Thank you to Rachel Branch, producer of the television show Solutions Rising for including a “BEAT” series for people to learn more about the fracked gas pipelines proposed to bring gas from the fracking fields of Pennsylvania across New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire to a gas hub in Dracut, MA. The show interviews many people providing information about the proposed pipelines as well as the many alternatives to these pipelines.
Sponsored by MCLA and Dr. Augie’s Science Programs, Natural History of the Berkshires Field Course will be offered July 5 – 8, 2016 in Pittsfield and Lanesborough for science educators who teach 6-12th grades or higher. Main Instructors will be Lisa Provencher, M.S. Entomolog, B.S. Environmental Science, and Visiting Scientists Scott LaGreca from Cornell University, John Wheeler from Berkshire Mycology Society, and various specialists TBA. Throughout this course, students will meet with scientists and local naturalists as they explore and learn about the natural world of the Berkshires. The course will include several ways everyone can contribute to science including programs such as: Citizen Science, biodiversity days, and the fast and furious Bioblitz.
Conservation Commission OKs first phase of Lenox mountaintop repairs
The town’s Conservation Commission has signed off on an interim restoration plan for a portion of the Lenox Mountain ridge line damaged last summer during a project to re-illuminate an airport safety beacon. The preliminary remedy would reverse about 75 percent of the damage, which uprooted 85 trees, destroyed vegetation and underbrush, and exposed fragile soils on steep slopes to severe erosion and stormwater spillover, according to commission member David Lane. By veering off a narrow access trail during construction last August, a contractor disturbed more than an acre of MassAudubon property atop Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. The Conservation Commission has met 11 times to discuss solutions to avoid a formal Scenic Mountain Act violation notice. As reported by Clarence Fanto in The Berkshire Eagle on February 22, 2016.
Governor Appoints Michael Case to DCR Regional Director Post
The governor has tapped Michael Case to head the Western Regional office of the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Case took over the job on Feb. 1 and now oversees 39 parks from Mount Holyoke west, including Pittsfield State Forest, Mount Tom, and Mount Greylock. “I’ve been a Berkshires guy all my life. I’m an outdoors guy. I couldn’t say no,” Case said on Friday. As reported by Andy McKeever, iBerkshires Staff on February 20, 2016.
Democracy Awakening to Host Tele-Town Hall March 1st
Democracy Awakening is hosting a tele-town hall on March 1st from 8 to 8:30 p.m. ET for those who wish to learn more about the movement. The event will feature powerful movement leaders, including NAACP President Cornell Brooks, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune, CWA President Chris Shelton, and Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich. They will be discussing the importance of the Democracy Awakening in the context of various pressing issues that face our country, including environmental issues. Democracy Spring has 155+ endorsers and the movement continues to grow.
That Was Easy: In Just 60 Years, Neoliberal Capitalism Has Nearly Broken Planet Earth
Humanity’s rapacious growth and accelerated energy needs over the last generation—particularly fed by an economic system that demands increasing levels of consumption and inputs of natural resources—are fast driving planetary systems towards their breaking point, according to a new pair of related studies. Prepared by researchers at the Stockholm Resilience Centre, the first study looks specifically at how “four of nine planetary boundaries have now been crossed as a result of human activity.” “It is difficult to overestimate the scale and speed of change. In a single lifetime humanity has become a geological force at the planetary-scale.” —Prof. Will Steffen. As reported by Jon Queally, Common Dreams on January 16, 2016.
Jobs
Executive Director – Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC)
Commissioner & Associate(s) – Egremont Conservation Commission
Biodiesel Production Operator – Northeast Biodiesel
Biodiesel Production Team Manager – Northeast Biodiesel
Biodiesel Plan Mechanic/Team Lead – Northeast Biodiesel
Office Manager, Part-time – BNRC
2016 Berkshire Land Conservation Summer Internships – BNRC
2016 Berkshire Trail Crew – BNRC
Dr. Augie’s Offers Natural History of the Berkshires-A Field Course for Teachers
Sponsored by MCLA and Dr. Augie’s Science Programs, Natural History of the Berkshires Field Course will be offered July 5-8, 2016 in Pittsfield and Lanesborough for science educators who teach 6-12th grades or higher.
The course will be offered from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with on-line hours for science educators who teach 6-12th grades or higher. Cost will be $900 and students will earn 3 credits at the graduate level. Main Instructors will be Lisa Provencher, M.S. Entomology, B.S. Environmental Science, and Visiting Scientists Scott LaGreca from Cornell University, John Wheeler from Berkshire Mycology Society, and various specialists TBA.
Throughout this course, students will meet with scientists and local naturalists as they explore and learn about the natural world of the Berkshires. The course will include several ways everyone can contribute to science including programs such as: Citizen Science, biodiversity days, and the fast and furious Bioblitz.
When given the opportunity to observe nature deeply, people of all ages often develop an in-depth understanding of the importance of environmental and ecological issues that impact their lives and the lives of those who will live on this earth after us. The purpose of this course is to cultivate a community of well-informed, educated, and concerned teachers, who will foster within their students a passion for the natural world.
The curriculum will afford educators the opportunity to learn about the natural history of local plants, animals, fungi, bacteria etc. through inquiry and observation. These topics can also be integrated with math, history, language arts, technology and social studies. Given the current concern with global climate change, we must recognize that all living things, not just humans, represent part of the existing biodiversity. It is crucial that we, as informed citizens of this planet, are able to recognize and identify living organisms and understand that they almost certainly hold the solution to biodiversity loss and the key to global sustainability.
Email berkshirebioblitz@gmail.com to sign up for the course and save your space. Registration through MCLA for the graduate level course will be ready soon.
Dr. Augie’s programs are all about science fun for everyone. Dr. Augie’s mission is to engage students of all ages in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and to encourage and nurture a life-long interest in these fields through exciting interactive learning.
Conservation Commission OKs first phase of Lenox mountaintop repairs
By Clarence Fanto
The Berkshire Eagle
February 22, 2016
The town’s Conservation Commission has signed off on an interim restoration plan for a portion of the Lenox Mountain ridge line damaged last summer during a project to re-illuminate an airport safety beacon.
The preliminary remedy would reverse about 75 percent of the damage, which uprooted 85 trees, destroyed vegetation and underbrush, and exposed fragile soils on steep slopes to severe erosion and stormwater spillover, according to commission member David Lane.
“I’m definitely open to the whole plan you have for starting this, stabilizing it, grading it, planting seed,” said commission Chairman Neal Carpenter.
By veering off a narrow access trail during construction last August, a contractor disturbed more than an acre of MassAudubon property atop Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. The Conservation Commission has met 11 times to discuss solutions to avoid a formal Scenic Mountain Act violation notice.
The airport beacon project was required by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Work on restoring vegetation and seeding the fragile soil at Yokun Seat, 2,133 feet above sea level, would begin in June, according to Randy Christiansen, senior environmental scientist for Stantec Consulting Services. Stantec hired the contractor for the Pittsfield Airport Commission.
“I feel like we’re working in the right direction, we’ve made a lot of progress on this,” said commission member Tim Flanagan, professor of environmental and life sciences at Berkshire Community College. “But we have some more details to flesh out.”
A more extensive plan drafted by Christiansen early this month encountered some opposition “from various parties,” he told the commission.
Christiansen pointed to concerns by MassAudubon, which seeks to block vehicular intrusion to its property near the summit of Yokun Seat.
However, Berkshire Sanctuaries Director Becky Cushing commented that although MassAudubon does not want a trail there, “our priority is safety, and if the airport states that there is no other way they can maintain the safety of the beacon other than having an access path, then we’re not going to stand in the way.”
“There are a lot of loose strings out there, let’s face it,” Christiansen conceded. “We’re six months into this and over 14 public meetings and site visits [including several in Richmond] and I feel like we’re possibly right back near square one at this point.”
But he asked the commission to approve the proposal’s first phase, a “time-critical” stabilization plan that includes seeding, grading and management of “woody debris.”
“To date we have been unable to obtain a reasonable consensus on an appropriate level of restoration to address the interests of the Scenic Mountain Act,” Christiansen said.
With the approach of the growing season, he said, grading and reseeding affected segments of the access path to the beacon — which starts at Swamp Road in Richmond on property owned by Joseph Cardillo and crosses into Lenox on its narrow, steep route up the mountain — would proceed this spring and summer.
“All other efforts are to be suspended to allow for further discussions to occur,” Christiansen said.
The first priority, the Stantec engineer said, is agreement on a “reasonable re-vegetation plan” preceding the potential planting of more than 2,000 small, bare-root nursery stock trees and provision for a “maintenance path” similar to the access trail that existed prior to the beacon restoration project last August.
The preliminary work would require one to two weeks. Two growing seasons would yield seed regeneration and development of a “protective turf mat and vegetative cover,” he said. “I’m trying to limit the number of trips up and down this mountain with the machinery.”
“The planting scheme seems to be a hot potato,” he told commission members. “I hope we’ll be able to move forward.”
Christiansen cited his own reservations about potential erosion impacts and invasive species that could interfere with the re-vegetation plan. “I strongly believe in natural vegetation,” he pointed out. “I’ve seen roads repair themselves in such situations.”
Flanagan restated his concern over the beacon replacement last summer, reminding other members that the original plan approved by the commission did not mention a 25- to 30-foot roadway with landings that was put in by the contractor, KOBO Utility Construction Co. based in Sandwich on Cape Cod.
The previous existence of a narrow Airport Commission easement and trail network “doesn’t in my mind justify putting in a roadway without a permit under the jurisdiction of the Scenic Mountain Act,” he said. “At what point did the Airport Commission decide that a trail was necessary here? And why?”
Christiansen responded that the contractor had been told “to investigate ways of getting to the top without serious damage, things he clearly violated. He would have to snake his way up, as the easement language allowed. What wasn’t anticipated and never proposed was improving that trail network to the degree it was improved. That is the violation.”
But during discussions with the Airport Commission and other parties to the dispute, he added, the need for a maintenance trail to service the beacon installation emerged.
“We were as snakebit by this as you were,” Christiansen told the commission. “Obviously it was one guy on a ‘dozer; we were very surprised and definitely backtracking, so we’re very sensitive to the process we’re in, the penalties involved, so we were treading very lightly.”
After the commission approved the interim restoration plan on a 4-1 vote, with Flanagan dissenting, Christiansen said he expects the Richmond Conservation Commission to consider it at the next meeting on March 8.
Governor Appoints Michael Case to DCR Regional Director Post
By Andy McKeever, iBerkshires Staff
Saturday, February 20, 2016
The governor has tapped Michael Case to head the Western Regional office of the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Case took over the job on Feb. 1 and now oversees 39 parks from Mount Holyoke west, including Pittsfield State Forest, Mount Tom, and Mount Greylock.
“I’ve been a Berkshires guy all my life. I’m an outdoors guy. I couldn’t say no,” Case said on Friday.
The position is administrative and manages all of the state parks in the region. He oversees a team of district managers. The goal under Commissioner Leo Roy is to encourage usage of the state parks and “open up opportunities”, whether it be hunting or hiking or other types of recreation.
“Commissioner Roy is focused on getting people to use the parks,” Case said.
Case said one of his goals would be to increase the opportunities for camping by bringing more cabins and yurts to state parks. At October Mountain, there are three yurts that sell out quickly and Case said, “I would like to put some more in some of the other parks.”
He added “we’re putting a lot of money on the gravel roads” through parks, allowing residents to have better access.
Case spent 38 years in the military, retiring as a command sergeant major, and served four tours of duty. He said the governor’s office picked him partially because of the leadership qualities he’d shown in the military. Beyond that, he also was an officer with the Pittsfield Police Department, seats on the Central Berkshire Regional School Committee and is a selectman in the town of Washington.
He also has been active in local veterans affairs and Republican politics, and is on the ballot this March 1 for Republican State Committee member.
The governor also appointed him on Monday as chairman the board of trustees at the Soldiers Home in Holyoke. There his focus will be first on finding a new superintendent after both the superintendent and the deputy resigned last year.
“The rest is to provide oversight and leadership,” Case said.
The Soldiers Home is a fully accredited facility providing health care and full-time residential accommodations for veterans. It is state funded.
That unpaid position intrigued him because he wants to help serve veterans when they are at their most vulnerable. And being an avid outdoorsmen, Case said he leaves the DCR offices on South Street everyday with a smile on his face.
“I’m just really excited to fill them both,” Case said.
Robert Mellace had been the DCR regional director until July 2015, when he retired. Since then the position has been filled on interim basis until Case’s appointment. Case also replaces Steven Como as the chairman of the Soldiers Home.
Democracy Awakening to Host Tele-Town Hall March 1st
Democracy Awakening is hosting a tele-town hall on March 1st from 8 to 8:30 p.m. ET for those who wish to learn more about the movement. The event will feature powerful movement leaders, including NAACP President Cornell Brooks, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune, CWA President Chris Shelton, and Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich. They will be discussing the importance of the Democracy Awakening in the context of various pressing issues that face our country, including environmental issues. Democracy Spring has 155+ endorsers and the movement continues to grow.
This spring, thousands of people will converge on Washington, D.C., as part of an unprecedented movement to demand a democracy that works for all Americans, one in which everyone has an equal voice and elected officials are accountable to the people, not the wealthy.
Join NAACP President & CEO Cornell Brooks, Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, Former U.S. Civil Rights Commission Chair and People for the American Way board member Mary Frances Berry, and Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune to hear about the April 16-18th mobilization in Washington, D.C. endorsed by more than 120 organizations.
Click here to sign up and register for the call.
Sign up here to stay informed about Democracy Awakening.
return to top
That Was Easy: In Just 60 Years, Neoliberal Capitalism Has Nearly Broken Planet Earth
By Jon Quelly, Staff Writer
Common Dreams
January 16, 2016
“It is difficult to overestimate the scale and speed of change. In a single lifetime humanity has become a geological force at the planetary-scale.” —Prof. Will Steffen
Prepared by researchers at the Stockholm Resilience Centre, the first study looks specifically at how “four of nine planetary boundaries have now been crossed as a result of human activity.” Published in the journal Science* on Thursday, the 18 researchers involved with compiling evidence for the report—titled ‘Planetary Boundaries 2.0‘—found that when it comes to climate change, species extinction and biodiversity loss, deforestation and other land-system changes, and altered biogeochemical cycles (such as changes to how key organic compounds like phosphorus and nitrogen are operating in the environment), the degradation that has already take place is driving the Earth System, as a whole, into a new state of imbalance.
“Transgressing a boundary increases the risk that human activities could inadvertently drive the Earth System into a much less hospitable state, damaging efforts to reduce poverty and leading to a deterioration of human well-being in many parts of the world, including wealthy countries,” said Professor Will Steffen, a researcher at the Centre and the Australian National University, Canberra, who was lead author for both studies.
In addition to the four boundaries that have already been crossed, the study looked at five other ways in which the planetary systems are under assault by human activity. They include: stratospheric ozone depletion; ocean acidification; freshwater use; atmospheric aerosol loading (microscopic particles in the atmosphere that affect climate and living organisms); and the introduction of novel entities into ecosystems (e.g. organic pollutants, radioactive materials, nanomaterials, and micro-plastics).
“I don’t think we’ve broken the planet but we are creating a much more difficult world,” Sarah Cornell, another report author, told Reuters.
In this interview with Wired last year, Johan Rockström, executive director of the Stockholm Resilience Centre, described the idea about planetary boundaries in details:
Related to the findings of the first study, the second report examines what it calls the “Great Acceleration” and is an assessment of the speed and influence that specific factors have had in damaging the planetary systems described in Planetary Boundaries 2.0. Using a series of indicators, the study compares the relationship, over time, between 12 ‘socio-economic factors’—including economic growth (GDP); population; foreign direct investment; energy consumption; and water use—on one side with 12 ‘Earth system trends’—like the carbon cycle; the nitrogen cycle and biodiversity—on the other.
Using what it calls a “planetary dashboard,” the research charts the spread and speed of human activity from the start of the industrial revolution in 1750 to 2010, and the subsequent changes in the Earth System – e.g. greenhouse gas levels, ocean acidification, deforestation and biodiversity deterioration. The analysis found that increased human activity—and “predominantly the global economic system”—has unseated all other factors as the primary driver of change in the Earth System, which the report describes as “the sum of our planet’s interacting physical, chemical, biological and human processes.” The most striking, i.e. “accelerated,” changes to that system have occurred in the last sixty years.
“It’s clear the economic system is driving us towards an unsustainable future and people of my daughter’s generation will find it increasingly hard to survive. History has shown that civilisations have risen, stuck to their core values and then collapsed because they didn’t change. That’s where we are today.” —Prof. Will Steffen“It is difficult to overestimate the scale and speed of change. In a single lifetime humanity has become a geological force at the planetary-scale,” said Steffen, who also led the Acceleration study.
The conclusion that the world’s dominant economic model—a globalized form of neoliberal capitalism, largely based on international trade and fueled by extracting and consuming natural resources—is the driving force behind planetary destruction will not come as a shock, but the model’s detailed description of how this has worked since the middle of the 20th century makes a more substantial case than many previous attempts.
“When we first aggregated these datasets, we expected to see major changes but what surprised us was the timing. Almost all graphs show the same pattern. The most dramatic shifts have occurred since 1950. We can say that around 1950 was the start of the Great Acceleration,” says Steffen. “After 1950 we can see that major Earth System changes became directly linked to changes largely related to the global economic system. This is a new phenomenon and indicates that humanity has a new responsibility at a global level for the planet.”
The paper makes a point to acknowledge that consumption patterns and the rise of what has become known as the Anthropocene Era does not fall equally on the human population and its examination of the economic system which is underpinning planetary destruction is one rife with inequality, in which certain populations consume at vastly higher levels than others.
According to the report, “The new study also concludes that the bulk of economic activity, and so too, for now, the lion’s share of consumption, remain largely within the OECD countries, which in 2010 accounted for about 74% of global GDP but only 18% of the global population. This points to the profound scale of global inequality, which distorts the distribution of the benefits of the Great Acceleration and confounds international efforts, for example climate agreements, to deal with its impacts on the Earth System.”
A worrying trend, notes the paper, is how a growing global middle class—exemplified by those in the BRICS nations of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—is an increasing threat to the planet as the consumer mindset established in the OECD nations, particularly the U.S., spreads.
In an interview with the Guardian, Steffen spoke clearly about the overall impacts of the two new studies as he sounded the alarm over humanity’s trajectory. “People say the world is robust and that’s true, there will be life on Earth, but the Earth won’t be robust for us,” he said. “Some people say we can adapt due to technology, but that’s a belief system, it’s not based on fact. There is no convincing evidence that a large mammal, with a core body temperature of 37C, will be able to evolve that quickly. Insects can, but humans can’t and that’s a problem.”
“It’s clear the economic system is driving us towards an unsustainable future and people of my daughter’s generation will find it increasingly hard to survive. History has shown that civilisations have risen, stuck to their core values and then collapsed because they didn’t change. That’s where we are today.”
What increasing amounts of strong evidence shows, he said, is that there are “tipping points” the human race should simply not “want to cross.”
Correction: An earlier version of the article stated the study on Planetary Boundaries appeared in the journal Nature. That was incorrect. The study appeared in the journal Science and that has now been corrected.
Jobs
Executive Director – Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC)
CTIC OPENS SEARCH FOR NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The board of directors of the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) is searching for a new executive director as Karen A. Scanlon moves to another opportunity at Dairy Management. Inc., where she’ll be helping to support the sustainability and social responsibility initiatives of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.
“We’re sad to see her leave CTIC, but are delighted that Karen has found an exciting new role in the agricultural sustainability space,” said Alan Ayers of Bayer CropScience, CTIC board chair. “Karen has done a great job and has been very successful in moving this organization to new heights, which will ease the transition into new leadership.”
“CTIC has grown significantly in size and scope under Karen’s tenure, becoming a key source of insight on conservation systems, cover crops, nutrient management and economic sustainability for farmers,” Ayers added. “CTIC’s Conservation in Action Tours have set the bar for connecting conservation-oriented people with each other and with the innovative farming systems on the ground. Additionally, the organization has dramatically increased its collaborative projects to become even more effective in building local capacity and championing conservation farming.”
A search committee has begun seeking an experienced leader and manager who can step into a vibrant organization with a dedicated staff and diverse lineup of projects and programs. Candidates for the executive director position should review the job description and contact the CTIC search committee at CTIC@CTIC.ORG. For more information on CTIC, visit www.ctic.org.
Summer Internships – Williams College
Summer Internships on Campus, Berkshire area & U.S. – Also: Summer Internship Funding: Check out dozens of campus and local environmental internships, all eligible for summer funding: Campus Emissions Research, Hopkins Forest Caretakers, Environmental Education, Sheep Hill environmental education, Farm Market/Ag research, Clark Art landscape internship, Environmental Analysis Lab, Hoosic River Watershed Association, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, and more…
http://ces.williams.edu/category/summer-jobs/
National/Global Summer Internships:
Dozens of enviro internships and research positions in the US, many developed specificallyby CES alumnae for Williams students HERE
CES Summer Funding for internships and research information and application form here.
Deadline: March 10 (second deadline: April 8).
Position required to apply for funding.
Commissioner & Associate(s) – Egremont Conservation Commission
Egremont Conservation Commission is seeking an additional Commissioner to join the Commission (about 2-4 hours per week, need not be an Egremont resident), and one or more Associates (non-voting position, flexible, could be suitable for high school student or recent graduate). Both positions offer opportunities to learn more about our local wetlands and ecosystems, to provide a needed public service, and/or to build your resume. Some training may be available.
For more information please email concom@egremont-ma.gov.
Various Positions – Northeast Biodiesel
10 – 9 – 8 – 7 – 6 – 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1…LAUNCH! Northeast Biodiesel is counting down…
Looking for great workers to run the plant!
Northeast Biodiesel is looking for an amazing team to oversee the production of biodiesel from recycled waste oil around the clock in a rotating schedule of 8 hour production shifts. We need to find 5 Production Operators, 5 Production Team Leads, and 1 Mechanic / Team Lead; all positions will require some pre-launch safety training and the plant should be up and running in March.
We’ll be sending information soon about the official launch date and ribbon-cutting events very shortly.
Office Manager, Part-time –
Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC)
Berkshire Natural Resources Council, a private, non-profit land trust based in Pittsfield, MA, seeks an energetic and organized person to become its Office Manager. The Office Manager supports BNRC’s programming as it pursues an ambitious conservation vision for the Berkshires.
Duties of the position include general clerical work and maintenance of accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, financial statements, and insurance policies. Proficiency in Quickbooks required; familiarity with real estate transactions is a plus. 20 hours per week with some flexibility; competitive salary. Send resume to Sally Cornwell, BNRC, 20 Bank Row, Pittsfield, MA 01201 or scornwell@bnrc.net. No phone calls, please.
2016 Berkshire Land Conservation Summer Internships –
Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC)
Berkshire Natural Resources Council (www.bnrc.net), a private, non-profit land trust based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is offering its 2016 Rice Fellowship to individuals exploring a career in the environmental field.
The internship dates are May 16 to September 2, with flexibility on both ends.
The 40-hour/week fellowship provides a stipend and lodging in a rustic cabin on Onota Lake in Pittsfield. There is a mix of approximately 90/10 field/office work. Fellows will gain valuable experience in resource management at a successful environmental organization while performing meaningful work in the Berkshires. BNRC is a small organization (staff of seven) unburdened by administrative formality. Rice Fellows enjoy an unusual level of independence compared with many internships; a large amount of self-motivation is required.
Responsibilities
- Public outreach (e.g., leading hikes and coordinating events)
- Land management
- Trail maintenance and construction
- Conservation restriction stewardship
- Invasive plant control
- Boundary work
- Other land management tasks as required
Requirements
- Ability to work unsupervised
- Comfort with being alone in the woods
- Ability to carry a 30 pound pack for 10 miles over rough terrain
- Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
- Solid communication skills
- Personal transportation required
Fellows will gain:
- Trail-building skills
- Leadership skills
- Understanding of conservation restrictions
- Orienteering and boundary maintenance skills
- Understanding of ecological restoration theory and practice
- Basic understanding of land management techniques and challenges for land conservation
Interviews will begin on February 16, 2016. Please feel free to contact with questions or for more information. Applicants should email cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references to:
Michael Leavitt, mleavitt@bnrc.net, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, 20 Bank Row, Pittsfield, MA 01201. (413) 499-0596
2016 Berkshire Trail Crew –
Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC)
Berkshire Natural Resources Council (www.bnrc.net), a private, non-profit land trust based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is hiring 2 trail crew members for the 2016 season.
The season runs from May 31 to September 2 with some flexibility on both ends.
BNRC maintains more than 50 miles of trail, with more to be built in 2016. Trail crew members will work with the Trails and Outreach Coordinator to maintain existing trails and construct new ones. The crew will work with and alongside youth and professional trail crews. Some backcountry camping may be required. Members must have a high level of self-motivation, as the crew will often work without supervision. An hourly wage and free housing in a rustic cabin on Onota Lake in Pittsfield is provided. A head trail crew position is available for the right applicant.
Responsibilities
- Trail maintenance and construction
- Work with youth and professional trail crews
- Public outreach (e.g., leading hikes, communicating with hikers, etc.)
- Other stewardship/management tasks as needed
Requirements
- Experience with hand tools required
- Trail crew experience preferred
- Ability to work unsupervised
- Comfort with being alone in the woods
- Ability to carry a 50-pound pack for 5 miles over rough terrain
- Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
- Experience working with youth preferred
- Personal transportation required
Head Trail Crew Position Requirements
- Trail Crew experience required
- Leadership experience preferred
Interviews will begin on February 16, 2015. Please feel free to contact with questions or for more information. Applicants should email cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references to:
Michael Leavitt, mleavitt@bnrc.net, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, 20 Bank Row, Pittsfield, MA 01201. (413) 499-0596