Becket Conservation Commission Seeking New Members & Meeting Day and Time Change
The Becket Conservation Commission is now meeting on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. As always, meetings are held at the Becket Town Hall at 557 Main Street. Since Colonial times, almost one third of Massachusetts’ wetlands have been destroyed. Today, wetlands are protected by state and federal laws. The Becket Conservation Commission works hand-in-hand with state agencies to make sure that our water resources remain in tact for the future generations. The Conservation Commission is also looking for new members who are interested in helping continue this important work. FROM ALISON DIXON, CHAIR OF THE BECKET CONSERVATION COMMISSION <more>
Berkshire County Public Forum
on Public Education
Take Action to Support Solar
Today is a great day to call your representative and ask them to testify in support of solar on 10/3! There are two of BEAT’s priority bills that will be heard next week. You can call their office or email and ask them to: 1.Testify in support of H3396/S1831 and H2706/S1846, 2. Specifically mention support for restoring compensation for low-income and community solar, 3. Push to eliminate the net metering cap. FROM BEAT & MASS POWER FORWARD <more>
New Local Brew Helps Keep Rivers Clean
Greenfield, MA— The People’s Pint Brewery and the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC), formerly Connecticut River Watershed Council, are partnering to raise awareness of your rivers with a new beer, the Source to Sea Pale Ale. $0.25 cents of every pint and bottle sold will benefit the Connecticut River Conservancy. The People’s Pint released this beer ahead of CRC’s Source to Sea Cleanup on Friday and Saturday, September 22 & 23. The Source to Sea Cleanup is a two-day river cleanup coordinated by CRC in all four states of the 410+ mile Connecticut River basin (NH, VT, MA, CT). Each fall, thousands of volunteers remove about 50 tons of trash along rivers, streams, parks, boat launches, trails and more. FROM CONNECTICUT RIVER CONSERVANCY <more>
U.S. Court Allows Suit Alleging ExxonMobil’s Everett Tank Farm Is A Hazard to Proceed
September 12, 2017 – A federal judge ruled on Tuesday that a Massachusetts environmental group has sufficient legal standing to proceed with a so-called citizen lawsuit filed against oil and gas giant ExxonMobil. U.S. District Judge Mark L. Wolf made the ruling after considering a motion by ExxonMobil to dismiss the lawsuit. The plaintiff, nonprofit Conservation Law Foundation, or CLF, claims that ExxonMobil has ignored requirements to prevent its oil storage and transfer site in Everett from discharging pollutants into the Mystic in heavy weather. FROM WGBH | BY ISAIAH THOMPSON <more>
Jobs (click here for full job listings)
Event Planner | Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee | Westfield, MA
Campus Organizer | PIRG Campus Action | Western MA
Environmental Health Manager | Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition | Springfield, MA
Regional Recycling Coordinator | City of Pittsfield | Pittsfield, MA
Conservation Projects Manager | Housatonic Valley Association | Cornwall Bridge, CT
Director of Ecological Restoration | MA Dept. of Fish & Game | Boston, MA
Community Solar Interns | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Energy Efficiency Intern | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Community Solar Program Director | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Energy Efficiency Program Manager | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Chief Executive Officer | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
2017-18 Position Openings | TerraCorps – Various locations
Various Positions | The Manice Education Center (MEC) | Florida, MA
VOLUNTEER Haunted House Tour Guides | Naumkeag | Stockbridge, MA
Becket Conservation Commission Seeking New Members & Meeting Day and Time Change
The Becket Conservation Commission is now meeting on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. As always, meetings are held at the Becket Town Hall at 557 Main Street.
Since Colonial times, almost one third of Massachusetts’ wetlands have been destroyed. Today, wetlands are protected by state and federal laws. The Becket Conservation Commission works hand-in-hand with state agencies to make sure that our water resources remain in tact for the future generations. The Conservation Commission is also looking for new members who are interested in helping continue this important work. Contact Alison Dixon, Chair, at (413) 623-8797 if you are interested in serving.
The role of the Conservation Commission is to protect the water resources in Becket by ensuring compliance with the state’s Wetlands Protection Act, and any associated local policies. These water resources are also referred to as resource areas and include:
· Wetlands
· Land subject to flooding
· Riverfront areas (also protected through the Rivers Protection Act)
· Land under water bodies
· Banks of water bodies
The Wetlands Protection Act [Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 131, Section 40] protects wetlands and the public interests they serve, including flood control, prevention of pollution and storm damage, and protection of public and private water supplies, groundwater supply, fisheries, land containing shellfish, and wildlife habitat. These public interests are protected by requiring a careful review and permitting by local Conservation Commissions of proposed work that may alter these resource areas.
The Wetlands Protection Act prohibits any filling, excavation, or other alteration of the land surface, water levels, or vegetation in wetlands, floodplains, riverfront areas, vernal pools, or other wetland resource areas, regardless of ownership, without a permit from the Conservation Commission. These areas are defined by the type of vegetation, water activity, and soils, and it may take a qualified specialist to determine their boundaries.
Water resources provide habitat for wildlife, and serve as environmental, recreational and scenic assets.
Becket provides important water resources for Southern New England. The headwaters of three major New England rivers lie within its borders: the Westfield (a nationally designated Wild and Scenic river), the Farmington, and the Housatonic. There are also numerous lakes and ponds in Becket. And Becket’s many wetlands keep rivers, lakes, ponds and groundwater supplies clean and protect against flooding.
Berkshire County Public Forum on Public Education
Today is a great day to call your representative and ask them to testify in support of solar on 10/3! There are two of BEAT’s priority bills that will be heard next week.
You can call their office or email and ask them to:
- Testify in support of H3396/S1831 and H2706/S1846
- Specifically mention support for restoring compensation for low-income and community solar
- Push to eliminate the net metering cap
https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/2758
Solar Access for All: Mass Power Forward urges the legislature to ensure all communities can benefit from solar energy. This legislation ensures fair compensation to low-income solar and to community shared solar net metering with a minimum threshold of low-moderate income customers, incentivizes projects that expand access to communities facing barriers, and directs the Department of Energy Resources to address barriers like income, housing type and language in their program design.
H3396/S1831 An Act relative to solar power in environmental justice and urban communities – Rep. Holmes / Sen. Chang-Diaz
There is also:
H2706/S1846 An act relative to solar power and the green economy – Rep. Mark / Sen. Eldridge This bill eliminates the net metering cap and has a 50 x 30% RPS
New Local Brew Helps Keep Rivers Clean
Greenfield, MA— The People’s Pint Brewery and the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC), formerly Connecticut River Watershed Council, are partnering to raise awareness of your rivers with a new beer, the Source to Sea Pale Ale. $0.25 cents of every pint and bottle sold will benefit the Connecticut River Conservancy. The People’s Pint released this beer ahead of CRC’s Source to Sea Cleanup on Friday and Saturday, September 22 & 23. The Source to Sea Cleanup is a two-day river cleanup coordinated by CRC in all four states of the 410+ mile Connecticut River basin (NH, VT, MA, CT). Each fall, thousands of volunteers remove about 50 tons of trash along rivers, streams, parks, boat launches, trails and more. You are invited to join the fun and be part of the tremendous effort for cleaner rivers. For more information, visit www.ctriver.org/cleanup.
“Brewing the Source to Sea Pale Ale and working with the Connecticut River Conservancy is a great opportunity to make a real difference with the beer we brew here at The Peoples Pint,” notes Chris Sellers, People’s Pint brewery manager. “I am very excited to continue to use our brewery and restaurant as a platform and a tool to raise awareness of issues affecting both our local environment and our local community.” Source to Sea Pale Ale is a New England style pale ale brewed with ‘Vic’s Secret’ and ‘El Dorado’ hops. These hop varieties create a unique tropical fruit, pineapple, and citrus flavor and aroma followed by a soft and drinkable finish with very little bitterness. You can find the Source to Sea Pale Ale on tap at The People’s Pint restaurant in downtown Greenfield, MA and in bottles at your favorite package store.
“Source to Sea Cleanup volunteers have removed some really unbelievable things from our rivers, including a cement mixer, parking meters, propane tanks and junk cars,” notes Alicea Charamut, CRC River Steward and Cleanup organizer. To date, volunteers have kept more than 997 tons of trash from polluting our rivers. This year, in addition to working with local cleanup groups to remove smaller trash items, CRC will continue the larger tasks of cleaning up thousands of tires dumped along the Deerfield River in Greenfield, MA; working toward removal of an abandoned oil offloading platform in the Connecticut River in Wethersfield, CT; cleaning up an abandoned house falling into the Connecticut River in Stratford, NH; and removing a 55-gallon drum from Blood Brook in Windsor, VT.
“We all have a responsibility to solve this trash pollution problem—individuals, manufacturers, businesses, and government,” says Andrew Fisk, CRC Executive Director. “The People’s Pint takes their commitment to the community seriously and we’re honored to have them supporting the thousands of volunteers who make their rivers better.”
Since 1952, Connecticut River Conservancy has been the voice for the Connecticut River watershed, from source to sea. We collaborate with partners across four states to protect and advocate for your rivers and educate and engage communities. We bring people together to prevent pollution, improve habitat, and promote enjoyment of your river and its tributary streams. Healthy rivers support healthy economies. To learn more about CRC, or to make a contribution to help protect the Connecticut River, visit www.ctriver.org.
September 12, 2017 – A federal judge ruled on Tuesday that a Massachusetts environmental group has sufficient legal standing to proceed with a so-called citizen lawsuit filed against oil and gas giant ExxonMobil.
U.S. District Judge Mark L. Wolf made the ruling after considering a motion by ExxonMobil to dismiss the lawsuit.
The plaintiff, nonprofit Conservation Law Foundation, or CLF, claims that ExxonMobil has ignored requirements to prevent its oil storage and transfer site in Everett from discharging pollutants into the Mystic in heavy weather.
The ExxonMobil oil terminal and storage facility in Everett is regulated by federal (EPA) and state (MassDEP) authorities, but federal environmental laws allow citizens and civilian groups, like CLF, to sue if they believe that authorities have failed to enforce the law.
The timing of Tuesday’s hearing, just days after Hurricane Irma pummeled Florida and the Atlantic South — and after a Houston-area chemical plant exploded during Hurricane Harvey — is essentially coincidental: the lawsuit was filed by CLF one year ago.
But the recent storms loomed over the proceedings anyway.
Lawyers for ExxonMobil have moved to have the case dismissed and argued that the Everett facility is compliant with its EPA-issued permit and that CLF has no legal standing to force the company to make changes to it.
The case is unrelated to the high-profile investigation of ExxonMobil by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey into whether the company mislead the public as to the impact of fossil fuels on the climate.
In a seventy-plus page complaint, CLF argues that the Everett facility has discharged pollutants into the Mystic River in violation of federally-permitted levels hundreds of times, and that ExxonMobil has failed to engineer the facility, which sits in a Hurricane-prone flood zone, to be able to prevent illegal discharges in the kind of severe weather events scientists link to climate change.
Judge Wolf was skeptical of some of these claims, asking repeatedly whether CLF could show a threat to citizens that was immediate or “immanent,” — and not fifty or one hundred years in the future.
Attorney Daniel Toal, representing ExxonMobil, characterized CLF as demanding that the company adapt to hypothetical scenarios that are not required by its permit, which must be renewed periodically and approved by the EPA.
But CLF lawyer Allan Kanner said that discharge records for the facility maintained by ExxonMobil and environmental officials show that the facility has already been unable or unwilling to prevent illegal levels of pollutants from entering the Mystic River.
Jobs
Event Planner
Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee | Westfield, MA
In 2018, the Westfield River will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary since being designated as a National Wild & Scenic River. This happens to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the National Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. As we near a quarter century of protecting the Westfield River and half century of protecting some of the greatest rivers in the United States, we hope to celebrate the accomplishments of the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System with a series of events and promotional materials. The Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee seeks an Event Planner to assist us with our 25th and 50th Wild & Scenic Anniversaries outreach and events in 2018. Proposals will be accepted until filled with an initial review to begin on September 28th, 2017. RFQ Details here.
Environmental Health Manager
Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition | Springfield, MA
Primary Objective
Partners for a Healthier Communities (PHC)’ Environmental Health Manager (listed on the Baystate Health website (as “Community Health Planning/Environmental Health) is responsible for the planning, program development, and evaluation of environmental health and other projects, including assistance to subcontractors and community partners allied with the agency in this these efforts. The environmental health initiative will focus on a variety of types of projects, including the management of the Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition, systems and policy change, and collective impact. The Environmental Health Manager will cultivate and strengthen strategic community partnerships and alliances between local, regional, and state-level coalitions and advocacy organizations; community-based nonprofit corporations; and business, social, educational, and health entities.
Role of the Environmental Health Manager
The position’s role typically involves grantwriting and reporting, leading environmental health projects, and convening as necessary community partners and clients to achieve the needed goals of projects. Partnerships could be with sectors such as faith, business, education, academic, healthcare, social sector entities.
In particular, the position implements programming for initiatives to improve the health of people enrolled in the project:
- Develops programs and services that promote best and emerging practices for the environmental health area. Designs and implements collaborative strategies with community partners and collaborators such as social organizations, faith communities, community-based organizations and so on;
- Assists in strategic thinking, research and evaluation and program planning to achieve the corporation’s strategic goals and objectives assigned to the Consultant. In this area, the Consultant is primarily responsible for implementing strategies such as providing training and technical assistance to help prioritize issues and develop community partnerships, utilizing data to execute new initiatives, evaluate results and communicate progress.
- Provides facilitative leadership to fellow community leaders, and offers opportunities and/or shares experiences, perspectives and expertise on issues such as partnership development, meeting planning, facilitation, and conflict management;
- Provides facilitative leadership to the project team in action planning including steps and/or activities to address the priority areas, and implementing actions with a timeline, identifiable milestones and evaluation measures;
- Oversee subcontractors when necessary and student interns;
Performance Expectations
It is expected that the Environmental Health Manager will work under the general supervision of the Director of Programs & Development.
The Environmental Health Manager’s work entails the day-to-day management (including planning, directing and organizing staff, programming and funding responsibility) of Environmental Health programs and activities.
- Programs will meet the objective of the strategic goals and objectives of PHC.
- Coalition-building activities will adhere to PHC standards.
- In establishing community programs, planning will adhere to a community health planning methodology and the planning processes will result in high quality successful programs.
- Community programs and issues will undergo regular assessments and review based on published reports on internal and external environmental issues related to the corporations health priority areas.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Public Policy or related field required. Master’s level college degree in these areas is preferred.
- Applicant must have five years of relevant experience in a role of a program manager or supervisor in a public health or human service program. Five years of relevant experience in a role equivalent to a Program Director of a major public health program is preferred.
Core Competencies
The high visibility of this position, both internally and externally, requires that the Environmental Health Manager have
- Experience designing and implementing program and initiative planning;
- Highly proficient writing skills;
- Strong interpersonal, facilitation and collaborative planning skills;
- Proven abilities to work with and within teams;
- Strong written and oral communication skills; bilingual preferred
- A high degree of computer literacy;
- Demonstrated use of community problem-solving skills;
- Demonstrated facilitative leadership experiences in a community setting; and
- Strong understanding of the public health environment (including asthma and environmental health) and the healthcare environment.
- Strong public presentation skills
About Partners for a Healthier Community
Partners for a Healthier Community, the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, provides skills, expertise and experience to create successful public health campaigns and sustainable system changes to improve health and well-being in Western MA. Through partnerships, we build on community assets and build community capacity to positively impact social determinants of health. Our services include Research and Assessment, Coalition-building, Program Evaluation and Health Policy Development. PHC is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit with a 20 member Board of Directors and relies on state, federal and private grants and contracts. PHC contracts with Baystate Health for Human Resources services.
TO APPLY: Candidates for PHC’s Environmental Health Manager (Community Health Planning Consultant/Environmental Health) should apply through Baystate Health’s job portal at https://www.baystatehealthjobs.com/job/springfield/community-health-planning-consultant-environmental-health-full-time/156/5671580
Campus Organizer
PIRG Campus Action | Western MA
FULL TIME CAREER POSITION
At PIRG Campus Action, our full time organizers work on college campuses across the country to empower students to make a difference on critical environmental and social issues.
If we’re serious about climate change, we can’t afford to drag our feet—so we’re pushing cities and states to commit to 100% renewable energy, now. We rely on bees to pollinate our food, yet we’re allowing some pesticides to drive them toward extinction—so we’re working to ban these bee-killing pesticides. People in our communities and even students on college campuses are dealing with hunger and homelessness that affect their quality of life. We’re raising funds, toiletries, and food items for our local relief agencies – as well as holding fundraisers for Hurricane Relief for the communities in TX, FL, and the Caribbean who were hit from the recent natural disasters.
We’re looking for an individual who has the passion and the drive it takes to win positive change on these important issues, and who isn’t afraid of hard work. Ideally, this person has experience working on campaigns or with groups on campus. Our Berkshires organizer will mobilize a team of passionate students to run a campus chapter on two campuses in Western MA. You’ll recruit dozens of students to volunteer and get involved, and teach them how to plan and run effective campaigns through internships and on-the-ground training.
You’ll build relationships with faculty and administrators, while organizing news events and rallies, and generating the grassroots support it takes to win campaigns. During the summer, you’ll run a citizen outreach office, building the organization by canvassing and training others to canvass. And you’ll learn from some of the best organizers in the country—people who have been doing this work for more than 30 years.
Location: Western MA (organizing at Berkshire Community College and Mass College of Liberal Arts)
We’re also hiring organizers to work on college campuses in California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Oregon and a few other states.
Pay & benefits
The target annual compensation for this position is $25,500 in the first year. PIRG Campus Action offers a competitive benefits package. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.
Apply here today or contact Samantha@masspirgstudents.org directly with any inquiries or recommendations for candidates.
Regional Recycling Coordinator
City of Pittsfield | Pittsfield, MA
The Municipal Assistance Coordinator for the Western District (WE) provides technical assistance to municipalities to increase recycling, composting, waste reduction, household hazardous waste diversion and regional cooperation. The City of Pittsfield has been awarded a Host Community grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to fund this position.
The Coordinator will act under the supervision of the MassDEP and will serve 100 municipalities in a district known as “Western”. The district extends from Ware to Richmond. For a map and list of communities in the district, please visit: http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/macmap.htm
This is an independent contractor position. The position is funded at 36 hours per week, with an annual ceiling of 1,800 hours. Annual compensation is commensurate with experience, starting at not less than $55,000. An additional $5,000 annual reimbursement is provided for self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare). Use of personal vehicle is required. Vehicle mileage, tolls and parking =will be reimbursed. Limited funding for in-state professional conferences is also provided.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday, September 8, 2017 @ 4:00PM
Full listing and application details here.
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.
Director of Ecological Restoration
MA Department of Fish & Game | Boston, MA
The Division of Ecological Restoration is charged with restoring and protecting the health and integrity of the Commonwealth’s rivers, wetlands, and watersheds for the benefit of people and the environment. This mission is critical to the success of the Department of Fish and Game that manages, protects, and restores the natural resources of the Commonwealth.
The Division of Ecological Restoration works with community-based partners to restore aquatic ecosystems. The Division’s ecological restoration work brings clean water, recreation opportunities, and other ecosystem services to the citizens of Massachusetts.
The Director leads the Division of Ecological Restoration, one of three Divisions (and one Office) of the Department of Fish and Game. The Director is responsible for all functions and program performance ensuring that the Deputy Director is properly managing the day-today operations of the Division and the assistant director is administering annual budgets properly. The Director develops and makes sure the annual and five-year strategic plan goals are implemented and sets procedures and program priorities for the Deputy Director and Assistant Director to faithfully administer. The Director oversees development of the operational and capital budgets and manages a diverse staff.
This is only a small part of the job description. Click here to read the full description and to apply.
Various Positions at Co-op Power
Co-op Power in Florence, MA, is hiring for:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Energy Efficiency Program Manager
- Community Solar Program Director
- Energy Efficiency Intern
- Community Solar Interns
Full details and how to apply here.
2017-18 Position Openings with TerraCorps – Various locations
TerraCorps, formerly MassLIFT-AmeriCorps, is an innovative national service program helping communities conserve and secure land for the health and well-being of people and nature. This year we are looking for 36 members to serve in full-time, 11 month positions. Members will carry out capacity building projects; educate or train individuals; recruit, train, manage, and support community volunteers engaged in land-based activities; and identify new individuals and groups to participate in education, recreation, or service opportunities centered around land access and conservation.
Members serve as: Land Stewardship Coordinators, Regional Conservation Coordinators, Youth Education Coordinators, or Community Engagement Coordinators.
These 1,700 hour AmeriCorps positions receive a living allowance, education award, and additional AmeriCorps benefits. The 2017-2018 program will run from 8/28/17 – 7/27/18.
Application specifics, position descriptions, and information about organizations hosting TerraCorps members can be found at here.
Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.
AmeriCorps programs provide equal service opportunities. TerraCorps will recruit and select persons in all positions to ensure a diverse and inclusive climate without regard to any particular status. We encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations for interviews and service upon request. TerraCorps is a grant program of the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Various Positions
The Manice Education Center (MEC) | Florida, MA
The Manice Education Center (MEC) is intentionally located in a unique outdoor setting within the heart of the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts. MEC operates several distinctly different seasonal programs that are experientially focused in high-quality environmental education, wilderness camping, and leadership training.
Summer Outdoor educators will lead wilderness expeditions for campers & can expect to guide an average of 6 backpacking and/or canoeing trips, ranging from 2 to 5 days in length. Expedition locations inlude the Appalachian Trail, Long Trail, Savoy Mountain State Forest, Taconic Trail, Battenkill River, Deerfield River, & Connecticut River. Educators receive training in backpacking and wilderness navigation, participate in a 2 day professional canoe clinic, & can earn free certifications in Wildernes First Aid and/or Waterfront Lifeguarding.
APPLY TODAY – SEND US A COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO EMPLOYMENT@CHRISTODORA.ORG
For more details please visit our Jobs page (click here).
Please share this opportunity with your friends and colleagues! If you have any questions about employment in Christodora programs, please contact Matthew Scholl, Programs Director at 413.663.8463 or email us at employment@christodora.org
HAUNTED HOUSE TOUR GUIDES
Naumkeag’s 2nd Annual Haunted House will take place on 10/20, 10/21, 10/27, and 10/28 and we are seeking volunteer groups to serve as characters in the house during one of those nights! Costumes are provided and the training is simple-no acting experience is required. 5pm-9:30pm.
Visit www.thetrustees.org/volunteer or contact tbeasley@thetrustees.org or 413.213.4248 for more information.