Welcome to CZ-Mail, the monthly electronic newsletter from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). Each issue provides information on major CZM initiatives, available tools and publications, upcoming workshops and events, grants, contracting opportunities, job openings, coastal legislation, and other news of interest to people working on coastal issues. Additional information about CZM's programs, publications, and other coastal topics can be found on the CZM website. To subscribe, send a blank email (please be sure that the email is completely blank, with no signature line) to join-env-czmail@listserv.state.ma.us. Also, please feel free to share CZ-Mail with colleagues and friends—and if you have any suggestions for future editions, or would like make a change to your CZ-Mail subscription, please email your request to CZ-Mail@mass.gov. For daily updates from CZM, please follow us on Twitter.
All links on this web page were current and working on the date of publication.
Highlights
$3.2 Million in Grants Awarded for Coastal Communities to Prepare for Climate Change - On August 1 at an event in Hull, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton was joined by legislators and local officials to announce more than $3.2 million in grants for local efforts to reduce the impacts from flooding, erosion, and sea level rise. The grants, provided through CZM’s Coastal Resilience Grant Program, were awarded to Braintree, Chatham, Chelsea and Everett, Dennis, Duxbury Beach Reservation, Inc., Gloucester, Hull, Ipswich, Kingston, Marion, Mattapoisett, Nantucket, Provincetown, Salem, Wareham, and Winthrop. Projects funded include efforts to stabilize and restore coastal buffers, retrofit critical infrastructure, evaluate long-term shoreline management alternatives and plan for resilience, and develop creative public outreach and communication products on coastal hazard and climate change impacts. The funding continues the commitment of the Baker-Polito Administration to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard residents, municipalities, and businesses from the impacts of climate change, and build a more resilient Commonwealth. For more information, see the EEA Press Release.
$500,000 in Grants Awarded to Reduce Stormwater Pollution to Coastal Waters - On July 17, EEA announced $500,000 in grants to support local efforts to address polluted stormwater runoff to protect coastal water quality and habitat. The grants, provided through CZM’s Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) Grant Program, were awarded to Barnstable, Milton, Provincetown, Salem, Sandwich, and Yarmouth. Projects include local efforts to assess, design, and implement infrastructure to intercept and treat contaminated stormwater runoff from roadways and parking areas. These local water quality improvement projects will reduce pollutants, such as nutrients, sediment, and bacteria, in the coastal watershed—helping to keep beaches and shellfish harvesting areas open and protecting wildlife habitat. The grants are being matched by $549,743 from municipal sources, further expanding the impact of the program. For more information, see the EEA Press Release.
Federal Disasters Declared for Two Severe March Storms - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced Presidential Major Disaster Declarations for the severe winter storms that impacted Massachusetts on March 2-3 and March 13-14 (see the press releases for March 2-3 and March 13-14). For the March 2-3 storm, which included widespread coastal flooding, damaging hurricane-force winds, and prolonged power outages, federal disaster assistance has been authorized for these counties: Barnstable, Bristol, Essex, Nantucket, Norfolk, and Plymouth. For the March 13-14 storm, which was the third in a series of intense back-to-back storms, federal disaster assistance has been authorized for Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. These declarations will make federal disaster assistance available to cities and towns, state agencies, and certain nonprofits to help cover storm-related response and repair costs as a result of these severe winter storms. Funds are provided through the Public Assistance Program and declared counties will be reimbursed for 75% of the costs associated with response and emergency protective measures, including storm-related overtime for first responders, clearing debris from public roads and public property, and repairing, replacing, restoring, or reconstructing damaged public facilities and infrastructure. Federal disaster funds will also be available for projects that will mitigate the costs and impacts of future disasters. For more information on the federal disaster assistance application process, including future information sessions, see the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) website.
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 the International Coastal Cleanup 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
Buzzards Bay Municipal Mini-Grant Program - Round II - The Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program is seeking a second round of proposals for the Buzzards Bay Watershed Municipal Mini-Grant Program. $130,418 in funding is 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 many 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 October 1.
National Coastal Resilience Fund - The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are seeking proposals for the 2018 National Coastal Resilience Fund, which will invest up to $30 million in the restoration or expansion of natural features such as coastal marshes and wetlands, dune and beach systems, oyster and coral reefs, mangroves, coastal forests, coastal rivers, and barrier islands. This new program requests projects that restore, increase, and strengthen natural infrastructure to ultimately protect coastal communities, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, and allow communities to recover more quickly from hazardous weather events. Proposals are due by August 7.
Products/Publications
Ocean Economy Report - NOAA has released the NOAA Report on the U.S. Ocean and Great Lakes Economy, which examines the contributions of the oceans and Great Lakes to the U.S. economy. The report presents NOAA data and concludes that the ocean economy supports 152,000 business establishments with 3.2 million employees and $128 billion in wages.
Measuring pH in Coastal Waters - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published Guidelines for Measuring Changes in Seawater pH and Associated Carbonate Chemistry in Coastal Environments of the Eastern United States, a guidance document suitable for both citizen scientists and chemistry labs that provides an overview of available sampling, analytical, and data reporting techniques for monitoring pH in coastal waters.
BOEM Quarterly Report - The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has released its Quarterly Report (PDF, 2 MB), which features summaries from BOEM-funded studies posted to the Environmental Studies Program Information System in the first quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2018. This edition includes three studies from the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf region, two from the Atlantic, two from the Pacific, and four national studies.
Climate Connection - The July 2018 issue of NOAA Climate Connection, the monthly climate literacy and communication e-newsletter from NOAA, includes articles on El Nino, greenhouse gas measurements in Hawaii, tropical cyclone movement, and other NOAA climate news and updates.
Buzzards Bay Coalition Newsletter - The June 2018 issue of The Bay Buzz from the Buzzards Bay Coalition includes articles on the 25th Buzzards Bay Swim held in June, new conservation land in the Nasketucket Bay State Reservation, a new boat pumpout service in Cuttyhunk, and other Buzzards Bay news and events.
Beneath the Surface - The June 2018 issue of Beneath the Surface, a newsletter from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), includes articles hearing tests on beluga whales in the wild, food sources for deep sea creatures, changes in the Arctic Ocean chemistry, and other news and updates from WHOI.
Right Whale News - The July 2018 issue of Right Whale News, a quarterly e-newsletter distributed by the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, reports on whales counts in Cape Cod Bay for 2018, and other right whale news.
Internet Water Report - The July 2018 issue of Internet Water Report, the email newsletter of the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, features articles on new stormwater permits in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, stream crossing assessments on the Hudson River, a report on the state of Lake Champlain, and other New England water pollution news.
Marine Protected Area Newsletter - The June 2018 issue of MPA News features articles on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and marine litter, MPAs in Central America, MPA social networks, and other MPA news and notes.
HabitatNews - The July 2018 issue of HabitatNews, a newsletter of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Restoration, includes articles on the power of partnerships, the GulfCorps Program, and other marine fisheries habitat news.
Web-Based and Mobile-User Resources
Boston Harborwalk Map - Boston Harbor Now has released a new interactive Boston Harborwalk map. Developed in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Boston Planning & Development Agency, this new web-based tool provides maps of the Boston Harborwalk—a 43-mile linear park along the Boston shoreline—and its available public amenities, many of which were required under Chapter 91 (the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act). The maps highlight seating areas, parks, restrooms, ferries, restaurants, and much more. For more Harborwalk information, see the Boston Harbor Now website.
EPA Education Videos - EPA has released two new education videos on YouTube. EPA Employs Innovative Approach to Addressing Nitrogen Pollution on Cape Cod highlights how best management practices can address the nitrogen pollution problem on Cape Cod and Smart Sectors Showcase: Best Practices in Permitting discusses streamlined environmental permitting.
Coastal Flood Exposure Maps Tutorial - NOAA’s Digital Coast has released the Coastal Flood Exposure Mapper Tutorial, a self-paced video tutorial on using NOAA’s online Coastal Flood Exposure Mapper to create easy-to-understand maps that show a community’s vulnerability to flooding. To watch the tutorial, select the "About the Tool" video.
Conserving Land to Reduce Flood Risk and Save Money - NOAA’s Digital Coastal has developed How to Map Open Space for Community Rating System Credit. This website provides details on how communities can get flood insurance premium discounts for policyholders from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by participating in the Community Rating System program to protect open spaces and reduce community flood risks.
Herring River Videos - The Friends of Herring River have released, Herring River Estuary: Ecological Insights, a 5-minute video that details why healthy salt marshes are important, the current issues with the Herring River, and why it needs to be restored. This new film expands on Herring River Estuary: Restoring an Ecological Treasure, which presents an overview of the estuary and the planned restoration.
Youth Emergency Preparedness Talks - FEMA and partners have released two new PrepTalks from the May 2018 Symposium on School Safety and Youth Preparedness. In Children and Disasters - Reducing Vulnerability and Building Capacity, Dr. Lori Peek, Director of the Natural Hazards Center in Boulder, Colorado, discusses this issue and provides specific ideas to reduce the vulnerability of children to disasters. In Youth - The Key to Building a Culture of Preparedness, Sarah Thompson, Director of U.S. Emergencies for Save the Children, examines how children can help spread emergency preparedness messages. Each web page includes videos of the presentations and question-and-answer sessions, a discussion guide on youth preparedness, and related resources.
Capitol Hill Ocean Week Videos - Select videos from the 2018 Capitol Hill Ocean Week—an annual conference on marine, coastal, and Great Lake policy issues held each June in Washington, DC—are now available online. For links, see the Capitol Hill Ocean Week website. Additional videos will be added through the summer.
Public Comment
Science and Technology for America's Oceans - NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research is seeking public input on the report Science and Technology for America's Oceans: A Decadal Vision, which identifies pressing research needs and opportunities for 2018-2028. For more information, see the Federal Register listing. Submit comments by August 27 to oceandecadalvision@OSTP.eop.gov. Include “Science and Technology for America's Oceans” in the subject line of the message.
Job/Internship Postings
Ipswich River Science and Restoration Program Director - The Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) seeks a Director for the Ipswich River Science & Restoration Program to manage a variety of activities designed to restore aquatic habitat in the Ipswich, Parker, and Essex Rivers through flow restoration, water quality improvement, fisheries restoration, and physical habitat improvement projects. IRWA seeks a candidate with a strong background in natural resource protection and willingness to jump in and make a difference for the river.
Calendar
Ocean Protection Advocacy Kids - Ocean Protection Advocacy Kids (OPAK) offers Summer 2018 Marine Science, Art, and Advocacy Workshops on Cape Cod. All workshops are open for ages 7-13 with some sessions for families. OPAK will explore ecosystems around Cape Cod with guest speakers, science experiments, art projects, and advocacy lessons.
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.
Adult Nature Club - On the first Saturday of each month, the Thornton Burgess Society presents the Adult Nature Club, a series of in-depth natural history courses for adults. On August 4, coastal scientist, Elise Leduc, will lead a beach walk to explore the tidal pools of Town Neck beach in Sandwich.
Watershed Block Party - On August 7, the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve will hold the annual Watershed Bock Party, which will include opportunities to see local animals, mini-science experiments, games, face painting, and crafts.
Cape Cod Canal Activities - On Tuesdays in August, the Cape Cod Canal Visitors Center will present Canal Kids, which features hands-on activities for kids led by the Canal Park Rangers. Remaining session topics include a marine life touch tank on August 7, whales, soils, bees, and more.
Coastal Erosion Workshop - On August 10, the Soil & Water Conservation Society’s (SWCS) Southern New England Chapter (SNEC) will hold its annual Summer Meeting in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. The morning will feature a presentation from Rhode Island coastal management staff on the Rhode Island Shoreline Change Special Area Management Plan (Beach SAMP) followed by a field tour of coastal erosion sites, lunch, and the SWCS SNEC membership meeting.
Science Stroll - On August 11, the Woods Hole Science Stroll will be held on Water Street in Woods Hole. Eighteen organizations will provide science demos, hands-on activities, crafts for kids, and more. Free tickets are available to tour WHOI’s Research Vessel Atlantis (which includes a tour of the submersible Alvin) and Sea Education Association’s tall ship Corwith Cramer.
Monomoy Guided Trail Walks - On Fridays and Saturdays through August, the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge in Chatham will host guided trail walks twice a day at 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. These walks focus on the refuge’s plants, wildlife, and history, and the next scheduled date is August 12. For more information, see the Refuge Facebook page or email r5rw_mnwr@fws.gov.
Herring River Field Trip - On August 14, the Friends of the Herring River will host a free field trip on the effects of tidal restriction and restoration led by retired Cape Cod National Seashore Ecologist John Portnoy. Participants should meet at the National Seashore Parking Lot on Griffin Island in Wellfleet at 9:00 a.m. All are welcome. Please RSVP to info@herringriver.org.
Barnstable Land Trust Walks and Talks - The Barnstable Land Trust has scheduled several events as part of its Walks & Talks nature series. On August 15, join the Trust for a Sandy Neck Summer Flora & Fauna Hike.
OneCape Summit - From August 16-17, the Cape Cod Commission will host the fifth annual OneCape Summit at the Wequassett Resort in Harwich. Attendees will have an opportunity to hear from local, regional, and state representatives on the important issues facing the Cape Cod economy and environment. The 2018 Summit topics include water quality, coastal resiliency, infrastructure planning, community design, and economic development.
Annual Swim & Fin - 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 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.
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 August 30, September 20, and October 25. Space is limited, so please register.
Floodplain Management Conference - From September 4-7, the Flood Management Association will hold the Floodplain Management Annual Conference, Sustainability in the Face of Change, in Reno, Nevada. The conference provides a forum for floodplain management experts and policy makers to address local, state, and federal regulatory and policy issues pertaining to flood risk management and planning.
Cape Cod Wildlife Festival - On September 8, the Cape Cod Wildlife Collaborative is celebrating the 9th annual Cape Cod Wildlife Festival at Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Barnstable from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free event includes family friendly activities, interactive exhibits, live animal presentations, live music, book signings, and food and ice cream.
Boston Harbor Educators Conference - 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.
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. August events include yoga, wildflower walks, bird walks, clamming, kayaking, lectures, 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 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 seashore adventures, birding, 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, morning birding, 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 Complete Education Catalog for an overview of upcoming wetland delineation and other workshops. The MACC Community 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 - The National Marine Life Center (NMLC) in Buzzards Bay offers a variety educational, after school, and scout programs on marine animals, strandings, rehabilitation, and ocean conservation. See their Education page for links to drop-in and scheduled programs.
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 - The NSRWA hosts numerous events including pontoon tours, 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 their 2018 Summer Schedule.
Reminders - The following calendar items posted previously in CZ-Mail are still to come:
- 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 by canoe, kayak, paddleboard, row boat, or other non-motorized vessel along the South Shore’s North River. Proceeds 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 speedboats, sloops, and schooners. 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.
Other Items of Interest
Letters to a Pre-Scientist - Letter to a Pre-Scientist strives to demystify science careers by creating personal connections between real scientists and students from high-poverty schools. Interested scientists are invited to be matched with a pen pal for the 2018-19 school year. Learn how to sign up.
EPA Science Advisory Board - EPA is seeking candidates for the EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB), a chartered federal advisory committee that provides independent, expert advice to the EPA about a range of science, engineering, and economic issues. To nominate someone to the SAB, see the Y2019 Nominations of Experts links at the bottom of the Science Advisory Board web page. Nominations are due by August 8.
Recycle Bowl - Keep America Beautiful will hold the 2018 Recycle Bowl, a friendly competition that helps K-12 schools promote the creation of new recycling programs, increase recycling rates in schools, and provide teacher/student educational opportunities about recycling and waste reduction. Schools and students can start planning now for the competition. This year's competition begins on October 15 and registration opens on August 6.
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.
Campus RainWorks Challenge - The EPA Office of Water has announced the 7th annual Campus RainWorks Challenge, a green infrastructure design competition for undergraduate and graduate students. Student teams, working with a faculty advisor, will submit design boards, a project narrative, and a letter of support for a proposed green infrastructure project for their campus. Winning teams will be awarded cash prizes. Registration is open from September 1-30 and entries must be submitted by December 14.