It is with great sadness that we report that Susan Snow-Cotter, Director of the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), lost her battle with breast cancer on December 13. Susan was our dear friend and a constant source of leadership. She started with CZM in 1994 as our Ocean Policy Coordinator—marshaling a high priority, inter-agency effort to develop the state's first strategic plan for aquaculture. In 2000, with the support and gratitude of all of CZM, she selflessly stepped up to serve as CZM Acting Director during the change of Administration, later becoming Assistant Director under Tom Skinner. In April 2005, she was appointed Director, and has successfully led the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA) top-priority Ocean Management Initiative and Coastal Hazards Commission.
We could always count on Susan for level-headed leadership, pragmatic decision making, endless patience for coordination and cooperation, and deep understanding of what was truly important. She loved her work, feeling keenly connected with the coast and oceans and faithfully believing that we could make a real difference—and making it happen time and again. She leaves behind two wonderful children, Carley, 15, and Nicholas, 12, as well as her devoted husband John. Throughout her ordeal she couldn't say enough about how much support she had at home.
Susan will be dearly missed, and no words can capture our sorrow. In her memory, an education fund has been set up for her children. Contributions can be made to the Snow-Cotter Family Fund at the Hingham Institution for Savings, 55 Main Street, Hingham, MA 02043-2590, Attn Mary Lampert.
Susan was 45 and healthy when she was struck with Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC), a rare and aggressive disease. Although she was diagnosed quickly, many are not because IBC symptoms are more similar to a skin infection than breast cancer. In her memory, please take a moment to familiarize yourself and your loved ones with this silent killer through this web-based information: www.ibcresearch.org/ and www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/IBC.
We offer this CZ-Mail as a tribute to Susan's accomplishments over the last year. She would want everyone to know what we did as an agency—she was always so supportive and proud of all of us.
2006 Year in Review at CZM
Welcome to the year-in-review edition of CZ-Mail, which highlights many of the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) accomplishments in 2006, provides news and information about our programs and regions, and discusses the notable achievements of our partners. CZM would like to thank all of the people and organizations that contribute their time, effort, and passion to working on issues important to the Massachusetts coast. It has been a pleasure to work with you over the past year, and we look forward to a positive and productive 2007.
The next regular edition of CZ-Mail will be in February. Additional information about CZM's programs, publications, and other coastal topics can be found on the CZM website, and daily CZM updates are posted on Twitter. 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. Please feel free to share CZ-Mail with colleagues and friends—and if you have any suggestions for future editions, would like your name added to the mailing list, or would like your name removed, please email your request to CZ-Mail@mass.gov.
All links on this web page were current and working on the date of publication.
As the lead policy and planning agency on coastal and ocean issues for EOEA, CZM had a busy year with Ocean Management, Coastal Hazards, and Smart Growth—all top EOEA priorities. CZM Director Susan Snow-Cotter and Assistant Director Bruce Carlisle provided focused leadership throughout the changing landscape at EOEA. The results include—extensive progress in seafloor mapping, working recommendations from the Coastal Hazards Commission for the new Administration, and extensive efforts to promote new Low Impact Development techniques in the coastal zone and beyond-to name a few. We'd like to thank all of the people and organizations that contribute their time, effort, and passion to working on issues important to the Massachusetts coast. It has been a pleasure to work with you over the past year, and we look forward to a positive and productive year in 2007.
Key Initiatives for 2006
Ocean Management
Faced with proposals for new offshore uses, including wind and wave energy, liquefied natural gas, and sand and gravel mining projects, the Massachusetts Ocean Management Task Force was launched to replace the "first come, first serve" approach with proactive and coordinated decision making. On EOEA's behalf, CZM provided extensive technical expertise and staffing support to the Task Force, which completed its ambitious Waves of Change report within a year. CZM continued to take the lead with ocean management implementation in 2006 and was instrumental in drafting first-in-the-nation legislation authorizing development of a statewide Ocean Management Plan (see details below). In addition, CZM is continuing its partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey to successfully map the seafloor—providing a solid foundation for ocean-siting decisions. For the latest information, see CZM's Ocean Management Initiative website.
Coastal Hazards
The Massachusetts coastline is vulnerable to northeasters and hurricanes and experiences regular storm damage from even minor weather events. In addition, poorly sited development and aging infrastructure puts both lives and property at risk. To tackle these issues, the Coastal Hazards Commission was launched in February 2006 at the request of the state Legislature. CZM is substantially supporting the Commission's efforts to review existing hazards practices and policies, identify information gaps, and draft recommendations. Under the leadership of Commission Chair, Susan Snow-Cotter, the Commission released its draft recommendations in August, and final recommendations (PDF, 722 KB) are expected in early 2007.
Smart Growth
A decade strong, and still "building", CZM and Massachusetts Audubon North Shore teamed up to address the impacts of sprawling suburban development by launching the Green Neighborhoods Alliance. This award-winning effort brought together realtors, developers, builders, conservation organization, and state and local officials to draft and then promote a new subdivision design approach, which they labeled "Open Space Residential Design (OSRD)." OSRD is a local land-use strategy that uses flexible incentives for developers to preserve open space, reduce stormwater runoff impacts, promote mixed housing types, and ensure minimal disturbance to the natural terrain. The model OSRD bylaw has since been adopted by 56 communities across the state. Building on this success, CZM got together with EOEA to fund a full-time Smart Growth Coordinator, Andrea Cooper, who has been instrumental in developing the Commonwealth's Smart Growth Toolkit, promoting new OSRD and Low Impact Development (LID) techniques via workshops, and chairing a statewide LID Working Group.
Program Accomplishments
Aquatic Invasive Species
New Aquatic Invasive Species Program Website - The invasion of nonindigenous (introduced) species has emerged as one of the leading environmental threats to coastal and marine habitats and resources. To provide information and resources for detection, volunteer monitoring, and rapid response efforts, CZM's Invasive Species Program has launched a new website that highlights many of CZM's recent activities with links to important resources developed by the program's partners. In addition, users can view the Massachusetts Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan and download a number of invasive species identification cards.
Marine Invasive Species Monitoring Efforts - Through the Coastal Volunteer Monitoring Grant Program, CZM awarded grants to Salem Sound Coastwatch and the North and South Rivers Watershed Association to survey for invasive species. Both groups are part of the recently launched Marine Invader Monitoring and Information Collaborative—a network of groups who use a standardized protocol to monitor existing invasive species populations and detect potential invaders. On the North Shore, 15 invasive species populations will continue to be monitored along the shorelines of Beverly, Salem, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Marblehead. On the South Shore, five species will continue to be monitored along the shores of Marshfield and Scituate.
MACC Invasive Species Website - Funded by CZM and the Massachusetts Aquatic Invasive Species Working Group, the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) has launched a website that provides invasive plant management resources for the Commonwealth's Conservation Commissions, including details about the identification, ecology, and control of invasive plants, as well as site restoration guidelines, model orders of conditions, and many other technical resources. The website also features an online discussion forum, where conservation agents and commissioners can post questions and discuss invasive plant management issues.
Invasive Species Monitoring Workshop - In October, CZM led an invasive species monitoring workshop at the New England Aquarium (NEAQ). The workshop was jointly sponsored by the Northeast Aquatic Nuisance Species (NEANS) Panel and the NEAQ. The day-long workshop highlighted the efforts of volunteers across Massachusetts, Maine, and Prince Edward Island, and included an update on MITIS, the new regional invasive species database and website. The workshop also featured a presentation by Adriaan Gittenberger on the lessons learned from 30 years of volunteer monitoring in the Netherlands. The day wrapped up with a round-table discussion on how to strengthen existing monitoring efforts, and build links between monitoring efforts and scientists.
Coastal Hazards
South Shore Coastal Hazards Characterization Atlas - The South Shore Coastal Hazards Characterization Atlas is the first in a series of atlases developed to provide local coastal managers with information that can help with the review of projects that are in areas vulnerable to coastal hazards. The information provided in the Atlas will assist local reviewers with the implementation of sound coastal hazard mitigation strategies that promote the natural storm damage protection and flood control functions of coastal landforms on the ocean-facing shores from Hull to the Cape Cod Canal.
CZM Coastal Fellow for Flood Management Outreach - Storms have devastating effects in the Commonwealth's coastal floodplains, including loss of life, damage to private property, and destruction of public infrastructure critical for community resiliency. During the last quarter of 2006, CZM began designing a new outreach program to improve management of this critical area. This two-year program, headed by Wes Shaw, CZM's new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Management Fellow, aims to educate and enable local officials to create safer coastal floodplains through the use of both existing and newly created programs and regulations. The end product will feature outreach materials on mitigation options, case studies of the successes of various coastal communities in the Commonwealth, and model community-level regulatory tools.
Coastal Smart Growth
Smart Growth Technique Workshops - In 2006, CZM, EOEA, and other partners held 14 Low Impact Development (LID) and eight Open Space Residential Design (OSRD) workshops throughout coastal Massachusetts. These workshops covered effective site design techniques to preserve open space, reduce impervious surfaces, and lessen infrastructure costs. The workshops also focused on natural stormwater best management practices that minimize runoff and maintain natural hydrology, and "GreenScaping"—a set of landscaping practices that can improve the health and appearance of lawns and gardens, while protecting natural resources.
LID Working Group - CZM chairs and actively participates in this public-private partnership of local, state, and federal agencies; environmental organizations; regional planning agencies; and representatives from planning, engineering, law, and development firms. The group is collaborating to develop technical manuals and fact sheets, regulatory models, and associated outreach materials to promote the use of LID principles. Members of the LID Working Group have established regional technical assistance teams, who work directly with local officials to assist in the implementation of LID practices and regulatory tools.
LID Case Studies and Guidance - Four new LID case studies and a site design guidance manual are now available on CZM's Coastal Water Quality website. The new case studies showcase LID success stories in Tyngsborough, Boston, Cohasset, and Franklin. The Practice of Low Impact Development is a LID site design guidance manual designed to assist local officials and developers seeking to reduce the environmental and economic impacts of typical sprawl development.
2006 Coastlines Focuses on Smart Growth - In May, CZM released the 2006 edition of Coastlines, a periodic magazine providing in-depth coverage of ocean-related issues. This edition focuses on Smart Growth, with articles on OSRD, stormwater management, Green Roofs, and other Smart Growth topics. All issues of the Coastlines magazine (2002-2006) are available on CZM's website.
$800,000 in EOEA Smart Growth Grants - In October, EOEA announced grants for 51 communities to assist in land use planning and Smart Growth efforts. In total, more than $800,000 in funding was awarded through EOEA's Smart Growth Technical Assistance Grant Program. Projects awarded include: development of stormwater and Low Impact Development bylaws; OSRD subdivision bylaws; mixed-use town center zoning districts; and transit-oriented development zoning districts.
CZM's Andrea Cooper Receives Performance Recognition Award - In June, CZM's Smart Growth Coordinator, Andrea Cooper, was honored with a 2006 Performance Recognition Award. At the awards ceremony, Andrea, was praised for her tireless efforts to spread the Smart Growth message. Anyone who has attended Andrea's workshops has seen her combine her humor, knowledge, and true passion for Smart Growth into an effective learning experience.
Coastal Water Quality Protection
CZM Awards $500K in Coastal Water Quality Grants - Through the Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) and the Coastal Nonpoint Source (Coastal NPS) Grant Programs, CZM has awarded of $533,160 in grants to Massachusetts communities and nonprofit organizations to assess and remediate nonpoint source pollution from sources such as stormwater runoff and boat waste discharge that are adversely impacting swimming beaches, shellfish beds, and other coastal resources. Recipients of CPR awards include the towns of Dennis, Duxbury, Ipswich, Nantucket, Plymouth, and Yarmouth. Awardees under the Coastal NPS grant program include the city of Medford, the towns of Brewster and Franklin, the Charles River Watershed Association, and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.
President and EPA Honor Marshfield High School Students - At a White House Ceremony in April, President George W. Bush and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented a group of Marshfield High School students with a President's Environmental Youth Award for their efforts to reduce pollution in the South River. The students, Jacquelyn Archibald, Elisa Caron, Jessica Doolan, Nolin Greene, Kelly March, Jesse Miller, Emily Parsons, and Brendan Robinson, were recognized for building a rain garden behind Marshfield Town Hall to filter contaminants out of stormwater before draining into the South River. The project was designed with funding from CZM's CPR Grant Program and constructed with money raised by the students.
CZM Stormwater BMP Operation and Maintenance Report - CZM contracted with the Horsley Witten Group to conduct field inspections of stormwater best management practices (BMPs) funded by CZM's CPR Grant Program. Horsley Witten evaluated the maintenance history and condition of each installed BMP, and made an overall assessment of its functionality. A summary report (PDF, 390 KB) is now available that details the findings of these inspections, including a set of recommendations for improving maintenance, construction, and design of stormwater BMPs. Future applicants to the CPR program are encouraged to incorporate these recommendations into potential stormwater remediation projects.
2006 Boaters' Guide to Tides and Pumpout Facilities - Each year CZM and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries produce the Boaters' Guide to Tides and Pumpout Facilities. The wallet-sized pamphlet, printed on waterproof paper, contains information on the locations of pumpout facilities along the Massachusetts coastline and a June-September tide chart. The 2007 guide will be available in the spring.
COASTSWEEP Volunteers Clean Commonwealth Coast - On September 16, at Wollaston Beach in Quincy, CZM and the Urban Harbors Institute of UMass Boston (UHI) kicked-off the 19th annual COASTSWEEP—the statewide annual beach cleanup. Part of the International Coastal Cleanup organized by the Ocean Conservancy, COASTSWEEP cleanups were held through September and October. This year, more than 2,600 volunteers collected 10+ tons of trash from 96 locations—cleaning more than 110 miles of Massachusetts coastline. CZM and UHI would like to thank all of the dedicated volunteers that participated in COASTSWEEP 2006.
Emergency Management
CZM Emergency Management in 2006 - CZM serves as EOEA's representative to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). CZM's Joe Pelczarski coordinates communications and EOEA response activities from the MEMA Bunker for emergency events, which for 2006 included: a coastal storm in January, a blizzard in February, the Mother's Day Flooding in May, and a flood threat in June. In addition, CZM assisted in the Continuity of Operations (COOP) and Continuity of Government (COG) Planning for EOEA—helping to define the essential functions of the secretariat; the files, records, and documents to perform these functions; the lines of authority within EOEA; and the alternate work locations if any EOEA facility becomes unusable. For more information on emergency management, see MEMA's website.
Project/Federal Consistency Review
Offshore LNG Proposals - Two Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals proposed for Massachusetts Bay are currently under review by federal and state authorities. In late 2006, the Massachusetts Governor gave his approval to both the Northeast Gateway LNG Project and the Neptune LNG Project. Both are proposals for LNG deepwater-port docking facilities in Massachusetts Bay, with an undersea pipeline connection to the existing Hubline. In early 2007, CZM will review each project for federal consistency to ensure that they are consistent with CZM program policies and that they meet state standards.
Wind Energy Proposals - In addition to the Cape Wind proposal for a wind turbine array in Nantucket Sound, this past summer a second wind energy project was formally proposed for waters off the Massachusetts coast. Patriot Renewables, LLC, is proposing to construct 90-120 turbines in three areas of Buzzards Bay. Unlike the Cape Wind proposal, this project would be located entirely within state waters.
Desalination Project - The proposed Swansea Water District desalination project will withdraw up to 2 million gallons per day (mgd) of water from the Palmer River to produce 1.3 mgd of drinking water through reverse osmosis, discharging 0.7 mgd of brine. Through the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) process, CZM worked with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), EPA, and the National Marine Fisheries Service to encourage the proponent to minimize impacts to fish eggs and larvae and reduce the salinity within the discharge plume. Two remaining issues need be resolved in permitting. First, the proponent will need to work with DMF to arrive at appropriate mitigation for the potential loss of oyster habitat and resources that would result from building the intake. Second, the Chapter 91 licensing process will ensure that the proposed withdrawal structure that will be built on the bottom of the Palmer River will not affect the passage of water under the newly reconstructed Route 6 bridge. CZM expects to perform a federal consistency review of the project's NPDES permit some time in 2007.
Siasconset Shore Protection Project - Initially proposed in 2005, this project is designed to protect the southeastern corner of Nantucket Island from the effects of aggressive coastal erosion, specifically by widening Siasconset Beach by 200-250 feet and increasing its elevation by at least 10 feet. The project proposal includes a plan to dredge approximately 2.6 million cubic yards of sand from an offshore site, pump the sediment onto a two- to three-mile section of the beach, and install a large geotextile tube filled with sand at the base of the existing coastal bank. The project is currently under review as a Final Environmental Impact Report will also be subject to CZM federal consistency review.
Port and Harbor Planning
Renewals, Amendments, and a New Plan - Four communities—Provincetown, Gloucester, Salem, and New Bedford—are updating and renewing existing harbor plans, which require periodic renewal approved by the Secretary of Environmental Affairs. The city of Gloucester is nearing completion, with a draft set of recommendations now being reviewed by the Mayor and City Council. The most noteworthy aspect of the draft Gloucester plan is that it seeks to encourage new investment in port infrastructure by waterfront property owners through significant improvement in the legal system that controls development in the Gloucester Designated Port Area. In other harbor planning efforts, Boston received approval for a harbor plan amendment for a development site in the North Station area and Nantucket began the initial approval process for Nantucket and Madaket Harbors. For more information about CZM's harbor planning efforts in your region contact the CZM Regional Coordinator.
Ocean Management
An Act Relative to Oceans - In July, An Act Relative to Oceans was approved by the State Senate and was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. However, the 2006 legislative session ended before the House could take the matter to the floor. The proposed legislation—which may be re-filed in the next session, which begins this month—would allow for more proactive and effective management of Massachusetts ocean resources by authorizing state agencies to develop a statewide Ocean Management Plan to manage, develop, and protect natural and economic ocean resources within state waters. In response to the over-arching recommendation from the Massachusetts Ocean Management Task Force for comprehensive ocean management, the proposed bill is one of the first of its kind in the United States. The latest version of the bill was a compromise supported by Senators O'Leary and Bruce Tarr (Gloucester). For updates and a history on the bill, go to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Legislative Tracking System and search for "Senate No. 2653."
Marine Economies and Ocean Based Energy Reports - In July, as part of CZM's Ocean Management Initiative, An Assessment of the Coastal and Marine Economies in Massachusetts and Existing and Potential Ocean-Based Energy Facilities and Associated Infrastructure in Massachusetts were released. The Donahue Institute at the University of Massachusetts Amherst produced the marine economies report-a three-part study that provides an analysis of the economic value of coastal and marine economy output, as well as an overview of employment, wages, business activities, and trends within important sectors of the Massachusetts marine economy for 2004. According to the report, the annual gross regional product of the coastal economy was approximately $117 billion, the equivalent of 37 percent of the entire Massachusetts Gross State Product (GSP) in 2004. TRC Environmental Corporation produced the ocean-based energy report—a written report and map products illustrating existing and potential ocean-based energy facilities and large candidate areas for potential future consideration.
Capitol Hill Oceans Week - This annual event held each June in Washington, DC is aimed at raising the profile of ocean management for congressional delegations and high-level federal agency representatives. CZM Director Susan Snow-Cotter gave several presentations on Ocean Management efforts in Massachusetts and met with Jim Connaughton, Chair of the White House's Council on Environmental Quality, and the Joint Ocean Commissioners, Leon Panetta and Admiral Watkins, regarding regional ocean governance efforts in the Northeast. At several venues during the week, the ocean research and planning efforts underway in Massachusetts and California were highlighted as national models.
Seafloor Mapping Initiative - CZM and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) continue the successful cooperative started in 2003 to map the seafloor throughout Massachusetts. From 2003-2006, this project has mapped 897 km2 (346 mi2) of seafloor, with an additional 300 km2 (116 mi2) planned in 2007. Reports containing geographic information system data, maps, and technical explanations of data collection, processing, and geologic interpretation were published in 2006 for the North Shore, Boston Harbor, and eastern Cape Cod. Data from two additional areas—Cape Ann to Salisbury Beach and Hull to Duxbury—are currently being processed and a mapping cruise for western Cape Cod Bay is planned for 2007. See the project website for additional information.
Mapping Outreach Efforts - As part of the CZM/USGS Seafloor Mapping Cooperative, CZM organized a Seafloor Mapping Workshop in March and published a Seafloor Mapping and Habitat Poster. The workshop provided an opportunity to share results of seafloor mapping and habitat studies in Massachusetts among resource managers, scientists, and stakeholders. The poster explains and displays seafloor mapping techniques and the variety of seafloor habitats within Massachusetts.
Seafloor Habitat Study - CZM worked with the Massachusetts Fishermen's Partnership, a commercial fisherman, Northeastern University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sea Grant Office to study seafloor habitats in Massachusetts Bay. The goals of the study are to: tap commercial fishermen's knowledge of the ocean environment to identify locations within existing seafloor maps that warrant further groundtruthing to improve understanding of the character of seafloor habitat; construct an underwater sampling device to observe the seafloor and use fishing vessels as a research platform; and devise and test a systematic approach to collect and analyze seafloor habitat data. This collaborative study is a demonstration project funded through the Northeast Consortium.
Shoreline Public Access
Coast Guide Online - The Massachusetts Coast Guide to Boston and the North Shore features nearly 400 public access sites (from Salisbury to Hingham), ranging from expansive beaches with parking and concession stands to more out-of-the-way areas with scenic vistas. Developed by CZM, this publication contains 22 maps, descriptions of access spots, photos of a variety of sites, transportation information, and more.
Online Coastal Access Site Locator - CZM has completed a statewide inventory of all publicly accessible waterfront properties owned by government agencies and nonprofit land conservation organizations.
Special Natural Areas Protection
Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program - CZM has been quite busy over the past year ensuring that Massachusetts is ready and able to fully participate in the NOAA's Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program's (CELCP) land acquisition funding opportunities. In March of 2006, CZM formally submitted the Massachusetts CELCP Plan to NOAA for review and approval. In future years, an approved state plan will be a requirement to apply for CELCP grants. CZM also submitted two funding applications. The FY07 application identified three state coastal land acquisition priority projects, and the FY08 application identified two priority projects. The state priorities must then compete on a national basis with other states' priority projects. The projects that score highest in the national review are forwarded to Congress for potential funding. Two Massachusetts projects—the Apponagansett Bay Conservation Project in Dartmouth, and the Center Hill Beach Conservation Project in Plymouth—were forwarded to Congress and are currently under consideration for FY07 federal funding. CZM is hoping for positive news when the FY07 budget is finalized early in the new year. The FY08 projects are stilling undergoing the national ranking process. For more information, see the CELC Program web page.
Underwater Archaeological Resources
Archaeological Site Work - Fieldwork opportunities were frequent this year for the Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR). Early in the year, BUAR staff spent many hours examining the remains of an unidentified shipwreck on Craigville Beach in Barnstable. Unearthed during a beach nourishment project, the large timbers and hull planking were largely disarticulated and lacked significant diagnostic elements, making positive identification of vessel type difficult. However, photographs and oral history suggest the remains were that of the Vera, which ran aground during a storm. In the early summer, BUAR staff began an investigation of a potential ancient fish weir on the Swift River in Palmer. Unusually high water limited access to the site, but the work will likely resume in early 2007. In July, BUAR and researchers from UMass Boston teamed up to survey the 1782 shipwreck of the French 74-gun ship-of-the-line Le Magnifique in Boston Harbor. The survey included the use of a side scan sonar, magnetometer, and sub-bottom profiler. Data from this survey are currently being analyzed. In December, the BUAR and researchers from UMass Boston again joined efforts, this time to search for what remains of the USS Niagara in Boston's outer harbor. Once considered the largest wooden vessel in the world, the Niagara was a unique ship in both design and career, which included among other accomplishments, laying the first transatlantic telegraph cable in 1858 in conjunction with the H.M.S. Agememnon. The search for and documentation of Niagara is expected to continue in 2007. For more information, see the BUAR website.
Archaeology Month - October was Archaeology Month in the Commonwealth and this year, the BUAR, the Newburyport Maritime Society, and the archaeological staff of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary co-sponsored an exhibit and hands-on event at the Custom House Maritime Museum in Newburyport. The exhibit included several pieces of equipment used by marine archaeologists to locate and investigate submerged archaeological sites. The event also featured a mock shipwreck excavation and other educational activities for kids.
Wetlands Restoration
Restoration Partners Celebrate Accomplishments - In the summer, CZM's Wetland Restoration Program (WRP) joined NOAA's Habitat Restoration Center, the Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership, and a host of other local, state, and federal partners to celebrate the completion of two salt marsh restoration projects. In June, a dedication ceremony was hosted by the Chelsea Collaborative for the Locke Street Salt Marsh Restoration Project in Chelsea. Completed in October 2005, the Locke Street Project involved removal of more than 1,500 tons of accumulated road sediment from a one-acre salt marsh between Mill Creek and a Route One exit ramp. The restoration partners recognized generous contributions from Charter Environmental, Waste Management Inc., ERM Inc., Alpha Analytical, and the BSC Group. In July, the Thornton Burgess Society held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open a new pedestrian footbridge constructed at the former State Game Farm in East Sandwich. The new bridge replaces a failing culvert and water control structure that prevented the full passage of tides upstream. With funding and support from Ducks Unlimited, the Conservation Law Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Duke Energy, and the Horsley Witten Group, the old structure was demolished and removed in April. A new open channel was created to provide a more efficient hydrologic connection between Scorton Creek and the eight-acre salt marsh upstream. The new wooden bridge was constructed by a group of Thornton Burgess volunteers.
Namskaket Creek Update - WRP is pleased to announce that construction of the Namskaket Creek Salt Marsh Restoration Project was completed in December, restoring tidal flow to a degraded 10-acre marsh upstream of the scenic Cape Cod Rail Trail on the Brewster and Orleans town line. The original 2-foot diameter culvert beneath the rail trail severely restricted tidal flow to the marsh, causing significant degradation of upstream marsh habitats. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) sponsored and constructed the project with additional funding and support provided by WRP, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership. Changes in marsh vegetation and other indicators of restoration progress are being monitored by the Association to Preserve Cape Cod through a grant from WRP.
Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Project Web Page - Since 2000, WRP has worked to control purple loosestrife through this project. This web page provides background information on the invasive, exotic purple loosestrife, describes the use of purple loosestrife biocontrol agents (Galerucella sp. beetles) in Massachusetts, summarizes the project activities, and invites interested parties to get involved.
100 Years of Estuarine Marsh Trends Report - CZM, working with project partners at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, completed the final report (PDF, 4 MB) of an investigation into estuarine marsh trends (losses, gains, and changes) over three time periods: 1893-1952, 1952-1971, and 1971-1995. The investigation is the first of a three-part series designed to provide a statewide assessment of estuarine marsh trends. The areas covered in the first phase were Boston Harbor, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and the Elizabeth Islands. The wetlands class of estuarine marshes includes tidal emergent and tidal shrub-scrub wetlands, commonly known as "salt marshes." The report details that from 1893-1995, the study areas experienced a net loss of more than 8,200 acres, or 30% of estuarine marsh.
CZM Regional Programs
Coastal management at the local level is the bedrock of the CZM program, and CZM works closely with communities to ensure that local decision-making is based on sound coastal management principles. CZM serves as a liaison between federal and state programs and municipal authorities on key issues, coordinates regional environmental management initiatives, performs Federal Consistency Review, and provides technical assistance. CZM's regions are North Shore, Boston Harbor, South Shore, Cape Cod & Islands, and South Coastal.
North Shore (Salisbury to Revere)
Eelgrass Preservation and Restoration Efforts - To salvage plants from the planned removal of a ½ acre of eelgrass to make way for a new combined sewer outfall pipe at Pavilion Beach in Gloucester, 80 volunteers—including staff from CZM, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Sea Grant program, EPA, and the city of Gloucester—harvested 7,000 eelgrass plants from the affected area. This complements an August effort by the DMF to transplant 8,000 eelgrass shoots from Pavilion Beach to Boston Harbor. Eelgrass, a marine plant, cleans coastal waters, stabilizes shorelines, and provides important habitat to a diversity of species. The harvested eelgrass is currently stored in an experimental raft system and tank at the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center. Next spring, the surviving eelgrass will be transplanted back to the impact area at Pavilion Beach and potential restoration sites in the Annisquam River, ultimately saving this valuable resource that otherwise would be removed from Gloucester Harbor. To complement this effort and identify any potential restoration sites, CZM designed and implemented a study to examine spatial and temporal characteristics of water quality in the Annisquam River and Gloucester Harbor. Test plots will be planted in 2007 to further refine the identification of potential locations for large-scale eelgrass habitat restoration.
Financial Assistance - Through the Coastal NPS Grants Program, CZM awarded Salem Sound Coastwatch $20,000 to explore a No Discharge Area Designation for the sound and the city of Medford $20,000 to begin development of a stormwater utility. Through the FY07 CPR Grant Program, CZM awarded the town of Ipswich $25,000 to assess stormwater and develop BMP recommendations. In addition, the FY06 CPR Program funded a $30,260 stormwater BMP project in town of Rockport that was completed in June.
Technical Assistance - In 2006, CZM staff worked with several North Shore communities to update Municipal Harbor Plans or waterfront development plans to promote and facilitate water dependent uses of harbor areas. Both Gloucester and Salem are in the process of updating their Harbor Plans, and Manchester-by-the-Sea, Marblehead, Beverly, and Lynn are all working on waterfront development plans. CZM also continued to facilitate the North Shore Regional Conservation Commission and Health Agents Networks, with more than 25 participating communities. Through the networks, CZM provides monthly training for North Shore Conservation Commissions, Boards of Health, and their staff on a variety of relevant topics, as well as an opportunity to meet and work directly with state regulators. CZM staff also worked extensively with MassDEP and the communities of Newburyport, Newbury, Salisbury, and Gloucester on barrier beach management plans, and is working with MassDEP and DCR for a similar plan for the Salisbury Beach State Reservation.
Boston Harbor (Winthrop to Weymouth)
Institute of Contemporary Art Opens on Fan Pier - In December, the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) opened its doors at a new facility on Fan Pier on the South Boston Waterfront. This new ICA facility is the first major piece of development to be completed on Fan Pier as part of the South Boston Municipal Harbor Plan, approved in 2000. CZM staff played an important role in the plan approval process, working with the Boston Redevelopment Authority, the public, and project proponents to develop an approval decision that protected public trust rights while promoting redevelopment of an historic Boston waterfront. See the Decision on the City of Boston’s South Boston Waterfront District Municipal Harbor Plan (PDF, 165 KB) for more information.
Financial Assistance - Through the FY07 Coastal NPS Grant Program, CZM awarded the Charles River Watershed Association $20,000 and the town of Franklin $19,900 to explore stormwater infrastructure funding mechanisms. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council was also awarded $20,000 to develop and promote stormwater and LID bylaws.
Technical Assistance - In 2006, CZM continued to work with the Boston Redevelopment Authority as they developed municipal harbor plans for the Charlestown, Fort Point Channel, and North Station portions of the Boston waterfront. In addition, CZM continues to participate in the Technical Working Group for two Boston Harbor dredging projects that include upcoming maintenance of the Inner Harbor and long-range plans for the deepening of the federal navigation channel.
South Shore (Hingham to Plymouth)
EPA Designates South Shore Coastal Waters a No Discharge Area - In July, EPA formally designated the coastal waters of Plymouth, Duxbury, and Kingston as a Vessel No Discharge Area (NDA), prohibiting the discharge of all boat sewage. "This is great example of town, state, and federal agencies working together to ensure further protection of our coast," said CZM Director, Susan Snow-Cotter. Boat sewage can contain pathogens, nutrients, and chemical products, which can negatively affect aquatic life or degrade water quality. The total area of the new NDA is 63 square miles—the second largest in the Commonwealth. CZM is working with other South Shore towns and community partners to build on this success by expanding this designation to the northern part of the region.
Buckley Receives GOMC Visionary Award - Honoring the innovation and creativity of individuals and organizations bordering the Gulf of Maine, the Gulf of Maine Council (GOMC) presented a prestigious Visionary Award to Jack Buckley, a Cohasset High School social studies teacher. Buckley was recognized for his efforts in developing and leading the Center for Student Coastal Research (CSCR), which seeks to educate students, young adults, and the public in environmental and marine science issues through involvement in local and regional educational programs and research projects. CZM has provided CSCR with grant funds and technical assistance to support these efforts. Most recently, CZM partnered with CSCR and the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program to host the Student Coastal Caucus. For more, see the CSCR website and the GOMC Visionary Awards web page.
Financial Assistance - Through the FY07 CPR Grants Program, CZM awarded the town of Plymouth $29,060 to upgrade and expand the town vessel pumpout and the town of Duxbury $125,000 to install stormwater BMPs.
Technical Assistance - In 2006, CZM continued to work with the towns of Hull, Cohasset, and Hingham on the West Corner Bridge Replacement and Straits Pond Restoration Project, which is anticipated to begin construction in the fall of 2007. CZM provided technical and coordination assistance to a number of restoration projects including Inner/Little Harbors, Jacobs Meadow, and Musquashcut Pond. In addition, CZM participated in development and draft review of the South Shore Watershed Action Plan, which identified issues of regional significance and management options to enhance regional water quality and coastal habitats.
Cape Cod & Islands (Bourne to Provincetown, and the Islands)
Harbor Planning Efforts - In 2006, there was action on several harbor planning efforts in the Cape Cod and Islands region. The Provincetown Municipal Harbor Plan was submitted for renewal, and CZM has worked closely with the town and MassDEP to ensure its renewal. The town of Nantucket has begun the process of developing a state approved Municipal Harbor Plan for Nantucket and Madaket Harbors. CZM is providing guidance and technical assistance, and Nantucket hopes to have an approved plan by the end of 2007.
Financial Assistance - Through the FY07 Coastal NPS Grant Program, CZM awarded the town of Brewster $19,150 to assess and develop plans to reduce nonpoint source pollution affecting local shellfish beds. Through the FY07 CPR Grant Program, CZM awarded the towns of Dennis and Yarmouth $110,050 and the town of Nantucket $125,000 for stormwater BMP installation. In addition, the FY06 CPR grants funded a number of projects that were completed in June, including stormwater BMP installations in the towns of Barnstable ($102,700), Bourne ($138,375), Dennis ($133,050), Orleans ($90,800), and Provincetown ($116,640), as well as an investigation of pressure washwater management options in the town of Wellfleet ($35,100).
Technical Assistance - In 2006, CZM continued to provide support to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Sea Grant's Marine Outreach Guidance Group, Americorps Cape Cod Advisory Board, Pleasant Bay Management Alliance, Cape Cod National Seashore Off-Road Vehicle sub committee, Center for Coastal Studies, and the Barnstable County Dredge Advisory Committee. Also CZM facilitated regular meetings of the Cape Cod Conservation Commission network, and supported the Barnstable County Coastal Resources Committee. Additionally, specific and general technical assistance was provided to many of the conservation commissions, Boards of Selectmen, harbormasters, planners, engineers and citizens in towns across the Cape, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and the Elizabeth Islands during the year. CZM has provided technical assistance to various private and public marinas to assist in the implementation of BMPs, and provided information on clean boating tips used in the Nantucket Sound Keepers 2006 Boater's Guide. CZM has provided support and guidance to the 10 Cape Cod Bay towns as they begin work towards a No Discharge Designation for all of Cape Cod Bay.
South Coastal (Wareham to Seekonk)
New Bedford/Fairhaven Harbor Plan Renewal - In November, the city of New Bedford and the town of Fairhaven kicked off their harbor plan renewal process with a well-attended Harbor Plan Scoping Workshop, identifying the issues and ideas that harbor users and managers feel should be discussed. The current state approved plan is scheduled to expire at the end of September 2007. New Bedford and Fairhaven, with technical assistance from CZM and funding from the Seaport Advisory Council, hope to complete their harbor plan renewal over the next 10 months. The original New Bedford/Fairhaven Harbor Plan was completed in September 2002, and was recognized by then EOEA Secretary Robert Durand as the most progressive and innovative harbor plans ever produced in the Commonwealth. The plan has successfully guided harbor development and management over the past four years, and has succeeded in strengthening and protecting the traditional port industries while strategically opening the door to the port's visitor economy. As with the first plan, CZM will provide technical assistance to the municipalities to help ensure that the updated harbor plan will be consistent with state coastal and tidelands policies and will be approvable by the state.
Buzzards Bay Workshops - In May, CZM, EOEA, the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program, The Buzzards Bay Action Committee, cosponsored a Low Impact Development Workshop for Buzzards Bay communities. Approximately 45 local representatives attended and were presented with the array of LID strategies. A related follow-up workshop focusing on Transferable Development Rights (TDRs) is scheduled for January 18, 12:00 to 2:30 PM at the Marion Music Hall. Attendance is free and a light lunch is included.
Technical Assistance - In 2006, CZM continued to work closely with other state and federal agencies, including the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program, on the Natural Resource Damages Assessment team that is quantifying damages and identifying potential restoration opportunities related to the 2003 Bouchard oil spill in Buzzards Bay. Also, CZM continued to work with the city of New Bedford, the town of Fairhaven, MassDEP, and EPA on the third phase of navigational dredging projects in New Bedford Harbor. These dredging projects continue to improve the harbor's ability to serve as one of the state's most important centers for marine industrial activity. CZM also provided technical assistance to the New Bedford Conservation Agent on a potential beach nourishment project, and worked very closely with DCR and MassDEP on project design modifications to the new Horseneck Beach State Reservation facility to maximize environmental benefits and help the project move more quickly through the regulatory review process.
National Estuary Programs
CZM administers two National Estuary Programs, the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program (NEP) and the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program (MassBays). The Buzzards Bay NEP works to protect and restore water quality and living resources in Buzzards Bay and its watershed. The Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program works collaboratively to emphasize the local role in protecting Massachusetts and Cape Cod Bays and develops innovative models for improving resource protection.
Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program
Buzzards Bay CCMP Rewrite - The Buzzards Bay NEP completed the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) for Buzzards Bay in 1991. In 2006, with support from EOEA, they began the process of both rewriting this document, and incorporating principals of a Massachusetts Watershed Action Plan. In the spring, the Buzzards Bay NEP hired a contractor to hold workshops and draft key action plans, while Buzzards Bay NEP staff is drafting other parts of the management plan. This combined draft document is expected to be released for public comment in early 2007. This new CCMP will help guide local, state, and federal actions necessary for the long-term protection and restoration of Buzzards Bay for the next 10 years. The Buzzards Bay NEP is inviting managers, government officials, and the public to review the new action plans and provide feedback online.
Grants and Technical Assistance - The Buzzards Bay NEP continued this past year with its core mission to provide grants and technical assistance to Buzzards Bay municipalities. In March, the Buzzards Bay NEP awarded $75,000 in municipal grants for projects ranging from stormwater designs to wetland restoration. In addition to grants, the Buzzards Bay NEP helps municipalities develop local regulatory and non-regulatory protection strategies, and also helps program partners to prepare grant applications and restoration plans for state and federal grant programs. Most notably, this summer, the Buzzards Bay NEP developed a restoration proposal with Ducks Unlimited for eight sites in Buzzards Bay. These projects were bundled with a land acquisition grant application developed by the Coalition for Buzzards Bay and other area land trust partners as part of a North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA) proposal to use the remaining oil spill fine monies for Buzzards Bay. The proposal was successful and included nearly $1 million dollars for the eight restoration sites.
Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program
New Staff - MassBays welcomed two new staff members in 2006. Jo Ann Muramoto became the Cape Cod Regional Coordinator, based with MassBays new regional partner, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC). Jo Ann has extensive experience on the Cape with stormwater, wetlands, wastewater, and numerous other coastal issues. Sara Grady became the new South Shore Regional Coordinator based out of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association. Sara has been working on marine and coastal projects in the region Massachusetts for nearly a decade. Sara and Jo Ann, and all MassBays regional coordinators, are available to help coastal communities preserve and protect the Massachusetts Bays and watersheds.
Think Again. Think Blue. - With the help of "Stormy," the 15-foot inflatable duck mascot, the Think Again. Think Blue. campaign was officially launched in 2006. The Massachusetts Bays Estuary Association, MassBays, and the many other partners of the Think Blue Coalition were proud to see the launch of the Think Blue website and a series of three Think Blue print advertisements posted on the MBTA subway platforms throughout the summer. The Think Blue team also spoke directly to the public about stormwater pollution at numerous outdoor festivals and events, including the Boston Folk festival with 10,000 people in attendance. The year ended on a high note as Think Blue was awarded the blue ribbon for best exhibit at the Environmental League of Massachusetts' ninth annual Earth Night. The Think Blue team is proud of the campaign's first year accomplishments thanks to the tremendous effort and creativity of our partners. In 2007, look for the "Think Blue Toolbox" to help communities and organizations adopt the Think Blue campaign.
Report on May Rains - May's record rainfall caused widespread problems throughout the Commonwealth's coastal areas, especially in Essex County. Sewage treatment system failures, coupled with contaminated runoff, resulted in the closure of shellfish beds from the New Hampshire border to Cape Cod. Thousands of homes suffered extensive flood damage throughout the region. MassBays developed the May 2006 Extreme Rain Event and the Response of the Coastal Waters in the Massachusetts Bays System—which provides details about the storm's impacts.
Greenscapes North Shore - In December, Salem Sound Coastwatch, the Ipswich River Watershed Association, the Eight Towns and the Bay Committee, and the Massachusetts Bays Estuary Association got together for a special event announcing the launch of "Greenscapes North Shore," a new outreach campaign focused on environmentally friendly landscaping. Modeled on the successful program pioneered on the South Shore, Greenscapes North Shore will bring this initiative to a new region. See the Greenscapes website for more.
Samantha Woods Receives the Stephan Gersh Award - In November, MassBays presented Samantha Woods, Executive Director of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, with the Stephan B. Gersh Volunteer Stewardship Award in recognition of her passion, long-term dedication, and steadfast commitment to both local environmental issues and efforts, and the overarching goals of MassBays. Samantha's tireless work has resulted in significant environmental accomplishments in the North and South Rivers watershed, and she played a central role in making MassBays nonprofit sister organization, the Massachusetts Bays Estuary Association, a reality after years of planning.
Gulf of Maine
The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment is a U.S.-Canadian partnership of government and non-government organizations working to maintain and enhance environmental quality in the Gulf of Maine to allow for sustainable resource use by existing and future generations. CZM is a member agency and provides substantial state support to Council activities.
Habitat Restoration Grants - Council habitat restoration grant awards from the NOAA Habitat Restoration Partnership were provided to: the Association for the Preservation of Cape Cod for volunteer salt marsh monitoring efforts in support of recent tidal restoration projects; Salem Sound Coastwatch for pilot research to examine Phragmites control efforts; the town of Newbury to design and get permits to restore tidal flow to a restricted marsh; the towns of Orleans and Yarmouth to fund previously designed projects to restore tidal flow to tidally restricted marshes; the town of Duxbury to restore and repair a fish ladder for Herring and Rainbow Smelt runs; the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory to restore a sustainable sea clam population in Cape Cod Bay; and the Wetlands Restoration Program to fund mapping and modeling efforts to support a potential large tidal restoration project in Marshfield
Northeast Regional Oceans Council - In August 2005, the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEGC/ECP) established the Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC) to "facilitate the development of more coordinated and collaborative regional goals and priorities, and improve responses to regional issues." NROC is comprised of governor-appointed representatives and volunteer participants. CZM Director Susan Snow-Cotter has worked with NROC to develop a one-year work plan. Finalized in November, the work plan identifies four core ocean management areas where regional coordination is needed: 1) ocean energy resource planning and management, 2) ocean and coastal ecosystem health, 3) maritime security, and 4) coastal hazard response and resiliency.
Mapping Priorities - In February, the Gulf of Maine Mapping Initiative held a planning workshop in Boston to identify and prioritize mapping needs and build partnerships. The five objectives of the 2006-2008 work plan include: 1) coordinate mapping efforts in the Gulf of Maine, 2) broaden base of support for GOMMI, 3) complete pilot mapping projects on Cashes Ledge and Platts Bank, 4) map priority areas-Casco Bay and Northern Georges Bank, and 5) encourage use of metadata and mapping standards.
Ecosystem Indicator Partnership - The Ecosystem Indicator Partnership (ESIP) is a the Gulf of Maine Council committee that is developing indicators for the Gulf of Maine and integrating regional data for a new web-based reporting system for marine ecosystem monitoring. Activities of ESIP are initially centered on convening regional practitioners in six indicator areas—coastal development, contaminants and pathogens, eutrophication, aquatic habitat, fisheries and aquaculture, and climate change. In October, ESIP launched a pilot interactive map showing where various types of monitoring are being conducted. This initial version contains only limited information, but ESIP will continually expand map coverage to other monitoring programs and provide more details about specific monitoring measures at each location.
Staff and People
In looking back over this year of changes, CZM welcomes the new members of the coastal management team and wishes the best of luck to those who have moved onto new opportunities.
Boston Harbor Regional Coordinator - In March, Boston Harbor Regional Coordinator John Weber left CZM to return to Maine where he now works for the Maine Office of Coastal Zone Management in Augusta. While at CZM, John played a key role in working with the City of Boston developing harbor plans for the Charlestown Navy Yard and the Gillette property along the Fort Point Channel, as well as serving as the initial dredging liaison for the deepening of several Boston Harbor shipping channels. We miss John's enduring patience and wry humor and wish him all the best Downeast.
Cape and Islands Regional Coordinator - In January, Steve McKenna was named CZM's Cape and Islands Regional Coordinator. Steve provides technical assistance to Cape and Islands communities and works with local, state, and non-profit organizations on regional initiatives that protect and enhance the coastline. A native Cape Codder, Steve has been with CZM since 1997, most recently serving on the Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution team.
Coastal Hazards Planner - In April, CZM welcomed Julia Knisel as a Coastal Hazards Planner. Julia staffs the Coastal Hazards Commission and is working with the CZM Coastal Hazards team to implement the Commission's recommendations. Julia brings coastal geology and hazards management experience from Maine and North Carolina, and most recently from the U.S. Geological Survey in Woods Hole.
Coastal Management Fellow - In August, CZM welcomed Wesley Shaw as our sixth NOAA Coastal Management Fellow. While at CZM, he is managing a two-year flood management outreach project (see Coastal Hazards above). Wes received his master's in Marine Resource Management from Oregon State University.
Coastal Nonpoint Grants Coordinator - In August, Marilyn McCrory, CZM's Nonpoint Source Grants Program Coordinator, left CZM to take a full-time position with the DCR. In her short time at CZM, Marilyn made significant improvements to both the Coastal Pollution Remediation and Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Grant Programs. CZM wishes Marilyn the best in her new role.
Coastal Structures Fellow - In May, Claire Lafitte Enterline started as a Coastal Structure Inventory Data Collector. Claire, a graduate of Boston University's Environmental Science Program, is photographing and collecting data about manmade structures along the North Shore of Massachusetts (Salisbury to Lynn). This data will be incorporated into the Massachusetts Ocean Resource Information System (MORIS) and will provide needed information to assist with post-storm reconstruction.
Communications Director - In March, CZM said goodbye to longtime and well respected Director of Communications, Anne Donovan, who accepted the Communications Director position at the Trustees of Reservations. Fortunately her hiatus was short lived. In August, CZM happily welcomed Anne back, where after only a few days, she was deeply immersed in writing the coastal section of the Commonwealth's State of the Environment Report, released on December 19. Welcome back!
Dredging Coordinator - In August, Robert Boeri became CZM's new Dredging Coordinator to assist in the planning and review of dredging projects and programmatic dredging/dredged material management planning. A graduate of UMass-Amherst with a degree in fisheries biology, Bob has a considerable background in environmental lab testing specializing in toxicity studies.
Fiscal Manager - In January, CZM welcomed Chris Garby as the Fiscal Manager. Chris manages all details of CZM's fiscal affairs, including federal grants, capital spending, and procurement and contracting. He comes to CZM from DCR, where he worked for the last five years, most recently as the Capital Funds Manager. Chris replaces Maura Christhilf, who served as CZM's Fiscal Manager since 2002, helping all of us with her great attention to detail, level-headed management approach, and genuine commitment to the CZM program.
Invasive Species Specialist - In June, Charles Hernick started as an Invasive Species Specialist. Charles assists Massachusetts and other Northeastern states in developing early detection and rapid response protocols for aquatic nuisance species. He is working to develop a directory of taxonomists from the New England region, refine risk assessment protocols for new invaders, and develop rapid response plans for high risk species. Charles recently completed a master's degree in International Relations & Environmental Policy at Boston University.
Ocean Management Specialist - In February, Sarah Joor, who began as Ocean Management Specialist for CZM in 2003, decided to move on to other opportunities, not the least of which will include motherhood. Sarah had a baby boy in the fall of 2005. While at CZM, Sarah played a key role in supporting the Ocean Management Task Force in 2003-2004, as well as ensuring the implementation of several of the recommendations stemming from the Task Force's work.
Technical Assistance Writer - To develop content for CZM's growing website, and to produce guidance documents and other technical assistance materials, Betsy Rickards joined CZM as a Technical Assistance Writer in January. She has extensive professional and academic experience, most notably, she served for four years as a Conservation Commission Administrator for Manchester-by-the-Sea. Previously she was a Land Use Planner for the County of San Mateo in California. Betsy, a Cape Cod native, has a Masters of Science from Oregon State University in Marine Resource Management.
Wetlands Restoration Planner - In July, CZM's Wetlands Restoration Program welcomed Beth Suedmeyer as a Wetlands Restoration Planner. Beth transitioned into the planner position from her former job as CZM's Invasive Species Specialist, where she coordinated CZM's Aquatic Invasive Species Management efforts, including WRP's Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Project-a role she continues in her new position.