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CZ-Mail - June 2021

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 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

Hurricane Season Is Here - June 1 marks the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above-normal year with 13-20 named storms (see the NOAA May 20 press release). Of those storms, 6-10 are predicted to become hurricanes, 3-5 of which are expected to be major hurricanes with winds in excess of 111 mph. (This prediction is based on NOAA’s “new normal”—in April, they adjusted their “average” Atlantic hurricane season to 14 named storms with 7 hurricanes—up from 12 and 6 respectively. See ‘Average’ Atlantic hurricane season to reflect more storms for details.) The NOAA National Hurricane Center website provides regularly updated hurricane information, including new experimental storm surge maps in tropical cyclone advisories. (See the National Weather Service Hurricane and Tropical Storm Watches, Warnings, Advisories and Outlooks web page for information on the difference between watches and warnings for hurricanes and tropical storms.) Now that hurricane season is here, it is time to get prepared and stay prepared for these storms. CZM’s Hurricane Preparedness Kit provides information on protecting yourself and your home, boat, and more, and CZ-Tip - The Complete Guide to Online Hurricane Tracking for Massachusetts covers how to monitor storms heading this way. The Hurricane Safety Tips page from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency also provides excellent Massachusetts-specific resources, including links to Be Informed and Receive Emergency Alerts, with details on how to access multiple methods of emergency alerts, and Hurricane Evacuation Zones, which provides maps and other information to help determine if you live or work in an evacuation zone and what to do when evacuating.

Shoreline Restoration Progressing in Salem - In May, more than 75 volunteers helped plant 3,500 salt marsh grass plugs along Collins Cove in Salem. The effort was led by Salem Sound Coastwatch in support of the City of Salem’s living shoreline project funded by CZM’s Coastal Resilience Grant Program. The salt marsh was constructed in June 2019 with 15,000 plants to help address erosion of the multi-use path along Collins Cove and reduce flooding as sea level rises. The Salem Gazette captured photos of planting activities on May 15. For more on the Collins Cove Living Shoreline project, see this Story Map.

Story Map Tours of the Massachusetts Coast - As reported in the last CZ-Mail, the NOAA Office for Coastal Management conducted a routine review of the Massachusetts coastal program on April 27-29. These reviews are typically conducted in-person and include a variety of site visits—but given COVID-19 restrictions, the review was done virtually. To help bring the Massachusetts coast alive for the NOAA reviewers, CZM created a story map collection that includes an overview of the entire 1,500-mile coastline, along with a story map of each of CZM’s five regions with some highlights of coastal habitats, state parks and sanctuaries, ports and harbors, recreational beaches and waterfront access, and more. See the Regional Tours for the NOAA 312 Review Story Map Collection to launch the complete set, or use the links below to explore them individually:

CZ-Tip - Calling Student Contestants to Showcase Creativity for the Coast - The spectacle of nature reaches quite a crescendo during summers in Massachusetts—and there are many ways to capture and interpret the beauty and diversity of nature through art, photography, poetry, and other forms of communication. How about taking a step further and submitting your showpiece to a local, national, or even international competition looking for works of art that tell a story about environmental issues, plant and wildlife species, or coastal and ocean resources? Many contests seek creative entries from students (and some even from adults!), and winning entries are featured on websites or social media (giving you ultimate bragging rights) or can even win you cash prizes. See CZ-Tip - Calling Student Contestants to Showcase Creativity for the Coast to find popular nature-centric art, photo, communications, and design competitions—many of which are just queuing up for the summer!

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

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

  • Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant Program - CZM is seeking proposals for the Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) Grant Program. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, the CPR program will provide up to $500,000 to municipalities located in the Massachusetts Coastal Watershed to assess and remediate stormwater pollution and to design and construct commercial boat-waste pumpout facilities. Related capacity-building activities, such as development of stormwater bylaws, maintenance trainings for municipal staff, and project case studies, will also be considered. As much as $175,000 may be requested and a 25 percent match of the total project cost is required. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2022. To view the Request for Responses (RFR) and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. on June 11. Please note: Only electronic submissions will be accepted for the FY22 CPR Grant Program.
  • CPR Pre-RFR Webinar - On April 6, CZM hosted an informational webinar on the CPR Grant Program to review the goals and requirements of the grants, cover the anticipated funding levels and timelines, highlight recent projects, and answer questions and discussion of potential project ideas. Links to the recording of the webinar and the PowerPoint presentation are available below.
    • CPR Grants Webinar Video
    • CPR Grants Webinar Presentation
  • Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program Planning Grants - The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is seeking proposals for Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Planning Grants, which provide support for Massachusetts cities and towns to complete vulnerability assessments and develop action-oriented climate resiliency plans. The program helps communities define extreme weather and natural and climate related hazards; understand how their community may be impacted by climate change; identify existing and future vulnerabilities and strengths; and develop, prioritize, and implement key actions. State-trained MVP providers offer technical assistance to communities in completing the assessment and resiliency plans. Communities that complete the MVP planning grant program become certified as an MVP community and are eligible for MVP Action Grant funding. For details, see the new MVP website. To view the RFR and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. on June 4 for MVP planning processes that must be complete by June 30, 2022.
  • Parks and Conservation Grants - EEA’s Division of Conservation Services (DCS) is seeking applications for the FY 2022 Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC), Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND), and Conservation Partnership grants. PARC grants help communities acquire parkland, develop new parks, and renovate existing parks. LAND grants provide funds to municipal conservation commissions to purchase conservation land and conservation restrictions. Conservation Partnership grants provide funds to nonprofit organizations for land acquisitions. PARC and LAND grant applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on July 14. Conservation Partnership applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on July 19.
  • §319 Grants - The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is seeking proposals for the §319 Nonpoint Source Competitive Grants to fund comprehensive projects that address nonpoint sources of pollution affecting water quality. For more information, including a link to the RFR, see the MassDEP website. Proposals are due by June 30.
  • National Estuary Program Coastal Watersheds Grant Program - Restore America’s Estuaries, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is seeking proposals for the 2021 National Estuary Program Coastal Watersheds Grant Program for projects that address urgent and challenging issues affecting coastal and estuarine areas of national significance (see map). Approximately $1 million is available to fund projects that support priorities including harmful algal blooms, loss of habitat, and flooding and coastal erosion. Grants will range from $75,000 to $250,000. Proposal Letters of Intent should be submitted through this online form by June 7, and full proposals will be by invitation only.
  • Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Grants - The Fort Point Channel Operations Board is 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 in Boston. These grants support the goals in the Fort Point Channel Watersheet Activation Plan. Approximately $50,000 is available for the 2021 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 2021 RFR. Proposals are due by June 4.
  • Grants to Reduce Toxic Chemical Use - The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) is seeking proposals from Massachusetts companies to offset the costs of technology, equipment, and safer products that will reduce the use of toxic chemicals. Small Business Grants provide up to $10,000 to businesses that offer services directly to consumers and Industry Grants fund up to $30,000 to manufacturing facilities. Applications for these grants are due by June 25.

Online Tools and Resources

New Digital Platform to Support Climate Resilience Planning Across Massachusetts - On April 21, the Baker-Polito Administration launched the Resilient MA Action Team (RMAT) Climate Resilience Design Standards Tool, a web-based platform that will help integrate climate projections and climate resilience design standards into state and local projects. This tool will use up-to-date climate projections to provide users a preliminary climate change risk level and recommendations to increase the resiliency of project design. Through a series of site-specific questions and location information, the web-based platform generates a preliminary climate exposure and risk rating and recommended design standards for projects. The tool also provides guidelines and forms to help municipalities integrate site suitability, regional coordination, and flexible adaptation considerations into climate resilient planning and design. The tool is being piloted through this year’s MVP Action Grant round, and feedback is requested. Users and stakeholders can submit feedback on the beta tool by 5:00 p.m. on June 11. For additional details, see the press release issued by EEA.

EPA Sanitary Survey Application - EPA has released an improved Sanitary Survey App for Marine and Fresh Waters to help users identify potential sources of pollution in recreational waters. Citizen scientists and other members of the public can use the web-based app to collect and share data on potential sources of fecal pollution and information on possible harmful algal blooms in surface waters.

Cape Cod Native Plants Website - The Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) has launched CapeCodNativePlants.org, a new website designed to help Cape Codders find native plants that are more adapted to the climate and habitats of the region. Check out the new site for drought and salt tolerant plants that can thrive in the “thin” soils found on Cape Cod without pesticides or fertilizer. These plant traits can all help protect water quality and support pollinators and birds. Plants on the site are searchable by plant characteristics, such as bloom time. The website currently features more than 50 plants and APCC will continue to add more.

NOAA Marine Debris Blog - Recent posts to the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s Marine Debris Blog include entries on hurricanes and marine debris in Puerto Rico, reduction of derelict blue crab traps that are ghost fishing along the Texas coast, and tackling debris in the Gulf of Mexico. All blog topics can be searched by category and date. To receive notifications of new posts, sign up for email updates.

New Resource and Data from NOAA Digital Coast - NOAA’s Digital Coast has posted these new resources:

Products/Publications

Massachusetts Shellfish Initiative Strategic Plan - The Massachusetts Shellfish Initiative has released its 2021-2025 Strategic Plan (PDF, 657 KB), which presents six categories of recommendations to “balance the growing and competing demands for the Commonwealth’s shellfish resources” and was developed “with the goal of enhancing the economic, environmental, and social benefits of shellfish resources to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its residents.”

Port Profile Project - The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Boston’s Urban Harbors Institute and the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance, have released Port by Port: Profiles and Analysis of the Massachusetts Commercial Fishery, a report that provides an overview of the commercial fishing industry in Massachusetts communities. The port profiles are a subset of a larger report on the state’s commercial fishing and port infrastructure with a goal to inform policy, programming, funding, and infrastructure improvements. For details, see the Port Profile Project web page.

Tools for Developing Trash-Related Provisions for MS4 Permits - EPA’s Trash Free Waters and Stormwater Programs have released the Trash Stormwater Permit Compendium, a technical resource for stormwater permit writers that provides examples and information to develop effective trash-related provisions in Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits. This new compendium can also help stormwater management planners, watershed planners, and others develop effective trash-control measures.

Escaped Trash Assessment Protocol - The EPA Trash Free Waters program has released the Escaped Trash Assessment Protocol (ETAP), which provides a standardized method for collecting and assessing litter data and developing litter reduction strategies.

Newsletters and Other Periodicals

Right Whale News - The May 2021 issue of Right Whale News (PDF, 652 KB), a quarterly e-newsletter distributed by the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, includes a preliminary report on the 2021 calving season that shows increased numbers of whale sightings and other right whale news, events, and commentary.

Jobs/Internship Postings

Ecological Restoration Specialist - The Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) is seeking an Ecological Restoration Specialist to serve as project manager for the DER Cranberry Bog Program. Duties include developing new potential projects, providing technical assistance, monitoring and evaluation of project environmental outcomes, fundraising, and relationship building with partners and landowners. For more information and application instructions, see the job posting.

Newbury Conservation Agent - The Town of Newbury is seeking a Conservation Agent to provide technical advice to the Conservation Commission and Town Planner on environmental issues; administer and enforce the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, town bylaws, and applicable regulations; and act as a liaison to the Conservation Commission. For more information, see the job posting.

Open Space Protection Manager - The Town of Ipswich is seeking a part-time Open Space Protection Manager to administer the community’s open space acquisition program and initiatives, in coordination with municipal boards and committees and the Planning Department. This position will remain open until filled. For details, see the job posting.

Beach Sisters Program Coordinator - AmeriCorps Massachusetts Promise Fellowship is seeking a Beach Sisters Program Coordinator for 2021-2022 to work with middle and high school youth through after-school enrichment programs at Girls Inc. of Lynn. The program provides opportunities to explore marine and environmental science, environmental advocacy, and other marine science career pathways. This AmeriCorps service position is hosted by the Northeastern University Marine Science Center in Nahant in partnership with the Massachusetts Promise Fellowship. For more information, see the position posting.

Sea Rovers Summer Internship - The Boston Sea Rovers are accepting applications for the 2022 Sea Rovers Annual Summer Internship, which is open to graduating high school seniors and college freshman and sophomores interested in underwater careers. The intern will receive dive training and opportunities to dive and train with professionals in a variety of diving fields, including photography and filmmaking, education, marine engineering and science, and others. Applications are due by June 30.

EPA Integrated Coastal Water Quality Research Internship - EPA is seeking an intern to work on a research project that will look at social and ecological data from coastal areas and how these data relate to water quality benefits and policies to improve coastal waters. This research may result in models and methods to determine how water quality affects recreational uses of coastal waters and how people value water quality. Candidates must have a master’s degree in an eligible science and engineering discipline. This position is located at an EPA lab in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Applications are due by August 20. For details, see the internship posting.

Seasonal Camp Educator - The Trustees of Reservations Crane Estate in Ipswich is seeking Seasonal Camp Educators to lead summer day campers ages 4-14 in environmental education, sports, crafts, and other activities. This seasonal position is from June 21-August 27. For more information, see the job posting.

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.

Waterways Regulatory Amendments - MassDEP has proposed amendments to 310 CMR 9.00, which would modify the provisions related to Municipal Harbor Planning (MHP). These changes would effectively affirm MassDEP’s approval of each of the existing plans through incorporation into 310 CMR 9.00. The amended regulatory text is available on the MassDEP website. Two virtual public hearings will be held on June 8 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. See the public hearing notice for details. Oral testimony may be presented at the hearings. Submit written comments by 5:00 p.m. on June 22 by email to dep.waterways@mass.gov or by mail to Daniel Padien, MassDEP, One Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108.

Calendar - Individual Events and Announcements

Monitoring Marine Debris in the Atlantic Ocean - June 3, webinar hosted by the European Office of GEO Blue Planet.

AWRA 2021 Annual Water Resources Conference—Call for Abstracts - November 8-11, conference sponsored by the American Water Resources Association (AWRA) to be held in Kissimmee, Florida. Abstract submissions are due by June 7.

Managing Phosphorus Pollution with Stormwater Bioretention Systems: A Soil Study - June 8, webinar presented by EPA New England.

Native Plants for Bird Friendly Communities - June 9, webinar sponsored by the Ecological Landscape Alliance.

Charles River Community Volunteer Event - June 12, volunteer event to weed garden beds and paint benches at Herter Park in Boston, sponsored by the Charles River Conservancy.

Fostering Ecosystem Approaches in Fisheries Management: The Case of Atlantic Menhaden - June 17, webinar presented by Open Communications for the Ocean (OCTO) on the use of ecological reference points for fisheries management.

EBC Solid Waste Leadership Webinar: Conference of State Solid Waste Directors - June 18, webinar presented by the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) on critical solid waste issues featuring directors from all six New England states.

2021 Ipswich River Paddle-a-thon - June 19, annual paddling event and fundraiser sponsored by the Ipswich River Watershed Association.

2021 Stormwater Summit - June 21-24, virtual stormwater conference and workshops sponsored by the Water Environment Federation.

Estuarine Sentinel Sites: From Environmental Measurements to Climate Change Management - June 24, webinar presented by the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve on research to better understand the effects of climate change on coastal environments.

How to Use Diverse Incentives to Promote Effective and Equitable MPA Governance: New Case Studies and Practical Guidance - July 7, webinar presented by OCTO on incentives for Marine Protected Area (MPA) governance.

Virtual Race for Open Space - July 9-11, virtual race to support the Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s efforts to preserve and protect open space on the island.

EBC Site Remediation & Redevelopment Webinar: MassDEP Regional Deputy Directors - Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup- July 15, webinar from EBC.

2021 Flood Management Conference - September 7-10, sponsored by the Flood Management Association and held online.

International Erosion Control Conference—Call for Abstracts - February 15-18, 2022, annual conference on erosion, sediment control, and stormwater to be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and sponsored by the International Erosion Control Association. Abstracts are due by June 4.

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

  • 2021 Science Showcase - June 7-13, a week of events sponsored by the Nantucket Biodiversity Committee, including field trips, research data collection, and invasive species work that showcases biodiversity research on Nantucket.
  • Capitol Hill Ocean Week - June 8-10, online conference hosted by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation that will bring together policymakers, scientists, managers, business leaders, conservationists, students, and educators to discuss issues that impact the oceans and the Great Lakes.
  • Annual EBEE Awards Celebration - June 10, an online event from the Environmental Business Council of New England that recognizes companies, organizations, and individuals for achievements in environmental management, energy resources and management, and climate change.
  • SNEC 2021 Annual Summer Meeting - June 18, online meeting of the Southern New England Chapter (SNEC) of the Soil and Water Conservation Society, which will focus on “environmental justice in relationship to soils in our region.”
  • Managed Retreat Conference - June 22-25, virtual conference sponsored by the Earth Institute at Columbia University on planned home relocation due to environmental conditions.
  • Buzzards Bay Swim - June 26, fundraiser for all ages and abilities to support the Buzzards Bay Coalition. Registration is required.
  • Community Resilience to Climate Change - July 5-29, virtual professional development workshop on climate change impacts and building resilience for all educators from NOAA Planet Stewards.
  • NMEA 2021 Virtual Conference - July 14-17, conference sponsored by the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA), which will focus on the theme “Your Connection to Water.”
  • AWRA Summer Conference: Connecting Land & Water for Healthy Communities - July 19-21, virtual conference from the American Water Resources Association, which will focus on programs to better connect land and water planning and policy.
  • Stormwater Conference - September 13-15, annual conference sponsored by StormCon and held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Calendar - Multiple/Ongoing Events

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 Museum of Natural History Programs - A calendar of events at the museum.

Conservation Commission Education - Workshops, webinars, and trainings scheduled across Massachusetts and posted by the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions. See the MACC Complete Education Catalog and Community Calendar.

Ecological Landscaping Events - Webinars, walks, and classes from the Ecological Landscape Alliance.

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! - 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.

North and South Rivers Watershed Association Events - Events listings on the South Shore.

OneNOAA Science Seminars - Webinars and seminars on science and climate issues from several NOAA partners.

Salem Sound Coastwatch Community Calendar - Events posted in the Salem Sound region.

Watershed Wednesday - Lunchtime webinars presented by the Neponset River Watershed Association.

Wednesday Walks in the Garden - Weekly green gardening webinars from the Ecological Landscape Alliance.

Other Items of Interest

Future Blue Youth Council Fellowship Program - Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs is seeking applications for the new Future Blue Youth Council Fellowship Program (FBYC), which provides mentors and small grants to individuals, classes, groups, and clubs (13-19 years old) for projects that tackle water-related issues in communities. Grants from $250-$1,000 are available to help with new projects that address pollution, marine debris, climate change, and more. Applications are due by August 1.

Resilient Ecosystems Challenge - The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Solve initiative works to find solutions to worldwide challenges, including resilient ecosystems. Solve is currently seeking technology-based solutions that “help communities restore, sustain, and benefit from resilient ecosystems.” Winning solutions will receive a $10,000 grant from Solve. Additional prizes from Solve partners will also be awarded in several categories including refugee inclusion; smart, safe, and sustainable communities; technology that improves life for women and girls; technology targeting overfishing; best practices for decarbonization; and the use of data science, artificial intelligence, and/or machine learning to benefit humanity. For details see the Solve website. Proposals are due by June 16.

Summer Education Programs at the Shark Center - Registration is now open for the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s in-person Youth Summer Education Programs at the Shark Center in Chatham. The Conservancy is offering engineering labs, where kids will learn how to apply shark tags, and science labs, where they learn how to dissect a locally caught dogfish. Week-long programs will be held from July 19-August 6 for children ages 7-13.

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