The BEAT News April 3, 2013

News Headlines

ACTION ALERT: Time for Oilheat Efficiency in Massachusetts!

 

“An Act further promoting energy efficiency and green jobs,” H 2741 will be heard before the Joint Committee on Revenue on April 9. We need people who support energy efficiency for all to speak out now! Will you call or send a letter of support to the committee chairs? Visit oilheatsaveenergy.org to see the bill, download a factsheet and more.

 

Background: Massachusetts is a national leader in energy efficiency programs, yet there is still no dedicated funding source to help people who heat with oil to weatherize buildings and invest in efficient new oilheat systems. Making homes, public buildings and businesses that rely on oilheat more efficient and upgrading old oilheat systems can help slash energy bills and emissions by about 30 percent, permanently. This is an issue of fairness: it’s time to extend the same energy-saving opportunities that natural gas customers have long enjoyed to those who heat with oil.

 

Please address your letter to:

The Honorable Michael Rodrigues, Senate Chairman, Joint Committee on Revenue: Room 213B, State House, Boston, MA 02133. Ph: (617) 722-1114  E: Michael.Rodrigues@masenate.gov

 

The Honorable Jay Kaufman, House Chairman, Joint Committee on Revenue: Room 34, State House, Boston, MA 02133. Ph: (617) 722-2320  E: Jay.Kaufman@mahouse.gov

 

IMPORTANT: Help us track our progress – please tell us if you take action! Contact Natalie: nhildt@neep.org or 781-860-9177 x121

 

**If you heat with oil or know someone who would benefit from this bill, please include that in your comments.**

 

Sample Letter:

Dear Representative Kaufman, Senator Rodrigues and Members of the Committee on Revenue:

 

I ask you to support House Bill 2741 to create energy efficiency programs for people who heat with oil. About 32 percent of the state’s homes heat with oil, and have limited access to energy efficiency programs like those offered by the gas and electric utilities.

 

H 2741 will save Massachusetts households and businesses millions of dollars each year. A typical oilheat customer could save about a third of their energy costs with efficient new heating equipment and weatherization measures. This important legislation will help put money back in people’s pockets, increase comfort, create local jobs and reduce harmful emissions.

 

Sincerely,

(your name & address)

 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Natalie Hildt

Senior Manager, Public Policy Outreach
NEEP (Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships)

91 Hartwell Ave, Lexington, MA 02421

t: 781-860-9177 ext. 121

nhildt@neep.org

www.neep.org

 

Keep up on efficiency policy news across the region! Subscribe to Highlights.

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Help call for a COAL FREE Massachusetts!

Massachusetts has been a leader in clean energy, but the burning of coal continues to devastate communities, pollute air and water, and send our climate hurtling toward disaster. It’s time for a change: we need to transition from coal-fired power to community power.

Coal is failing economically. Even as it stutters out, it’s taking a toll on us. A 2010 report from the Clean Air Task Force shows that pollution from coal-fired power plants causes 251 deaths, 211 hospital admissions, and 471 heart attacks in Massachusetts every year. Worse, community residents are not sufficiently empowered to protect their own interests as plants shutter and communities scramble for new revenue sources.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Tell Governor Patrick and your legislators to commit to going coal-free — and to include residents in the decision-making process. We don’t need to draw power from coal, but we do need a voice in what happens next. Take action now and send a letter or email to our officials – sample provided below.

SAMPLE LETTER:

The Honorable [Deval Patrick OR your state senator/rep]

The State House

Boston, MA 02108

Dear Governor [ or Senator/Representative ___________]:

Massachusetts has been a leader in clean energy, and now it must lead the way in transition from dirty power. The burning of dirty coal pollutes the atmosphere and taints water, damaging public health and contributing to deadly shifts in our climate. As coal becomes less and less economically viable, communities and workers are at risk. We should plan ahead for transition.

We must phase out coal, actively site renewable energy across the Commonwealth, and address the needs of coal communities, accounting for residents and plant workers during the transition. All three coal plants are on their way out, and we need to plan ahead.

The task force set up by landmark energy legislation in 2012 excludes seats for community residents and leaders – those who are most impacted by changes to environment, economy and the development of our municipalities. The transition from coal must be led by, and accessible to, communities. We urge you to phase out coal, and to listen to the voices of those who have borne its heavy burdens.

Legislation filed in the 2013-2014 session (H. 2367: An Act to transition to a clean energy Commonwealth) would help facilitate our power shift away from coal. This legislation provides a framework for a gradual and responsible phase-out of coal-fired electric generation in Massachusetts, including support for reuse planning and smooth transitions for workers.

We urge your leadership in helping to pass H.2367 and making 2013 a banner year for healthy communities and clean power.

Sincerely,

 

(your name & mailing address)

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Federal Agencies Asked to Delay Keystone Over Pipeline Safety Issues

Exxon pipeline spill in Mayflower, Ark. illustrates concerns in 54-page petition that EPA and PHMSA must now respond to.

by Lisa Song, InsideClimate News
A petition filed with federal agencies last week by a coalition led by the National Wildlife Federation is demanding a moratorium on pending tar sands pipelinesincluding the Keystone XLuntil regulators establish new rules to ensure their safety.

As if to illustrate the dangers outlined in the petition, Exxon’s Pegasus pipeline that carries Canadian diluted bitumen, or dilbit, on Friday spilled in central Arkansas, releasing an estimated 84,000 gallons of the crude within about 45 minutes before the release was stopped, according to local sources.

Filed on behalf of 29 environmental and community groups and 36 individuals, the petition includes a list of nine policy recommendations for the safe transport of dilbit, a type of crude oil produced from Canada’s oil sands region.

Read More

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Chemicals for Risk Assessment, Focus on Widely Used Flame Retardants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will begin assessments on 23 commonly used chemicals, with a specific focus on flame retardant chemicals, in order to more fully understand any potential risks to people’s health and the environment. This effort is part of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Work Plan which identifies commonly used chemicals for risk assessment.

Americans are often exposed to flame retardant chemicals in their daily lives; flame retardants are widely used in products such as household furniture, textiles, and electronic equipment. Some flame retardant chemicals can persist in the environment, bioaccumulate in people and animals, and have been shown to cause neurological developmental effects in animals.

“EPA is committed to more fully understanding the potential risks of flame retardant chemicals, taking action if warranted, and identifying safer substitutes when possible,” said James J. Jones, Acting assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “Though today’s announcement represents a significant step forward on chemical safety, it’s important to remember that TSCA, this country’s chemicals management legislation, remains in dire need of reform in order to ensure that all Americans are protected from toxic chemicals in their environment.”

EPA will begin evaluating 20 flame retardant chemicals, conducting full risk assessments for four of the flame retardants, three of which are on the TSCA Work Plan, and one that was the subject of an Action Plan development under TSCA. In addition, we are assessing eight other flame retardants by grouping flame retardants with similar characteristics together with the chemicals targeted for full assessment. EPA will use the information from these assessments to better understand the other chemicals in the group, which currently lack sufficient data for a full risk assessment.

EPA will also begin analyzing how eight of the 20 flame retardant chemicals transform and move in the environment. These chemicals were selected because they are likely to persist in the environment, bioaccumulate in people and/or have high exposure potential, but there are not adequate data to conduct full risk assessments.

During its review of data on flame retardant chemicals in commerce, EPA also identified approximately 50 flame retardant chemicals that are unlikely to pose a risk to human health, making them possible substitutes for more toxic flame retardant chemicals.

As EPA develops its draft risk assessments, the agency will use information that is available through a wide range of publicly available data sources. EPA also encourages submission of additional relevant information on these chemicals, such as unpublished studies and information on uses and potential exposures. This information should be submitted by May 30, 2013, to ensure that it is included in the agency’s review.

Submit relevant information on these chemicals or find more information on TSCA Work Plan and flame retardant chemicals for risk assessment:

http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/workplans.html

A full list of the chemicals announced for further assessment is available here: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/2013wpractivities.html

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Goodwill Partners with Valley Green Shredding for Donation Drive and Document Shredding Event at Goodwill’s Dalton Ave. Store on April 13

Goodwill of the Berkshires and Valley Green Shredding will hold a combined donation drive and document shredding event on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Goodwill’s flagship store at 457 Dalton Ave. For each bag or box of items donated to Goodwill at the event, donors will receive free onsite shredding of one box of documents, courtesy of Valley Green Shredding.

Donations that will be accepted at the Goodwill store on April 13 include gently used clothing, accessories, house wares, computers, computer monitors, keyboards and mice, and small household appliances and lamps.

Valley Green Shredding’s mobile service will be onsite to provide secure document shredding. Based in South Deerfield, the company recycles and repurposes one hundred percent of the paper it shreds.

Founded in 1956, Goodwill of the Berkshires is an innovative and sustainable social enterprise that helps all people in our communities enhance the dignity and the quality of life, gaining confidence, pride, independence and self-sufficiency through employment training and other support services, in collaboration with local resources.

Goodwill funds job training, employment placement services and other community programs through its recycling initiatives, including sales of donated clothing and household items at Goodwill retail stores. For more information, call Goodwill of the Berkshires, 158 Tyler St., Pittsfield, at (413) 442-0061 or visit www.goodwill-berkshires.org and www.facebook.com/GoodwillBerkshires

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CET’s Kim Grant Receives National Award for Excellence in Waste and Recycling Management

Kim Grant, a Center for EcoTechnology Green Business Specialist, has been named one of Waste & Recycling News’ 2013 Rising Stars for her accomplishments in waste and recycling management.  The Rising Star designation was awarded to 12 exceptional young professionals across the nation, recognized as leaders in the waste and recycling industry.

The only Massachusetts resident and one of three women to receive the award, Grant was selected from among 70 nominees for her accomplishments as the Recycling and Solid Waste Coordinator for the Town of Southbridge.  In one year, Grant reduced the Town’s solid waste tonnages by 20 percent and increased their recycling by 30, resulting in a cost savings of close to $75,000.

Grant also serves on the MassRecycle Board of Directors and is a Building Professional Institute (BPI) certified Building Analyst Professional and Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) certified Recycling Systems Professional.

For more information, visit: http://www.wasterecyclingnews.com/section/rising-stars.

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Settlement with Dominion Energy Reduces Harmful Pollution in MA

 

The Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that Dominion Energy has agreed to pay a $3.4 million civil penalty and spend approximately $9.8 million on environmental mitigation projects to resolve Clean Air Act (CAA) violations.

The settlement will result in reductions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter by more than 70,000 tons per year, across three of the utility’s coal-fired power plants, located in Kincaid, Ill., State Line, Ind., and Somerset, Mass.

Under the settlement, Dominion must install or upgrade pollution control technology on two plants, and permanently retire a third plant. Dominion will be required to continuously operate the new and existing pollution controls, and will be required to comply with stringent emission rates and annual tonnage limitations. The actions taken by Dominion to comply with this settlement will result in annual reductions at the Brayon Point in Somerset, MA and Kincaid plants of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by 52,000 tons from 2010 levels. The retirement of the State Line plant will result in an additional reduction of 18,000 tons of SO2 and NOx.

The settlement also requires Dominion to spend $9.75 million on projects that will benefit the environment and human health in communities located near the Dominion facilities. A total of $9 million will be spent on such projects as ; 1) wood stove changeouts, including $2 million for changeouts in southeastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and eastern Connecticut; 2) switcher locomotive idle reduction for Chicago rail yards, 3) land acquisition and restoration adjacent to, or near, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, 4) energy efficiency and geothermal/solar projects for local schools and food banks, and 5) clean diesel engine retrofits for municipalities and school districts. Dominion must also pay a total of $750,000 to the United States Forest Service and the National Park Service, to be used on projects to address the damage done from Dominion’s alleged excess emissions.

Reducing air pollution from the largest sources of emissions, including coal-fired power plants, is one of EPA’s National Enforcement Initiatives for 2011-2013. SO2 and NOx, two key pollutants emitted from power plants, have numerous adverse effects on human health and are significant contributors to acid rain, smog, and haze. These pollutants are converted in the air to fine particles of particulate matter that can cause severe respiratory and cardiovascular impacts, and premature death. Reducing these harmful air pollutants will benefit the communities located near Dominion facilities, particularly communities disproportionately impacted by environmental risks and vulnerable populations, including children. Because air pollution from power plants can travel significant distances downwind, this settlement will also reduce air pollution outside the immediate region. The total combined sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emission reductions secured from all power plant settlements to date will exceed nearly 2 million tons each year once all the required pollution controls have been installed and implemented.

The settlement was lodged today in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, and is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval.

More information about the settlement: www.epa.gov/enforcement/air/cases/dominionenergy.html

 

More information about EPA’s national enforcement initiative: www.epa.gov/compliance/data/planning/initiatives/2011airpollution.html

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Bio-diesel Fuel Company Owner Sentenced to 188 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Fuels Scheme

Jeffrey David Gunselman, 30, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings to 188 months in federal prison, fined $175,000 and ordered to pay more than $54.9 million in restitution, following his guilty plea in December 2012 to an indictment charging 51 counts of wire fraud, 24 counts of money laundering and four counts of making false statements in violation of the Clean Air Act.

…

Gunselman admitted that from September 2010 to October 2011, he devised a scheme to defraud the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by falsely representing that he was in the business of producing bio-diesel fuel, yet Gunselman did not have a bio-diesel fuel-producing facility. Instead, Gunselman’s business operation consisted of falsely generating renewable fuel credits and selling them to oil companies and brokers. He instructed purchasers to wire payments to a bank account he solely controlled, and as a result, approximately $41,762,236 was deposited into that account.

…

From September 2010 to mid-October 2011, Gunselman conducted 51 fraudulent transactions, which were transmitted by wire communications, that represented to the EPA that bio-diesel fuel had been produced at the Absolute Fuels facility in Anton, Texas, when in fact, no bio-diesel fuel had been produced.  This ultimately resulted in Gunselman requesting and receiving payments, by electronic funds transfer, of approximately $41,762,236.

…

The false statements convictions stem from Gunselman making material false statements to the EPA, falsely claiming and representing that bio-diesel fuel, a renewable fuel, had been produced, generating renewable fuel credits, when Gunselman well knew that no bio-diesel fuel had been produced.

The case was investigated by the EPA Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Secret Service.

More information about EPA’s criminal enforcement program: http://epa.gov/enforcement/criminal/index.html

More information about RFS enforcement: http://www.epa.gov/enforcement/air/renewable-fuels/fuel-novs.html

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Community Supported Industry

Identifying a Strategy
Building a responsible movement for a new economy will require planning how to create new jobs without increased growth.  One approach is a strategy of import replacement, with more labor intensive, smaller batch production, transported over shorter distances. The goal would be to create more jobs, but not more “stuff,” with a smaller carbon footprint overall.  This may be an ambitious objective, but it is necessary if we are to transition to an economic system that is both equitable and sustainable.

Such a strategy will take a cultural shift as well as an economic one.

The home of the Schumacher Center for a New Economics is the Berkshire region of Massachusetts.  As we are committed to the implementation as well as the development of a new economics, the task for us has been how to create a diverse and vital Berkshire economy independent of, and resilient toward, fluctuations in the outside economy.  The process has engaged us with local, regional, and national partner organizations working to identify solutions to similar problems.

Roots in Community Supported Agriculture
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) started in the USA in 1986 at Indian Line Farm in South Egremont, Massaschusetts, just a couple of miles down Jug End Road from the Library and offices of the Schumacher Center.  The farm was run by Robyn Van En, a pioneer of the CSA movement.

In a CSA, the farmer creates a yearly operating budget and citizen/members pay in advance for a percentage of that budget – a share.  In exchange the members of the CSA receive a weekly distribution of the produce from the farm.  In a year when the weather is perfect for basil production, bunches of basil fill every distribution box.  But if it is a bad year for tomatoes, the boxes are empty of tomatoes.  Members share the risk with the farmer and, in the process, learn about regional growing conditions.

Since the 1980s, the CSA concept has grown into a worldwide movement involving thousands of farms.  It has also taken root in the Berkshires and is now a strong part of the Berkshire ethos. Berkshire residents understand that, to have locally grown, high quality, fresh food, citizens must partner with farmers to guarantee a fair price for the farmer’s labor and to share in the risks of changing weather conditions, plant disease, and equipment failure. Berkshire residents also recognize that they need to adapt their cooking habits to account for crop availability and arrange their shopping patterns to match the schedules of farms and farmers’ market. As engaged risk-takers, the shareholders make up an informal marketing team for the farm and farmers, reducing marketing costs and serving as community advocates for farm-friendly policies.

Expanding the CSA Model
What would it mean to develop a similar understanding for other local production?  Can the Berkshires also model an ethos that would support a Berkshire furniture factory, a wool products industry, an applesauce cannery, a humane slaughterhouse, a water-powered electric generation plant, or that small-scale business that a resident of the Berkshires has already imagined?  Can the Berkshires also embrace “Community Supported Industry”?  Can it build the “import-replacement” businesses that provide well-paid jobs for its youth and keep the Berkshires vibrant with a diversity of production, skills, and people while maintaining a commitment to a healthy ecology?

Many willing hands are needed to build a culture of citizen support for Berkshire businesses. This cultural and economic shift will necessitate the convening of meetings of business owners, retired persons, youth, investors, organizational leaders, public officials, and concerned citizens to ask the following questions:
1. What products might be produced in the Berkshires that are not here yet?
2. How can citizens help create conditions to ensure the success of new enterprises?
3. What skills can be offered to help in the process?  Development or review of business plans; market research; site selection; equipment identification; mentoring; financing; permitting; skill development?

How can the Berkshires leverage the wealth of community resources to support the budding entrepreneurs who will in turn run the new, appropriately scaled and environmentally sound businesses that are the foundation stones of a socially and environmentally responsible economy?  These are steps not just for the Berkshires, but also for the many communities realizing that it will take multiple villages and villagers to build thriving regional economies.

Building on a Legacy
The problems and triumphs of shaping citizen-supported economies describe the work ahead for the Schumacher Center for a New Economics.  We will be building on thirty-three years of our legacy programming in the Berkshires—SHARE micro-loan program, community land trusts, Deli Dollars, and BerkShares local currency.  We will rely on the universal ideas captured in the E. F. Schumacher Annual Lectures and housed in our library collection.  We will continue to be inspired by collaborations with other organizations.

It will not be enough to only imagine the new green, fair, sustainable, slow, resilient businesses; not enough to build a library of good business plans; not enough to whet the appetite for regionally made goods and locally grown food.  To implement the new industries identified and fostered under the umbrella of Community Supported Industry it will take securing affordable access to land, identifying (or training) skilled workers, and accessing appropriate capital.  It will mean maintaining an ongoing national dialogue about imaginative land tenure options, distributed ownership, and the democratized issuing of currency.

Please join us by continuing to work in your neighborhoods and regional organizations, by engaging in discussion about the necessity and possibility of economic transformation, and by continuing your support.

Best wishes,
Susan Witt, Alice Maggio, Kate Poole, Paris Kazis, and Sam Moore
Schumacher Center for a New Economics

Board of Directors:  Peter Barnes, Hildegarde Hannum, Dan Levinson, Anne MacDonald, Jerry Mander, Gordon Thorne, Severine von Tscharner Fleming, Greg Watson, and Judy Wicks.
Advisory Board:  Merrian Goggio Borgeson, Eric Harris-Braun, and Otto Scharmer

“A good community insures itself by trust, by good faith and good will, by mutual help. A good community, in other words, is a good local economy.”
Wendell Berry from “Work of Local Culture”

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Hosted by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

USDA Rural Development Workshops for CT, MA, NY:Learn what the USDA Can Do for You–Loans, Grants & Technical Assistance

The workshops are free.

Register

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

Town boards & committee members planning town projects

Small business owners, Farmers & Nonprofits

Anyone interested in learning about funding opportunities

 

Tuesday, April 9

3:30pm – 5:30pm

Central Station, 66 Allen Street, Pittsfield, MA

Co-sponsored by the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce &

Nonprofit Business Network

 

Thursday, April 18

3:00pm – 5:00pm

Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, Salisbury, CT

Co-sponsored by the Tri-State Chamber of Commerce

 

Thursday, April 25

3:30 – 5:30pm

Roeliff Jansen Library, 9091 Route 22, Hillsdale, NY;

Participants are welcome to attend any session regardless of where they live.

 

ABOUT US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE:

USDA Rural Development is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. Its financial programs support public services such as water, sewer, housing, health clinics, emergency, electric and telephone services. The USDA promotes economic development by supporting loans to businesses. And it offers technical assistance and information to help agricultural producers and cooperatives get started and improve their operations.

USDA Rural Development has funded projects that:

  • Protect habitat in historic towns
  • Improve sewer and waste management
  • Create green products developed by entrepreneurial farmers
  • Use and promote renewable energy
  • Use LEED certified building practices and materials
  • Promote economic vitality in the arts

 

ABOUT BERKSHIRE TACONIC COMMUNITY FOUNDATION:

 For over 25 years, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation has built stronger communities and helped donors make a difference through charitable giving in northwest Litchfield County, CT; Berkshire County, MA; and Columbia County and northeast Dutchess County, NY. Each year, the foundation distributes over $7 million through grants and scholarships to nonprofits and individuals in the arts and education, health and human services and environmental protection. Berkshire Taconic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity.

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Dr. Augie’s April Vacation Color and Nature Classes

April 22-26, 2013
9am-1:30pm
Cost $175
West PittsfieldThis five day program is an opportunity for your child(ren) to explore their creativity. They will explore color using natural dyes and color paints. We will spend time experimenting how color mixes. Materials will be homemade play dough, feathers,paper and various fabrics. Each child will make unique works of art using natural materials while being immersed in the colorful world of nature around us.A packed lunch and drink is encouraged. All supplies will be included.

To register your child(ren) email: Dr.Augies@gmail.com
http://draugies.wordpress.com/kid-programs/april-classes/

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Free Repairs at the Pittsfield Repair Cafe

Saturdays April 20 & May 18 from 1:00-5:00 pm, St. Stephen’s Church basement, 67 East St., Pittsfield, MA.

Specializing in mendable clothing and cushions, frayed cords, computers, lamps, bicycles, chairs, vacuum cleaners, and dull blades.

What would the Repair Cafe organizers like from you?

Choices:

  • Volunteer as a repair person or general helper or piano player
  • Help spread the word by sending this email to others
  • Put out flyers
  • Make a donation
  • Attend the Repair Cafe with a broken item

Thank you! For information, to donate, or to volunteer, call Tom at 413-212-8589 or email Janet at jmh227@hotmail.com

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Do you love paddling or being outdoors?  Volunteer for the Housatonic Valley Associations (HVA) Stream Team Project this spring!

Stream Team volunteers will walk the banks or paddle an assigned stretch of the Housatonic River or tributary and report their findings. The current stream teams’ findings will update existing reports and identify new potential projects such as special areas to protect and problem areas that need work. Stream Team reports are available on HVA’s website www.hvatoday.org  . No prior experience necessary. Training, support, materials and necessary equipment is provided. Training dates are listed below. For more information or to register, contact Dennis at HVA: call 413-394-9796 or email dregan@hvatoday.org. This project is funded by the Massachusetts Environmental Trust.

Stream Team Calendar Listings:

Wednesday, April 10  from 5:30pm – 7:00pm at Dewey Memorial Hall in Sheffield

Wednesday, April 17 from  5:00pm – 6:45pm at Mason Library in Great Barrington

Wednesday, April 24 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm at the Dalton Town Hall in Dalton

The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) will train and organize volunteers to visually assess sections of the Housatonic River from Muddy Pond in Washington to the Connecticut border.  In addition, a few teams will assess key tributaries. Volunteers will walk the banks or paddle their stretch recording GPS coordinates to map important points of interest.  Previous surveys were completed about 10-12 years ago and initiated several projects including construction of new river access sites, the completion of “The Old Mill Trail” a riverside walking trail in Hinsdale, the initiation of a comprehensive water quality monitoring program and completion of several river clean ups. The current stream teams’ findings will update the existing reports and identify new potential projects such as special areas to protect and problem areas that need work.

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Pleasant Valley Nature Camp 2013

Registration is underway for Pleasant Valley Nature Camp in Lenox.  Since 1947, children have been connecting with nature at this Mass Audubon property. The sanctuary’s 1,300 acres of forests, meadows, brooks, and beaver ponds provide a wonderful outdoor experience for kids. The camp fosters an environment in which children can connect with nature, play, discover, and explore. The camp brochure including registration form can also be downloaded from Mass Audubon’s website: www.massaudubon.org.

Programs, for kids ages 5-14, include daily hikes, related nature crafts and activities, games, songs and more. Camp staffers are enthusiastic naturalists (many former campers themselves) who are dedicated to providing campers with the best summer ever, according to Camp Director Gayle Tardif-Raser.

Monarchs migrate to our camp curriculum this summer! The older campers, ages 11-12, can learn about the incredible journey of the monarch and practice tagging as part of a large citizen science project.

 

We continue another summer with two “Adventurers” sessions for ages 13-14. Teens can work on Outdoor Leadership skills they may use as a future LIT (Leader in Training). LIT’s are volunteers age 15 and up who are interested in building skills or accumulating volunteer service hours in the field of environmental science.

 

New this summer is an Extended Day option. Campers can stay and participate in supervised play as late as 5:30 pm. Additional fees apply.

Limited financial assistance is available. The deadline for applying for assistance is June 13th.  Contact 413-637-0320 for an application or email berkshires@massaudubon.org.

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Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than 100,000 members, we care for more nearly 35,000 acres of conservation land, provide educational programs for 225,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels. Mass Audubon’s mission and actions have expanded since our beginning in 1896, when our founders set out to stop the slaughter of birds for use on women’s fashions. Today we are the largest conservation organization in New England. Our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries in 90 Massachusetts communities welcomes visitors of all ages and serves as the base for our work. To support these important efforts, call 800-AUDUBON (283-8266) or visit www.massaudubon.org.

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The Appalachian Forest School Presents: Eastern Wilderness The Adirondacks

A 7-day Exploration, June 23-29, 2013

In the field with Mountain Ecologist and Naturalist, Michael Gaige

On past courses our school has traveled to the forest centers of the Ozarks, the Florida Panhandle, the Northern Appalachians, and the Boundary Waters. This summer we are heading to the Adirondacks on what we believe is our finest natural and cultural immersion yet in our pursuit to understand our native forest home.

We will be exploring our nation’s most singular, improbable and successful conservation story. The 6-million-acre park hosts over 250,000 acres of old-growth forest, 2000 miles of hiking trails (the nation’s largest network), and 3000 lakes. Bears are common, moose are returning, and occasionally a wolf or a cougar pass through. This is arguably as wild as it gets in the East.

Focus of this Course Includes:

  • Visit old-growth forests and learn about the natural cycles of disturbance in the North Woods.
  • Learn northern breeding birds by song; as well as sight.
  • Opportunity to watch signature North Country birds.
  • Field recognition of the primary tree species of the North Woods.
  • Ecological study of the Adirondacks eco-systems; including the northern hardwoods, boreal spruce-fir forests, and wetlands, including bogs and fens.
  • Geologic history of the Adirondacks in the context of the nearby, but distinct, Appalachian Mountains.
  • History of conservation and environmental advocacy in the Adirondacks; present and future conservation challenges.

Registration Includes: Full six days curriculum, excellent meals, and six night’s lodging at historic Great Camp Sagamore on Sagamore Lake.

What makes the Appalachian Forest School’s courses unique?

We perceive the temperate forest of the Eastern United States in its entirety, as the ONE immense biome that it is. We offer holistic cross-disciplinary education. We teach big picture forest literacy. We spend all day, every day, outside. Our courses are not only hands-on learning experiences but are fun and adventuresome.

 

Registrations must be in before the end of April for our June 2013 trip, and space is limited. Sign up now!

More Information & Registration: http://appalachianforestschool.org/adirondacks/Adirondacks.shtml.
Other Upcoming Arc of Appalachia Events: http://arcofappalachia.org/events.html.

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MACC Free Fundamentals of the Wetlands Protection Act 

Free Fundamentals Training This Spring!

MACC will offer three Fundamentals Unit 1 at no cost to 75 Conservation Commissioners, with support from its Frederick J. Fawcett II Education Fund.

MACC is sponsoring three in-person trainings of Unit 1: Overview of Conservation Commissions: Relationships, Responsibilities, Funds and Fees from its certificate training program, Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners, at no charge to MACC members who serve on or work for a Conservation Commission.

June 15                 Controy Pavilion, Pittsfield, MA

To register click HERE.

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School Vacation Week–Spring Stampede

Sponsored by Berkshire Sanctuaries

 

Class dates and times:
Tue, Apr 16, 2013 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Fri, Apr 19, 2013 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Instructor: Gayle Tardif-Raser – Education Coordinator, Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries
Audience: Children (suitable for children 6 – 8 years)
Fee: Children $160.00 MassAudubon member / $200.00nm

Spring comes late to the Berkshires, and we’ll be out in the great outdoors looking for new plant growth, bird arrivals, and emerging amphibians and reptiles. We’ll play outdoors as much as possible.

Instructions and Directions: Dress for the weather, wear mud boots, and bring a lunch and two snacks each day.

Registration is required.

Register online or call 413-637-0320 to register by phone.


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New Farming Opportunity on Golden Oak Farm in Hatfield

Attention anyone and everyone!

There’s a new farming opportunity on Golden Oak Farm in Hatfield, MA.  Pam Raymond is looking for people to learn & work on Golden Oak Farm this summer (includes veggies, animals, rotation). All that is requested is for you to contact her via email (see attachment) with a statement of why you are interested.

All information is in the program proposal attachment. This is an awesome opportunity!

Spread the word 🙂
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