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In the News
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from the League of Conservation Voters Today, LCV is releasing the 2011 National Environmental Scorecard, which for more than 40 years has been the nationally accepted yardstick used to rate members of Congress on environmental issues. Unfortunately, this year’s Scorecard is a sad testament to the radical nature of the first session of the 112th Congress in the House of Representatives. In 2011, the Republican leadership in the House unleashed a truly breathtaking and unprecedented assault on the environment and public health, the breadth and depth of which have made the current House the most anti-environment in our nation’s history. But that’s why we must work together to hold our elected officials accountable for their votes and actions on the nation’s most pressing environmental issues. 1. Get the facts. Learn your representative and senators’ 2011 LCV score.
2. Spread the word. Click here to share the 2011 National Environmental Scorecard with your family and friends via e-mail, Facebook or Twitter. The 2011 National Environmental Scorecard includes 35 House votes, which is far more than have ever been included in any previous Scorecard. But to be clear: many other votes warranted inclusion and would have been included in a typical year. In fact, all told there were more than 200 House votes on the environment in 2011. The good news is that both the U.S. Senate and the Obama administration stood firm against the vast majority of these attacks. There are just 11 Senate votes included in the 2011 Scorecard, and they include strong rebukes to House votes on key issues such as upholding new rules to reduce power plant pollution and defending the EPA’s ability to issue lifesaving public health protections. Indeed, not only did the nation’s bedrock environmental protections emerge largely unscathed in 2011, the Obama administration also made major progress through administrative actions to protect our air and water. As we begin 2012, it could not be clearer that we stand at a crossroads when it comes to the kind of planet we will leave our children. LCV is grateful to the Obama administration and our allies in the House and Senate. But most of all, we are grateful to you and the millions of people across the country who are keeping up the fight for a cleaner, safer, healthier environment. Thank you, P.S. Click here to download a copy of the 2011 National Environmental Scorecard, which includes a comprehensive overview of national environmental policy in 2011, full House and Senate vote descriptions and a complete record of how every member of Congress voted on key environmental issues. 1920 L Street, NW Suite 800 |
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Set the Record Straight on Monsanto One Tweet and Facebook Post at a Time Monsanto’s marketing efforts would have you believe that its product line—centered around genetically engineered (GE) seeds and the chemicals used to grow them—is a silver bullet to addressing the world’s food and agricultural challenges. And this sales pitch has been extremely effective—so effective, in fact, that even well-educated elected officials, anti-hunger advocates, and everyday people often assume that such an approach is the only option to prevent hunger, reduce pollution, and adapt to climate change. These misconceptions in turn drive important policy decisions, including research priorities and allocation of taxpayer dollars. The Union of Concerned Scientists’ “Eight Ways Monsanto Fails at Sustainable Agriculture” rebuts these myths and demonstrates that the company’s practices are actually holding back the development and expansion of better, cheaper, science-based ways of achieving results for farmers, consumers, and the environment. But we don’t have $120 million to spend on lobbying and PR efforts like Monsanto does to help us get attention to this critical issue—and that’s where YOU come in! We need your help to set the record straight on Monsanto and its products’ shortcomings, and give sustainable agriculture a fighting chance. Help change the conventional wisdom, one tweet or Facebook post at a time! And if you’re not on Twitter or Facebook, you can help spread the word here. |
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Europe Targets Pharmaceutical Pollution For the past two years, BEAT has joined with the United Way, Pittsfield Prevention Partnership, and others to hold Rx Roundups, where people can safely dispose of their unwanted, unused medications. Our involvement is because these drugs end up in our waters and may cause substantial environmental harm that we are just beginning to investigate. In Europe they are taking this problem seriously. The European Commission has unveiled a new set of water pollution rules, which will for the first time include certain pharmaceutical products. The Commission is proposing to add 15 chemicals, selected on the basis of scientific evidence that they may pose a significant risk to health, to the list of 33 pollutants that are currently monitored and controlled in European Union surface waters. The update will be achieved through a revision of the Directive on priority substances in the field of water quality. The newly proposed substances are the outcome of a review that considered the risks posed by some 2000 substances according to their levels in surface waters, and their hazardousness, production and use. For six of the 15 new priority substances the classification proposed would require their emissions to water to be phased out within 20 years. The proposal also includes stricter standards for four currently controlled substances, and a requirement to phase out the emissions of two others already on the list. The proposed 15 additional priority substances are:
Pharmaceuticals are proposed for the first time. The proposal does not put into question the medicinal value of these substances, but addresses the potential harmful effects of their presence in the aquatic environment. Concentrations above the proposed standards can affect fish health, reducing successful reproduction, for example, and harming other living organisms. Awareness of the impact of pharmaceuticals in the environment has grown considerably in recent years, and the proposal is based on the latest scientific knowledge. The Commission also proposes improvements to the monitoring and reporting of chemical pollutants in water, as well as a mechanism to obtain better information on the concentrations of other pollutants that might need to be controlled in the future at EU level. BEAT applauds the steps the European Commission is taking. We hope the US Environmental Protection agency will follow suit. |
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Wolves Poisoned for Tar Sands Development Late last week, internal documents went public showing Canada is fretting over its sullied reputation for unfettered fossil fuel development, while resorting to poisoning wolves rather than fixing the problem. National Wildlife Federation (NWF) released a paper Feb. 6 showing tar sands, oil and gas development in Canada is contributing to the decline in caribou herds. Rather than improve environmental practices to protect and restore caribou habitat, Canadian wildlife officials are poisoning wolves with strychnine-laced bait. The news comes as Alberta and Canadian officials scramble to address environmental monitoring failures that are wreaking havoc up north. |
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Protect Pioneer Valley from Dirty Air If your driver’s license expired you would take the time to renew it, because you know you’d be running the risk of legal repercussions, right? The same standards should apply for coal plants, but right now in Massachusetts they don’t. The air permit for the Mt. Tom coal plant in Holyoke expired more than four years ago, but they’re still burning coal and polluting the air. Since the permit expired new clean air protections have been implemented that the Pioneer Valley is unable to meet, because of the coal plants pollution. Governor Patrick can protect the health of Pioneer Valley residents by directing his Department of Environmental Protection to issue a new operating permit, requiring Mt. Tom to reduce its pollution. Tell Governor Patrick to protect the health of Pioneer Valley residents and replace dirty coal with clean energy. Let Governor Patrick know you want the Mt. Tom coal plant to clean up their act and stop making the children of Holyoke sick. Thanks for all you do to protect the environment, |
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Springfield Revokes Biomass Power Permit Massachusetts to Update Renewable Portfolio Standards Vermont Biomass Power Incinerator Application Withdrawn |
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Victory in Vermont: Hearing from the Public on Pollution Historically in Vermont, agencies and violators of environmental laws have often negotiated resolutions behind closed doors without notice to affected members of the public. The results have often been weak penalties and ineffective remedial action by polluters, a problem which Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) has long worked to correct. Vermont’s exclusion of the public from environmental cases was not only bad policy, but contrary to the requirements of federal environmental law, as pointed out by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Vermont Environmental Division Judge Thomas Durkin. The issue is also part of CLF’s petition asking the EPA to revoke delegated authority for the state to administer the Clean Water Act unless shortcomings in the program are corrected. Last year, CLF and Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources, which helped draft the bill co-sponsored by Rep. Tony Klein and Rep. David Deen, brought the issue before the Vermont Legislature. A long effort in the House, including many versions of the bill and testimony from a wide variety of interests in two committees, paid off in a 109-25 vote of support. This year, the second of Vermont’s legislative biennium, the work was taken up in the Vermont Senate by Sen. Ginny Lyons’ Natural Resources and Energy Committee. Another round of rigorous review by legislators resulted in broad support for the bill, which won final support on a voice vote Thursday after Tuesday’s roll call of 27-2. If the bill moves on to be signed by Gov. Peter Shumlin as anticipated, Vermont will not only come into compliance with federal requirements, but it will help make sure that environmental cases are fairly and thoroughly dealt with, including consideration of evidence, where deemed worthwhile by a judge, from those affected by pollution. The measure goes beyond federal programs like the Clean Water Act – it offers the same opportunity for public participation in state environmental cases as well. CLF was helped in its work on the issue by the Vermont Law School’s Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic, by members of CLF’s Vermont Advisory Board and by fellow environmental organizations, in particular the Vermont Natural Resources Council. Furthermore, as the bill was worked on and considered, some companies and industry groups who originally opposed the measure came to support its passage, helping to secure support by wide margins in both houses of the Vermont Legislature. <go to CLF webpage> |
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Important Habitat Maps Important Habitat Maps are now available for Massachusetts’ cities and towns. UMass Amherst Releases Results of First Comprehensive Assessment of Ecological Integrity The Landscape Ecology Program at UMass Amherst recently completed its first comprehensive, statewide assessment of ecological integrity using the Conservation Assessment and Prioritization System (CAPS). CAPS is a computer software program and approach for assessing the ecological integrity of lands and waters and subsequently identifying and prioritizing land for habitat and biodiversity conservation. Results from this assessment are now available at umasscaps.org and are available in four formats.
For more information about CAPS contact Scott Jackson at sjackson@umext.umass.edu or 413-545-4743. |
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MA Sen. President: Corporations Aren’t People By Kyle Cheney MassachusettsSenate President Therese Murray said Tuesday that she would urge Congress to amend the U.S. Constitution to diminish the influence of corporate spending in elections, arguing the advent of so-called Super PACs is “destroying the civility of the political process.” “It’s pretty scary,” she said, noting that Super PACs – shadowy, often corporate-backed entities that have plowed tens of millions of dollars into early presidential primary states – had pumped $15 million into attack ads in Florida, which is holding its primary Tuesday. “It’s too much money, and who are the people behind this, and what are the reasoning and why are they giving money? It’s pretty scary.” Super PACs emerged in the aftermath of a 2010 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, known as Citizens United, in which the court ruled by a 5-4 majority that corporations and organized labor could spend unlimited amounts to influence elections in the form of independent expenditures, which aren’t directly affiliated with candidates or campaigns. “The Government may regulate corporate political speech through disclaimer and disclosure requirements, but it may not suppress that speech altogether,” Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote. During a morning radio appearance, Murray voiced her support for a constitutional amendment to undo the impact of Citizens United, saying she would support a resolution pending in the state Legislature that would memorialize Congress to act. Her public support for that resolution caught its lead sponsor, Sen. James Eldridge, off-guard, although the Acton Democrat welcomed the news. “That’s wonderful … that’s great news,” he said. “I have talked to her a number of times and she has expressed a real concern over the Citizens United decision. I have been working with the Election Laws Committee for disclosure requirements on the state level. I’ve appreciated her support this session on that issue … I literally haven’t talked to a single legislator who opposes it. The challenge, as with many resolutions, is getting it prioritized.” The resolution is pending in the Committee on the Judiciary, which plans a hearing on it Feb. 28. |
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Climate Change and Water Report EPA has released the U.S. EPA National Water Program Strategy: Response to Climate Change 2010 – 2011 National and Regional Highlights of Progress. This is the third and final progress report covering the 2008 version of EPA’s climate change strategy. Future annual progress reports will reflect activities related to the 2012 version that is under development. The progress report highlights the accomplishments of EPA’s water programs during 2010 and 2011, and touches upon EPA activities and efforts undertaken across headquarters, regions, and the large aquatic ecosystem programs to address climate change impacts on our water programs. Read the full report. |
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World Wetlands Day World Wetlands Day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Each year since 1997, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and groups of citizens at all levels of the community have taken advantage of the opportunity to take actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits. The Holyoke Conservation Commission hosted a short guided tour of Holyoke’s Historic Canals and distributed free wetlands boundary markers to anyone with an interest in demonstrating their commitment to protecting wetlands in Holyoke. Wetlands are known to provide crucial habitat for reptiles, such as spotted salamanders, and admired migratory bird species, such as the yellow–breasted sapsucker. Songbirds (e.g., chestnut-sided warblers and veeries) and birds of prey (e.g., red-shouldered hawk, barred owl) are also known to frequent wetlands. Game species, such as white tail deer and wood ducks, also rely on wetlands habitat to meet their breeding and feeding requirements. Many of the species that thrive in wetlands have developed specific needs that can only be met in the type of damp, densely-forested environment found in places like the wetlands of Holyoke; the protection of wetlands in your neighborhood helps to give a home to species that enrich the lives Citizens of Holyoke with their striking colors and beautiful songs. In addition to providing habitat for wildlife, wetlands play a significant role in protecting the public safety, health, and welfare of our towns and cities. The water stored in wetlands reduces downstream flooding risks while improving surface water quality through natural filtration of pollutants that would otherwise enter our water supply. "This is a great opportunity to think about all of the benefits that we derive as a society from the wetlands in our community, " said Andrew Smith, the Conservation Director for the City of Holyoke. |
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Eagle Count Results "Though sightings were low on this particular day, thanks to our restoration program begun in 1982, bald eagles are doing very well in Massachusetts," said Dr. Tom French, Assistant Director for Natural Heritage and Endangered Species. At that time, MassWildlife and its partners brought young eagles from Canada and Michigan and raised them in cages overlooking the Quabbin Reservoir. Some of the eaglets remained and began to nest in the Quabbin, later spreading to the Connecticut River and eventually across the state where 35 breeding territories are now established. French noted that in September of 2011, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board voted to downlist the Bald Eagle from Endangered to Threatened on the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act list. The downlisting will not be official until published in the Code of Massachusetts Regulations. In the Northeast District, 3 eagles were spotted on the Merrimack River and 1 in Saugus. In the Southeast District, spotters in the Lakeville/Middleborough area reported 3 eagles on Pocksha Pond and 3 eagles were seen at North Wattupa Ponds in Fall River. Four eagles were seen in Pembroke and 6 birds were reported on waterbodies in Plymouth. In the Central District area, 3 eagles were reported at Wachusett Reservoir, 3 on Webster Lake, 1 in North Uxbridge, 2 in Northbridge and 2 on Quaboag Pond in Brookfield. In the Connectictut Valley District, 6 eagles were spotted from the Enfield Lookout at Quabbin Reservoir, 1 reported on the Westfield River, 2 eagles seen on the Chicopee River and 1 eagle was seen on Lake Rohunta in Orange. In the Western District 1 eagle was seen in Sheffield, and 1 was seen in Blandford. French expressed thanks to citizen eagle spotters. "Citizens play an increasingly important role in our survey efforts. This year, we received 90 emailed reports from people who saw eagles during the 2-week survey period. Last year 61 people emailed us reports.” The annual Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey is a nationwide event coordinated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The nationwide total of bald eagles counted during this annual event ranges from 13,000 to 16,000 birds. |
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Lack of Environmental Enforcement by States A new report by the EPA Inspector General suggests that Ms. Jackson apparently confused oversight with overlook. Contrary to her vow, the IG finds–
EPA can step in itself to take enforcement action but the IG says EPA fails to “intervene decisively” even against major violations. This means laws like the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts are no safety net for Americans whose exposure to pollutants depends upon the state where they reside. Consider these cases of eco-abdication by states which PEER has brought to EPA but the agency has yet to take action –
Through its concerted inaction, EPA has neutered critical environmental laws just as effectively as its most rabid GOP detractors. It will take a drumbeat of cases and pressure to transform the EPA rhetorical show horse into a prosecuting workhorse. So, pick up a drumstick and lend us a hand. Sincerely, |
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Journeyperson Farmer Training Program NOFA/Mass invites aspiring farmers who are ready to farm on their own AND seasoned growers who would like to serve as mentors to apply to our new Journeyperson Farmer Training Program. We provide both mentors and journeypersons with monetary stipends. Application deadline is February 10. For more information, visit www.nofamass.org/programs/journeyperson.php or contact Michal Lumsden, NOFA/Mass beginning farmer program coordinator, at michal@nofamass.org. Michal Lumsden |
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2012 Position Openings @ Treefrog Landscapes, Inc (Northampton) All initial inquiries should be emailed to Michael@treefroglandscapes.com Please do not call yet 🙂 Make sure to include all pertinent information. Positions are part-time until spring construction season begins. At that point position takes on more design and construction activities (see below); potentially becoming full-time. Advanced position for experienced applicant is open, as is entry level for applicant new to field – including students. Experience with landscape construction, design or architecture. Landscape arch, architecture and other educational tracks may apply. Rendering and presentation skills including hand drawings, CS5, Photoshop and other programs. Ability to meet deadlines. Basic knowledge of site analysis and assessment. Experience with plants and plant systems, biology and horticulture a plus. Treefrog is a design, build, consult firm. Our core staff members have skills to meet the whole of these activities. Designers are expected to have the ability to work with a team, so to actually build themselves what is being presented (see Installation Crew). Installation Crew: Starts spring (April) Ability to work in landscape construction field: Includes hard physical labor, commitment to company’s building methods, eye for craftsmanship, motivation to produce quality work, working with a team, enduring the elements, site and personal safety. Safe, considerate drivers. Experience with construction machinery: skid steers, mini-excavators, dump trucks, saws, etc a plus. Experience with stonework, carpentry, or other building trades a plus. Willingness to do the mundane with the perspective: We do what we have to do so that we might do what we want to do. Gardeners/Maintenance Crews: Starts Spring (April) Master Gardeners, Accredited Organic Landcare Professionals, Certified Horticulturalists or other relevant accreditations will be given preference. Will be responsible for executing (and in some cases developing) maintenance and establishment plans for a variety of common and complex systems including: Green Roof Systems, Edible Forest Gardens, Ponds and Pools, Meadows, and plantings (trees, shrubs and perennials). Special Projects : Start immediately. The following is a list of project opportunities that may be of interest to Treefrog staff, student interns, and enthusiasts. Some of these projects have financing available and are already underway for Treefrog staff to take on. Others are simply waiting for the right person or group of people to be identified. Please contact me to learn more.
grow on (sensibly), Treefrog Landscapes, Inc |
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Executive Director (Part-Time) – Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition The Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition, Inc. (MLTC) has operated as a volunteer-led organization coordinating one of the most vibrant land trust communities in the nation. Having recently incorporated as a 501(C) (3) non-profit organization, MLTC is transitioning to an Executive Director staffing model to manage the Coalition. The Executive Director will focus on development; oversight of services and membership outreach; government relations; and oversee MLTC administration. MLTC is an equal opportunity employer. Submit electronic cover letter and resume to: Cynthia Henshaw, Board Clerk, c.henshaw@comcast.net NO PHONE CALLS. For qualifications and job description click here |
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Executive Director – The Society for Ecological Restoration, Washington, DC The Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) is a registered 501c3 not-for-profit organization with a diverse international membership. As a global network of restoration professionals, SER advances knowledge-based, participatory approaches for the repair and recovery of degraded ecosystems. The Executive Director is responsible for the professional management and leadership of the Society and for securing funding for SER initiatives and operating expenses. S/he will implement the Society’s policies, programs, and strategic plan and provide leadership to advance the Society’s mission. The Executive Director, working in concert with the Board of Directors, SER staff, SER members, chapter leaders, volunteers, and partners will advance SER’s position as the primary source of expertise on issues related to ecological restoration worldwide. S/he will develop budgets and effectively manage funds, write development plans, and pursue funding opportunities to support operating expenses, strategic initiatives, and investments. S/he should have the capability to direct the implementation of stated programs and initiatives with minimal resources and to achieve success. |
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IRWA seeks Executive Director The Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) seeks an Executive Director to replace its current ED, who has led the organization for more than 18 years. The new Executive Director will be responsible for continuing to build a strong organization that will attain IRWA’s goals to restore and protect the Ipswich River. IRWA is a small non-profit with an annual operating budget of $350,000. In addition to the ED, IRWA has two full-time and three part-time staff. Program areas include Science and Monitoring; Education and Outreach; River Restoration and Watershed Management; and Policy and Advocacy. IRWA’s largest initiative currently is the Parker-Ipswich-Essex Rivers Restoration Partnership. IRWA has received numerous awards for its work, including a 2011 Merit Award from Region 1 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. IRWA’s headquarters is located in Ipswich, Massachusetts on a beautiful 15-acre riverfront property that includes the office, demonstration gardens and other low-impact development demonstration projects, as well as trails and a canoe dock. For further information about IRWA, see http://ipswichriver.org/. |
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Wilderness Program Coordinator Position Availability:
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