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions provides specialized education programs. See their Complete Education Catalog for an overview of upcoming wetland delineation and other workshops and Community Calendar for a schedule of other programs.

Mystic River Watershed Events - The Mystic River Watershed Association holds events, including trainings, lectures, workshops, river cleanups, and more. See their Calendar of Events for a complete listing.

National Marine Sanctuaries Webinars - The NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries’ Webinar Series provides educators with resources and training to support ocean and climate literacy in the classroom. Upcoming webinars are Listening to "See" Beneath the Waves: Soundscape monitoring in Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary on April 9 and Estimating Coral Feeding Habits from Space on May 21.

New England Aquarium Youth Programs - The New England Aquarium presents programs for kids from 12 months to 12^th grade, including ocean education classes, summer camps, marine biology training, service-learning opportunities, and teen internships. See the aquarium website for more information.

NOAA Science and Climate Seminars - The OneNOAA Science Seminar web page provides details on NOAA science and climate seminars and webinars that are available across the nation, including OysterFutures: Testing a Consensus-Driven Process on April 25.

North and South Rivers Watershed Events - The North and South Rivers Watershed Association hosts events on the South Shore, including workshops, fishing tournaments, river race, and more. See their events page for details.

Northeast Climate Science Center Webinars - This spring, the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center will present several lunch-time webinars, including Climate Adaptation Science for Coastal Habitats, Species, and Ecosystems on April 3 and Mapping Climate Change Refugia for Vernal Pools on May 1.

Planet Stewards Educator Events - The NOAA Planet Stewards Education Project provides resources for educators of elementary- through college-aged students to promote scientific understanding of environmental challenges. Upcoming events include a April 15 Book Club session on The Archipelago of Hope: Wisdom and Resilience from the Edge of Climate Change by Gleb Raygorodetsky. Sign up to receive emails about future events.

Salem Sound Workshops, Trainings, and Lectures - In April, Salem Sound Coastwatch will host educational events, including Biodiversity, a professional development workshop for teachers in all grades on April 9 and the lecture Journey to Avalonia: Exploring the Deep Geologic History of Coastal New England on April 24. For details on these and other events, see their April calendar.

Thornton Burgess Nature Program - On the first Saturday of each month through December, the Thornton Burgess Society at the Green Briar Nature Center in East Sandwich will present Nature Program 2019, a series of in-depth naturalist classes. The next session is on Birding by Alice Wynn on April 6 and will include a Cape Cod bird lecture followed by a hike to identify birds by sight and sounds along Green Briar’s trails.

Other Items of Interest

Gulf of Maine Council Award Nominations - The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment is seeking nominations for the following 2019 Annual Recognition Awards:

• Visionary Awards for “innovation, creativity, and commitment to protecting the marine environment.”
• Longard Award for an outstanding volunteer within the Gulf watershed.
• Susan Snow-Cotter Award for a coastal management professional who “exemplifies outstanding leadership or exceptional mentoring in the Gulf of Maine watershed.”
• Industry Award for a business that has been a leader in improving the Gulf of Maine ecosystem.
• Sustainable Communities Award for a community or a community group that embodies a sustainable environment and economy.

Nominations are due by April 5.

Greater Boston Climate Change Study - The University of Massachusetts Boston, with support from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and funding from the Barr Foundation, is leading an initiative to update the 2016 Boston Research Advisory Group Report, which presented climate change and sea level rise scenarios for the city of Boston. Through this effort, the Greater Boston Research Advisory Group has been hosting meetings to solicit feedback from planners, researchers, community organizers/representatives, private companies, volunteers, government officials, and others on climate change impacts and concerns for the greater Boston area. Two meetings remain on April 4 in Concord and April 18 in Danvers. For questions, contact Kim Starbuck at [e-mail].

Herring Counters Wanted in Gloucester - Gloucester is seeking volunteers to help count alewife and blue back herring on their annual migration up the Little River to Lily Pond from April 1-May 30. While formal training sessions have been completed, the Gloucester Alewife Warden will train any additional interested volunteers. This is a great family activity and no prior experience is necessary. For more information, email Peter Seminara at [e-mail] or call [phone] (office) or [phone] (cell).

North and South River Volunteers - The North and South Rivers Watershed Association is seeking Horseshoe Crab Survey volunteers for day and night shifts on various dates from April 17-June 20. If interested, sign up online.

CERF Scientific Awards - The Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) is seeking nominations for several CERF Scientific Awards, which recognize achievement in coastal and estuarine science, management, and education. Awards will be presented at the biennial CERF conference to be held in November. Nominations are due by April 5.

Climate Adaptation Leadership Awards - The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) is seeking nominations for the Climate Adaptation Leadership Award, which recognizes “outstanding and exemplary leadership” of agencies, individuals, businesses, college students, and youth to reduce climate change impacts and promote adaptation to the changing environment. Awards will be presented at the September 2019 AFWA Annual Meeting. Nominations are due by May 18.

EarthEcho Youth Leadership Council - EarthEcho International, a nonprofit working to motivate young people to work toward sustainability, is seeking environmental leaders age 15-22, living in the United States, to apply for its Youth Leadership Council. Council members represent EarthEcho at conferences, trainings, and events, collaborate with council members to engage youth on conservation efforts, provide input to EarthEcho staff on program development and implementation, and other responsibilities. Apply online by April 12.

Westport River Watershed Alliance Calendar Photo Contest - The Westport River Watershed Alliance is seeking landscape and nature photos that show the Westport River watershed in all four seasons for the WRWA Photo Contest. Thirteen winners will be selected for the 2020 WRWA calendar. Please submit images to Steve at [e-mail] (limit five per person) by May 1.

Summer Coastal Ecology Program for Kids - Registration is now open for Westport River Watershed Alliance Summer Programs for kids aged 3-16 to learn about coastal ecology and explore coastal habitats in week-long programs. Hour-long daily sessions are available for children ages 3-6 accompanied by an adult. Registration is available on the WRWA website.

Hurricane Island Summer Programs - The Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership off the coast of Rockport, Maine, offers Summer Programs led by trained field scientists and educators in science, sustainability, and leadership for middle and high school students. Hands-on one- and two-week programs in adventure art, island ecology, marine biology, sustainable leadership, and women of water (young women only) are offered. Financial aid is available.