News Headlines |
Please send items of interest to Kristen.
|
Rolling March Against the Pipeline
SUNDAY – JULY 6, 2014 – RICHMOND
— Rolling March Kickoff Celebration – At Hilltop Orchards. Celebrate Massachusestts Fossil-Free Indpendence Day. Music, speakers and food in the Orchard. Hot dogs, hamburgers or veggie burgers, salads, tea. $12 per person, $5 for children under 14. Cash bar for wine, cider and soda. Visit www.eventbright.comfor advance purchase, or cash or credit accepted on day of event. Proceeds to go to Berkshire Environmental Action Team.
Arrive 11:00
Buffet, music and speakers 11:30-1:00
Hilltop Orchards
Canaan Road (Rte. 295)
Richmond, MA
— Rolling March – Richmond – Start at Hilltop Orchards on Canaan Rd., (Route 295) to Route 41, Church Lane to Sleepy Hollow Road past the Beagle Club Gas Hub to Dublin Road to Lenox Road, East Road to Swamp Road, ending at Bartlett’s Orchard.
Participation in the Kick-Off event is not necessary for participation in the walk. Amenities and transport back to Hilltop provided for free. Persons wishing to walk only should park and assemble at the Gazebo by 1:00 pm. Walkers welcome to join us as we “roll along”. Walkers are encourages to use signs, have rain gear, water bottles and must sign waivers.
Arrive no later than 1:00
Park and assemble at the gazebo
Hilltop Orchards
Canaan Road (Rte. 295)
Richmond, MA
MONDAY – JULY 7, 2014 – PITTSFIELD
— Stop the Pipeline Standout – The Pittsfield and Dalton leg of the state relay walk / rolling march will start with a “standout” rally at Park Square. Those who oppose the proposed high-pressure gas transmission line are invited to come to Park Square and stand in opposition. There will be signs available, or participants are invited to get creative and make their own.
8:30-9:30 AM
Park Square
Pittsfield, MA
— Rolling March – Pittsfield & Dalton – The journey from Pittsfield, through Dalton to Windsor will happen by bicycle, relaying the symbolic pipeline from Richmond to Windsor on it’s way across the state. Any and all bike riders in the area are encouraged to join for the 20 mile round trip. After the transfer of the “pipeline” baton, the riders will be departing from Park Square at 9:00 with a send-off from the Stand-Out protestors. RSVP is appreciated, but not necessary. Please contact Cheryl Rose to confirm 413-842-5141.
Cyclists assemble for 9:00 departure
Park Square
Pittsfield, MA
TUESDAY – JULY 8, 2014 – WINDSOR
— Rolling March – Windsor – Join us in the Windsor Walk to spread the word about the proposed gas pipeline. The plan is to walk the stretch of Route 9 through Windsor on July 8th, Tuesday. You can join us for some or all of the route which is about 8 miles. . Bring a sign! we will be delivering the baton to the Parish House in West Cummington.
Starting time TBA
WEDNESDAY – JULY 9, 2014 – CUMMINGTON
— Rolling March – Cummington – Join us at the Parish House in West Cummington mid-morning, and head up Packard Road to Plainfield, where you can continue on to 116 towards Ashfield. More details to follow.
Starting time TBA
*See schedule for a full list of towns and dates.
SUNDAY – JULY 13, 2014 – MONTAGUE
— Rolling March – Montague – Walk from the Deerfield-Montague Bicycle path Connecticut River Bridge to Millers Falls-Erving Rte.63 Bridge over the Millers River. About 6 miles.
Starting at 10:00 AM
THURSDAY – JULY 24, 2014 – GREENFIELD
— FRCOG Meeting with Kinder Morgan, Review of Tennessee Gas Pipeline – The Franklin Regional Council of Governments and its Franklin Regional Planning Board have rescheduled to July 24 their first-ever joint meeting to review the Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. project.
6:00 PM
Dining Commons
Greenfield Community College
Over 100 Businesses and Organizations Call for Analysis of Alternatives to New Natural Gas Pipeline
Letter to Governors Raises Concerns about Energy Costs, Climate Change, and Local Environment
To-date, states have analyzed the costs and benefits of meeting the region’s energy needs with a limited number of mostly supply-side alternatives: new pipelines, imports of hydroelectricity from Canada, liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, peak shaving facilities, demand-response, and power plants capable of burning oil or natural gas. Aside from the latter two, none of these alternatives were looked at in combination, and the potential for reducing natural gas demand through energy efficiency and combined heat and power was not quantified at all. States have not yet analyzed the combined impact of a lower risk solution relying on an array of effective alternatives.
“States themselves have acknowledged that clean energy alternatives could reduce or avoid the need for new infrastructure,” said Peter Shattuck, Director of Market Initiatives at ENE. “We could be committing billions of public dollars to pipelines that will increase our reliance on fossil fuels and shift investment risk from private companies onto electric ratepayers. Before the states make that commitment, we need a transparent public discussion about utilizing all available options to meet our energy needs.”
Alternatives described in the letter that merit integrated analysis include market reforms, improvements in natural gas and electric energy efficiency, utilization of existing LNG capacity in the short term, renewable electricity and renewable heating, combined heat and power, and demand-response. Mandatory and voluntary carbon emissions targets—already in place in MA and elsewhere—should also be a consideration. While emissions profiles treat the increased supply of natural gas as much lower in GHG emissions than oil or coal, more analysis is needed to understand the emissions profile of natural gas derived from new sources, particularly hydraulic fracturing (fracking).
The extreme winter of 2013-2014 and recently announced retirement of a number of outdated coal, oil, and nuclear power plants has prompted calls for proceeding without a full evaluation of available solutions, but the letter argues that a high-stakes decision on the future of our energy system cannot be rushed, particularly in light of the transition underway in the energy system.
The letter states: “Our energy system as a whole and electric system in particular is entering a transformative period, as consumer-centric resources and smart energy management systems reduce reliance on highly centralized energy infrastructure. Before being called upon to support billions of dollars in new infrastructure choices, New England ratepayers need to have confidence that all viable options have been considered, and that the options selected are designed to minimize risks and maximize economic and environmental benefits in alignment with existing state policy objectives.”
The letter Right-Sizing Infrastructure for an Energy System in Transition can be found at:
http://www.env-ne.org/resources/detail/right-sizing-infrastructure-for-an-energy-system-in-transition
ENE’s Pipeline Alternatives Assessment: Energy Resources to Meet New England’s Winter Needs, can be found at: http://www.env-ne.org/resources/detail/pipeline-alternatives-assessment
###
ENE is a non-profit organization that researches and advocates innovative policies that tackle our environmental challenges while promoting sustainable economies. ENE is at the forefront of state and regional efforts to combat global warming with solutions that promote clean energy, clean air and healthy forests.
SUMMERTIME… AND THE TURTLES ARE CROSSING
Summer is when normally aquatic female snapping, painted, spotted, red-bellied, Blanding’s, and other turtles leave the safety of their water world and venture overland in search of nesting sites. To help these ancient creatures survive now and into the future, consider the following turtle conservation tips:
· If It’s Safe, Help Turtles Cross the Road – Be sure to assist a turtle only when it is safe to stop – pull over to the shoulder (if you are driving), and move the turtle across the road. Always move the turtle in the direction was headed, even if that direction is away from water. It knows better than you where it wants to go!
· Please Don’t Take a Wild Turtle Home or Move it Elsewhere – Keep wild turtles wild! In Massachusetts, it is illegal to possess most native turtles as pets. It takes many years for turtles to mature and lay eggs. Removing or moving turtles to some other location can be a problem for the survival of the remaining local turtle population.
· Help MassWildlife Locate Popular Turtle Road Crossings – Linking Landscapes for Massachusetts Wildlife offers opportunities for citizens to report online reporting turtle (and other wildlife) road mortality through a Google Maps interface.
· Identify and Report Rare Turtles – If you see a state-listed turtle: take a photo, visit the Natural Heritage area of DFW’s website www.mass.gov/naturalheritage and use the electronic Vernal Pool and Rare Species information system. Fill out the form and electronically submit your report.
· Learn About Turtles and Share Your Knowledge -You can hone your turtle identification skills with DFW’s A Field Guide to Reptiles of Massachusetts by making a $3.00 check out to “Comm. of MA-DFW” and sending it to: Field Guide to Reptiles, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, 100 Hartwell Street, West Boylston MA 01583. Free full color posters on both Adult and Hatchling turtles are available at MassWildlife district offices.
For more information about turtles visit MassWildlife’s Turtles of Massachusetts web page.
REPORT FISH KILLS
With the warm weather here, lakes and ponds are warming up and fish kills may be discovered in some bodies of water. The sight of dead and dying fish along the shores of a favorite lake, pond, or river can be distressing and can trigger concerns about pollution. Fish do act as the “canary in the coal mine,” so it’s natural to think a fish kill is an indicator of a problem with human caused pollution. However, the vast majority of summer fish kills reported are natural events.
Natural fish kills are generally the result of low oxygen levels, fish diseases, or spawning stress. Depletion of dissolved oxygen is one of the most common causes of natural fish kills. As pond temperature increases, water holds less oxygen. During hot summer weather, oxygen levels in shallow, weedy ponds can further decline as plants consume oxygen at night. This results in low, early morning oxygen levels that can become critical if levels fall below the requirement of fish survival. In addition to reduced oxygen levels, late spring and early summer is when many warm water fish such as sunfish, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and largemouth bass begin to spawn. At this time, large numbers of these species crowd into the shallow waters along the shore vying for the best spawning sites. These densely crowded areas become susceptible to disease outbreaks, especially as water temperatures increase. The result is an unavoidable natural fish kill, usually consisting of one or two species of fish.
To be sure there isn’t a pollution problem, it’s always best to report fish kills. When a fish kill report comes in, a MassWildlife fisheries biologist determines if the kill is due to pollution or is a natural event. Generally, pollution impacts all kinds of aquatic life, therefore the most important piece of evidence for the biologists is knowing the number and variety of fish associated with the fish kill. Fish kills in which only one or two species are involved are almost always a natural event. When it is likely a fish kill is due to pollution, MassWildlife notifies the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). DEP takes the lead on a formal investigation which includes analysis of water and fish samples to determine the source of pollution. DFW provides DEP with technical assistance by identifying the kinds and numbers of fish involved.
To report a fish kill Monday – Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, contact Richard Hartley at (508) 389-6330. After normal business hours or on holidays and weekends, call the Fish Kill Phone at (508) 450-5869 or contact the Environmental Police Radio Room at 1(800) 632-8075.
Summer Playground Program to be held at Three City Parks
Mayor Bianchi is pleased to announce that the Department of Community Development Recreation Program will be continuing the Summer Parks Playground Program at three city parks this summer for six weeks. The program offers a wide variety of recreation activities to Pittsfield children ages 6 to 13 at no cost. Playground Leaders will create safe, supervised and fun-filled environments with activities including sports, games, arts and crafts, and nature activities.
Mayor Bianchi commented, “This program provides a safe place for kids to play and participate in fun summer activities. It also helps to encourage our children stay active and enjoy the outdoors. On top of that, thanks to the Summer Parks Playground Program, parents can be sure that the parks are a secure environment.”
The program begins Monday, July 7. Normal hours will be Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon, and then 1 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. through Friday, August 15th. Playground Leaders will be stationed at Clapp Park, Pitt Park, and Deming Park. The Summer Playground Program is designed to provide “drop-in” activities for children and is not a substitute for day camp or childcare.
The Summer Playground Program offers even more than a fun time – it fosters self-esteem and friendships and provides participants with positive and caring role models. Also, it lets parents feel good about sending their children to their neighborhood playground, knowing that there will be supervision.
Please share this with others who may be interested.
Massachusetts’ Maple Season a Sweet Success: Sugarmakers produce only slightly less than 2013’s near-record crop
Massachusetts maple producers made 61,000 gallons of syrup during the 2014 sugaring season, falling just short of the 63,000 gallons produced during the near-record 2013 season. Despite a long, cold winter, the trees finally thawed in late March and sugarmakers caught every drop they could and have plenty of syrup of all grades on hand to sell to their customers.
Nationally, production of maple syrup was down by about 10%, according to a report released by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (http://www.usda.gov/nass/PUBS/TODAYRPT/crop0614.pdf), but Massachusetts only saw a decline of 3.2%, holding steady at a rate better than all but two other states. Sugarmakers in the Commonwealth set 290,000 taps according to the survey, just up from last year’s 280,000, continuing the steady growth of the maple industry in Massachusetts.
“The fact that Massachusetts maple producers can produce such a good crop even in a year when the weather didn’t cooperate is testament to their skills as sugarmakers, their use of new and sustainable technologies, and the growth of the industry in the Commonwealth,” said Massachusetts Maple Producers Association (MMPA) Coordinator Winton Pitcoff. “There’s a growing demand for maple products, especially those made by local farmers, and Massachusetts sugarmakers are meeting that demand.”
This year’s maple season was highlighted by Maple Weekend, March 22-23, when sugarhouses around the state were open to visitors who got to see syrup being made, learn about the process and history of maple production, and sample and purchase the Commonwealth’s sweetest crop. Many restaurants featured menu items made with 100% pure Massachusetts maple syrup that weekend as well. The event was such a success that the MMPA has already begun plans to hold it again in 2015.
The Massachusetts Maple Producers Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of maple sugaring in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom Summer Workshops on the Farm
We invite teachers to join us for one or more of our summer workshops that are being held on farms across the state. Using the farm as the classroom, learn how you can enhance your curriculum, enthrall students and meet many curriculum requirements. These workshops offer agricultural-literacy training through fun, hands-on study and investigation of agriculture education resources. Explore one or more of these farms with us this summer.
Each workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offers classroom-ready educational activities and focuses on a different area of agriculture. The $40 fee includes all materials, 10 professional development points and lunch.
Schedule of Workshops on the Farm
These workshops are also available through our Summer Graduate Course
Tuesday, July 8 Technology on a Dairy Farm with STEM Connections for the Classroom at Barstow’s Dairy Farm in Hadley
Thursday, July 10 Fibers, Felting, and Fun at Jensen Homestead, Worthington and Phantom Farm, Worthington
Tuesday, July 15 Success on the Farm and in the Classroom at Smolak Farms in North Andover
Thursday, July 17 Raising Children’s Awareness of Agriculture and Restoring a Family Farm and Apiary at Bernin Branch YMCA and Akin Bak Farm, Franklin
Tuesday, July 22 Forestry Management and Maple Sugar Production on a Family Farm at Curtis Farm, Westminster and Overlook Middle School in Ashburnham
Thursday, July 24 Animals, Minerals, & Vegetables at Heifer International, Rutland
Tuesday, July 29 The Benefits of Agriculture Education at Norfolk Agricultural School, Walpole
Thursday, July 31 Farming Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities at Cape Abilities, Marston Mills & Dennis
Read descriptions for each of our Summer Workshops on the Farm.
Berkshire Conservation District Seeking Bulb Sale Coordinator
Employer: Berkshire Conservation District
78 Center Street, Suite 206
Pittsfield, MA 01201
berkshireconservationdistrict@gmail.com
Position: Bulb Sale Coordinator
Salary: $12.50/hr
Hours: 10-20 hours per week, except 40 hours during the last week
This is a temporary, part-time position with the potential for growth
Berkshire Conservation District is seeking a part-time Bulb Sale Coordinator to start immediately to coordinate and oversee the 2014 Fall Bulb Sale fundraiser. The position will run July through October with the possibility of extending into next year for the 2015 spring seedling sale. There is also the possibility, should the right candidate be found, to hire the incumbent at more hours and responsibilities to also serve as part-time office administrator.
The incumbent must be trustworthy, responsible, and organized. The Coordinator is responsible for processing customer orders, confirming orders and shipments with wholesale suppliers, media outreach and publicity, updating the customer database, coordinating volunteers, overseeing sale work week and sale pickup day, and handling overstock sales and donations. Experience with coordinating events and volunteers is preferred.
Required Skills:
- Computer skills: spreadsheets and word processing, MS Office Programs (including Access and Excel)
- Multi-tasking, staying organized, meeting deadlines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Experience:
- Coordinating and leading volunteers
- Event planning, fundraising, and/or ordering
- Social media and publicity
- Database design with Microsoft Access a plus
- Customer Service
To apply please email a resume and cover letter to berkshireconservationdistrict@gmail.com. For questions concerning this position, the interim administrator can be reached on Thursdays from 8:30 am to 4 pm at (413) 443-1776 x 102.