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
CZM Director, Bruce Carlisle, Moves on to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center - In November, CZM Director Bruce Carlisle left CZM to become the Senior Director for Offshore Wind at the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC). Bruce has been with CZM for more than 24 years, starting in 1993 as an intern with the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program while researching and writing his Master’s thesis. From 1994 to 2003, he served as CZM’s Wetlands and Water Quality Specialist, working on technical and policy issues in the protection of the Commonwealth’s coastal and marine resources. Bruce has also invested significant time and energy in applied research projects developing wetlands assessment methods and examining trends in coastal wetlands. In 2005, Bruce was named Assistant CZM Director and served as Acting Director in 2007 and again in 2010 before becoming Director in 2011. Through his CZM tenure, Bruce has served with diligence, passion, and an unmatched capacity to do everything from policy development to GIS analysis to report writing and field research. His major accomplishments include chairing the Aquatic Habitat Restoration Task Force, chairing the Massachusetts Coastal Erosion Commission, and leading the effort for the first review and update the Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan. CZM will surely miss his inside knowledge of the Massachusetts coast and such a wide range of coastal issues (as well as his booming voice throughout the office). Smooth sailing in your new position at MassCEC, Bruce!
Lisa Berry Engler to Serve as CZM Acting Director - With Bruce Carlisle’s departure, CZM Assistant Director Lisa Berry Engler will assume Acting Director responsibilities. Lisa has served as Assistant Director since November 2017 and directs policy development, planning efforts, and technical approaches for the agency. Previously, Lisa served as 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. Previously, Lisa held positions at CZM’s MassBays National Estuary Program and worked within the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Areas of Critical Environmental Concern Program and the Department of Transportation.
Seventh Annual Great Marsh Symposium - On November 8, the Great Marsh Coalition held the seventh annual Great Marsh Symposium, Celebrating the Great Marsh: Fostering the Future at Woodman’s of Essex. This year’s event featured experts on a range of topics that highlight and celebrate the influence of the Great Marsh on the environmental, economic, cultural, and recreational well-being of the region. Students from the Climate Café, representing Gloucester, Ipswich, and Newburyport High Schools, closed out the day by engaging participants in lively round-table discussions to brainstorm ways that to foster the next generation of Great Marsh stewards. The popular annual event again attracted more than 150 participants from the Great Marsh area and surrounding communities. See the Great Marsh website for links to more information about the Great Marsh.
Thank You COASTSWEEP Volunteers! - Thank you to the many volunteers who turned out this year for COASTSWEEP, the annual statewide coastal cleanup sponsored by CZM! Cleanups were held from September to mid-November, so results are still flowing in—but data compiled so far shows that 3,001 volunteers cleaned 83 locations, covering more than 127 miles of coastline and removing 12,577 pounds of trash. The final tally, which will continue to grow as the rest of the cleanups are tabulated, will be reported in the January 2019 CZ-Mail. Signups for 2019 cleanups will begin next spring. Please contact us to receive a sign-up reminder.
Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Grants - Later this month, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) anticipates the release of two Requests for Responses (RFR) seeking proposals for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Grant Program for technical assistance and funding through planning and action grants. The MVP planning grants help cities and towns complete a community-driven process to identify hazards and develop strategies to improve resilience to climate change impacts. Through this program, municipalities will be better equipped to prepare for climate change, and state government will gain a better understanding of the challenges communities face. Additionally, the program helps coordinate statewide efforts and align programs with the critical challenges facing communities. State-certified MVP providers deliver the program using a standardized toolkit for assessing vulnerability and developing strategies and the best available statewide climate projections and data. Upon successful completion of the program, municipalities are designated as MVP Communities, which may lead to future funding opportunities. The MVP 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. Stay tuned to the MVP web page for updates on both the planning and action grants.
Massachusetts Environmental Trust Grants - The Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) is seeking proposals for the 2020 Drive for a Better Environment Grants Program, which funds projects focusing on endangered marine animals and critical aquatic ecosystems in Massachusetts. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and municipalities and funding amounts typically range from $10,000 to $50,000. For more information, to view the Request for Responses (RFR), and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. A question and answer period closes December 7 and full proposals are due December 14 for projects that will begin in July 2019.
MassTrails Grants - The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is seeking applications for funding through MassTrails, a statewide program that provides matching grants of $10,000-$100,000 to communities, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations to design, create, and maintain trails in Massachusetts. For more information, contact Amanda Lewis, MassTrails Program Manager, at amanda.lewis@mass.gov. Applications are due by February 1, 2019. See the MassTrails Grants Guide for application details.
Grants for Community Water Quality, Watershed, and Habitat Protection - The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Wildlife Habitat Council, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and partners, are seeking applications for the 2019 Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration program. These grants focus on developing community capacity to promote sustainable natural resource use. Projects focus on protecting water quality, watersheds, species, and habitats through restoration, community outreach, education, and stewardship. Awards from $20,000 to $50,000 will be granted for 12- to 18-month projects that start in July 2019. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, state agencies, local and municipal governments, Indian tribes, and schools. Full proposals are due by January 31, 2019.
Reminders - This opportunity, listed in the last CZ-Mail, is still available:
- Marine Debris Research Funding - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Program is seeking proposals to support marine debris research on the ecological risk, exposure levels, fate and transport in coastal environments, and/or habitat impacts of marine debris. For more information, see the federal funding opportunity. Proposals are due by December 14.
Products/Publications
Salt Marsh Response and Resilience Workshop Proceedings - The New England National Estuarine Research Reserves held a regional workshop in April 2018 on the impacts of sea level rise on salt marshes and their ability to adapt to a changing climate. Workshop proceedings and speaker presentations—including Marsh Impairment and Future Considerations: A Massachusetts Overview (PDF, 3 MB) by CZM’s Marc Carullo—are now available on the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve website.
National Climate Assessment - The U.S. Global Change Research Program has released Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II: Impacts, Ricks, and Adaptation in the United States, a report that provides a thorough assessment of the environmental, societal, and human impacts of climate change in the United States along with various strategies to mitigate these effects.
Global Warming Special Report - The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released Global Warming of 1.5 °C. This special report examines the impacts of a 1.5 °C increase in global temperatures above pre-industrial levels and the collective effort needed to keep temperatures below that target to create a more sustainable society.
Microplastics Ingestion by Deep Sea Invertebrates - Consistent Microplastic Ingestion by Deep-Sea Invertebrates over the Last Four Decades (1976-2015), a Study from the North East Atlantic, published in Environmental Pollution, describes a study that found a consistent level of ingested microplastics in specimens collected from the same deep water site in the northeast Atlantic, indicating a decades-long prevalence of microplastics in this marine environment.
Beneath the Surface - The November 2018 issue of Beneath the Surface, a newsletter from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), includes stories on the impact of climate change on an ancient civilization in the Mideast, a study of coral bleaching of a Pacific reef over the last century, the unique features of the Red Sea, and other news and updates from WHOI.
Buzzards Bay Coalition Newsletter - The latest edition of The Bay Buzz from the Buzzards Bay Coalition has articles on their merger with the Westport Fisherman’s Association, septic system upgrades in West Falmouth, coastal farms around Buzzard Bay, and other Buzzards Bay news and events.
Climate Change News - InsideClimate News is a nonprofit, independent news organization that provides weekly original stories and investigations on climate change, energy, and the environment. Sign up to receive newsletters.
Ebb & Flow - The Fall 2018 issue of Ebb & Flow, the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) eNewsletter, reports on recent awards received by DER staff, the increasing need for trained restoration professionals, a floodplain forest restoration in Easthampton, and other restoration project updates, grant opportunities, and resource links.
HabitatNews - The November 2018 issue of HabitatNews, a newsletter of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Restoration, includes articles on the efforts of a veteran’s group to restore abalone populations in California, the new NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program Strategic Plan, the Herring River Restoration Project in Wellfleet and Truro, and other marine fisheries habitat news.
Ipswich River News - The November 2018 issue of River News from the Ipswich Watershed Association covers the annual meeting of the PIE-Rivers Partnership, the importance of dam removal, macroinvertebrate sampling, and other Ipswich River news and updates.
Marine Ecosystems and Management Information Service - The November 2018 edition of Marine Ecosystems and Management, the bimonthly information service on marine ecosystem-based management from the University of Washington School of Marine Affairs, features articles on the impact of climate change on ocean planning, a new conservation planning database, marine ecosystem restoration lessons from Indonesia, and other resources and news.
Marine Protected Area Newsletter - The November 2018 issues of MPA News includes articles on planning Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in a warming ocean, a new tool for quick assessments of a site’s climate change vulnerability, and other news, and notes.
MPA Connections - The November 2018 edition of Marine Protected Areas Connections, the newsletter of the NOAA National Marine Protected Areas Center, features articles on the MPA Federal Advisory Committee’s findings and recommendations on MPA benefits, a new infographic on MPAs and climate change, and other MPA news.
MassBays Newsletter - The Fall 2018 issue of the MassBays Newsletter, the quarterly update from the MassBays National Estuary Program, features an opportunity to comment on the MassBays Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for the next 10 years, along with news and events from around the Bays. Consider subscribing to receive updates directly.
Stellwagen Bank E-Notes - The October-November 2018 issue of Stellwagen Bank E-Notes (PDF, 3 MB), the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary newsletter, features articles on the 2018 whale tagging cruise, impacts of vessel traffic on fish communications, marine art contest winners, and other sanctuary stories, news, and notes.
Web-Based and Mobile-User Resources
Encyclopedia of Life Learning and Education Resources - The Encyclopedia of Life (EOL)—a free website for worldwide biodiversity information—has posted new learning and education resources. One Species at a Time are five-minute podcasts with details on species from single-cell bacteria to large mammals like the bowhead whale.
Preparedness Talks for Emergency Managers - The Federal Emergency Management Agency and partners have released a new episode of PrepTalks—presentations by experts on emergency preparedness. Triage, Ethics and Operations - Healthcare Emergency Preparedness and Response—by Dr. Sheri Fink, New York Times correspondent and author of Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital—discusses two disasters that show how the allocation of limited resources during emergencies can impact the success of the response. Each web page includes videos of the presentations and question-and-answer sessions, a discussion guide, and related resources.
New Resources and Data from NOAA Digital Coast - NOAA’s Digital Coast has posted these new resources:
- Beach Nourishment Viewer, which provides details on more than 2,000 nourishment projects going back to 1923;
- Citizen Science Water Level Application, a crowd-sourced tool to record and see water levels and impacts of coastal flooding; and
- 19 new and updated data sets (PDF, 67 KB).
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.
Seeking Public Input on the MassBays 10-Year Comprehensive Plan - The Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program (MassBays)—which is dedicated to protecting, restoring, and enhancing the estuarine resources of Ipswich Bay, Massachusetts Bay, and Cape Cod Bay—is seeking input on Blueprint for the Bays, their Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for the next 10 years. MassBays is specifically soliciting input on data and research gaps, potential partnerships, and systemic changes that will improve coastal habitat and provide information for local decisionmaking. To participate, complete the 15-minute Blueprint for the Bays survey before December 5.
Calendar
Cape Coastal Conference - From December 4-5, the sixth annual Cape Coastal Conference will be held at the Hyannis Resort and Conference Center. This two-day conference for coastal decision makers will focus on water quality and coastal resilience with a goal to provide science-based information that can lead to better management of coastal resources. Space is limited, therefore pre-registration is required.
Ocean Science Café - On December 5, WHOI’s Ocean Science Café will present Seals & Sharks & Humans in South Yarmouth. Andrea Bogomolni from WHOI and Megan Winton from UMass Dartmouth will discuss the importance of seals and sharks on Cape Cod. Space is limited for this free talk, so registration is required.
Stormwater Conference—Call for Speakers - From August 18-22, 2019, StormCon 2019—a conference and expo for stormwater and water quality professionals—will be held in Atlanta, Georgia. Conference organizers are seeking presentations in six program tracks: stormwater infrastructure and best management practices; green infrastructure; stormwater permit compliance; funding, staffing, and managing stormwater programs; industrial stormwater management; and research and testing. For details, see the Call for Speakers. Submissions are due by December 5.
Cape Cod Natural History Conference—Call for Presentations - Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is now accepting proposals for presentations for the 24th annual Cape Cod Natural History Conference at Cape Cod Community College in Barnstable on March 9, 2019. Presentation topics may include professional or personal research/studies/observations focusing on the ecology, behavior, status, or distribution of local plants, animals, natural communities, and/or environmental restoration projects on Cape Cod. For submission instructions, contact Christine Bates at cbates@massaudubon.org. Proposals are due by December 21.
Northeast Aquaculture Conference - From January 9-11, 2019, the Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center and the NOAA Fisheries Service Milford Laboratory will present the Northeast Aquaculture Conference & Exposition and the Milford Aquaculture Seminar in Boston. This biennial event for the aquaculture community in the northeast region will discuss issues and current research and include concurrent sessions, field trips, workshops, and a trade show.
International Sea Turtle Symposium - From February 2-8, 2019, the International Sea Turtle Symposium, Navigating the Future, will be held in Charleston, South Carolina. This annual conference brings together experts from around the world to share information on sea turtle biology and conservation.
Coastal GeoTools 2019 - From February 11-14, 2019, Coastal GeoTools 2019 will be held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This conference focuses on geospatial and technical information needs of coastal management programs and will feature sessions on flood risk and protection, mapping benthic habitats, coastal bathymetry, tools for risk management, hurricane forecasting, and much more.
International Erosion Control Conference - From February 19-22, 2019, the International Erosion Control Association (ICEA) will hold the 2019 ICEA Annual Conference and Expo in Denver, Colorado. The conference brings together professionals from around the world to discuss the latest products, services, and technology for erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, shoreline restoration, industry trends, and other topics. The conference features full- and half-day training courses, technical sessions, events in the field, and more.
Water Action Alliance Conference - On March 29, 2019, the Water Action Alliance (WAA) of Southeast Massachusetts will hold its 2019 Conference in Hanson. This conference, entitled Water - New England’s Next Big Challenge, will focus on water quality and supply issues in New England, with a focus on Southeastern Massachusetts. Sessions will be presented on water quality and quantity, education and enforcement, and the future of the region’s water supply. Registration is required.
Boston Environmental History Seminar Series - The Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS) will host the 2018-2019 Boston Seminar on Environmental History, which includes seven sessions on how the environment has shaped American societies. The next session, A Nice History of Bird Migration: Ethology, Expertise, and Conservation in 20th Century North America, will be held on December 11 at the MHS 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.
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. December events include a twilight owl prowl, trail maintenance at Smith Farm, seaside seal stroll, snowshoeing, hikes, and more. Events can be filtered by town, month, host, or select topics, such as kid-friendly and volunteering.
Cape Cod Bird Club Walks - The Cape Cod Bird Club holds free birding walks. Upcoming walks include Outer Cape from Wellfleet to Provincetown on December 6, Corporation Beach in Dennis on December 15, and mid-Cape in South Dennis on New Year’s Day.
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 Sea Turtle and Marine Animal Strandings from December 5-6.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Programs - The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History hosts a wide variety of events including films, birdwatching, a rainforest reptile show, educational programs, and more. Check out their events calendar for details.
Climate Adaption Lunchtime Webinars - This fall, the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center is hosting monthly lunchtime webinars on the center’s activities. Each 30-minute talk is followed by a discussion open to online attendees. The next webinar is Wildlife Adaptation Synthesis on December 12.
Green Infrastructure Webcasts - EPA’s Green Infrastructure Webcast Series features sessions geared toward public officials and practitioners just beginning to implement green infrastructure, as well as those looking to enhance established programs. The December webcasts are Reclaiming Lost Lands: Revitalizing Brownfields with Green Infrastructure on December 5 and Coloring Superfund Green: Select Case Studies on Revitalization of Contaminated Sites with Green Infrastructure on December 18.
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, workshops, winter walks, and vacation family fun.
Joppa Flats Education Center Programs and Events - This fall, 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, birding, homeschooler activities, and music for preschoolers.
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 a holiday holly hike, winter birding, preschool 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 offers a variety of 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, including the Wetlands Protection Act: Fundamentals, Process and Procedures Webinar on December 5.
New England Aquarium Youth Programs - The New England Aquarium provides a variety of programs for kids from 12 months to 12th 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 listings and details on NOAA science and climate seminars and webinars that are available across the nation.
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 environment al challenges. The project hosts a book club, webinars, and workshops for educators. Sign up to receive emails about future webinars. The next Book Club session, A Hole in the Wind: A Climate Scientist’s Bicycle Journey across the United States, is on January 21, 2019.
Reminders - The following calendar items posted previously in CZ-Mail are still to come:
- Global Resilience Summit - From December 4-6, the 2018 ResCon International—The Global Resilience Summit—will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana. This conference will focus on disaster management and resiliency around the world. Session topics include economic resilience, emergency management, coastal restoration and water management, first response, homeland security, business continuity, and more.
- Coastal and Estuarine Restoration Summit - From December 8-13, Restore America’s Estuaries and the Coastal States Organization will hold the ninth National Summit on Coastal and Estuarine Restoration and Management, Investing in Our Coasts: Environment, Economy, Culture, in Long Beach, California. The summit will focus on current issues in coastal restoration, including living shorelines, climate change adaptation, and more.
Other Items of Interest
Coastal Wetlands Scholarship - The Garden Club of America is seeking applicants for a Coastal Wetlands Studies Scholarship, which will provide a $5,000 stipend to one graduate student to support field-based coastal wetland research in the United States. Applications are due by January 15, 2019.
Earth Challenge 2020 - To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2020, Earth Day Network, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and the U.S. Department of State have launched Earth Challenge 2020 with the aim of encouraging millions of people to collect environmental data that can affect policy decisions. To date, organizers have gathered research questions to help guide the effort. See the Take Action page to get involved.