Monterey & New Marlborough Mattress Recycling
The towns of Monterey & New Marlborough are participating in a mattress recycling program. Residents can dispose of mattresses at the Monterey Transfer Station, at 40 Gould Road on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 am to 4:30 pm. The hours will change in the summer. Excessively damaged, moldy, soiled or frozen or pest-ridden mattresses or box springs will not be accepted. Futons, mattress pads, or sofa beds won’t be accepted.
Laurel Hill Association Plans to Restore Laurel Hill Park
In late December of 2017, the Laurel Hill Association (LHA) finalized a plan for the restoration of Laurel Hill Park. The Association, spearheaded by LHA Secretary Patricia Flinn, proposes a two-pronged Plan. <more>
Hinsdale designated Green Community
On December 28, 2017, Hinsdale received Green Community designation from the state, after demonstrating ways the town could reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency. The town has been awarded a grant of $13,410 to upgrade a town heating systems, automate lighting for greater efficiency and explore energy-saving technology in greater depth. Municipalities must meet five specific criteria to be labeled Green Communities, including developing a plan to reduce energy use by 20 percent within five years. <more>
Baker Administration Fails Renewable Energy Test
Makes Choice of Canadian Mega-Hydro and Northern Pass Transmission
Governor Baker’s administration announced the results of a clean energy procurement process as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to reduce carbon pollution by 80 percent of 1990 levels by 2050. The state is proposing contracts with Canadian based mega-hydroelectric power and extremely destructive “Northern Pass” transmission lines, rather than bids including renewable energy that create jobs in New England. <more>
Governor Baker Breaks His Campaign Promise
From the Environmental League of Massachusetts
Should we be scared of Teflon?
A new Sundance documentary investigates
By Amy Kaufman in the LA Times
Director Stephanie Soechtig investigates the potentially harmful effects of Teflon in her new documentary “The Devil We Know.” … First introduced to consumers in 1945 by the corporation DuPont, Teflon was marketed as something that could make life easier. “It was supposed to liberate women from the kitchen,” Soechtig explains. ” ‘Look, you don’t have to stay scrubbing your pans all day long!’ ”
Teflon would go on to become so ubiquitous that as the documentarian discovered, the chemical can now be found in the bloodstream of 99.7% of Americans. So why is that a problem?<more>
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Jobs (click for full job listings)
Conservation Administrator | Town of Belchertown, MA
Various Internships | Mass. Assn. of Conservation Commissions | Belmont, MA
Paid Turtle Internship | The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Inst. | Front Royal, VA
Office Manager | Berkshire Agricultural Ventures | Great Barrington, MA
Executive Director | Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition | Sudbury, MA
Western MA Organizer | Massachusetts Jobs With Justice | Springfield, MA
Freshwater Projects Coordinator | The Nature Conservancy | Adirondack Region, NY
Conservation & Projects Manager | Kestrel Land Trust | Amherst, MA
Environmental Education Intern | Mass Audubon | Lenox, MA
Early Childhood Program Leader / Naturalist | Mass Audubon | Lenox, MA
Wildlife & Plant Conservation Intern | Mass Audubon | Lenox, MA
Nature Day Camp Educator – Summer 2018 | Mass Audubon | Lenox, MA
Land Management & Stewardship Intern | Mass Audubon | Lenox, MA
Environmental Justice Community Organizer | Arise for Social Justice | Springfield, MA
Conservation Agent | Town of Becket | Becket, MA
Executive Coordinator & Trustee Liaison | The Nature Conservancy | Boston, MA
Fee Stewardship Coordinator | MA Dept. of Fish & Game | Westborough, MA
Interpretive Writer | Hiltown Families | Williamsburg, MA
Development & Sales Officer | Hiltown Families | Williamsburg, MA
Executive Director | Hiltown Families | Williamsburg, MA
Laurel Hill Association Plans to Restore Laurel Hill Park
In late December of 2017, the Laurel Hill Association (LHA) finalized a plan for the restoration of Laurel Hill Park. The Association, spearheaded by LHA Secretary Patricia Flinn, proposes a two-pronged Plan:
PART A – RESTORE THE NATURAL FEATURES AND ADD SIGNAGE
– Reintroduce Mountain Laurel at an estimated cost of $6,300.
– Remove overgrowth from the Rostrum rock face at an estimated cost of $3,000.
– Uncover hidden rock features at an estimated cost of $7,200.
– Remove downed trees at an estimated cost of $6,000.
– Introduce Rhododendron at an estimated cost of $4,500.
– Regrade the area in front of the Rostrum at an estimated cost of $5,600.
– Reroute the trail up to the Butler Seat at an estimated cost of $11,400.
– Install interpretive and directional signage at an estimated cost of $10,500
The total budget for this first phase will be approximately $54,500.
PART B – RESTORE THE MANMADE STRUCTURES
Restore the Rostrum: At 113 years old, the Rostrum is showing its age, although it is basically in decent shape considering. Deterioration has been due mainly to seasonal temperature fluctuations over time…freezing and thawing being the major culprits. The estimate to repair the Rostrum is $6,300.
Restore the Butler Seat: Similar to the Rostrum, the stone Butler Seat is basically in decent condition, affected mainly by seasonal temperature fluctuations. There has been some minor displacement on the north end, but nothing needing attention. Two types of remediation are necessary; masonry the estimate for which is $2,650 and stone carving, the estimate for which is to be determined.
Install apron in front of the Butler Seat. To inhibit unsightly grass and weed growth, an apron should be installed from the front of the seat platform over to the drop-off to the western view. The appropriate material must be determined. Estimate: TBD.
This is just a summary! To read the entire plan, please click on the link below:
https://files.acrobat.com/a/preview/ea5651ad-1899-4f7d-bd2e-3d6132b50f07
Hinsdale Designated Green Community
On December 28, 2017, Hinsdale received Green Community designation from the state, after demonstrating ways the town could reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency. The town has been awarded a grant of $13,410 to upgrade a town heating systems, automate lighting for greater efficiency and explore energy-saving technology in greater depth.
In the Berkshires, there is the Berkshire Communities Green Network to provide support and networking opportunities among not only Green Communities, but those wishing to become Green Communities as well. Here is a link to a Berkshire Eagle article about the group. If you would like more information contact Judy at BEAT.
Here is a map of the current Green Communities. Municipalities must meet five specific criteria to be labeled Green Communities, including developing a plan to reduce energy use by 20 percent within five years.
Baker Administration Fails Renewable Energy Test
Makes Choice of Canadian Mega-Hydro and Northern Pass Transmission
Governor Baker’s administration announced the results of a clean energy procurement process as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to reduce carbon pollution by 80 percent of 1990 levels by 2050. The state is proposing contracts with Canadian based mega-hydroelectric power and extremely destructive “Northern Pass” transmission lines, rather than bids including renewable energy that create jobs in New England.
The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and a group of Massachusetts utilities, which included Eversource, chose one controversial project, owned in large part by a subsidiary of Eversource.
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey is promising a thorough review of the process that led to the selection of the Northern Pass project to deliver Canadian hydropower to the state.
The Acadia Center issued this statement: “Acadia Center believes that a full public report from the statutorily required independent evaluator and scrutiny by the Attorney General are important next steps. The public needs to have full confidence that this was a fair process and the benefits of other bidders were evaluated reasonably. The current ongoing procurements for offshore wind and future procurements are even more crucial to progress towards a clean energy future,” said Mark LeBel, Staff Attorney for Acadia Center. “If this contract is approved, the DPU should deny Eversource an additional incentive as a distribution company. Ratepayers don’t need to give Eversource additional money as a backstop for a contract where they are also on the other side.”
Emily Norton, Massachusetts Chapter Director of the Sierra Club issued the following statement: “Governor Baker has demonstrated that he is out of touch with Massachusetts families and businesses that want more jobs, stable energy costs, and a healthy climate. By choosing Canadian hydro, we will be shipping more of our energy dollars out of the country to purchase destructive Canadian hydro. Not only will we be contributing to ecological destruction on a massive scale, we will be furthering the exploitation of the indigenous people of Canada.”
Governor Baker Breaks His Campaign Promise
From the Environmental League of Massachusetts
The Governor released his FY 19 budget on Wednesday. We were deeply disappointed that he broke his commitment to increase environmental funding to 1% of the state budget by the end of his first term. Funding is essentially static with some changes in a few accounts.
The one bright spot is an additional $2 million for climate change adaptation. This funding will be used to act on science based data, for technical assistance for communities and incentives to adopt best management practices. While we are pleased the administration is starting to address this issue, the nuts and bolts of environmental protection continue to suffer from deep budget cuts and staff losses.
We will continue to push legislators to go beyond the Governor’s budget. We had a successful lobby day a few months ago and have gone back to those who took the time to attend and asked them to once again reach out to their legislators and ask that they choose one of our priority line items as one of their own as the House and Senate develop their budgets.
While there is a slight increase in the environmental budget of about $5 million, because the entire state budget increased as well, our percentage of the whole remains the same.
Should we be scared of Teflon?
A new Sundance documentary investigates
By Amy Kaufman in the LA Times
Director Stephanie Soechtig investigates the potentially harmful effects of Teflon in her new documentary “The Devil We Know.” … First introduced to consumers in 1945 by the corporation DuPont, Teflon was marketed as something that could make life easier. “It was supposed to liberate women from the kitchen,” Soechtig explains. ” ‘Look, you don’t have to stay scrubbing your pans all day long!’ ”
Teflon would go on to become so ubiquitous that as the documentarian discovered, the chemical can now be found in the bloodstream of 99.7% of Americans. So why is that a problem? Just look at Parkersburg, W.Va., the city where DuPont was headquartered. As Soechtig explores in the film, hundreds of local residents who were exposed to the chemical — also referred to as C-8, or PFOA — through their drinking water became extremely ill, suffering from cancer, facial deformities at birth and immunodeficiency. In February, the corporation was forced to pay $670.7 million to 3,550 plaintiffs whose water had been contaminated, though it has never admitted to any wrongdoing. (The corporation, which is now owned by Dow Chemical Co., did not respond to a request for comment.)
Despite the massive class action settlement, perfluorinated chemicals like C-8 continue to turn up in our cookware — just with different names. Soechtig is no stranger to this kind of controversy: In 2009, her film “Tapped” looked into our potentially dangerous plastic water bottles, and 2014’s “Fed Up” researched the link between the processed food industry and obesity. In May, a judge dismissed a $12-million lawsuit aimed at the filmmaker and producer Katie Couric over 2016’s Sandy Hook documentary, “Under the Gun,” in which the Virginia Citizens Defense League felt they were depicted unfairly while discussing gun control.
A few hours before “The Devil We Know” was unveiled to festivalgoers, we spoke to Soechtig about her latest film and why she feels we need to be more mindful about what we put into our bodies.
OK, so first things first: What is Teflon? Read more!
Jobs
Various Internships
Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions
The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) is a nonprofit corporation whose mission is to protect Massachusetts’ natural resources by supporting conservation commissions through education and advocacy. MACC provides legal, scientific, policy, and technical training to Massachusetts Conservation Commissions. MACC works collaboratively with government agencies, nonprofits, and volunteers to achieve its environmental protection mission.
MACC is seeking environmental students to assist our association with educational events, conferences, database evaluations, fundraising projects, and/or environmental policy research. Internship applications will be accepted on a rolling basis at MACC. Our preference is to have interns work with us for a minimum of 8 to 16 hours per week, for a three to four-month period.
Internships are unpaid, but the experience will provide an excellent opportunity to learn first-hand about how small, statewide environmental non-profit organizations perform important educational and advocacy roles. It is possible that one intern could implement some, or many of the tasks listed below, depending upon candidate backgrounds and MACC priorities at that time.
INTERN POSITIONS
Communications, Finance, and Development Intern: This intern position will provide a key role assisting MACC with grant applications, fundraising campaigns, website updates, database management, and social media outreach. Candidates should have strong organizational and communication skills.
Educational and Event Management Intern. The Educational and Event Management Intern will assist the Associate Director in preparing educational courses, coordinating workshop events, and assist with workshop planning, conference coordination, and webinar implementation. Candidates should have strong communication skills and interest in independent project work.
Legislative and Policy Research: The Legislative and Policy Research Intern will assist the Executive Director with providing research support on wetlands, open space, and climate change policy topics. An ideal applicant will have an interest and enthusiasm for a wide variety of environmental issues, have experience with fast-paced research projects, and strong communication skills.
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to: staff@maccweb.org
Paid Turtle Internship
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute provides the opportunity for an intern to gain experience with the study of the ecology and conservation of threatened Virginia turtle species. The intern will assist with three projects. The first is an ongoing population monitoring project examining the distribution and status of wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) populations across northern Virginia. The second is a master’s research project examining wood turtle movement at the landscape level. The third project is a new study that is part of a multi-state grant to determine the status and distribution of spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata) across their range. The intern will assist with aquatic visual encounter surveys and trapping for both turtles. They will also assist with radio telemetry for one or both species and outreach activities to promote conservation in the Commonwealth.
This is a paid internship opportunity wherein the intern will support the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. Through this internship, interns will: Radio-locate turtles and manage GPS data Provide technical assistance to stakeholders and help manage a collaborative wood turtle database Complete a required brief report at the conclusion of their tenure
Qualifications: Candidates should have graduated from a college or university within the last 12 months and have undergraduate coursework in ecology, conservation biology or a closely related field. Knowledge and field experience with ecology and conservation issues is required, as well as the ability to devote long hours in cold and wet conditions in remote field settings. Candidates should take directions easily and work well with others, yet have the ability to work independently. Individuals with previous mark-recapture and aquatic survey experience, and spatial data management and analysis skills (e.g. GIS) are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants should have plans for continued education or a career in ecology or conservation.
Stipend: The stipend is $700-900 per month (dependent on education level, coursework and skills).
Housing: Housing is provided at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia.Parking is available at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia.
Term of appointment: This is a six-month internship, starting March 5, and is a full-time appointment (40 hours per week). There is an opportunity for extension up to one year.
Application deadline(s): Monday, January 22, 2018
How to Apply: To apply, go to: https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/SOLAAHome.html. Select “New to SOLAA? Create Account Here” and complete the information to create an account.
Information that will be requested (in SOLAA) includes:
- Basic personal information
- Professional resume or CV
- A one-page statement of your interest in pursuing this position. The statement should mention relevant experience, career goals, your reasons for wanting this internship and what you hope to gain from the experience. Your statement is very important during application evaluations.
- Transcripts from your current and/or previous institutions. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Two letters of reference (One must be from a current or former supervisor)
- Schedule of availability
Once you create your account and provide the information above, you will see a screen where you select the type of appointment you are interested in. You will select: Type of appointment: “Internship” Unit of interest: “National Zoological Park” Program: “National Zoological Park Internship Program” Project: “SCBI – Wood Turtle Ecology” IMPORTANT: Your application is considered complete when you hit “Submit.” Your SOLAA submitted application with references must be received by the deadlines as noted above. For Additional Information Questions about this internship should be sent to Alison Ochs at ochsa@si.edu.
Office Manager
Berkshire Agricultural Ventures
This is a full-time position and it will evolve in responsibilities as the organization itself evolves. The successful candidate will be a creative generalist with superb interpersonal skills who is highly organized, adaptable, strategic and detail oriented. This position is a good fit for an energetic self-starter who is interested in helping a start-up organization to grow. The work will focus on three essential areas: general office support; communications management and fundraising support.
Anyone who is interested in this position should contact me at cynthia@berkshireagventures.org. This position is open until filled.
VIEW FULL JOB DESCRIPTION HERE
Executive Director
Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition
The Board of Trustees of the Mass Land Trust Coalition is seeking a full-time Executive Director with strong non-profit management experience and a highly diverse skill set.
The ideal candidate will have 5 years financial management, fundraising, grant writing, communications, governance, and administrative experience. Candidates with a working knowledge of land conservation and/or natural resource management may be given preference.
Send resume and cover letter by January 5, 2018 to Executive Director, Marylynn Gentry at mgentry@massland.org
Western MA Organizer
Massachusetts Jobs With Justice
Massachusetts Jobs with Justice (www.massjwj.net) is seeking a dedicated, hardworking individual to coordinate and carry out the overall work of the organization as well as helping with campaigns, communications and administration of our growing community labor coalition in Western Massachusetts.
The Senior Organizer/Coordinator will work with other Jobs with Justice staff, partners, and activists to carry out the work of the organization and participate fully in the planning and implementation of our workplan as outlined by our Steering and Executive Committees. The Organizer will work under the supervision of the Executive Director based in our headquarters in Boston. LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE.
Freshwater Project Coordinator
Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy
The Freshwater Project Coordinator develops, coordinates, and advances aquatic connectivity projects, including but not limited to helping municipalities install climate-resilient and fish-friendly road-stream crossing replacements. This position will contribute to building a model aquatic regional partnership in the Adirondack region of New York State that might be replicated in other geographies. The Freshwater Project Coordinator is a three-year full-time position with the possibility of extension. LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE.
Conservation & Stewardship Manager
Kestrel Land Trust
Mass Audubon Jobs
Environmental Education Intern
Early Childhood Program Leader / Naturalist – Part-Time, Seasonal
Wildlife & Plant Conservation Intern
Nature Day Camp Educator – Summer 2018
Land Management & Stewardship Intern
Environmental Justice Community Organizer
Arise for Social Justice
Arise for Social Justice, a member-led low-income rights community organization in Springfield, MA seeks a community organizer to oversee our Environmental Justice and Public Health work in Springfield.
Responsibilities include working with community members to address ongoing sources of pollution, partnering with local and statewide organizations to develop and advocate for socially justice policy and solutions, and advancing the mission of our organization. Our Environmental Justice Organizer also coordinates the Springfield Climate Justice Coalition, an alliance of over 45 community organizations, faith based groups, civic organizations, and businesses working together for Climate Justice.
Qualified candidates will have some community organizing experience, familiarity with environmental and/or public health issues, a flexible work schedule, an understanding of the political processes and government structures, strong communication skills, the ability to manage multiple projects, and a commitment to community and social justice.
Additional preferred qualifications are experience in grant writing, researching, and reporting, experience in using social media as an organizing tool, and a familiarity with the Springfield, MA region.
Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to AriseForSocialJustice@gmail.com, ATTN: Michaelann Bewsee, Executive Director.
This is a 1099 consultant position, based on 30 hours a week at $20/hr ($600 a week). Benefits include some paid time off and sick time.
Conservation Agent
Town of Becket
The Town of Becket is seeking qualified applicants for the part-time (average seventeen (17) hours per week) non benefited position of Conservation Agent Working under the direction of the Town Administrator and general guidance of the Conservation Commission Chairman, the Conservation Agent is to provide technical and administrative assistance to the Conservation Commission. Required tasks include administering the Wetlands Protection Act and associated laws and town by-laws. The Conservation Agent to the Becket Conservation Commission will need to attend Conservation Commission Meetings, which are normally held on the 3rd Tuesday of the Month at 6:30 PM in the Becket Town Hall. Applicant must be able to develop draft and final permit approvals, orders of conditions and other Commission-issued permits as needed as well as set agendas and provide file maintenance. Must perform on-site inspections, verify wetland resource boundaries and review applications. Will need to maintain office hours for the public, day and time are negotiable but need to be consistent.
Qualifications: college degree in environmental science or other appropriate field with two or more years’ experience in wetland resource administration, or any equivalent combination of education and experience are highly desirable. Position requires sustained periods of walking and hiking, sometimes in construction zones, knowledge of Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, and ability to communicate clearly orally and in written form. The Agent must be familiar with Conservation Commission procedures and will need to interface with the public, volunteers, and various other departments in town.
Please mail or e- mail a cover letter and resume to Edward Gibson, Town Administrator, Becket Town Hall, 557 Main Street, Becket, MA. 01223; Administrator@townofbecket.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Becket is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer.
Executive Coordinator & Trustee Liaison
Massachusetts Chapter of the Nature Conservancy
The Massachusetts Chapter of The Nature Conservancy is recruiting for an Executive Coordinator & Trustee Liaison to be responsible for supporting the State Director, Assistant State Director, and Massachusetts Board of Trustees. S/He provides high-level administrative support and manages the operations of the Board of Trustees. For more information and to apply, visit www.nature.org/careers and search for Job #45877. Posting closes 11/29/17.
Fee Stewardship Coordinator
MA Dept. of Fisheries & Wildlife | Westborough, MA
The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is accepting resumes and applications from applicants for the position of Fee Stewardship Coordinator. The Fee Stewardship Coordinator is the primary overseer and manager of the realty aspects of MassWildlife’s fee-owned properties, which include 167,000 acres assembled over the last century. The individual will have a thorough understanding of real estate terminology and research techniques and become familiar with the entirety of the agency’s portfolio of properties, in order to advise staff on matters of acquisition and stewardship.
The Fee Stewardship Coordinator will maintain realty records, coordinate boundary-marking efforts, survey contracts and other services, and manage selected boundary disputes and encroachment issues. He or she will conduct deed research and provide advice regarding property interests as necessary in support of agency stewardship, acquisition, and public enjoyment of agency lands. This effort will include periodic monitoring and site visits, collaboration in implementing the agency’s Land Information System, procuring signage, assisting in the development of agency land-use policies, and being a good colleague for the other members of the Realty Section (Chief, CR Coordinator, Realty Specialist, and interns).
To learn more and to apply, click here.
Hilltown Families Is Hiring
Hilltown Families is hiring an Interpretive Writer and Development & Sales Officer, as well as an Executive Director.
They also have openings for volunteers and interns. Take a look at their website here for all of the details.
Conservation Projects Manager
Housatonic Valley Association | Cornwall Bridge, CT
The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented environmental professional to join our Watershed Conservation Team. The successful candidate will support all aspects of HVA’s conservation projects, which include (but aren’t limited to) environmental monitoring, regional road-stream crossing assessment and replacement planning, watershed management planning, stream corridor restoration, stormwater management through Green Infrastructure development, and environmental education. This position is based out of HVA’s Connecticut office.
This is only a part of the job description. To view the full descriptions and to apply, click here.