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
Seeking Local Cleanup Coordinators for COASTSWEEP 2021 - COASTSWEEP is back! The annual statewide beach cleanup sponsored by CZM will begin in late August—and now is the time to sign up to be a local cleanup coordinator for your favorite beach, marsh, dive site, and riverbank. Volunteers throughout Massachusetts turn out in large numbers each year for this event, which is part of an international campaign organized by the Ocean Conservancy in Washington, DC. Participants all over the world collect trash and other marine debris and record what they find. This information is then used to help reduce future marine debris problems. Cleanups can be scheduled from late August into November. To get involved as a cleanup coordinator or to volunteer at a cleanup, see the COASTSWEEP website.
CZM Offices Remain Closed - All CZM offices are currently closed for in-person services. During this time, CZM staff are working remotely and are available to assist with coastal management issues. See Contact CZM for details.
Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities
Grants to Build Partner Capacity for Clean Water Act Programs - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking grant applications for the 2021 Building Partner Capacity and Promoting Resiliency and Equity under Clean Water Act Wetlands, Nonpoint Source, Monitoring, Assessment and Listing Programs to fund training and related activities to build stakeholder capacity to support the goals of the Clean Water Act programs. For details, see Grants.gov. Applications are due by August 10.
Online Tools and Resources
Rain Garden App - The University of Connecticut Center for Land Use Education and Research’s Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) Program has revised its Rain Garden App, an online tool designed to be compatible with smart phones that provides details on how to properly site, size, install, and maintain a rain garden. To install on smart phones, see the NEMO website.
New Resource and Data from NOAA Digital Coast - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Digital Coast has posted these new resources:
- Funding and Financing Coastal Resilience - A virtual training with details on financial strategies to fund coastal resilience efforts.
- Facilitating Scientific Feedback on Dredging Impacts Off the North Carolina Shore - A “story from the field” that explores the environmental considerations of sand mining off the coast of North Carolina.
- Resiliency Officer Helps Design an Environmental Impact Bond to Finance Community Resilience Projects - A case study on the creation of an environmental impact bond in Virginia to help fund community resilience projects through bond investments.
- New and updated data sets (PDF, 164 KB)
Products/Publications
§309 Assessment and Strategy for Enhancement for 2021-2025 - CZM, in consultation with NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management, has released the final Section 309 Assessment and Five-Year Strategy for CZM Program Enhancement (FY2021-2025) (PDF, 2 MB). Section 309 of the federal Coastal Zone Management Act establishes a voluntary enhancement grants program for states to develop and implement changes to their federally approved Coastal Management Programs in one or more of these areas: Wetlands, Coastal Hazards, Public Access, Marine Debris, Cumulative and Secondary Impacts, Special Area Management Planning, Energy and Government Facility Siting, Ocean and Great Lakes Resources, and Aquaculture. CZM developed this document to evaluate and identify program needs and outline a five-year strategy for achieving program changes and associated implementation objectives. The proposed strategy covers the federal fiscal years from 2021 to 2025 and serves as an update to the previous Section 309 Assessment and Strategy published in 2015 (PDF, 2 MB).
Green Streets Handbook - EPA has released the Green Streets Handbook, which provides guidance to state and local transportation agencies, municipal officials, and others to choose, design, and construct green infrastructure—such as vegetated filter strips, rain gardens, and other nature-based techniques—to reduce stormwater impacts from roads, alleys, and parking lots.
Low Impact Development and Local Codes Fact Sheet - EPA has released Revising Local Codes to Facilitate Low Impact Development (PDF, 6 MB), which addresses barriers in local development codes that have prevented greater adoption of Low Impact Development (LID) practices. Also known as green stormwater infrastructure, these LID approaches are designed to use soil, vegetation, and other nature-based methods to capture, filter, and infiltrate runoff. This new fact sheet concludes EPA’s 12-part LID Barrier Buster Fact Sheet Series.
2020 Beach Cleanup Report - The Surfrider Foundation has released the 2020 Beach Cleanup Annual Report, which highlights the results of their Beach Cleanup program for 2020. The report presents stories from around the country, cleanup data, and information on how the Surfrider network adapted cleanups for COVID-19.
A Guidebook on FEMA Grants to Promote Nature-Based Hazard Mitigation - The Nature Conservancy, in coordination with the engineering firm AECOM, has released Promoting Nature-Based Hazard Mitigation through FEMA Mitigation Grants. This guidebook provides information to help communities access Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding to reduce flooding and wildfire risk through more holistic approaches that are based on natural processes, rather than using traditional infrastructure. This guide also includes an overview of FEMA funding opportunities, tips for successful grant applications, and case studies.
Newsletters and Other Periodicals
Massachusetts Association for Floodplain Management Newsletter - The Summer 2021 Newsletter (PDF, 2 MB) from the Massachusetts Association for Floodplain Management (massFM) discusses the recent approval of massFM as an official Chapter of the Association of State Floodplain Managers, significant proposed updates to the National Flood Insurance Program, the No Adverse Impact approach to floodplain management, and other Massachusetts floodplain management news.
MassBays Newsletter - The Summer 2021 issue of the MassBays Newsletter, the quarterly update from the MassBays National Estuary Partnership (MassBays), covers the February 2021 report of the Massachusetts Ocean Acidification Commission, the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs updated Environmental Justice Policy, and other MassBays news. Consider subscribing to receive updates directly.
NOAA HabitatNews - The July 2021 issue of HabitatNews, a newsletter of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation, includes articles on Habitat Month in July and NOAA’s habitat work to support resilient communities and ecosystems, a recommended $17.5 million restoration initiative in the Great Lakes, climate change education resources for teachers, and other marine fisheries habitat news.
Northeast Ocean Data Portal Newsletter - The July 2021 issue of Northeast Ocean Data, a newsletter of the Northeast Ocean Data Portal, provides details on available new data and map layers, including eelgrass areas, commercial whale watching activity, scuba diving areas, vessel traffic, offshore wind, and bathymetry.
The Sandbar - The July 2021 issue of The Sandbar, a quarterly publication from the National Sea Grant College Program on U.S. ocean and coastal legal issues, covers a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on a Georgia-Florida water rights dispute, a U.S. Department of Agriculture expansion of disaster relief fund eligibility for aquaculture producers, and other ocean- and coastal-related legal issues.
USGS Sound Waves - This April-June 2021 issue of Sound Waves, a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) newsletter, includes articles on new coastal wetlands vulnerability maps for the United States, new research on climate change suppressing coral reef growth in subtropic waters, and other coastal and marine research news.
Jobs/Internship Postings
Restoration Ecologist - The Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) is seeking an experienced Restoration Ecologist, preferably with a master’s degree, to help fulfill the goals of the Cape Cod Restoration Coordination Center, which provides support to Cape Cod communities interested in completing ecological restoration projects. This temporary, full-time position will begin in August and continue into spring of 2022, with potential to become a permanent position. For details, see the position posting.
Director of Development - The Merrimack River Watershed Council (MRWC), a nonprofit environmental organization in Lawrence working to protect and improve the Merrimack River watershed, is seeking a full-time Director of Development to oversee all fundraising programs and communications activities, develop and implement a strategy to expand MRWC’s funding, enhance the MWRC profile, and help achieve the organization’s strategic goals. Applications are due by August 16. See the job posting.
Marine Animal Rehabilitation and Environmental Education Internships - The National Marine Life Center (NMLC), a marine wildlife rehabilitation and education center on Cape Cod, is seeking Marine Animal Rehabilitation and Environmental Education Interns to assist with the care of seals, sea turtles, freshwater turtles, and other animals being rehabilitated. The interns will also assist with environmental education programs. The unpaid internship is open to college students and recent graduates. Applications for spring 2022 positions are due by November 1. For details, see their job & internship opportunities.
Marketing & Development Internships - NMLC is also seeking Marketing & Development Interns to assist with donor outreach and communications, planning fundraising events, maintaining social media accounts and the NMLC website, and updating marketing materials and plans. The unpaid internship is open to college students and recent graduates. Applications for spring 2022 positions are due by November 1. See their job & internship opportunities.
Calendar - Individual Events and Announcements
Building Your Climate Data Story - August 3 and 5, workshop for K-12 educators on the use of storytelling to teach about climate change.
The Pathway to Green and Complete Streets: Steps, Success Stories, and Lessons Learned - August 5, webinar on using green infrastructure for environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Wild Fish Open Water Swim 2021 - August 7, open water swim event to support Salem Sound Coastwatch to be held at Collins Cove in Salem.
Teachers on the Estuary - August 9, teacher training at the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve on watersheds and coastal environments with a focus on using American Sign Language for instruction of deaf students.
2021 National Coastal Conference—Call for Poster Presentations - September 28-October 1, conference on coastal science, policy, technology, and politics sponsored by the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana. Poster abstracts are due by August 20.
OneCape Summit - August 23-24, summit presented by the Cape Cod Commission on climate change, water quality, and housing on Cape Cod. The 2021 Summit will be held in Harwich and online.
Understanding Algal Blooms: State of the Science - September 8, virtual conference sponsored by Ohio Sea Grant.
Run for the Beach 5K - September 19, annual run/walk event to support Salem Sound Coastwatch that will start at Dane Street Beach in Beverly.
Estuarine Sentinel Sites: From Environmental Measurements to Climate Change Management - September 30, webinar presented by the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve on research to better understand the effects of climate change on coastal environments.
Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride - October 3, fundraising ride to support the Buzzards Bay Coalition. Registration is required.
Martha's Vineyard Coastal Conference - October 4-5, conference hosted by CZM, The Trustees, Barnstable County, Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), Martha’s Vineyard Commission, and Woods Hole Sea Grant with presentations on shoreline dynamics, coastal flooding and management, coastal resilience and adaptation, and saltmarsh migration. The 2021 conference will be held in Edgartown with a virtual option.
Increasing the Resilience and Resistance of Climate-Vulnerable Species and Ecosystems - October 13, webinar sponsored Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (NE CASC).
2021 Living Shorelines Tech Transfer Workshop - October 19-20, workshop hosted by Restore America's Estuaries, American Littoral Society, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the Chesapeake Bay and New Jersey field offices of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service on nature-based shoreline stabilization techniques. This workshop will be held in Cape May, New Jersey.
NE CASC Regional Science Symposium - October 26-27, virtual symposium on climate adaptation resources and tools.
Conservation Marketing and Engagement Conference - October 27-30, virtual conference presented by ConsMark with the theme “Changing Behavior in a Changing Climate” that will feature presentations on climate and changing oceans, marine pollution and plastics, marine and coastal pollution, and other environmental topics.
CERF 2021 Conference - November 1-4 and 8-11, virtual conference sponsored by the Coastal Estuarine Research Federation (CERF).
IECA Northeast Regional Conference - November 2-4, conference in Plymouth on erosion and sediment control and environmental compliance, sponsored by the International Erosion Control Association (IECA).
Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative Research Conference - November 5, biennial research conference on biodiversity-related research projects conducted on Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, Long Island, or other similar habitats. The 2021 conference will be held in Nantucket and online.
AWRA 2021 Annual Water Resources Conference - November 8-10, conference sponsored by the American Water Resources Association (AWRA) to be held in Kissimmee, Florida.
Reminders - The following calendar items posted previously in CZ-Mail are still to come:
- Great River Race - Virtually through August 6 or live on August 7, river paddling race to support the North and South Rivers Watershed Association.
- Climate Justice: Exploring the Science of Climate Change in Your Classroom - August 17-19, workshop for educators from NOAA Planet Stewards.
- Estuaries and Coastal Seas in the Anthropocene - September 6-9, virtual international conference presented by Elsevier.
- 2021 Flood Management Conference - September 7-10, sponsored by the Flood Management Association and held online.
- Stormwater Conference - September 13-15, annual conference sponsored by StormCon and held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Global OCEANS 2021 - September 20-23, hybrid oceans conference and exhibition for maritime professionals to be held in San Diego, California, and online.
- Great Boston Cleanup - September 24, litter cleanup effort across Boston sponsored by Keep Massachusetts Beautiful.
- Sustainable Watersheds and Agriculture Symposium - October 26-27, conference for watershed and resource conservation professionals sponsored by the Center for Watershed Protection to be held in Fulton, Maryland.
Calendar - Multiple/Ongoing Events
2021 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Webinar Series - Webinar series from EPA on these grant programs.
Aquarium Lecture Series - Periodic webinars presented by the New England Aquarium.
Barnstable Land Trust Events - Programs for children and adults across Barnstable.
Boston Harbor Now Events - Events throughout the Boston Harbor area.
Buzzards Bay Events - Regional events compiled by the Buzzards Bay Coalition.
Cape Cod Field Schools - Multi-day field courses offered by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
Cape Cod Maritime Museum Summer Lecture Series - Periodic lectures, webinars, and field trips through summer.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Programs - A calendar of events at the museum.
Center for Coastal Studies Events - Events across the Cape Cod region.
Climate Adaptation Science Fall Webinar Series - Monthly webinars on climate change, adaptation, and resilience from the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center at UMass Amherst.
Conservation Commission Education - Workshops, webinars, and trainings scheduled across Massachusetts and posted by the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC). See the MACC Complete Education Catalog and Community Calendar.
Ecological Landscaping Events - Webinars, walks, and classes from the Ecological Landscape Alliance.
Guided Paddles on the Neponset River - Staff-guided paddling tours from the Neponset River Watershed Association.
Ipswich River Watershed Events - Events throughout the watershed compiled by the Ipswich River Watershed Association.
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.
Mass Audubon Program Catalog - Programs for children and adults hosted at the following Mass Audubon coastal locations:
- Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
- Joppa Flats Education Center
- Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary
- North River Wildlife Sanctuary
- Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Mystic River Watershed Events - Events throughout the watershed compiled by the Mystic River Watershed Association.
National 303(d)/TMDL Webinar Series - Webinars from NEIWPCC on the §303(d) and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) requirements of the Clean Water Act.
National Marine Sanctuaries Webinars - Periodic webinars hosted by the sanctuary system.
NOAA Coastal Training and Learning Resources - A range of training opportunities from NOAA’s Digital Coast.
NOAA Live! - Recorded webinars sponsored by NOAA’s Regional Collaboration Network, Woods Hole Sea Grant, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
NOAA Planet Stewards Educator Events - Webinars, workshops, and book club sessions from the NOAA Planet Stewards Education Project.
NOAA Science Seminars - Webinars and seminars on science and climate issues from several NOAA partners.
North and South Rivers Watershed Association Events - Events listings on the South Shore.
Salem Sound Coastwatch Community Calendar - Events posted in the Salem Sound region.
Salvaging Solutions to Abandoned and Derelict Vessels Webinar Series - Monthly webinars through October from the NOAA Marine Debris Program.
Summer Walks in Harwich - Periodic walks from the Harwich Conservation Trust.
Underwater Acoustics Webinars - Webinars on underwater sound hosted by the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography.
Waquoit Bay Summer Programs - Activities for kids and adults from the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Wednesday Morning Garden Tours - Guided tours of the Shirley G. Cross Wildflower Garden at the Thornton Burgess Society’s Green Briar Nature Center in East Sandwich through August 25.
Other Items of Interest
Volunteers Needed for Eelgrass Blitz on the South Shore - From August 9-13, the North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA), MassBays, and Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries will coordinate the 4th annual Eelgrass Blitz—an on-the-water eelgrass survey in Duxbury, Kingston, and Plymouth Bays designed to document and help understand the extensive eelgrass losses observed in these embayments since 1995. Teams of volunteers on boats will collect data on eelgrass at multiple points throughout the bays. NSRWA is seeking boat owners (with their boats) and volunteers to help conduct the survey. A training session will be held on August 8 followed by the survey from August 9-13. To get involved, please submit your availability on the Eelgrass Blitz Form or Boat Captain form. For more information, contact Olivia Freund at summerintern2@nsrwa.org or Sara Grady at sara@nsrwa.org.
Marine Sanctuary Photo Contest - NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is seeking photos within the National Marine Sanctuary System for the 2021 Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest. Submit photos of scenic views, ocean life, and recreation activities within a sanctuary; photos illustrating how you connect with a sanctuary from home through stewardship activities; or artwork related to the sanctuaries. Submissions are due by September 6.
Be a Pen Pal of a Future Scientist - Letters to a Pre-Scientist has a goal to clarify and explain careers in science by creating connections between real scientists and middle school students. Interested science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals are invited to be matched with a pen pal for the 2021-22 school year. This volunteer opportunity will involve exchanging four rounds of letters with your assigned student. Learn how to sign up.
Coastal Ocean Science Academy - The Northeastern University Marine Science Center in Nahant is accepting sign-ups for the 2021 Coastal Ocean Science Academy, a one-week summer experience held from August 9-13 for middle school students and August 16-20 for high school students. Participants experience local coastal habitats and marine resources, engaging in hands-on research activities.