CZ-Mail - May 2022

The monthly electronic newsletter from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM).

Welcome to CZ-Mail, the monthly electronic newsletter from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). Each issue provides information on major CZM initiatives, available tools and publications, upcoming workshops and events, grants, contracting opportunities, job openings, coastal legislation, and other news of interest to people working on coastal issues. Additional information about CZM's programs, publications, and other coastal topics can be found on the CZM website. To subscribe, send a blank email (please be sure that the email is completely blank, with no signature line) to [e-mail]. Also, please feel free to share CZ-Mail with colleagues and friends—and if you have any suggestions for future editions, or would like make a change to your CZ-Mail subscription, please email your request to [e-mail]. For periodic updates from CZM between CZ-Mail editions, please follow us on Twitter.

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

Highlights

CZM Announces Availability of Coastal Resilience Grants - On April 29, CZM announced the availability of funding through the Coastal Resilience Grant Program for grants to coastal communities and eligible nonprofit organizations to reduce risks associated with coastal storms and sea level rise impacts. Eligible coastal resilience initiatives include planning and public outreach, redesigning and retrofitting vulnerable municipally owned facilities and infrastructure, and non-structural shoreline restoration approaches (such as beach, berm, and dune building; fringing salt marsh restoration; and coastal bank stabilization using bioengineering techniques). For details on the Request for Responses (RFR) for this grant program, see Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities below.

CZM Announces Availability of the Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants - On April 21, CZM announced the availability of funding for Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants (CHWQ) for projects that assess and treat stormwater impacts and support comprehensive habitat restoration planning activities. Municipalities within the Massachusetts coastal watershed are eligible to apply, along with certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, regional planning agencies, and stormwater collaboratives in partnership with municipalities. Eligible project activities include, but are not limited to:

1. Efforts to assess, identify, and characterize nonpoint source (NPS) pollution impacts from stormwater runoff to coastal waterbodies.
2. Design and construction of stormwater structural Best Management Practices (BMPs).
3. Capacity-building activities—including trainings for municipal staff, bylaw development, and case studies—that support future implementation of green stormwater infrastructure (practices that mimic natural processes to treat contaminants in runoff prior to reaching local waterbodies).
4. Development of habitat restoration plans, including data collection and synthesis, natural resource assessments, and restoration prioritization work.
5. Public outreach as a component of a larger project.

For details on the RFR, see the Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities below. For questions or more information contact [e-mail].

CZM Highlights Resiliency Efforts at Nauset Beach for Earth Month - On April 29, as part of Earth Month, CZM joined representatives from the Town of Orleans to tour work funded through the Coastal Resilience Grant Program. The $1,079,151 in funding from CZM is supporting the phased retreat of infrastructure at Nauset Beach. In FY21, CZM worked with Orleans to design and permit a parking lot with stormwater and septic systems landward of the existing parking lot and flood zones. The parking lot and access road are now being constructed and will allow the beach and dune system to function and migrate as the town addresses the existing infrastructure at the site. This effort is part of the Town’s comprehensive 10- to 20-year plan to not only protect and move the manmade structures, but to also allow for a phased retreat of the beaches in response to sea level rise, while maintaining the wildlife habitat and storm protection provided by these natural features. Projects such as this also provide another important benefit—support for an evolving environmental workforce with the capacity and expertise to complete these projects and help create a sustainable future for Massachusetts.

CZM and MassBays Begin Field Work for Eelgrass Mapping Project - In May, CZM and MassBays National Estuary Partnership (MassBays) will kick off the field work for a study to assess different eelgrass mapping methods. Eelgrass is a marine meadow-forming plant that provides critical fisheries habitat, improves water quality, stores carbon, and protects the shoreline from storms. To properly manage and protect eelgrass, accurate mapping information is needed to track the location and size of meadows. Several remote sensing methods, such as satellites, airplanes, drones, and underwater side scan sonar, provide imagery that can be analyzed for eelgrass, but little is known about the accuracy and limitations of maps generated from these sources. This 18-month study, funded through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Project of Special Merit grant program, will compare each remote sensing method against SCUBA diver surveys. The results will help determine the accuracy of the remote sensing methods in detecting the eelgrass meadow’s edge—an area where most remote sensing techniques have low confidence. This field work will continue into early June and will include diver transects, boat-based underwater photo ground truthing, drone and airplane flights, and sonar surveys at eelgrass sites in Gloucester, Beverly, Swampscott, Nahant, and Cohasset. To learn more about the project and see the detailed study design, see the project web page.

Major Disaster Declaration Issued in Massachusetts for January Winter Storm - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the severe winter storm that impacted Massachusetts on January 28-29, which makes federal disaster assistance available to cities and towns, state agencies, and certain nonprofits to help cover storm-related response and repair costs. Total reimbursable costs for the storm are expected to exceed $13 million, and the Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance, including Snow Assistance, supports Bristol, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Suffolk Counties, and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. Eligible applicants can be reimbursed for 75% of costs associated with response and emergency protective measures (including storm-related overtime for first responders, clearing debris from public roads and public property, snow removal costs) 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. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will soon announce a series of information sessions in the impacted counties to explain the application process. For additional details, see the MEMA Press Release.

CZM Offices Remain Closed - All CZM offices are currently closed for in-person services, however, CZM staff are available to assist with coastal management issues. See Contact CZM for details.

CZM Staff and People

New Boston Harbor Regional Coordinator - On April 19, CZM welcomed Joanna Yelen as the new Boston Harbor Regional Coordinator, replacing Erikk Hokenson. Before coming to CZM, Joanna served as a Regional Planner at the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) within the Department of Public Utilities, where she reviewed energy facility proposals, including offshore wind, and analyzed their potential environmental impacts. Prior to that, Joanna was a Project Controls Analyst with Arcadis and was placed at Chicago’s Department of Water Management’s Jardine Water Treatment Facility, one of Arcadis’s municipal clients, where she gained knowledge of water treatment facilities, critical infrastructure, and funding for large-scale water distribution projects. She also served as a Fiscal Policy Analyst for the House Ways and Means Committee in the Massachusetts Legislature, and has held fieldwork positions, including assessing aging culverts to promote better aquatic passability at road-stream crossings. Joanna brings direct environmental and public-sector experience in state and municipal planning and funding to her new role as CZM’s Boston Harbor Regional Coordinator, along with her diligence in environmental practices and a commitment to the conservation profession. Welcome aboard Joanna!

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants - CZM is seeking proposals for Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants. Municipalities within the Massachusetts coastal watershed along with certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, regional planning agencies, and stormwater collaboratives in partnership with municipalities are eligible to apply for funding to assess and remediate stormwater pollution and support comprehensive habitat restoration planning. Activities to increase capacity for future implementation of stormwater green infrastructure—including development of stormwater bylaws, maintenance trainings for municipal staff, and project case studies—are also eligible. Public outreach may be funded as a component of a larger project. The estimated ranges for grant funding are $50,000-$100,000 for assessment, restoration planning, and design projects and $100,000-$800,000 for stormwater infrastructure implementation projects. Match is optional, but recommended. To view the RFR and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. on May 27. For questions or more information, contact [e-mail].

CHWQ Pre-RFR Webinar - On April 14, CZM hosted an informational webinar to review the goals and requirements of the grant, logistics, and timeline of the Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants. Links to recordings of the webinar and the presentation slides are available below.

• CHWQ Grants Webinar Video
• CHWQ Grants Webinar Presentation (PDF, 4 MB)

Coastal Resilience Grant Program - CZM is seeking proposals for innovative and transferable local and regional projects to address coastal flooding, erosion, and sea level rise impacts through the Coastal Resilience Grant Program. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, CZM will provide funding and technical assistance to coastal communities and certified 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizations that own vulnerable coastal property that is open and accessible to the public. Eligible project types include evaluating vulnerabilities and risks, public outreach, redesigning and retrofitting vulnerable municipally owned facilities and infrastructure, shoreline restoration, and proactive planning projects. Applicants may request up to $2 million in funding per project. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2023—or projects may be selected for an extended contract end date up to June 30, 2024 (FY24), depending on the proposal and Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) funding decisions. See the RFR on the COMMBUYS website for eligibility requirements, project categories, and evaluation criteria. Proposals are due by 4:00 p.m. on June 13.

Coastal Resilience Pre-RFR Webinar - On March 3, CZM hosted an informational webinar on the Coastal Resilience Grant Program to review the goals and requirements of the grants, cover anticipated funding levels and timelines, highlight recent projects, and answer questions and discuss potential project ideas. Links to the recording of the webinar and the PowerPoint presentation are available below.

• Coastal Resilience Grants Webinar Video
• Coastal Resilience Grants Webinar Presentation (PDF, 16 MB)

MassTrails Grants - Communities, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations can apply for MassTrails Grants, which reimburse up to $500,000 spent to design, create, maintain, and support recreational trail and shared-use pathway projects in Massachusetts. A 20% match of total project costs is required. See Apply for a MassTrails Grant for application details and grant documents. Proposals must be submitted online by May 16.

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 2022 grant cycle. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations, or those that operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a tax-exempt nonprofit. For-profit organizations may be deemed eligible by the Board for not-for-profit, public, eligible projects. For details, including application instructions, see the 2021 RFR (PDF, 107 KB). Proposals are due by June 3 at 5:00 p.m.

Healthy Communities Grant Program - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) New England office is seeking applications for the Healthy Communities Grant Program to fund initiatives that seek to identify and reduce environmental risks to improve human health, better quality of life, advance resilience, and preserve/restore ecosystems. Eligible projects must be in at least one of the three “target investment areas” and identify how measurable environmental or public health results will be achieved in one or more of the seven “target program areas.” For more information on the 2022 grants, including details on eligibility criteria and the Request for Applications, see the EPA website. Applications are due by May 9.

Environmental Finance Center Grant Program - EPA is seeking applications for the Environmental Finance Center Grant Program to establish regional and national Environmental Finance Centers (EFCs) to provide EPA partners with technical, managerial, financial, and administrative support. A major program priority is to provide technical support to disadvantaged communities across the country to develop and submit project proposals, including State Revolving Fund (SRF) applications for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. In addition, the EFCs will support projects focused on solid waste, clean air, toxic substances, drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater. For more information, see the EFC Grant Program Request for Applications. Proposals are due by June 17.

STREAM Grants - Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sea Grant is seeking applications for Solutions Through Research, Education, and Art in Massachusetts (STREAM) grants. This new program will provide up to $10,000 for one-year projects that meet objectives of the MIT Sea Grant Strategic Plan in one or more of four focus areas—healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities and economies, and environmental literacy and workforce development. The grants can be used for small research projects, seed funding for innovative efforts, college student research, classroom initiatives, and rapid response projects to tackle a current challenge. The grants are open to educators in preschool through grade 12, Massachusetts university faculty and students, industry, nonprofit organizations, artists affiliated with these groups, and others. For projects over $5,000, please discuss with MIT Sea Grant before submitting a proposal. All applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss potential projects with either Mary Newton Lima (Research Coordinator) or Lily Keyes (Communications Specialist) at [e-mail]. For more information, see the MIT Sea Grant website. Proposals are due by either May 15 or November 15.

NOAA Planet Stewards Project Funding - NOAA Planet Stewards is seeking proposals from educators for up to $5,000 to support hands-on stewardship projects that build science literacy in elementary- through college-age students, as well as the general public. Projects should focus on conservation, restoration, and/or protection of human communities and/or natural resources in one of four focus areas—marine debris, habitat conservation and restoration, carbon footprint reduction, or carbon sequestration. For details, see the NOAA website. Applications are due by June 5.

Reminders - These opportunities, listed previously in CZ-Mail, are still open or upcoming:

• Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program Planning Grants - 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 process 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 via email by 4:00 p.m. on June 7 for MVP planning processes that must be complete by June 30, 2023.
• Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program Action Grants - EEA is also seeking one- or two-year project proposals for MVP Action Grants, which provide designated MVP Communities funding 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 after EEA review. Projects are required to use best available climate data and projections. Projects that propose nature-based solutions or strategies that rely on green infrastructure or conservation and enhancement of natural systems and that have robust community engagement plans are preferred. Applicants can request up to $3 million in funding (regional proposals may request up to $5 million), and a 10-25 percent match of the total project cost is required. For more information, see the new MVP website. EEA recommends reading the Action Grants RFR in full as there have been several updates since the last grant round, including new exceptions for the municipal match requirements. Significant changes are outlined on page one. To view the RFR and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. Proposals are due through an online form by 2:00 p.m. on May 5 for projects that must be completed by June 30, 2023, or June 30, 2024.
• Landscape Partnership Grants - EEA’s Division of Conservation Services (DCS) is seeking applications to the Landscape Partnership Grant Program for conservation projects that protect at least 500 acres of land through partnerships between local, state, and federal agencies and nonprofit organizations. Grants up to $1,250,000 will be available this grant round. Applications are due by May 2. See the application instructions for details.
• Parks and Conservation Grants - DCS is seeking applications for the FY 2023 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. Conservation Partnership grants provide funds to nonprofit organizations for land acquisitions. DCS will hold two virtual workshops on the PARC and LAND grants—on May 4 at 11:00 a.m. and May 12 at 2:00 p.m. To receive a Microsoft Teams meeting invitation, email Melissa Cryan at [e-mail] if interested in PARC program, or email Vanessa Farny at [e-mail] if interested in the LAND program. 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 18.
• Small Communities Grants - DCS is also still seeking applications for the FY 2022 Conservation Assistance for Small Communities Grant Program, which provides funding to municipalities with 6,000 or fewer residents to produce Open Space and Recreation Plans, complete other plans to facilitate land conservation, and/or prepare appraisals as required to apply for the other DCS grant programs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The final deadline is May 6. See the application instructions for details.
• National Estuary Program (NEP) Coastal Watersheds Grant Program - Restore America’s Estuaries in partnership with EPA is seeking proposals for the 2022 NEP 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, nutrient and warm water impacts, and flooding and coastal erosion. Grant amounts will range from $75,000 to $250,000. For more information, see the 2022 grants web page. Submit proposal Letters of Intent through this online form by May 27, and full proposals will be by invitation only.
• Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership Funding - The Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership (ACFHP) is seeking applications for habitat conservation projects that need funding and meet ACFHP objectives to conserve, protect, restore, and enhance habitat of native Atlantic coastal fishes and their priority habitats—riverine bottoms, submerged aquatic vegetation, and marine and estuarine shellfish beds. This General Request for Habitat and Conservation Proposals is not linked to any specific funding source. Proposals will be reviewed, and if approved, will be added to the ACFHP project database for future funding. For details, see the Application Instructions (PDF, 501 KB) and the Application (WORD, 86 KB). There is no deadline for submissions, but ACFHP recommends applying as soon as possible to ensure consideration for anticipated new funding opportunities.
• American Lobster Research Funding - The National Sea Grant College Program is seeking proposals for the 2022 National Sea Grant American Lobster Research Program to fund research to develop and commercialize gear technology for the American lobster fishery in the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and southern New England. Up to $2 million is available to fund research requests from $50,000 to $750,000. For details, see the Grants.gov website. Proposals are due by May 24.
• BoatUS Grassroots Grants - The BoatUS Foundation is seeking applications for its Grassroots Grants to promote boater education. Up to $10,000 is available to local volunteer organizations, student groups, yacht clubs, and chapters of national organizations for creative and innovative projects that promote safe and clean boating. Applications are accepted year-round.

Online Tools and Resources

NOAA Marine Debris Blog - Recent posts in the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s Marine Debris Blog cover marine debris cleanup efforts in Florida and cigarette litter prevention in San Francisco. 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:

• New Sea Level Rise Data and Scenarios - Now available under the “Local Scenarios” tab in the NOAA Sea Level Rise Viewer.
• New and updated data sets (PDF, 160 KB)

Newsletters and Other Periodicals

Coastal & Estuarine Science News - The April 2022 issue of Coastal & Estuarine Science News, the newsletter of the Coastal & Estuarine Research Foundation, includes articles on using runnels in salt marshes to improve natural marsh drainage and marsh health, the role of seagrass in providing habitat for blue crabs and potential fisheries management implications, and other coastal and estuarine research topics.

NOAA HabitatNews - The April 2022 issue of HabitatNews, a newsletter of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation, includes articles on the cancer-fighting chemicals extracted from a marine sponge, efforts to create more diverse and inclusive Chesapeake Bay programs, and other marine fisheries habitat news.

Neponset River Watershed News - The April Watershed Update from the Neponset River Watershed Association includes details on allowable activities in the Lower Neponset River now that EPA has designated it as a Superfund site, a bank stabilization project on the Traphole Brook in Norwood, and other Neponset River news, events, and updates.

The Sandbar - The April 2022 issue of The Sandbar, a quarterly publication from the National Sea Grant College Program on U.S. ocean and coastal legal issues, a U.S. District Court judge ruling against an outer continental shelf oil and gas lease that cites the need for additional environmental analysis, an aquaculture permit upheld by the Washington Supreme Court, and other ocean- and coastal-related legal issues.

Urban Harbors Institute E-News - The latest issue of Urban Harbors Institute E-News, the newsletter of the Urban Harbors Institute (UHI) at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Boston, reports on registration for the upcoming National Working Waterfront Network Conference, the launch of a new UHI Municipal Technical Assistance program to help communities with waterfront topics, and other news and updates.

USGS Sound Waves - The January-March 2022 issue of Sound Waves, a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) newsletter, includes pieces on work to determine the extent and volume of copper mining waste material in certain areas of Lake Superior, a Women’s History Month feature on women who work for USGS in coastal and marine science, and other coastal and marine research news.

Jobs/Internship Postings

DCR Lifeguards - The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is seeking certified lifeguards to work full-time at DCR pools and inland and ocean beaches. Free lifeguard and first aid/CPR training will be provided to candidates that commit to a DCR position for the summer of 2022. For details, including on the competitive salary and signing bonuses, see the DCR Lifeguarding web page.

Water Quality Coordinator - The Merrimack River Watershed Council (MRWC) is seeking a full-time Water Quality Coordinator to work with MRWC Program Managers to expand, integrate, and manage the organization’s activities in water quality monitoring, watershed planning, and green infrastructure projects for climate resilience and improved water quality. The Water Quality Coordinator will also work to engage a diverse population to solve water-related issues and implement programs to monitor the physical, chemical, and biological conditions of the Merrimack River and its tributaries. For details, see the MRWC Employment page. Applications are due by May 16 at 5:00 p.m.

EPA Positions - EPA is seeking applications from recent college graduates for 30 open positions in Massachusetts. See the Life Scientist/Environmental Engineer/Physical Scientist posting on the USA Jobs website for more information, including application instructions.

American Lobster Research and Outreach Internship - Woods Hole Sea Grant is seeking a full-time intern to develop outreach materials (messaging, fact sheets, social media posts) related to the American Lobster Initiative. Candidates should be undergraduate students that have completed courses in environmental sciences, fisheries science, sustainability science, marine/coastal science, social science, or science communication. This is a paid internship from June-August (10-11 weeks). For more information, see the internship posting (PDF, 137 KB). If interested, send a CV and letter of interest to Jennie Rheuban at [e-mail] by May 6.

APCC Cyanobacteria Interns - The Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) is seeking multiple interns to assist staff with the Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program. These paid internships start in mid-May and go through late-August or mid-November. Interns collect water samples to monitor cyanobacteria levels in 160 freshwater ponds in all 15 Cape Cod communities. Candidates must have their own vehicle and a driver’s license. For more information, see the internship posting.

Camp Educators - The Trustees of Reservations is seeking Seasonal Camp Educators to run camp program and activities for the SummerQuest day camp at the Crane Estate in Ipswich. Each camp educator leads a pod of campers ages 4-15, providing environmental education, crafts, sports, and other activities. For details, see the seasonal job posting.

Marine Wildlife Internship Program - The New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) is seeking high school, college, and graduate students for several marine wildlife internships in southeastern Massachusetts for summer, fall/winter, and winter/spring 2023. Unpaid internships will focus on three projects, including the New England Ocean Sunfish Project, Southcoast Terrapin Project, and various marine wildlife research projects on herring runs, horseshoe crabs, torpedo rays, and New England backing sharks. See the Marine Wildlife Internships page for application information.

Decisions

Lynn Designated Port Area Boundary Review Decision - On April 26, CZM issued the conditional Designation Decision for the Lynn Designated Port Area, Lynn, MA (PDF, 535 KB), concluding the comprehensive Designated Port Area (DPA) boundary review process initiated in March 2021. The decision affirms the findings and proposed DPA boundary modifications in CZM’s January 7, 2022, designation report, Boundary Review of the Lynn Harbor Designated Port Area, Lynn MA (PDF, 638 KB). The boundary modification was made in accordance with criteria governing the suitability of contiguous lands and waters to accommodate water-dependent industrial use pursuant to 301 CMR 25.00 (PDF, 87 KB). The Commonwealth’s DPA policy seeks to promote water-dependent industries as an important sector of the state’s economy and prevent the loss of areas that have certain key characteristics that make them particularly well suited to water-dependent industrial uses. CZM is responsible for mapping, interpreting, and periodic review of DPA boundaries. For more information on DPAs, see CZM’s Designated Port Area website.

Public Notice/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.

Notice to Proceed for Edgartown Municipal Harbor Plan - On April 25, the Notice to Proceed for the Edgartown Harbor Plan (PDF, 809 KB) was issued by CZM. The harbor planning area encompasses the Inner Harbor and Outer Harbor, adjacent Katama Bay and Cape Poge Bay, Island of Chappaquiddick, and shellfish grounds of Cape Poge Bay and Katama Bay. As described in the Request for a Notice to Proceed, the Town seeks to create a plan that balances commercial and recreational harbor uses, natural resource protection, and community character and historic preservation, and assesses the vulnerability of critical harbor infrastructure and historic structures to coastal flooding and sea level rise. For questions, please contact Steve McKenna, CZM Cape Cod and Islands Regional Coordinator, at [e-mail].

Reminder - This Public Comment opportunity from the last CZ-Mail is still available:

• Designation Report for the East Boston Designated Port Area (DPA) Boundary—Comment Period Extended - On December 15, 2021, CZM issued the East Boston DPA boundary designation report (PDF, 2 MB) for public comment. The initial 30-day comment period ended on January 21. At the request of the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA), CZM extended the comment period for an additional 28 days, ending on February 18. A second extension of 45 days was granted at the request of the BPDA, ending on April 4. At the request of the BPDA, CZM has extended the comment period for an additional 120 days, ending on August 1. CZM shall consider written comments received by 5:00 p.m. on August 1. See the Notice of this Extension (PDF, 401 KB), which was published in the Environmental Monitor on April 8. Submit comments to [e-mail] or by mail to: Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, Attention: Tyler Soleau, Assistant Director, 251 Causeway Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA 02114.

Calendar - Individual Events and Announcements

Great Massachusetts Cleanup - Volunteer and cleanup coordinator opportunities through the spring from Keep Massachusetts Beautiful.

Teaching About Climate and Energy in Communities that Might Not Want to Hear It - May 3, webinar sponsored by the Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network.

Practical Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Workshop - May 3, one-day training workshop for Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer System (MS4) permitees from the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA). Workshop will be held at MMA in Bourne.

Creating an Equitable and Resilient Region: MetroCommon 2050 - May 5, event presented by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to launch MetroCommon 2050, the regional policy and land use plan for the Greater Boston Region, to be held in Boston (with a virtual version planned for late May or early June).

Hurricane Science and Preparedness - May 5, webinar from the National Hurricane Center for students in grades 3-8.

How Should Society Assess Risks from Climate Change? - May 5, webinar from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Net Zero MA.: Legislation and Energy Sources for Achieving 2050 Climate Goals - May 5, in-person event presented by the State House News Service to be held in Boston.

EBC Environmental Justice Webinar: Effective and Meaningful Engagement with EJ Communities - May 5, virtual event presented by the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC).

Hazard Mitigation Assistance Cost Estimation - May 5, webinar presented by FEMA on estimating construction costs for common types of projects funded through the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program.

NPDES Basic Permit Writers Course - May 5-June 9, five-week online course from EPA for new National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit writers.

Best Management Practices for Floating Aquaculture Gear - May 9, webinar from Rhode Island Sea Grant.

EBC Emerging Contaminants Webinar: PFAS - Which Risk Where Means What? - May 10, virtual event sponsored by EBC.

Benefits, Applications, and Opportunities of Natural Infrastructure - May 10-11, workshop sponsored by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to be held in Athens, Georgia, with a virtual option.

Phosphorus Control Plan Workshop Series - Virtual workshops sponsored by the Charles River Watershed Association to support municipal phosphorus control plans and stormwater management, with “Public BMPs: Maximizing the Cost Benefit Equation” on May 10 and “Question & Answer Session with EPA and Technical Experts” on May 24. Videos of previous workshops in this series are available online.

Mass Audubon Bird-a-thon - May 13-14, annual fundraiser and celebration of nature from Mass Audubon.

Center for Coastal Studies Community Open House - May 14, free event featuring an art exhibit, demonstrations, family activities, lab tours, and science talks at the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown.

Applying Behavioral Insights to Improve Marine Conservation - May 17, webinar sponsored by Open Communications for the Ocean (OCTO).

2022 SNEP Symposium - May 18, virtual symposium from the Southeast New England Program (SNEP) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Region 1 with the theme, “Science Bringing Solutions: Delivering Environmental Improvement to Southeastern Coastal New England.”

Tribal & Indigenous-Based Climate Adaptation Priorities in the NE CASC Region - May 18, webinar from the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (NE CASC).

EBC 2^nd Annual Summit of the U.S. EPA and New England State Water and Wastewater Leaders - May 18, virtual EBC event on issues around drinking water, stormwater, wastewater, and surface and groundwater.

EBC Leadership Program with U.S. EPA Regional Administrator Dr. David Cash - May 19, in-person event in Boston on programs and priorities for EPA’s Region 1 office. A virtual option will also be offered.

Climate Conversations: Adaptation in Agriculture - May 19, webinar presented by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

EBC Energy Resources Program: Update from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center Leadership - May 20, in-person EBC event to be held in Boston.

Shipwreck Scholars - May 21 and June 19, educational program from The Trustees of Reservations and CZM’s Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR) with a focus on local nautical history and the Ada K. Damon shipwreck site. These events will be held at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich.

Communities, Climate Change, and Health Equity—State-Level Implementation - May 24-26, virtual workshop sponsored by the Environmental Health Matters Initiative on state-level actions to help improve climate-related health issues in disproportionately impacted communities.

BUAR Public Meeting - May 26, virtual public Board meeting hosted by BUAR.

National Working Waterfront Network Conference—Registration Now Open - July 18-21, in-person annual conference on working waterfronts and ports to be held in Boston. The 2022 conference will be hosted by Urban Harbors Institute and UMass Boston and co-hosted by CZM and Maine Sea Grant. Registration is now open, with early discounts available until June 1.

Sweltering Heat Waves and Increasing Drought: Can the Northeast Handle the Heat? - June 3, in-person event presented by EBC and the Sustainable Solution Lab at the University of Massachusetts Boston to be held in Boston, with a virtual option.

Plastic Waste Free World North America Conference and Expo - June 8-9, in-person conference in Atlanta on materials, technologies, and solutions to reduce plastic use and waste.

The ONo Index: Detecting Novel Ocean Conditions for MPA Management - June 9, webinar from the National Marine Protected Area (MPA) Center and OCTO on the Ocean Novelty (Ono) Index to help MPA managers identify priorities in a changing climate.

Run for the Beach 5K - June 12, annual run/walk event to support Salem Sound Coastwatch that will start at Dane Street Beach in Beverly.

National Harbor Safety Committee Conference - June 13-15, in-person 18^th biennial conference hosted by the Massachusetts Bay Harbor Safety Committee with the theme “Maritime Strong: Navigating Diverse Growth and Change.” The 2022 conference will be held in Boston.

EBC EBEE Awards Celebration - June 16, 29^th annual EBC event to recognize “companies, organizations, and individuals for outstanding accomplishment in environmental management, energy resources and management, and climate change.” This is an in-person event to be held in Boston.

Ipswich River Paddle-a-thon - Annual fundraiser, through June 18, to support the Ipswich River Watershed Association.

City Splash - June 18, community event sponsored by the Charles River Conservancy that provides an opportunity to swim in the Charles River and highlight the water quality improvements in this urban river.

International Sand Sculpting Festival - July 22-24, annual festival at Revere Beach.

Sea Rovers Show - October 1-2, annual event in Danvers from Boston Sea Rovers to showcase the marine environment with a focus on diving and includes seminars, workshops, displays of dive equipment and services, an art exhibit, kids’ activities, and a film festival.

National Adaptation Forum - October 25-27, 5^th national event on climate adaptation to be held in Baltimore, Maryland.

2022 National Coastal and Estuarine Summit - December 4-8, annual conference sponsored by Restore America’s Estuaries to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, with a virtual option.

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

• U.S. Symposium on Harmful Algae—Call for Abstracts - October 23-28, 11^th symposium organized by NEIWPCC, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and U.S. Geological Survey to be held in Albany, New York. Abstract submissions are due by May 6.
• Joint Aquatic Sciences Meeting - May 14-20, conference organized by the Consortium of Aquatic Science Societies to be held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a virtual option.
• 26^th Annual Mystic Herring Run and Paddle - May 15, race sponsored by the Mystic River Watershed Association.
• National Floodplain Managers Conference - May 15-19, 46^th annual conference sponsored by the Association of State Floodplain Managers to be held in Orlando, Florida, with a virtual option.
• NALMS Symposium—Call for Abstracts - November 14-17, 42^nd International Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) entitled “Leveraging Experience to Manage Diverse Lakes, Landscapes, and People.” The 2022 symposium will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Abstracts are due by June 1.
• NEERS Spring Meeting - June 2-4, sponsored by the New England Estuarine Research Society (NEERS) and expected to be held in Salem with potential hybrid options.
• River Rally 2022 - June 4-7, conference on equitable and sustainable water resources sponsored by the River Network to be held in Washington, DC.
• Capitol Hill Ocean Week - June 7-9, 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, to be held in Washington, DC, with a virtual option.
• Buzzards Bay Swim - June 18, fundraiser for all ages and abilities to support the Buzzards Bay Coalition. Registration is required.
• 22^nd AEES Meeting - June 21-23, annual meeting of the American Ecological Engineering Society (AEES) with the theme, “Designing for Our Future: Ecotechnology for Watershed Health in the Urban-Rural Continuum,” to be held in Baltimore, Maryland.
• NMEA 2022 Conference - July 9-13, conference sponsored by the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) with the theme, “Charting the Course with Perseverance.” The 2022 conference will be held at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, and online.
• Marine Mammal Biology Conference - August 1-5, biennial conference sponsored by the Society of Marine Mammalogy to be held in Palm Beach, Florida, with a virtual option.
• Stormwater Conference - September 26-28, annual conference sponsored by StormCon to be held in National Harbor, Maryland.

Calendar - Multiple/Ongoing Events

APCC Events - Free virtual events on landscaping, gardening, and more from the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC).

Aquarium Lecture Series - Webinars presented by the New England Aquarium.

Boat Safety Courses - Through June, free Boating Safety Course in coastal communities from the Massachusetts Environmental Police.

Boston Harbor Now Events - Events throughout the Boston Harbor area.

Buzzards Bay Events - Regional events compiled by the Buzzards Bay Coalition.

Cape Cod Bird Club Walks and Activities - Free bird-watching field trips across Cape Cod.

Cape Cod Field Schools - Multi-day field courses offered by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.

Cape Cod Maritime Museum Lectures - Upcoming lectures at the museum in Hyannis.

Center for Coastal Studies Events - Events across the Cape Cod region.

Climate Change and Adaptation Webinars - Webinars from the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center.

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 and classes from the Ecological Landscape Alliance.

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

MBL Falmouth Forum Lecture Series - Free public lectures presented in person and virtually from the Marine Biological Lab in Woods Hole.

Mystic River Watershed Events - Events throughout the watershed compiled by the Mystic River Watershed Association.

National Marine Sanctuaries Webinars - Webinars hosted by the sanctuary system.

Native Plant Trust Events - Classes, field studies, and webinars across Massachusetts.

NOAA Coastal Training and Learning Resources - A range of training opportunities from NOAA’s Digital Coast.

NOAA Planet Stewards 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 - Event listings on the South Shore.

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

Sound in the Sea Webinars - Webinars through November hosted by the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography.

Walks & Events in Harwich - Birding and nature walks from the Harwich Conservation Trust.

Westport River Watershed Alliance Lectures - Online lectures presented by the Westport River Watershed Alliance.

Other Items of Interest

Gulf of Maine Council Award Nominations - The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment is seeking nominations for the following 2022 Annual Recognition Awards: Visionary Awards recognizing “innovation, creativity, and commitment to protecting the marine environment;” Sustainable Communities Award for a community or a community group that embodies a sustainable environment and economy; Industry Award for a business that has been a leader in improving the Gulf of Maine ecosystem; Longard Award for an outstanding volunteer within the Gulf watershed; and Susan Snow-Cotter Award for coastal management professionals who “exemplify outstanding leadership or exceptional mentoring in the Gulf of Maine watershed.” Nominations are due by May 31.

Hurricane Preparedness Week - May 1-7 is Hurricane Preparedness Week, an annual reminder from the National Weather Service to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, which begins on June 1. See the Hurricane Preparedness Week website for information on hurricane safety, preparedness videos, current forecasts, social media ideas, COVID-19 considerations, and other resources.

Shrink Wrap Recycling Program - Through June, Woods Hole Sea Grant, in collaboration with Barnstable County and the towns of Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, and Wellfleet, will offer a free shrink wrap recycling program for Cape Cod residents. Boat owners can bring their bundled shrink wrap to one of five Cape Cod locations to be recycled. For details, including locations, times, and instructions, see Sea Grant website.

Volunteer to Survey Horseshoe Crabs - The North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA) is seeking volunteers to help conduct a Horseshoe Crab Survey in Duxbury Bay. Daytime and night shifts are available in May and June. For more information and to sign up online, see the NSRWA website.

Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair Judges Needed - The 2022 High School Science & Engineering Fair will be held virtually from May 5-6 and organizers are seeking professionals in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) to volunteer as judges. For details and to sign up, see the Seeking Volunteer Judges Notice (PDF, 261 KB).

Coastal Management Photo Contest - NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management is seeking photos to “show us your love for the coast” for the 2022 Coastal Management Photo Contest. Winning images will be featured in an Office for Coastal Management social media campaign in May. Please submit photos that show your walks by the water, fishing excursions, support of coastal businesses, and more by May 6 to [e-mail] (limit 10 images per entry).

Westport River Watershed Alliance Calendar Photo Contest - The Westport River Watershed Alliance (WRWA) is seeking landscape and nature photos that show the Westport River watershed in all four seasons for the WRWA Photo Contest. Thirteen winners will be selected for the 2023 WRWA calendar. Please submit images to [e-mail] (limit five per person) by July 1.