CZ-Mail Year in Review - 2007

Published January 2008

Welcome to the year-in-review edition of CZ-Mail, which highlights many of the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) accomplishments in 2007, 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 2008.

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Overview of 2007 at CZM

For CZM, 2007 was a year of transition. In April, the new Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) was formed, adding the Commonwealth's two energy-related agencies—the Department of Public Utilities and the Division of Energy Resources—to the environmental secretariat. Through this transition, CZM was led by Acting Director, Bruce Carlisle. In September, CZM welcomed Leslie-Ann McGee as Director. Leslie-Ann, a fisheries scientist with more than a decade of experience in marine habitat conservation and government relations, came to CZM from the New England Fishery Management Council, where she ran the Essential Fish Habitat and Marine Protected Areas Program. Upon her arrival, Leslie-Ann engaged CZM staff in a strategic planning exercise that will identify CZM's future priorities. Through these changes, CZM has continued to address the issues important to Commonwealth's coast and coastal communities and watersheds.

CZM Program Evaluation a Success

In February, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) conducted its regular review of the Massachusetts coastal program. Through the week-long process, CZM hosted a team of reviewers, highlighting CZM's successes over the last three years. The official evaluation findings were finalized in June, concluding that Massachusetts is successfully implementing and enforcing the program. The evaluation report includes an overview of the program, key accomplishments over the last few years, and several suggested recommendations—including for CZM to continue its strategic approach to reviewing and updating enforceable policies and to continue involvement with the implementation of Coastal Hazards Commission recommendations.

Aquatic Habitat Restoration Task Force

In August, EEA launched the Aquatic Habitat Restoration Task Force, charging the group with evaluating restoration efforts during the last decade, evaluating the status of aquatic habitat restoration today, and recommending a blueprint for the next four years and beyond. The Task Force held six meetings from August to November. Through discussions and deliberations at the meetings and additional conversations and correspondence, the group achieved consensus on six recommendations of big-picture steps that collectively establish the path for success in restoring the Commonwealth's aquatic habitats. They are intended to guide the efforts of EEA and its partners to achieve greater restoration results for the next several years and into the next decade. The Task Force is chaired by CZM's Assistant Director, Bruce Carlisle, and includes representatives from: CZM's Wetlands Restoration Program (WRP), the Department of Fish and Game's Riverways Program and Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), Mass Audubon, The Nature Conservancy, American Rivers, the Ipswich River Watershed Association, the Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership, and Coastal America (representing federal agencies). The Task Force's report is due out in this month (January 2008) and will be available on the CZM website.

Coastal Hazards Commission

In July, the final report of the Massachusetts Coastal Hazards Commission (CHC) was released. The CHC was launched in February 2006 to consider erosion, flooding, sea-level rise, and other coastal hazards issues that threaten coastal development and communities. The goal was to review existing practices and policies, identify data and information gaps, and prepare a report with recommendations to the Legislature. With more than 1,500 miles of diverse coastline in the Commonwealth, the CHC faced many varied and important issues. Their final report includes 29 recommendations and potential implementation plans. To view the report and additional information about the CHC process, see the CHC website. Over the next 12-18 months, CZM will be taking strategic steps to further implement specific CHC recommendations that identified CZM as lead or co-lead.

Climate Change

In 2007, CZM worked with the Coastal States Organization (CSO) on a number of initiatives, including the preparation of a report on state coastal programs' role in climate change adaptation. In September, the CSO Climate Change Work Group released The Role of Coastal Zone Management Programs in Adaptation to Climate Change. This report explores the current and future roles of state coastal zone management programs in addressing climate change to: inform Congress and federal agencies of the role of state coastal zone management programs in addressing climate change; notify federal agencies of key research, information, and policy needs; and provide for information exchange among coastal states and territories.

CZMA Reauthorization

The Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), which provides the federal legislative basis and funding for CZM, is currently slated for reauthorization. This important legislation provides for a true state-federal partnership—establishing a voluntary program that gives coastal states funding and opportunity to develop and implement plans to manage coastal resources. As the federal agency that administers the CZMA, OCRM has established a flexible framework that enables states to develop strategies that meet their specific needs within their state governmental structure. The CZMA also gives states the authority to review federal projects, federally financed projects, and projects receiving federal licenses and permits to ensure that they abide by state laws, regulations, and policies. CZM is working with CSO on reauthorization. In October, CSO and NOAA wrapped up a three-phase effort to identify current coastal management issues, constraints, and opportunities and to generate ideas and recommendations on current and emerging priorities and innovative techniques and solutions. Using the cornerstones and core principles that emerged from this "envisioning" project, CSO and its member states are working this winter to draft proposed language for a new CZMA reauthorization bill. In February 2008, at the spring meetings in Washington, DC, state coastal program managers will compare the CSO and Administration drafts of the new proposed legislation.

Coastlines 2007

The 2007 edition of Coastlines, the CZM magazine, featured coastal recreation in Massachusetts. From beach combing to fly fishing, articles offer personal accounts and tips for getting started.

Program Accomplishments

Project/Federal Consistency Review

Offshore LNG Proposals - In 2007, CZM completed the review of two Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals proposed for Massachusetts Bay by federal and state authorities. Construction of the Northeast Gateway LNG Project was finished in late 2007, with an anticipated startup date of January 2008. Federal Consistency concurrence for the Neptune LNG Project was issued in July, with construction yet to be initiated. Both projects are for LNG deepwater-port docking facilities in Massachusetts Bay, with an undersea pipeline connection to the existing HubLine gas transmission line.

Renewable Energy Proposals - In addition to the Cape Wind proposal for a wind turbine array in Nantucket Sound and Patriot Renewables, LLC turbine array in three areas of Buzzards Bay, CZM is reviewing additional proposals for renewable energy projects within the coastal zone. The town of Hull proposed a four-turbine array in waters just offshore of Nantasket Beach. A permit application seeking the installation of a tidal energy project in the waters near Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket was also filed with the state.

Winthrop Shores Reservation Restoration Program - In August, CZM issued Federal Consistency concurrence for this project, which is part of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) "Back to the Beaches" program to restore the beaches of Boston Harbor. The CZM-approved elements of the program include restoration of Winthrop Beach, improved public access to Short Beach, and improvements to Winthrop Shore Drive. The proponent proposed to nourish the beach with imported sand, gravel, and cobble material from an offshore site known as the New England Offshore Mining Environmental Study site, approximately eight miles southeast of Winthrop Beach.

Massachusetts State Dredging Team - In 2007, CZM re-established the State Dredging Team to facilitate an effective, improved approach to planning and review of state and/or federal dredging projects. The team was developed in response to national dredging policy directives that have identified regional and state dredging teams as the most effective way to address complex and/or controversial issues related to dredging and dredged material disposal. The Massachusetts team, chaired by CZM, is broadly responsible for assisting in a pre-application review process, coordinating the identification of priority projects for federal construction, managing the state's dredged material disposal sites to ensure that they are adequately monitored, and discussing and facilitating resolutions to policy issues. Participants include representatives of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Marine Fisheries Service, DMF, DCR, MassDEP, the Massachusetts Port Authority, and Mass Audubon, among others. The team has discussed such issues as the near-shore disposal of dredge material for beach nourishment purposes, the possibility of consolidating several dredging permits within a town into one comprehensive dredge permit, and the effects and effectiveness of time-of-year restrictions on dredging projects.

Port and Harbor Planning

Renewals, a New Plan, and a DPA - Five communities—Gloucester, Salem, New Bedford/Fairhaven, Nantucket, and Boston—are updating, renewing, and amending existing harbor plans. The city of Gloucester continues to review its draft Municipal Harbor Plan (MHP) update, with particular care to ensure that the Designated Port Area (DPA) Master Plan proposed meets the city's goals. The city of Salem has worked extensively during 2007 to prepare an update to their 2000 plan, and expects to submit a final plan to the EEA Secretary for review by early 2008. Meanwhile, the city of Lynn has developed, with input from CZM, a locally approved plan for the Lynn waterfront and intends to begin the formal state-approved Municipal Harbor Planning process early in 2008. Nantucket has submitted a draft harbor plan for Nantucket and Madaket Harbors. New Bedford and Fairhaven have held a public scoping meeting to identify important issues to be addressed in their harbor plan renewal, formed their formal harbor plan committee, and selected a consultant. Actual harbor planning is expected to begin early in 2008, with a target completion date of later that year. In Boston, the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) submitted an MHP amendment for the Charlestown Navy Yard, which is currently under review by CZM and EEA. The BRA is also preparing an amendment to the approved East Boston MHP, and expects to submit a final plan by early 2008. Also in Boston, Massport continued to expand and enhance port-related activities at the Massport Marine Terminal and Black Falcon Terminal-one of the state's 11 DPAs, which are working waterfront areas where the creation or expansion of maritime industrial uses is encouraged. For more information about CZM's harbor planning efforts, contact CZM's Regional Coordinators.

Ocean Management

Northeast Regional Ocean Council - In 2007, CZM was very active in the nascent Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC). Consisting of delegates from the six New England states and ex-officio members from U.S. federal agencies, NROC was established in 2005 by resolution of the New England Governor's Association. Working from a set of four priority issue areas defined in 2006, a Congress was convened in May 2007 at the University of New Hampshire with more than 60 participants representing state and federal government, academia, and non-governmental organizations. In preparation for the Congress, NROC worked with existing regional organizations to document and survey coastal and marine activities that would require or benefit from regional actions. Based on the input and deliberations from the May Congress, NROC presented its Annual Report to the Governors of New England in June. In October, CZM Director Leslie-Ann McGee chaired the NROC annual meeting where the Council adopted interim Terms of Reference, defined a process for establishing informal collaborations and formal partnerships with nongovernmental organizations and other groups, and discussed priorities for the next 18-month work plan. In 2008, Connecticut will assume the chair of NROC and continue progress in the areas of ocean and coastal ecosystem health, coastal hazards resiliency, ocean energy planning and management, and maritime security.

Massachusetts Ocean Partnership Fund - In November, the Massachusetts Ocean Partnership Fund (MOPF) unanimously approved the inclusion of CZM's new Director, Leslie-Ann McGee, to serve on its Governing Board. Established to advance the central findings of the CZM-led Massachusetts Ocean Management Task Force, MOPF is a broadly representative public-private partnership that will support and advance ecosystem-based integrated multi-use management of the Commonwealth's coastal ocean resources. As a nimble public-private partnership, MOPF will support the state's and others' efforts by: facilitating collaboration and problem solving on tough issues among diverse stakeholders; fostering effective integration of science and management, including improving the accessibility and synthesis of information and identifying options for ocean management; and leveraging financial, information, and human resources. MOPF was recently awarded a substantial grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to implement part of its Five Year Strategic Plan.

An Act Relative to Oceans - In September, the Massachusetts state Senate unanimously approved an Oceans Management Bill sponsored by Senator Robert O'Leary. EEA the EEA Secretary issued this statement following the Senate approval: "I congratulate Senate President Murray for her leadership on the critical challenge of oceans management in our state waters, as well as Senators O'Leary, Tarr, and others for their commitment to this issue. Massachusetts has an opportunity to be a national leader in supporting our historic fishing communities while balancing growing interests in our marine resources in a manner that protects our environment. The Senate took an important step in that direction today. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Legislature as this bill continues through the legislative process." The bill is awaiting action by the state House of Representatives.

Gulf of Maine Council - 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. Massachusetts has been an active member of Council since 1989 and CZM is chairing the Council through June 2008. In February, the Council released its 2007-2012 Action Plan—a document that describes the goals, outcomes, and activities that the Council plans to pursue through its committees and partnerships in the next five years. The Council dedicated the Action Plan to former CZM Director Susan Snow-Cotter for her efforts to protect the Gulf of Maine. Also in 2007, the Council selected Susan Jones Moses of Rowley and the Essex County Greenbelt Association for 2007 Visionary Awards. These awards recognize innovation, creativity, and commitment to protecting the marine environment. Susan Jones Moses promotes the protection and preservation of the coastal watershed environment of the North Shore, and the Essex County Greenbelt Association has protected more than 11,000 acres of ecological, scenic, historic, and agricultural significance throughout the North Shore. In addition, the Council awarded 2007-2008 Action Plan Grants to 10 recipients in the Gulf of Maine region and three Massachusetts organizations received $10,000 awards for the following projects: outreach and technical support for a NDA designation for Cape Cod Bay, outreach for the Great Marsh Restoration Plan, and the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program's Think Blue Toolbox.

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 2003-2007, this project has mapped more than 463 square miles of seafloor, with additional mapping planned for spring 2008. 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, and in 2007 for Quicks Hole and Great Round Shoal. A report on the project from Cape Ann to Salisbury Beach is currently in the publication process. Data from two additional areas—Hull to Duxbury and Northern Cape Cod Bay—are currently being processed. For additional information and preliminary results from current mapping, see the project website.

CZM-USGS Seafloor Mapping Data Used as GIS Case Study - Data from the CZM-USGS Seafloor Mapping Project is showcased in Arc Marine: GIS for a Blue Planet, a new reference book that details the ArcMarine Data Model—an evolving database structure that supports spatial data from various aspects of marine research including seafloor mapping, fisheries management, marine mammal tracking, monitoring of shoreline change, and other oceanographic data. Chapter 3, "Marine Surveys," features CZM-USGS data from Gloucester to Nahant as a case study for using the ArcMarine database scheme.

Coastal Water Quality Protection

CPR and Coastal NPS Grant Programs Conclude Another Successful Year - Nine projects funded by CZM's Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program have been completed. Through the Coastal Pollutant Remediation and Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Grant Programs, CZM provides resources to municipalities for assessing and managing nonpoint sources of pollution—the number one pollution problem in U.S. coastal waters. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2007, more than $500,000 was awarded for projects ranging from the cleanup of stormwater pollution to the installation of shoreside boat waste pumpout facilities. Highlights include a nonpoint source pollution assessment of Ipswich's Farley Brook watershed, a major stormwater cleanup at Hall's Corner in Duxbury, and plans for a No Discharge Area designation in Salem Sound. CZM would like to thank all of the grantees for their excellent and timely work. For details about the grant program, including a complete review of all of this year's projects, see CZM's Coastal Water Quality web page.

Marina Compliance Workshops - In March, CZM, in partnership with the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA), EPA, MassDEP, and the Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance (OTA), held two workshops that focused on the issues and challenges of regulatory compliance for the marina industry. More than 200 participants attended the workshops, which featured presentations from CZM, EPA, OTA, MassDEP, and several marina operators and consultants on issues related to pressure washing, hazardous waste, and stormwater management. Presentations from the workshops are available on the MMTA website.

Statewide No Discharge Area - In 2007, EEA launched an initiative to designate all Massachusetts coastal waters as a No Discharge Area (NDA)—prohibiting any discharge of boat sewage, whether treated or not. CZM is providing substantial support to this initiative, and NDA efforts are now underway in Nantucket Sound; Cape Cod Bay; the coastal waters of Marshfield, Scituate, and Cohasset; Boston Harbor; the coastal waters of Revere, Saugus, Lynn, Nahant, and Swampscott; Salem Sound; and the coastal waters from Gloucester to the New Hampshire border. All tolled, these regional NDAs, when joined together with the eight existing NDAs in Massachusetts, will complete the Secretary's goal of NDA coverage for all Commonwealth coastal waters by 2009.

2007 Boaters' Guide to Tides and Pumpout Facilities - Each year, CZM and DMF 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 2008 guide will be available in the spring.

COASTSWEEP 20^th Anniversary - In 2007, COASTSWEEP celebrated its 20^th anniversary. This statewide annual beach cleanup sponsored by CZM and the Urban Harbors Institute (UHI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston is part of an international effort organized by the Ocean Conservancy where participants all over the world collect marine debris and record the types of trash they find. In September and October, 1,800 COASTSWEEP volunteers cleaned more than 100 miles of coastline, riverbank, marsh, seafloor, and lakeshore sites in the Commonwealth—collecting almost 18,000 pounds of debris. CZM and UHI would like to thank all of the dedicated volunteers that participated. For details about the 2007 efforts, see the COASTSWEEP website. If you are interested in getting involved in future COASTSWEEP cleanups, email [e-mail].

Shoreline Public Access

CZM Helps the Public Get to the Shore - In 2007, CZM distributed thousands of copies of Massachusetts Coast Guide to Boston and the North Shore, which includes nearly 400 shoreline public access sites (from Salisbury to Hingham). Available in print and online, Coast Guide provides maps and descriptions of not only the spectacular beaches found on major road maps, but smaller, little-known coastal treasures too. CZM has launched the Online Locator of Coastal Public Access Sites. Developed in conjunction with MassGIS, this searchable inventory displays maps and printable descriptions of coastal properties owned by government agencies or major nonprofit land conservation organizations and open to the public.

Special Natural Areas Protection

Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program - In October, CZM moved a step closer to having the state's Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Plan (CELC Plan) approved by NOAA. The draft CELC Plan was originally submitted to NOAA in March 2006, and late this summer, CZM received comments from NOAA on the draft plan. All comments were addressed and the plan was resubmitted to NOAA in October. Final approval is anticipated for early 2008. Also this summer, NOAA announced the list of FY2007 projects funded under the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP), marking the first year that NOAA awarded CELCP funding based on the results of a nationwide competitive program. The Center Hill Beach Project in Plymouth ranked second on a list of 17 projects funded nationwide. The Center Hill Beach property has been purchased by the town, which is expecting to be reimbursed with approximately $2,250,000 in CELCP funds. Special thanks to the entire Massachusetts Congressional Delegation, especially Congressman Delahunt, for their support and assistance with the CELCP funding. This fall, NOAA announced a significant change in the timing for applications to the program. The CELCP grant application and selection process will now begin late in the spring of 2008. Prospective applicants continue to be encouraged to use the FY2008 Request for Responses (RFR) as a preliminary guide to the development of projects. While the FY2009 RFR is expected to be similar, its exact contents will be guided by the official NOAA funding notice expected this spring. For more information, see the CZM's CELCP website, or contact Dave Janik at [phone] x12 or [e-mail].

Coastal Hazards

StormSmart Coasts to Debut in Spring 2008 - The nationally award-winning "StormSmart Coasts" program—now being developed by CZM and led by our current NOAA Coastal Services Center (CSC) Fellow, Wes Shaw—includes fact sheets, technical assistance guidance, and an extensive website of coastal floodplain management tools for communities. The program and its innovative tools will be introduced and distributed this spring at the annual Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) conference. In addition, a series of regional workshops will provide local officials with hands-on guidance to use these new regulatory and technical tools in real-world scenarios. In May, Wes was recognized at the national conference of the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) for Property Rights and Community Liability—The Legal Framework for Managing Watershed Development. This fact sheet, which Wes drafted with nationally recognized attorney Ed Thomas, Esq., summarizes the legal framework of managing coastal floodplains, especially as it pertains to municipal governments. A draft of the fact sheet is available on the ASFPM website (PDF, 156 KB). The final version will be available with all other tools on the StormSmart Coasts website, at the conference and workshops, and by request.

CZM Will Host New Fellow to Implement StormSmart Coasts - In November, CZM was selected to host its seventh Coastal Management Fellow to implement a project called StormSmart Coasts-Making Storm—Resilient Communities a Reality in Massachusetts. The project builds on the nationally award-winning program developed by CZM's current CSC Fellow, and will directly implement StormSmart Coasts floodplain management tools at the local level. The experience gained through this project will provide the real-world results needed to develop a state and even national implementation model. The new Coastal Management Fellow will be selected in May 2008, with the project expected to kickoff in August.

Coastal Smart Growth

Low Impact Development Conference - In April, more than 300 developers, town planners, engineers, and consultants gathered in Framingham for the First Annual Low Impact Development (LID) Conference and Vendor Fair for the Development and Real Estate Industry—organized and co-sponsored by EEA and CZM. Speakers discussed commercial and residential projects that demonstrate cost-effective LID techniques that preserve the integrity of ecological and biological resources, protect water quality, and recharge groundwater. More than 30 vendor booths showcased LID technical guidance, products, and technologies. The 2^nd Annual LID Conference, tentatively scheduled for spring 2008, will highlight LID for commercial and industrial projects.

Green Neighborhood Project Receives Award - In May, The National Association of Home Builders awarded C.P. Berry Homes a national award for Caldwell Farm, a 60-unit Open Space Residential Design (OSRD) development in Newbury built under the town's OSRD bylaw. The development maintains 100 of 125 acres as open space, including fields, forest, and freshwater and saltwater wetlands adjacent to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The OSRD model bylaw was drafted in 2001 by the Green Neighborhoods Alliance, co-founded by CZM. For details, see the Case Study in the Smart Growth/Smart Energy Toolkit.

Barnstable Wins National Smart Growth Award - In November, the town of Barnstable won a 2007 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement from EPA for its Balanced Growth through Downtown Revitalization project. Over the past three years, the community and local decision-makers created a development strategy that encourages growth and development in downtown Hyannis, while reducing growth pressure on environmentally sensitive areas along the coast. The town has purchased land and transferred development to downtown—protecting sole-source aquifers and other sensitive natural areas as downtown development occurs on city water and sewer infrastructure. The net result has been more protection for undeveloped areas and greener redevelopment driving the downtown resurgence. For details, see the EPA website.

Massachusetts Smart Growth/Smart Energy Conference - In December, approximately 700 public officials and staff, nonprofit agencies, private groups, and individuals gathered in Worcester for the 2007 Smart Growth/Smart Energy Conference. The event included a number of exhibitors and featured sessions about land use, development, and conservation. In addition, the focus of this year's conference expanded to include the Commonwealth of Massachusetts's emphasis on the energy and public health aspects of sustainable development. The conference was sponsored by EEA, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, and the Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works, in partnership with and through the generous support of The Urban Land Institute-Boston, the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Planning Association, and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.

Smart Growth/Smart Energy Toolkit - In December, EEA released the Smart Growth/Smart Energy Toolkit. The 2^nd edition of the Toolkit, produced by EEA on behalf of the Commonwealth, presents updates to the original 12 modules and includes a number of new modules. The Toolkit is a multi-media resource with extensive images, graphics, maps, and diagrams that provide local officials, developers, and citizens with tools to help communities meet goals of robust residential, commercial, and industrial development and environmental protection. The Toolkit is designed as a website, but is also available as a CD. See the toolkit, get more details, and order a copy of the CD on the Smart Growth/Smart Energy Toolkit web page.

Smart Growth/Smart Energy Awards - In December, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts presented Smart Growth/Smart Energy Awards to five communities, recognizing the efforts of municipalities and their public- and private-sector partners to design and build projects that conserve energy and other resources and protect and enhance the local environment. The coastal town of Kingston received the award for its 40R Bylaw, "1021 Kingston's Place Smart Growth District," which is a premier example of successful land planning and regulatory reform. It combines strong community involvement with a public-private partnership and exemplifies the Governor's Sustainable Development Principles. The proposed zoning was carefully coordinated with Kingston's approved Master and Housing Plans to ensure consistency with broad public policy objectives. In addition to the "Green Building" construction requirements, the transit-oriented design of the district truly advances the smart energy goals of the town and the Commonwealth.

LID Working Group - In 2003, CZM gathered public- and private-sector experts to discuss the promotion of LID practices with a goal to evaluate scientific, technical, and outreach resource needs. Since then, the LID Working Group has been a resounding success. With case studies, model bylaws and regulations, PowerPoint shows, brochures, and fact sheets in hand, the working group and its co-sponsors held more than 18 regional workshops and a statewide conference. As a result, LID bylaws have been adopted and LID is slowly replacing conventional development. In 2007, the LID Working Group expanded to 200 members, including representatives from local, state, and federal agencies; conservation organizations; private law, planning, and engineering firms; developers and landscape architects; watershed associations; regional planning agencies; the University of Massachusetts; the University of New Hampshire Stormwater Treatment Center; Massachusetts Watershed Coalition; Massachusetts Association of Home Builders; and Massachusetts Association of Realtors. This true public-private partnership has resulted in a pooling of resources, connecting those with funding and expertise to those with implementation strategies.

Wetlands Restoration

Wetlands Restoration Grants - In 2007, CZM's Wetlands Restoration Program selected eight proposals to receive awards totaling $200,000 under the FY2007 Wetland Restoration Grants for Priority Projects. Grant funds will be used to support construction-related activities and project monitoring. The awardees for construction-related restoration projects are: Ballard Street salt marsh/Town of Saugus - $30,000; Eel River headwaters and wetlands/Town of Plymouth - $20,000; Shore Road salt marsh/Town of Yarmouth - $33,050; and Labor in Vain Brook/Town of Somerset - $25,230. The awardees for monitoring grants are: Association to Preserve Cape Cod - $25,000; Cohasset Center for Student Coastal Research - $26,720; Nantucket Conservation Foundation - $10,000; and Salem Sound Coastwatch/Mass Audubon - $30,000.

Great Marsh Celebration - In May, more than 100 federal, state, and local partners gathered to celebrate aquatic habitat restoration efforts in the Great Marsh and across the Commonwealth. This Wetlands Month Event was held in the middle of the beautiful Great Marsh at The Trustees of Reservations Crane Estate in Ipswich. Representatives from EEA, EPA, NOAA, WRP, The Trustees of Reservations, and the city of Gloucester spoke about many recent restoration successes and emphasized future needs and opportunities for aquatic habitat restoration throughout Massachusetts. Restoration accomplishments within the 25,000-acre Great Marsh region on Massachusetts North Shore were highlighted, along with more than 100 potential salt marsh restoration opportunities identified in the Great Marsh Coastal Wetlands Restoration Plan.

Completed Restoration Projects - In 2007, WRP marked the completion of four restoration projects along the Commonwealth's coast. In April, restoration partners including the city of Gloucester, Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership, Eight Towns & the Bay, NOAA, and WRP completed the Dun Fudgin' Salt Marsh Restoration Project in Gloucester, where one acre of former salt marsh was restored by removing fill material from a site near the Gloucester High School. In June, with WRP assistance, the town of Yarmouth completed the Shore Road Salt Marsh Restoration Project—restoring tidal flow to a degraded 4-acre marsh upstream of Lewis Bay on the Nantucket Sound side of Yarmouth. In July, Thompson Island Outward Bound, WRP, and numerous partners completed a project to restore tidal flushing to six acres of degraded inter-tidal wetlands on Thompson Island in Boston Harbor. In October, restoration partners representing WRP, the town of Orleans, the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service celebrated the completion of a salt marsh restoration on Little Namskaket Creek in Orleans.

Tracking Progress of Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol with Beetles - In 2007, WRP and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service produced a laminated, pocket-sized field identification card for purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) biocontrol beetles (Galerucella spp.). The card provides guidance to volunteer monitors on how to identify and report observations of beetle adults, eggs, and larvae on purple loosestrife. It has been more than 10 years since these biocontrol beetles were first released in Massachusetts to control the invasive wetlands plant, purple loosestrife. WRP staff and wetlands experts have seen positive results from the project—declines in purple loosestrife and beetle dispersal from release areas to other purple loosestrife infestations. Those who spend time in wetlands are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the beetles and report any observations to WRP. For more information, see the project website.

Aquatic Invasive Species

Online Aquatic Invasive Species Reporting - In 2007, CZM and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Sea Grant Program developed an online Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Sighting Submission Form to report new non-indigenous species sightings in Massachusetts. Designed for citizens, field monitors, fishermen, or anyone else who would like to report an unfamiliar species, the form reports freshwater and marine plant and animal species by sending an email to the Massachusetts AIS Reporting Network. Timely reporting is key to ensuring a rapid response to new species' introductions. After providing contact information and the location and date of a sighting, you can upload a photo. For more information, see the CZM Invasives website.

Rock Snot Alert Issued by the Aquatic Invasive Species Working Group - In November, CZM, DCR, and the Massachusetts Aquatic Invasive Species Working Group issued an alert for the invasive freshwater diatom, Didymosphenia geminata, otherwise know as Didymo or Rock Snot. This alga has the potential to blanket streambeds in a thick mat, leading to a loss of habitat for fish and invertebrates and making swimming and fishing undesirable. Didymo has been discovered in New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York rivers, and the working group is seeking the public's help to keep this invasive species out of Massachusetts waters. For details contact Adrienne Pappal at [e-mail].

Emergency Management

CZM Emergency Management in 2007 - CZM serves as EEA's representative to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). CZM's Joe Pelczarski coordinates communications and EEA response activities from the MEMA Emergency Operations Center in Framingham for emergency events, which for 2007 included coastal storms in March, May, November, and December. In the fall, CZM also participated in the Drought Management Task Force, responding to the lack of precipitation in the state. In addition, CZM updated the Continuity of Operations (COOP) and Continuity of Government (COG) Planning for EEA to reflect the expanded Secretariat that now includes energy. For more information on emergency management, see MEMA's website.

CZM Activates Coastal Storm Team for Patriots Day Northeaster - In April, CZM activated the Rapid Response Coastal Storm Damage Assessment Team (Storm Team) for the northeaster that hit the coast. Storm Team members each surveyed a segment of the coastline and reported the degree of flooding, storm damage, and erosion to the MEMA Emergency Operations Center. Storm Team feedback provides valuable information to MEMA, allowing for more coordinated and targeted emergency response and recovery during and after a storm event. The hardest hit areas of the coast included Salisbury, Newbury, Newburyport, Scituate, Marshfield, and Nantucket. In May, President Bush issued a major disaster declaration in Massachusetts for the areas struck by severe April storms, making federal funds available for damaged areas. In addition, the Small Business Administration also approved a disaster declaration for some of the affected areas making low-interest loans available to homeowners and businesses.

Underwater Archaeological Resources

Archaeological Site Work - Fieldwork opportunities were frequent in 2007 for the Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR). In the spring and summer, BUAR staff, assisted by the Massachusetts Environmental Police, spent many hours in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Historian's Office, NOAA, and the UMass Boston Environmental Sciences Department. Together they conducted research surveys on the Minots Ledge area off Cohasset to locate and document the remains of the Minots Ledge Lighthouse, which was destroyed by a violent storm in 1851, killing two lighthouse keepers. Information gathered during the surveys was used to guide the USCG diver archaeological investigations, which will be used to add the remains of the 1851 lighthouse to the National Register of Historic Places. This collaborative partnership is the first field effort undertaken by the USCG with respect to submerged cultural resources. In late summer, BUAR staff began an investigation of a shipwreck in the Merrimack River in Haverhill-the Sea Scout training ship, Elk, lost in 1936. It was believed to be the former lightship LV-1, aka "Nantucket." Research confirmed the shipwreck was an early lightship, but not the LV-1. Rather, it is more likely to be the remains of the LV-4 or LV-9. In November, the BUAR and researchers from UMass Boston and the city of Boston again joined efforts, this time to begin a research project looking at the effects of sea-level rise on Pre-Contact Native American site and historic sites around Long and Rainsford Islands in Boston Harbor. For more information, see the BUAR website.

Archaeology Month - October was Archaeology Month in the Commonwealth and this year, the BUAR held two events. The Marion Natural History Museum sponsored the BUAR presentation, Underwater Archaeology in Massachusetts. The BUAR, the Cape Cod Maritime Museum, and the archaeological staff of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary co-sponsored an exhibit and hands-on event at the Cape Cod Maritime Museum in Hyannis, which 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 children.

Regulation Amended - The BUAR amended its regulations, 312 CMR 2, to create a new permit category, the special use permit, for environmental review, public planning, and scientific research projects. These amendments create a clear source of information and simplified rules for project proponents and, in particular, their technical services consultants (chiefly archaeologists).

Publications - BUAR Director, Victor Mastone, and Deputy Director, David Trubey, co-authored a chapter entitled "Not Just Another Piece of a Boat: Massachusetts Shoreline Heritage Identification Partnerships Strategy (SHIPS)" in Out of the Blue: Interpretation of Maritime Cultural Resources by Della Scott-Ireton and John Jameson, editors (Springer Press, 2007). This chapter describes the BUAR's public outreach initiative for dealing with casual discovery of resources. Also, Mastone edited the Advisory Council on Underwater Archaeology's Underwater Archaeology Proceedings 2007 from the Society for Historical Archaeology-Williamsburg conference held last January. The volume is composed of 17 chapters by 24 authors and covers a broad spectrum of topics and locales. It was last published in 1999.

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 - CZM, in partnership with the City of Gloucester, EPA, and DMF, continued to examine the potential for eelgrass habitat restoration in the Annisquam River. Last spring, test plots of eelgrass were planted in five areas of the Annisquam River. Eelgrass planted in Lobster Cove, Goose Cove, outside of Goose Cove, Mill River, and the mouth of the Little River will be periodically monitored to determine the success of these test plots and guide restoration planning.

Technical Assistance - In 2007, CZM staff continued to work with the cities of Salem, Lynn, and Beverly to update or develop Municipal Harbor Plans or waterfront development plans to promote and facilitate water dependent uses of harbor areas. CZM also continued to facilitate the very popular 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; facilitates coordination between the cities and towns and state agencies; and provides an avenue for discussion of new regulatory and policy tools. CZM also worked with EPA, Safer Waters in Massachusetts (SWIM), Saugus River Watershed Association, and the communities of Revere, Lynn, Saugus, Nahant, and Swampscott to begin the process of nominating the Lower North Shore region as a No Discharge Area. Salem Sound Coast watch, with funding from CZM, is nearing the submittal stage of their NDA application process, and the Eight Towns and the Bay Committee is just beginning to work with CZM to review the process for the Upper North Shore (Great Marsh) region.

Boston Harbor (Winthrop to Weymouth)

Fan Pier Development Breaks Ground - In September, the Fan Pier project broke ground on the South Boston waterfront—seven years after its initial approval as the largest part of the South Boston Municipal Harbor Plan. The project is a mixed-use development with office and commercial space, residential units, a marina, and public amenities including open space, civic/cultural uses, a water transportation facility, and the Institute of Contemporary Art. In the harbor plan approval process, CZM worked with the Boston Redevelopment Authority, the public, and project proponents to protect public trust rights while promoting redevelopment of an historic area of the Boston waterfront. See the Decision on the City of Boston’s South Boston Waterfront District Municipal Harbor Plan (PDF, 165 KB) for more information.

Technical Assistance - In 2007, CZM continued to work with the Boston Redevelopment Authority as they developed municipal harbor plans for the Charlestown and East Boston waterfront. CZM participated in the Technical Working Group for two Boston Harbor dredging projects that include maintenance of the Inner Harbor and long-range plans for the deepening of the federal navigation channel. In addition, CZM continues to work with the cities and towns in the Boston Harbor region to collect data on recreational and commercial boats using the harbor to identify locations where additional pumpout facilities could be installed to help comply with the upcoming NDA designation.

South Shore (Hingham to Plymouth)

Straits Pond Restoration Project - CZM continued to work with the towns of Hull, Cohasset, and Hingham on the Straits Pond Restoration Project, which seeks to restore tidal exchange to a severely degraded 94-acre coastal salt pond identified as a high priority site for restoration. Through on-going efforts the project has received funds totaling $2.3 million for construction of an expanded culvert between the pond and the Weir River estuary. The restoration is entering the permitting process and is anticipated to break ground in spring 2008. This milestone will be the culmination of a six-year interactive and inclusive process that will provide ecological and water quality improvements to the pond and aesthetic and quality-of-life benefits to area residents.

No Discharge Area Designation - CZM worked with the towns of Cohasset, Scituate, Marshfield, and project partners including the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program, the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, and the North River Commission to develop an application to designate the towns' coastal waters as an NDA. Through this process, vessel population and pumpout needs were evaluated, resource areas characterized, and water quality considerations documented. As part of this initiative, a comprehensive education and outreach effort was conducted, which included presentations to the Boards of Selectmen and local committees, distribution of educational materials, drafting of articles for the local press, and several informational public meetings. In December, the Cohasset Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to support the formal nomination. The NDA nomination is on the Scituate and Marshfield Selectmen's agenda early this month. It is anticipated that the formal nomination will be submitted to EPA in January, with a May designation.

Technical Assistance - In 2007, CZM provided technical, grant writing, and coordination assistance to a number of restoration projects including Jacobs Meadow, Border Street/Parker Avenue Cut, and Treats Pond projects in Cohasset, the Broad Cove project in Hingham, Musquashcut Pond in Scituate, and the Ellisville Harbor Marsh in Plymouth. CZM also provided technical assistance and guidance to the town of Scituate for its harbor planning needs assessment.

Cape Cod & Islands (Bourne to Provincetown and the Islands)

Cape Cod Bay NDA - Since the spring of 2006, representatives from CZM, the town of Barnstable, the Center for Coastal Studies, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program, and Nantucket Soundkeeper have worked together to designate Cape Cod Bay as a federal NDA, prohibiting the discharge of all boat sewage in state waters from Provincetown to Plymouth. The work group has collected data on vessel use and pumpout facilities and is currently analyzing the data to determine what additional pumpout facilities are needed to meet EPA requirements for NDA designation. This winter, the work group will assist towns that need additional pumpouts to secure grant funds for this equipment. A formal application should be submitted to EPA next spring, with designation expected next fall or spring 2009.

Technical Assistance - In 2007, 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 subcommittee, Center for Coastal Studies, and the Barnstable County Dredge Advisory Committee. CZM also 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 continues to provide technical assistance to private and public marinas with implementation of best management practices, and has helped area marinas apply for funding to improve boating infrastructure. CZM has facilitated the efforts of 10 Cape Cod Bay towns to designate Cape Cod Bay as an NDA, and CZM has begun working with the communities along the south coast of Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard to create an NDA for the south cape waters and waters of Martha's Vineyard.

South Coastal (Wareham to Seekonk)

Technical Assistance - In 2007, CZM and its Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program (NEP) continued to work closely with other state and federal agencies on the Shoreline and Aquatic Resources Technical Working Groups of the Natural Resource Damages Assessment team, which is quantifying damages and identifying potential restoration opportunities related to the 2003 Bouchard oil spill in Buzzards Bay. It is anticipated that the assessment portion of this process will be completed in 2008, with mitigation project implementation taking additional time. 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 are anticipated to occur in 2008 and will continue to improve the harbor's ability to serve as one of the state's most important centers for marine industrial activity. CZM also partnered with the Buzzards Bay NEP to hold a workshop on the Transfer of Development Rights for communities in both Buzzards Bay and Mount Hope Bay. CZM provided technical assistance to the New Bedford Conservation Agent on dock and pier management issues, and to New Bedford and Dartmouth parties on a potential strategy for Buttonwood Brook restoration.

National Estuary Programs

CZM administers two National Estuary Programs (NEPs), the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program 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. MassBays 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

Grants and Technical Assistance - In 2007, the Buzzards Bay NEP continued its core mission to provide grants and technical assistance to Buzzards Bay municipalities. In January, $112,000 was awarded to nine municipalities to help map stormwater outfalls, treat stormwater discharges that are closing shellfish beds, protect and restore wetlands and habitat, and update computer database maps of town parcel boundaries to help local officials manage permits and track natural resources. Recipients of these awards include Marion, Carver, Plymouth, Westport, Rochester, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, Bourne, and New Bedford. This past summer, more than $98,000 in municipal grants was awarded to four communities to protect and restore Buzzards Bay. The grants will help these communities test, map, and treat stormwater discharges; protect and restore wetlands and habitat; and safeguard open space. Recipients of these awards include Bourne, Marion, New Bedford, and Rochester. In addition to grants, the Buzzards Bay NEP helps municipalities develop local regulatory protection strategies and review local projects, and helps program partners to prepare grant applications and restoration plans for state and federal grant programs.

Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program

Survey of Invasive Species - In July, MassBays and the MIT Sea Grant Program coordinated an international team of 20 scientists to conduct a "rapid assessment survey" in coastal waters stretching from Woods Hole through mid-coast Maine. The experts searched for invasive species—plants or animals not normally found in New England coastal waters whose introduction to the ecosystem can harm the environment, economy, and public health. The goals of the study are to develop a baseline inventory of species in the coastal waters, identify plants and animals that have been recently introduced into the ecosystem, and assist managers in preventing and controlling future invasions. Many of the non-native species documented during the 2007 survey had been observed in the previous two surveys in 2000 and 2003, but this survey revealed the northward expansion of Grateloupia, a non-native red seaweed, into Cape Cod Bay and at a survey site in Boston. The significance of this new species is not yet understood, but it may impact other native seaweeds.

No Discharge Areas - MassBays has been actively engaged in designating NDAs throughout the Massachusetts and Cape Cod Bays. MassBays Cape Cod regional partner, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC), has partnered with the Cape Cod Bay No Discharge Area Working Group to make presentations to the Boards of Selectmen in several Cape Cod Bay towns, and will be helping towns to find funding for additional pumpout facilities. APCC has created a fact sheet, PowerPoint presentation, website, and other outreach materials to build public support for the designation, and has begun preparing the NDA application on behalf of towns on Cape Cod Bay. MassBays has also initiated the NDA designation process for Salem Sound and the coastal waters of eight upper North Shore communities ("Eight Towns and the Bays").

Think Blue Massachusetts - For the second summer, MassBays and the Massachusetts Bays Estuary Association (MBEA) packed up the 15-foot tall inflatable duck, "Stormy," and set up the Think Blue Massachusetts exhibit at numerous community, science, and music festivals to spread the word about stormwater pollution to thousands of citizens. MBEA was also happy to receive a Gulf of Maine Council grant to officially launch the Think Blue Toolbox in spring 2008. The Toolbox will be a free online resource for communities and organizations to help implement their own Think Blue projects, and will include downloadable materials, media release templates, and project suggestions and advice.

Barbara Warren Receives EPA Merit Award - In April at a ceremony in Boston, Barbara Warren, Executive Director of Salem Sound Coastwatch and Salem Sound Regional Coordinator for MassBays, was presented with an EPA Environmental Merit award. The award recognizes "outstanding environmental advocates who have made significant contributions toward preserving and protecting our natural resources."

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 on to new opportunities.

Director - In September, Leslie-Ann McGee began as the Director of CZM. Leslie-Ann, a fisheries scientist with more than a decade of experience in marine habitat conservation and government relations, comes to CZM from the New England Fishery Management Council where she ran the Essential Fish Habitat and Marine Protected Areas Program.

Acting Director - In January, Bruce Carlisle was named Acting Director of CZM. Bruce has been with CZM for 13 years, previously serving as the manager of CZM's Wetlands Restoration Program, as well as a policy and technical specialist in wetlands, water quality, and habitat issues. In September, Bruce welcomed Leslie-Ann McGee as Director and returned to his previous role as CZM Assistant Director.

Invasive Species Program Coordinator - In August, CZM welcomed Adrienne Pappal as the new Invasive Species Program Coordinator. Adrienne will be responsible for managing the marine invasive species monitoring network, continuing the development of rapid response protocols for newly introduced aquatic invasive species, and implementing the Massachusetts Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan. Adrienne joined us from MassDEP, where she worked on water quality monitoring and quality assurance issues. She holds undergraduate and advanced degrees in marine science. She replaces Invasive Species Specialist Charles Hernick, who left CZM in April after accepting a position as an environmental consultant. While at CZM, Charles assisted Massachusetts and other Northeastern states in developing early detection and rapid response protocols for aquatic nuisance species and developed CZM's new Invasive Species website.

Boston Harbor Regional Coordinator - In July, CZM welcomed Brad Washburn as the new coordinator for the Boston Harbor Region, filling an important position vacant for some time. Brad comes to CZM from the Boston Redevelopment Authority, where he assisted with the city-wide municipal harbor planning process and reviewed various waterfront planning projects. He holds a Masters of Regional Planning from UMass Amherst. With his experience and insight, Brad has hit the ground running on municipal harbor planning and Chapter 91 waterways issues.

Coastal Structures Fellow - In August, CZM said goodbye to Claire Enterline. While at CZM, Claire worked as a Coastal Structure Fellow, collecting data about manmade structures along the North Shore of Massachusetts that will provide needed information to assist with post-storm reconstruction. In addition, Claire ably assisted with management of CZM's Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program.

GIS Specialist - In December, GIS Specialist Chris Slinko left CZM for an environmental consulting career. While at CZM, Chris developed a database of waterfront sites that provide public access to the coast—the Online Locator of Coastal Public Access Sites—which allows you make personalized maps to beaches, rocky shores, boat ramps, and other shoreline sites open to the public.

Ocean Policy Analyst - In August, Kate Killerlain Morrison, who served as Ocean Policy Analyst,Ocean Management Task Force left CZM for the non-profit sector. While at CZM, Kate worked on numerous state and regional ocean management initiatives, including: implementing recommendations from the Commonwealth's Ocean Management Task Force, developing and implementing the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment's Five Year Action Plan, and defining and advancing the priorities of the Northeast Regional Ocean Council. Kate is bringing her skills and experiences to the Massachusetts office of The Nature Conservancy, where she will serve as their Marine Program Director.

Planning and Mapping Manager - In December, CZM said goodbye to Steve Mague. From overseeing CZM's Shoreline Change Map update, to serving as the lead technical assistant on the South Boston Municipal Harbor Plan Decision, to managing a major effort to prepare plans depicting tidelands jurisdiction of MassDEP's Waterways Regulation Program—for the last nine years, CZM has counted on Steve for superb project management and effective development of the data and information necessary for sound coastal management. In January, Steve is joining the firm of Durand & Anastas Environmental Strategies, Inc. We will miss his calm and constructive presence, his absolute dedication to getting the job done, and his staunch support for all of us working to make CZM its best.

Project Review Coordinator - In June, CZM bid farewell to longtime and well respected colleague Truman Henson. Truman served as CZM's Cape and Islands Regional Coordinator from 1996-2005, and for the past two years as Project Review Coordinator. Truman has spent many years in government service. Prior to his positions at CZM, he served as a town of Orleans Police Officer, Harbormaster, and School Committee Chairman. In addition to the many skills and talents that Truman brought to CZM, he was well known throughout state and federal agencies for his humor, unwavering dedication, and love of golf. Although we will miss him, we know he is headed for a great retirement, living in a golf course development in Florida with his wife of 25 years, Gina. With Truman heading south, CZM's Dredging Coordinator, Robert Boeri, stepped in to serve as Acting Project Review Coordinator, and permanently took on that position in December. Bob is well-versed in environmental sciences, organized, attentive, and thorough. Through his tenure at CZM, he has gained a strong knowledge of state and federal permitting processes and has developed integral contacts throughout the agencies and other organizations.

Susan Snow-Cotter

It has been year since the loss of CZM's beloved Director, Susan Snow-Cotter, to inflammatory breast cancer. In that time, Susan and her family have been honored with many awards and dedications. Highlights of these honors are included below. For more on Susan's life and the tributes to her, see CZM's memorial website.

NOAA Award Named for Susan - In March, NOAA officially renamed one of the Walter B. Jones and NOAA Excellence Awards in honor of Susan Snow-Cotter. The award will be called "The Susan Snow-Cotter NOAA Excellence Award for Ocean and Coastal Resource Management."

Lifetime Achievement Award - In April, Susan was posthumously presented a Lifetime Achievement Award from EPA. Susan was honored as a born leader whose life's work will continue to be felt by future generations. For more than a dozen years in state government, Susan cut a path where she rose to CZM Director.

Hingham Names Crew Shell for Susan - In June, the Hingham High School Rowing Team christened its new 8-person crew shell the Susan Snow-Cotter. The beautiful, bright-red Vespoli racing shell was donated by Alan Mckim and will be rowed by the girls' varsity crew, coached by Susan's husband, John Cotter.

Sea Glass Mural Dedicated to Susan - This summer, thanks to the committed efforts of Carol Smith-Sloan and Holly Rader of All Cracked Up custom art in Hingham and support from CZM and DCR staff, a sea glass mural was installed at the Spectacle Island Visitors' Center in honor of Susan. Before her death, Susan had been helping the All Cracked Up team get the appropriate DCR permissions to donate the piece, which now graces a wall in the Visitors' Center. The large, swirling wave is made of sea glass and bits of broken pottery collected from Spectacle Island. A plaque dedicating the mural to Susan, "a true leader in coastal management," will remind all who see it of her personal and professional commitment to coastal and ocean issues.