AG Healey Calls on the DPU to Investigate Increase in Allowed Profits for Utilities in Massachusetts
Seeks More Transparency in the Department of Public Utilities’ Decision-Making Process; A Decrease in Shareholder Profits Would Save Customers Millions – Attorney General Maura Healey this week called on the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to launch an investigation to explain why the allowed profits for Massachusetts utility companies are going up and are higher than the allowed utility profits in neighboring states. In a letter sent to the DPU Monday, AG Healey urged the DPU to shine more light on–and improve the process used to determine–utility companies’ allowed profits. MA Attorney General’s Office Press Release <more>
EPA Awards nearly $2 Million to Fund Clean Diesel Projects in Connecticut and Massachusetts
Three New England projects have been awarded nearly two million dollars under a competitive national grant competition to reduce diesel emissions. The grants, totaling $1,975,000, were made under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA). The funding will assist the Connecticut Maritime Foundation, the Massachusetts Port Authority, and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in marine vessel repowering and vehicle replacement projects. News Release, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, New England Regional Office, January 4, 2017. <more>
Top 10 Happy Environmental Stories of 2016
Are Trees Sentient Beings?
Certainly, Says German Forester
by richard schiffman
Environment360
In his bestselling book, The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben argues that to save the world’s forests we must first recognize that trees are “wonderful beings” with innate adaptability, intelligence, and the capacity to communicate with — and heal — other trees.
As a student in forestry school, Peter Wohlleben was trained to look at trees exclusively as an economic commodity. But after joining a German forestry agency and managing a community forest, he soon became disillusioned with practices like clear-cutting, chemical use, and mechanical harvesting that put short-term profits before sustainability.
Wohlleben was eventually hired by the local mayor to look after the same forest in an eco-friendly way. Today, he manages the forest without using insecticides or heavy machinery, and the trees are harvested by hand and hauled out by horses. He also has started a “living gravestone” project in which townspeople pay the equivalent of the commercial value of an ancient tree to have their ashes interred at its base. The woodland has gone from a money-losing operation to a profitable one.
In an interview with Yale Environment 360, Wohlleben, author of The Hidden Life of Trees, discusses how trees are sophisticated organisms that live in families, support their sick neighbors, and have the capacity to make decisions and fight off predators. He has been criticized for anthropomorphizing trees, but Wohlleben, 52, maintains that to succeed in preserving our forests in a rapidly warming world, we must start to look at trees in an entirely different light.
Yale Environment 360: You write in your book: “When I began my life as a forester, I knew as much about the hidden life of trees as a butcher knows about animals.”
Peter Wohlleben: Forestry students are taught how to harvest wood, what machines to use, how to sharpen the blade of a chainsaw, how to sell the timber, what price to expect — that’s about it. As a young forester I was told to make clear-cuts, to use insecticides, and so on. I thought— “Wait, I am someone who wants to protect nature, and here I am being asked to destroy it!”
I visited some other districts that were operating in an eco-friendly way, and I thought, that’s the way woods should be managed. But the problem is I was still thinking of trees as a commodity, as something to sell, not as living beings. I had to learn from the people of the community where my forest is located how to take a closer look at trees, to see them as unique individuals. I also started reading the latest scientific research that began to present me with a new picture of trees as highly sensitive and social beings.
e360: Social beings?
Wohlleben: We all learn in school that evolution advances by pitting each individual against every other in the struggle for survival. As a forester, I learned that trees are competitors that struggle against each other for light, for space. But we are now learning that individuals of a species are actually working together, they are cooperating with one another.
Volunteer Ambassadors Needed at Notchview Reservation – Windsor, MA
Volunteers Needed: Help us Help Others enjoy the winter wonders of Notchview. Indoor Visitor Center & Outdoor trail opps. Assist for 2 hrs. on your ski days or join one day/wk. Fun. Social. Family opps. Free ski lesson.
Notchview Reservation, 83 Old Route 9, Windsor, MA 01226
www.thetrustees.org/volunteer or 413.532.1631 ext. 3119
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.