Sue Morse presents two acclaimed wildlife programs in February
“Wild Cousins of Our Best Friends: Wolves, Coyotes and Foxes” in Pittsfield and “The Cougar Comes East” in Sheffield. The Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), The Trustees of the Reservations (TTOR), Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC), Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC), and Berkshire Community College (BCC) are proud to present Sue Morse’s critically acclaimed presentations “Wild Cousins of Our Best Friends: Wolves, Coyotes and Foxes” at BCC in Pittsfield on Friday, February 3rd at 6:00 pm and “The Cougar Comes East” at Mt. Everett High School in Sheffield on Saturday, February 4th at 6:00 pm.<more>
RI Public Utilities Commission Votes for Cost-Saving Energy Efficiency Plan
Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan Approved
In November, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service granted final approval of the 2015 Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). It will serve as the state’s wildlife conservation strategy for the next decade.This Plan presents the 570 Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the Commonwealth, the 24 types of habitat that support these species, and the actions necessary to conserve them.<more>
EPA Prohibits 72 Inert Ingredients from Use
in Pesticides
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking action to remove 72 ingredients from its list of ingredients approved for use in pesticide products. Manufacturers wishing to use these ingredients in the future will have to provide EPA with studies or information to demonstrate their safety. EPA will then consider whether to allow their use. EPA is taking this action in response to petitions by the Center for Environmental Health, Beyond Pesticides, Physicians for Social Responsibility and others. EPA Press Release, December 20, 2016.<more>
London commits: All new city center single-decker buses will be zero emission
Jobs
Visitor Services Internship – U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Northeast Regional Office – Hadley, MA
2017 SCA MA Forests & Parks AmeriCorps Position – DCR-Wompatuck – Hingham, MA
Trail Team Massachusetts Corps – SCA Massachusetts AmeriCorps – Hawley, MA
Plant Conservation Volunteer – New England Wild Flower Society – Western Mass
Administrative and Event Assistant – Urban Sustainability Directors Network &
Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance – Remote position
Streamflow Protection Biologist (Fish & Wildlife Scientist III) – Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department – Montpelier, VT
Hoosic River Revival – Executive Director – North Adams, MA
Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation – Executive Director – Williamstown, MA
Sue Morse presents two acclaimed wildlife programs in February:
“Wild Cousins of Our Best Friends: Wolves, Coyotes and Foxes” in Pittsfield and “The Cougar Comes East” in Sheffield
The Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), The Trustees of the Reservations (TTOR), Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC), Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC), and Berkshire Community College (BCC) are proud to present Sue Morse’s critically acclaimed presentations “Wild Cousins of Our Best Friends: Wolves, Coyotes and Foxes” at BCC in Pittsfield on Friday, February 3rd at 6:00 pm and “The Cougar Comes East” at Mt. Everett High School in Sheffield on Saturday, February 4th at 6:00 pm.
Friday, February 3rd at 6:00 pm at the The Boland Theater on BCC’s main campus in Pittsfield, Sue Morse will give a presentation summarized here: “Intelligent, loving, and loyal, wild canid “cousins” have much to teach us — not only about our beloved pets but about healthy ecosystems too. Sue will have your audience howling with laughter as she shares her amazing photos and personal adventures studying these animals in habitats as varied as northern Minnesota, Montana, Arizona, the Arctic and, of course, the northeast U.S., and Canada.”
The next day, Saturday, February 4th at 6:00 pm Sue Morse will give her “The Cougar Comes East” presentation at Mt Everett High School in Sheffield.The presentation is summarized here: “There is no question about it. Cougars are not only being seen in eastern North America, some are attempting to recolonize their former habitats. Where once it was flatly dismissed as an impossibility in the so-called “developed” east, scientists have now documented cougar dispersals and even occupancy of a growing list of eastern states and provinces. Join us for a magnificently illustrated introduction to cougar biology and ecology in the broad diversity of habitats where Sue has studied them, from Alberta to the Arizona/Mexico border. We will also get the low-down regarding the latest confirmations of cougars in the east, including the recently documented suitability of a substantial amount of wild habitats from Manitoba to Louisiana and Maine to Georgia. Its is only a matter of time!”
“Sue Morse, the founder of Keeping Track, is highly regarded as an expert in natural history and one of the top wildlife trackers in North America. Since 1977, she has been monitoring wildlife, with an emphasis on documenting the presence and habitat requirements of bobcat, black bear, Canada lynx and cougar.”
For more information, contact Elia Del Molino, Program Manager, Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) at 413-429-6416 or elia@thebeatnews.org
DETAILS:
“Wild Cousins of Our Best Friends: Wolves, Coyotes and Foxes” at Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield on Friday Feb 3rd at 6pm
“The Cougar Comes East” at Mt. Everett High School, Sheffield on Saturday February 4th at 6pm
RI Public Utilities Commission Votes for Cost-Saving Energy Efficiency Plan
Press Release from The Acadia Center
December 20, 2016
PROVIDENCE, RI — On December 20, 2016 the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved the 2017 Energy Efficiency and System Reliability Plans for Rhode Island in order to help save consumers money on their utility bills and boost Rhode Island’s economy. This plan was developed collaboratively by key stakeholders representing a wide range of consumer interests, including the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers, the Office of Energy Resources, the Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council, National Grid, Acadia Center, People’s Power and Light, and Emerald Cities Rhode Island.
In 2006, Rhode Island adopted a strategic and economic approach to investing in low cost energy efficiency to reduce consumers’ energy costs. In 2017, electricity from power plants like the Manchester Street Station in Providence will cost about 9.3 cents per kilowatt-hour, while the cost of eliminating wasted energy through efficiency improvements is about 5.79 cents per kilowatt-hour.
“Energy efficiency is an energy resource just like power from the coal and natural gas-fired power plants at Salem Harbor, Brayton Point, or Manchester Street. But energy efficiency is much cheaper, cleaner, and lower risk. In fact, the Public Utilities Commission’s decision to approve this plan is the best way to help customers save money,” said Acadia Center Rhode Island Director Abigail Anthony. Dr. Anthony represents environmental interests on the state’s Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council (EERMC), which provides independent input and oversight to National Grid’s electric and natural gas efficiency programs.
Rhode Island’s energy efficiency programs help residents and businesses make energy efficient decisions by providing technical assistance and information coupled with financial incentives. For example, a residential electric or natural gas customer is eligible to receive a free home energy assessment during which the auditor will evaluate the lighting, insulation, appliance efficiency, and overall energy “fitness” of the home. The auditor will also inform the customer if she is eligible for financial incentives to help reduce the out-of-pocket cost of investing in energy efficient improvements, such as weatherization or new heating equipment. Loans are available to help homeowners and business owners with the up-front costs of efficiency upgrades.
These programs are proven and working for Rhode Island. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy ranked Rhode Island first in the nation for the state’s energy efficiency programs and policies. In addition to helping Rhode Islanders lower their utility bills, the state’s investments in low cost energy efficiency reduce the cost of doing business in the state, create jobs, and boost economic activity. The avoided spending on electricity and natural gas from the 2017 Energy Efficiency Plan will generate $314 million in economic benefits to Rhode Islanders. Rhode Island’s energy efficiency programs directly support 696 jobs across 1,009 firms, more than 79 percent of which are located in Rhode Island.
In 2014, The Division of Public Utilities—the state agency charged with watching out for consumer interests—commissioned the research firm Synapse Energy Economics to see what efficiency is really doing for our electric bills. Analysis of the 2017 Energy Efficiency Plan finds that the average residential consumer that undertakes energy efficiency actions will save 2% on her electric bill by replacing inefficient lighting and appliances and upgrading home insulation and weatherization. Factor in savings on natural gas or fuel oil use and total spending on energy is even lower. Additionally, small business customers, who are eligible for free energy audits, can save as much as 35% by installing high efficiency equipment and making recommended retrofits.
Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan Approved
In November, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service granted final approval of the 2015 Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). It will serve as the state’s wildlife conservation strategy for the next decade. The SWAP identifies 570 species of greatest conservation need & actions needed to prevent further decline.
From the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife website:
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is pleased to present the 2015 update to the Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan, as required by Congress. This Plan presents the 570 Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the Commonwealth, the 24 types of habitat that support these species, and the actions necessary to conserve them.
The citizens of Massachusetts have a long history of working together to conserve our state’s biodiversity. The state Fisheries Commission, the predecessor to the current Division, was permanently established almost 150 years ago, in 1886. The first land trust in the country was The Trustees of Reservations, still a highly successful force in Massachusetts conservation today. The Massachusetts Endangered Species Act, one of the strongest in the country, was enacted a quarter-century ago. Today, more than 25% of the state’s acreage is protected from development, an astounding achievement in such a densely populated state.
With so much land protected, our focus going forward now moves to an equal emphasis on land acquisition and the management of these conserved lands. The Division itself has made a strong commitment to habitat management on our own 200,000 acres, particularly on the areas – the Key Sites – with the highest and best concentrations of rare species and other elements of biodiversity. As well, we intend to assist our dedicated conservation partners in determining appropriate habitat management on their own lands.
It is the continued, strong dedication of the Commonwealth’s citizens to our natural resources that has made these accomplishments possible, and it is in concert with our many conservation partners that we intend to move forward with the goals of this Plan. We would like to thank everyone who submitted comments on the draft SWAP; your recommendations and suggestions were considered carefully and added considerably to the final version we submitted.
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife submitted its State Wildlife Action Plan to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on October 1, 2015. Below you will find the final, federally-approved Plan for Massachusetts.
The complete SWAP is close to 500 pages long; for ease in downloading, it is broken into chapters, which can be found HERE.
NOTE: For many years, BEAT has spoken in front of Conservation Commissions and to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection saying that just because an ingredient is listed as “inert” doesn’t mean that it is in fact inert. All it means is that that ingredient does not do the toxic thing that the product is trying to do. So for an herbicide, the “inert” ingredients do not kill the target species of plants. They may kill salamanders, fish, or the insects they feed on, but they don’t kill the target species of plants. So they are “inert”. Well, the US Environmental Protection Agency finally is beginning to listen!
EPA Prohibits 72 Inert Ingredients from Use
in Pesticides
EPA Press Release
December 20, 2016
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking action to remove 72 ingredients from its list of ingredients approved for use in pesticide products.
Manufacturers wishing to use these ingredients in the future will have to provide EPA with studies or information to demonstrate their safety. EPA will then consider whether to allow their use.
EPA is taking this action in response to petitions by the Center for Environmental Health, Beyond Pesticides, Physicians for Social Responsibility and others. These groups asked the agency to issue a rule requiring disclosure of 371 inert ingredients found in pesticide products. Instead, EPA will evaluate potential risks of inert ingredients and reduce risks, as appropriate.
Many of the 72 inert ingredients removed with this action are on the list of 371 identified by the petitioners as hazardous. EPA is taking this action after considering public comments on its October 2014 proposal. EPA’s list of approved inert ingredients will be updated after the Federal Register publication.
Most pesticide products contain a mixture of different ingredients. Ingredients that are directly responsible for controlling pests such as insects or weeds are called active ingredients. An inert ingredient is any other substance that is intentionally included in a pesticide that is not an active ingredient.
The list of 72 chemicals is available at https://www.regulations.gov/
For EPA’s current approach on inert ingredients and the May 22, 2014, response to the petitioners: https://www.regulations.gov/
For general information on inert ingredients: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-
London commits: All new city center single-decker buses will be zero emission
Treehugger
December 1, 2016
By the end of the year, London should already have the largest fleet of zero emissions buses in Europe. But the UK capital is just getting started. Cleantechnica reports that Mayor Sadiq Khan, speaking at an unveiling of a new “world first” hydrogen fuel cell double decker bus, that all new single decker buses being purchased for city center use will be zero emission. Starting immediately.
This feels to me like a very big deal. London, which has long suffered under horrible air pollution, is sending a clear signal to the world that there’s only one way for world class cities to be headed—and that’s toward zero emission, fossil fuel free models of transportation.
The bus announcement should by no means be viewed in isolation. From massive investments in bicycle infrastructure to plug-in hybrid black cabs, London is on a multi-pronged push toward cleaning up its act. And they are not alone. Cities ranging from Louisville, Kentucky to Mountainview, California are also embracing electrified public transportation. Even Edmonton, in the heart of the tar sands province of Alberta, Canada, is considering purchasing 25 to 40 electric buses. (At the same time as Alberta itself auctions off 5GW of wind energy and incentivizes coal plants to close down!)
Given all the uncertainty around federal climate action right now, we should be grateful for clear signs that climate leadership from city leaders around the world isn’t just continuing—it’s accelerating. At some point, approving all the pipelines and tar sands projects in the world isn’t going to help sell fossil fuels if demand starts dropping and alternatives keep getting more competitive.
Jobs
Visitor Services Internship – U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Northeast Regional Office, Hadley, MA
The individual will serve as a visitor services and communications intern for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Northeast Regional Office. This will include assisting Service staff with a variety of projects related to public use of national wildlife refuges such as environmental education, environmental interpretation, hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, volunteers, Friends and community partnerships, the Urban Refuge Initiative, and connecting people with nature. On the job training will be provided and there is the potential opportunity for further training regionally or nationally.
For more information & to apply, click here.
2017 SCA MA FORESTS & PARKS AMERICORPS POSITION DCR-WOMPATUCK – Hingham, MA
This position is part of the Student Conservation Association Massachusetts Forests & Parks AmeriCorps program. MA Parks is seeking 6 Preservation & Stewardship Crew Members to serve at the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)’s Wompatuck State Park in Hingham, MA. For more information and to apply, click here.
Trail Team Massachusetts Corps – SCA Massachusetts AmeriCorps – Hawley, MA
SCA Massachusetts AmeriCorps is a residential program based in the Kenneth Dubuque State Forest in Hawley, MA, an 8,000 acre forest located in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts.
During conservation service season, members get to travel the state of Massachusetts working and camping on public lands for 10 days at a time.
The SCA Massachusetts Corps is a partnership between SCA, AmeriCorps, The Massachusetts Service Alliance, and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. SCA Massachusetts AmeriCorps members serve the lands and people of Massachusetts for five months through the completion of high priority conservation service projects on public lands. SCA Massachusetts Trail Team members will begin their service in March 2017, joining 18 other SCA Massachusetts AmeriCorps members who will have been serving since October 2016.
The majority of the position is dedicated to hands-on, outdoor conservation projects ranging from trail construction and maintenance to habitat restoration and invasive plant species removal. Leadership development is an important component of the program. Each member will serve as a crew leader for at least one 10 day field project. A typical field project or “hitch” will consist of collaborating as part of a five or six-person crew for 10 days at a time, returning to Kenneth Dubuque State Forest for a three or four day break between hitches. A portion of the position is spent earning certifications and attending trainings such as Wilderness First Responder, leadership, chainsaw, rigging, carpentry, and general trail maintenance and construction. Members will also spend time developing teaching skills through presenting environmental education based lessons and engaging volunteers in service activities. Community based living is a large component of this program. The living conditions are simple, rustic, and community focused. The corps is made up of 18 – 25 year olds with diverse backgrounds from around the country.
For more information, click HERE.return to top
Plant Conservation Volunteer – New England Wild Flower Society
New England Wild Flower Society is seeking enthusiastic people who have a commitment to plant conservation and protecting natural habitats to participate in their Plant Conservation Volunteer Program. Plant Conservation Volunteers (PCVs) puts the skills of citizens to work collecting information on rare plants and their habitats across all six New England states. The majority of the work focuses on rare plant monitoring, but there are also opportunities to assist with invasive species removal, habitat management projects and botanical surveys that benefit rare plants. The Society also offers free field trips and some learning opportunities to PCVs. It’s an excellent opportunity to develop your botanical skills and put them to work, learn more about the flora of New England, meet others with similar interests, and help preserve your state’s natural heritage.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Attend the annual 1-day training session held on a weekend in March/April for each of the New England states to review surveying protocols and PCV guidelines. The schedule is on our website for training sessions.
- Review available surveys and choose ones for your abilities and/or surveys that will excel the New England Plant Conservation Program.
- Complete at least one rare plant survey including research on plant/accessing location, coordinating with other volunteers to survey, conducting the survey and completing and submitting field forms digitally through a secure website.
- Conduct possible seed collections on rare plants following specific protocols.
- Represent the PCV program and conduct work in a professional manner.
- Keep ALL data on rare plant populations confidential.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Good candidates are motivated, independent workers; have some skill in plant identification, good observation skills and are adventurous.
- Ability to collect and organize scientific data and filing field forms in a timely manner.
- Some computer proficiency is required for communication and submitting field forms.
- The physical ability to hike in uneven terrain and varying weather conditions.
- The ability to work independently or with a team of other volunteers.
- Ability to travel some distance to survey sites and endure possible long days in the field.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply visit our website and fill out the electronic application by February 1st, 2017:
http://newenglandwild.org/conserve/saving-imperiled-plants/plant-conservation.html/
Interested applicants with botanical knowledge and are outside of Eastern Massachusetts are encouraged to apply. All who are interested must apply and be accepted into the program before attending a training session due to the sensitive nature of rare plant data and data security agreements we have with each state’s Natural Heritage.
Applications are reviewed during the winter (January – February) to be considered for that field season year. To be considered for the 2017 season, please submit your application via the online application by February 1st, 2017.
QUESTIONS? Contact: Laney Widener, Botanical Coordinator, New England Wild Flower Society, 508-877-7630 ext. 3204, lwidener@newenglandwild.org
If you would like a botanical adventure, join the PCV program. This is a great way to meet new friends, explore a wide range of habitats while contributing to the knowledge of our flora. I joined the PCV program the first year it was in Maine and love it as a way to help our environment. ~ B. G.
Administrative and Event Assistant
Urban Sustainability Directors Network &
Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance
Position Type: Full-time
Position Description: The USDN/CNCA Administrative and Event Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting information exchange among members by delivering member services and providing support to other staff in a virtual team environment.
This position will provide the following administrative support: – Schedule meetings, conference calls, and webinars for members and staff, working with various national and international time zones and logistical challenges. – Assist with logistics for webinars and conference calls. – Assist with logistics for in-person meetings before, during, and after the events. – Format USDN/CNCA documents and presentations with branding and graphics. – Maintain member spreadsheets, website profiles, and tracking documents. – Assist in tracking member activity, including responses to scheduling polls, call attendance, and other participation data. – Track status and execution of subcontracts and partnerships. – Other administrative tasks as assigned.
Requirements: Education: – Associate’s degree required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. – Background in administrative assistance or customer service preferred. – Demonstrated interest in sustainability or local government desirable.
Previous experience: – 2-3 years related experience required. May include internships. – Past experience in detail-oriented position preferred.
Hard and Soft Skills: – Long-term commitment to provide high-level administrative support in a fast-paced environment. – Excellent communication skills to keep multiple team members abreast of progress with ongoing tasks, while in a virtual environment. – Detail-oriented and able to accurately meet and communicate about deadlines. – Organized, analytical, and highly motivated. – Independent (comfortable and efficient working alone) while a good team player (communicating with other team members through frequent electronic correspondence and infrequent in-person interaction). – Skilled in computer technology, including Microsoft Office and Google products. – Experience in managing large data sets preferred. – Proactive, able to identify potential issues and brainstorm solutions. – Results-oriented and committed to learning and continuous improvement. – Mission-driven with a passion for fostering social, economic, or environmental change. – Diplomatic, comfortable interacting frequently with city officials and funders.
Compensation: Competitive for early-career position. Benefits negotiable.
Location: USDN/CNCA has no central office, so the position is strictly work-from-home with weekly web meetings. Ability to travel to Milwaukee or western Massachusetts area desired but not required. Candidates must furnish their own quiet office space, computer, and Microsoft Office suite.
To Apply: Send a cover letter addressing the requirements for the USDN/CNCA Administrative Assistant, resume, and three references to Mia Arter, USDN Program Director, at miaarter@usdn.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Streamflow Protection Biologist
(Fish & Wildlife Scientist III)
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
Overview: The Fish and Wildlife Department’s mission is to the conservation of fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the people of Vermont. The protection and enhancement of aquatic habitat is essential to the maintenance of healthy aquatic populations and the recreational fisheries that they support. This position provides an excellent opportunity to make a difference in a small state where you will be involved in a variety of dam, streamflow and other aquatic habitat issues.
General Job Description: This position will work to protect and restore aquatic habitat and aquatic biota throughout the State of Vermont. This position requires strong interpersonal, communication, organization and technical skills, and requires close coordination with regional fisheries staff and collaboration with state, federal and non-governmental organizations. This job involves the participation in FERC hydroelectric licensing permit proceedings; coordinating Department positions on a variety of dam and streamflow project proposals; developing aquatic protection policies, protocols and regulations; and maintaining partnerships and conducting outreach and trainings. Applicants should have a strong background in aquatic/fisheries biology and a solid understanding of the principles of hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, aquatic habitat and fish passage. Experience with IFIM and PHABSIM analytical approaches is desirable. The position requires a mix of field, office and outreach activities. Work is performed under the supervision of the Fisheries Program Manager and is stationed in Montpelier VT.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Master’s degree or higher in a natural resources field.
Experience: 2 years in a natural resources field. OR….
Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in natural resources field or biology.
Experience: 4 years in a natural resources field. OR….
2 years as a Fish & Wildlife Scientist II with the State of Vermont.
Special Requirements: N/A
Starting Salary: $ 23.89 per hour (Pay Grade 24), plus benefits.
Closing Date: 12/7/2016
Contact: Apply online: http://humanresources.vermont.gov/ Job#620271
This Fish & Wildlife Scientist III position is open to all State employee and external applicants. If you would like more information about this position, please contact Rich Kirn via email (rich.kirn@vermont.gov). Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered. The State of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged.
Hoosic River Revival – Executive Director
The Hoosic River Revival, based in North Adams, Massachusetts, seeks an Executive Director to lead our river restoration efforts. We are a community-based nonprofit working to contribute to North Adams’ urban renaissance by transforming an unattractive concrete-walled section of the Hoosic River into a beautiful, ecologically-sound and publicly-accessible riverscape. This full-time position provides an opportunity to live in the beautiful New England Berkshires and oversee a project that will benefit local ecosystems and economies. No previous experience with river ecology is required. Our ideal candidate will have strong experience with project management and working closely with a board, as well as navigating government processes. To read the full job description go to http://www.hoosicriverrevival.org/position-opening-executive-director.
Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation –
Executive Director
The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation (WRLF), a 30-year old land conservation trust and education organization in Williamstown Massachusetts, announces the retirement next year of its long-time executive director, Leslie Reed Evans, and the search for her replacement to lead WRLF during an exciting time in its history. Leslie’s tenure at WRLF has spanned 23 years of exemplary service to our community. She was hired in late 1993 as interim director and was offered the permanent position in 1995 at a time when the organization was completing several major land conservation projects under her dynamic leadership and was in the midst of its largest yet, the effort to preserve the south Williamstown farm and forest lands owned by Norris Phelps along Oblong Road and extending to the Taconic Ridge. At that time, WRLF had a 14-member Board of Directors, a supporting membership of about 200 families, and an annual budget of $39,000. There were 268 acres of private land under conservation restriction, and 66 acres in WRLF’s direct ownership.
Today, WRLF annually monitors 288 acres of conservation restriction land and has close to 600 acres under its own management, including its 55-acre Sheep Hill headquarters and 380 acres on Pine Cobble, its largest preserve. Its membership has more than doubled and its annual budget has grown nearly tenfold. It has established itself as a key resource in the community and an important contributor to the beauty and quality of life which Williamstown residents and visitors alike enjoy.
During Leslie’s tenure and with the active participation of an engaged, dedicated Board of Directors, WRLF undertook many innovative projects, including managing the Reynolds limited development/conservation project, making land available for the Williamstown’s first Habitat for Humanity home, and establishing Caretaker Farm as a Community Land Trust to make it affordable to a new generation of farmers. Perhaps what Leslie is most proud of and in addition to the land conservation projects she has overseen is the acquisition and preservation of Sheep Hill and its establishment as a community resource for outdoor education and recreation for families, school children and visitors.
The search for a new executive director will begin immediately. The job posting and explanation of the application requirements are described on WRLF’s website, wrlf.org, under “Job Opportunities” on the home page. For further information contact WRLF or call its headquarters at 413-458-2494.