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EPA, Massachusetts and Connecticut Host Public Meetings on Housatonic River Status

 

(Boston, Mass. – June 11, 2012) – EPA and the states of Massachusetts and Connecticut will be holding a second round of public meetings next week to discuss next steps for the potential clean up of the Housatonic River in western Massachusetts and Connecticut.

 

EPA and the states have been working cooperatively for the last several months to discuss potential approaches to clean up the Rest of River portion of the Housatonic River contaminated with pollutants from General Electric’s former Pittsfield, Mass. facility. These discussions have focused, in part, on the need to address the risks from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to humans, fish, wildlife and other organisms while avoiding, mitigating or minimizing the impacts of the cleanup on the unique ecological character of the Housatonic River.

 

EPA and the states recently released a document called the “Status Report of Preliminary Discussions of Potential Remediation Approaches to the GE-Housatonic River Site “Rest of River” PCB Contamination.” This summary document, which recognizes that no remedy decisions have yet been made, reflects the current status of EPA and the states’ efforts to discuss and identify potential remedial approaches for the Rest of River in light of their shared goals and interests. The summary report, which is available on EPA’s web page will be the topic of the public meetings.

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The Connecticut meeting will be on Tuesday, June 12, 2012, 6:30 to 9:00 PM at the  New Milford High School, 338 Danbury Road in New Milford, CT.

 

The Massachusetts Meeting will be on Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 6:30 to 9:00 PM at the Lenox Memorial Middle and High School, 197 East Street in Lenox, MA.

 

Both meetings will be available for listening and viewing via webcast at:

http://public.streamhoster.com/resources/Flash/JWFLVMediaPlayer/Flashplayer.aspx?media_url=rtmp%3a%2f%2ffss29.streamhoster.com%2flv_cuttingedgevid%2fbroadcast1&pwidth=540&pheight=424&autostart=true&pmiuri=&is_broadcast=true


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Mt. Greylock Interpretive Programs – 2012 Season

 

LANESBOROUGH- Join state park interpreters for fun, family-friendly explorations of Mount Greylock this summer. The Mount Greylock Visitor Center is located in Lanesborough on the Rockwell Road, 1.5 miles from North Main Street and Route 7. Sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information, or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Steve Linscott or Eric Socha at (413) 499-4262.

 

All programs will begin Monday, June 4, and run through mid-October. For all programs, be prepared for weather, bring a snack and water.

 

Medicinal Herb Walk– Easy walks to discover plants that may be used as medicine. All ages welcome. Sundays, 10:00am AND 2:00pm. Meet at Visitor Center.

 

Guided Hike– A more strenuous hike to various locations on Mt. Greylock. All ages welcome. Sturdy foot-wear suggested, bring lunch and water! Mondays, 10:00am to 4pm. Meet at Visitor Center and carpool to location.

 

Tyke Hike– For ages 8 and under and parents/guardians. Short hike to experience the nature around us then listen to a fun children’s story. A great opportunity to introduce children to the outdoors. Wear sneakers/shoes. Fridays, beginning 10:00am. Meet at Visitor Center.

 

Hiking 101– Build your confidence to hike more through this guided hike. Discuss trail safety, map reading, equipment, bear etiquette. All ages welcome. Fridays, 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Meet at Visitor Center.

 

Wild Waterfalls- Everyone loves a waterfall and Greylock has some beauties. Explore them individually in this series of hikes. Be prepared for some strenuous hiking and wet, slippery conditions with sturdy shoes. Saturdays, 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Meet at Visitor Center.

 

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3 CT Victories for the Citizens Campaign for the Environment

 

VICTORY! CT Gov. Malloy Signs Sewage Right to Know Law

On Wednesday, May 2, 2012, Connecticut Governor Malloy signed the Sewage Right to Know bill (SB 88) into law. The new law requires the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to notify Connecticut residents when sewage overflows contaminate public waterways. Sewage contains viruses, parasites, and bacteria that put our health at risk. Families will now be able to take precautions to avoid unnecessary exposure to harmful sewage pollution. The law was passed with strong bipartisan support and now stands as a model for other states to follow. CCE applauds Connecticut for passing this commonsense, groundbreaking public health protection!

 

VICTORY! CT School Pesticide Ban Kept Intact

Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) was successful in defeating an ill-conceived bill that would have ended the pesticide ban on K-8 school playing fields throughout CT. CCE thanks the thousands of CT residents that helped kill the bill by signing a petition or sending a letter in opposition to this shortsighted legislation. CCE also recognized members of the CT House of Representatives for their work to defeat the bill. Rep. Richard Roy, Rep. Philip Miller, Rep. Mary Mushinsky, Rep. Roberta Willis, Rep. Larry Miller, Rep. Kim Rose, Rep. Lonnie Reed, and Rep. Jonathan Steinberg were all rewarded for their commitment to children’s health.


VICTORY! CT Passes Law to Protect Water Quality

The CT General Assembly took a major step this year in protecting water quality and biodiversity in Connecticut by passing a law to reduce phosphate pollution. The new law prohibits the use of phosphate lawn-care fertilizers from December 1 to March 15 annually on all lawns, and year-round on established lawns, where they are not needed. Excess phosphorus from lawn fertilizers contributes significantly to water quality impairments, which can stifle biodiversity and impair the fishing industry, in local waterways and the Long Island Sound. CCE applauds the State of Connecticut for passing this commonsense legislation!

 

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 2011 Massachusetts Land Protection Report

 

Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rick Sullivan today released a report detailing the Commonwealth’s investments in land protection for fiscal year 2011 – which yielded the protection of 12,953 acres of land across the Commonwealth. (2011 Massachusetts Land Protection Report)

 

“A great deal of progress has again been made toward the Commonwealth’s land conservation goals and I am proud to present this report that shows yet another successful year of land protection,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “I especially want to thank the land owners and conservation organizations that have partnered with my administration to help advance our goals of land preservation and park creation.”

 

The Commonwealth’s land protection program is focused on three major goals: building and renovating urban parks, preserving working farms and forests and protecting large natural landscapes for habitat.

 

“While many states have cut or even eliminated land conservation programs in recent years, here in Massachusetts we have maintained our commitment – even in tough economic times,” said Secretary Sullivan. “Access to open space and preserving our natural infrastructure is vital to the quality of life for residents of the Commonwealth for generations to come.”

 

With its latest $45 million investment, the Commonwealth has protected the equivalent of about 53 acres per day over the past five years. Land conservation highlights from fiscal year 2011 include:

 

  • Completion of 30 park renovation and construction projects in urban communities.
  • Creation or retention of more than 200 jobs through the protection of 19,000 acres of farm and forest land.
  • Protection of nearly 2,900 acres of priority habitat for rare and endangered species.
  • Protection of more than 1,800 acres for clean drinking water.

 

The largest protected land project was DCR’s acquisition of the 1,430-acre Twining Lakes and the Girl Scouts of Connecticut properties in Tolland. The Patrick-Murray Administration is committed to continuing land preservation efforts in 2012. In May, Governor Patrick celebrated the conservation of the Paul C. Jones Working Forest, 3,486 acres of land in Leverett and Shutesbury, the largest continuous land protection act in the history of the Commonwealth.

 

Since taking office in 2007, the Patrick-Murray Administration has made a historic $230 million investment in land conservation, leading to the permanent protection of more than 95,000 acres and the creation or renovation of 150 urban parks. The state’s investment has spurred a renaissance in land protection, leveraging about $200 million in funding from other sources such as non-profit organizations and municipalities and benefitting from $5 million in federal funding.

 

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NOFA/Mass to join Occupy Monsanto

            On Monday, June 18th from 8:00-10:00 AM, NOFA/Mass (the Massachusetts chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association) will join Occupy Monsanto and Millions Against Monsanto in front of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center to demonstrate opposition to Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

                NOFA/Mass maintains that Genetically Modified Organisms are a major threat to the organic farming community, pose a serious health danger to consumers and animals, can have an enormous detrimental impact on plant biodiversity, promote a monopoly in the seed industry, and can increase pesticide use nationwide.  “GMOs do not diminish when released into the environment as they are an alteration made to a living organism that can reproduce.  Even small amounts of GMO contamination will increase over time after they are released into our agriculture and environment,” explained Jack Kittredge, NOFA/Mass Policy Director, Organic Farmer and Editor of The Natural Farmer, NOFA’s quarterly news magazine.

                Unfortunately, the biotech industry has prevented any serious regulation by the federal government of releasing their products onto the market. With the USDA’s most recent deregulation of genetically modified alfalfa, sugar beets, and varieties of sweet corn in 2011, anti-GMO sentiment has been growing.  Consumers, healthcare providers, community leaders, farmers, parents with children, and activists alike have joined in calling upon the FDA to label genetically modified foods in the US.  “The biotech industry is well-heeled and has done a good job of slipping GMOs into foods eaten by most Americans without their knowledge,” said Mindy Harris, NOFA/Mass Public Relations Coordinator. The organic certification process or Non-GMO Verification are the only assurances consumers currently have to guarantee that they are purchasing products which do not contain GMOs.  Every other processed product on supermarket shelves is likely to be contaminated with genetically modified ingredients.

                In June of 2011, NOFA/Mass brought their opposition to GMOs directly to the federal court.  Joining over 80 plaintiffs nationwide, NOFA/Mass filed a federal lawsuit against biotech giant the Monsanto Corporation (OSGATA v. Monsanto), seeking a Declaratory Judgment that would prevent Monsanto from filing future unfair patent lawsuits against small farmers.  The biotech giant has a litigious history; pursuing aggressive investigative techniques, including trespassing on private farm property and asking for large settlements which devastate small farmers.

Jeffrey Smith, of the Institute for Responsible Technology, has been the leading consumer advocate promoting healthy, non-GMO choices. Smith will be a keynote speaker at the NOFA Summer Conference at UMass Amherst, August 10-12, 2012.  He will provide anti-GMO organizing tools, and explain the problems with GMOs.  His second book, Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods, is the authoritative work on GMO health dangers. Smith explains in plain language the dilemma facing consumers: “It looks the same—the bread, pies, sodas, even corn on the cob. So much of what we eat every day looks just like it did 20 years ago. But something profoundly different has happened without our knowledge or consent. According to leading doctors, what we don’t know may already be hurting us big time.”(Urban Garden Magazine, Nov 2009).

 

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The Berry Patch: Stephentown, NY 518-733-1234.

 

Ioka Valley Farm: Hancock, MA 413-738-5915

 

Noble’s Farm Stand and Flower Shop: Pittsfield, MA 413-443-2210

 

Thompson-Finch Farm: Ancram, NY 518-329-7578

 PLEASE BUY BERRIES from your local berry farmers, and remember, recent challenging weather means a shorter and earlier season:

 

One farmer recently said: “The season is going to be shorter and earlier than usual  (with not much time between early and late varieties), so if you “wait until school is out”, “or until Father’s Day”, “or until we’re on vacation”… you may miss out.

 

“The berries may be a little bit smaller this year.  Many growers with earlier varieties lost many of the King blooms during fluctuating temperatures this spring.  The kings are what produce the biggest berries.   It’s been a very tough season already so support your local berry farmers no matter what size the berries are.  The smaller berries often have better flavor anyways .”

 

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RGGI = Lower Emissions, Higher Economic Growth?

20,941,000 carbon dioxide (CO2) allowances were sold in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative’s (RGGI) 16th quarterly auction on Wednesday, announced the nine Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic States participating in the second RGGI control period. The $40.4 million in funds generated by the auction will be reinvested by the RGGI States in energy efficiency, clean and renewable energy, direct bill assistance, and other consumer benefit programs across the region.

Bids for the CO2 allowances ranged from $1.93 to $6.14 per allowance, with a clearing price of $1.93, the minimum reserve price for the auction. Allowances sold represent 57 percent of the 36,426,008 allowances offered for sale by the nine states.
According to the independent market monitor’s report, electricity generators and their corporate affiliates have won 87 percent of CO2 allowances sold in RGGI auctions since 2008. Additional details are available in the Market Monitor Report for Auction 16, available at: http://www.rggi.org/docs/Auctions/16/Auction_16_Market_Monitor_Report.pdf
“When you look at the facts, the RGGI region retained more jobs and sustained higher economic growth than any other region of the country through the recent economic downturn—at the same time, power sector CO2 emissions have dropped to their lowest levels since the early 1980’s,” said Dan Esty, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Vice Chair of RGGI, Inc. “Creating jobs, spurring economic growth, and investing in a smarter energy future are hallmarks of the RGGI program.”
“Up and down the east coast, states are demonstrating that we can strengthen our economy and reduce emissions at the same time,” said Collin O’Mara, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and Chair of RGGI, Inc. “By working closely with industry partners, critical energy investments are being made today that are enhancing our economic competitiveness, creating well-paying jobs, and laying a foundation for years of economic expansion.”
The RGGI states continue to analyze electricity generation and emissions trends as part of the comprehensive 2012 program review. CO2 emissions in the ten-state region were 33 percent below the annual pollution cap of 188 million short tons during the first control period.
The next RGGI auction is scheduled for September 5, 2012.


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Massachusetts Begins to Question Using Quebec’s Mega-Hydro In Climate Plan

Northern Pass Transmission, LLC is proposing to construct a huge electric transmission project—a 180-mile line to deliver into New England 1,200 megawatts of electricity generated by Hydro-Québec’s massive hydro-power facilities in Canada. The proposed project will profoundly affect the landscape, environment and natural resources of communities throughout New Hampshire and in Quebec, as well as the energy future of  New England.

Last December, Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) identified a significant problem with Massachusetts’s nation-leading climate and clean energy plan – it adopted and relied on Northern Pass’s false sales pitch that the project will reduce carbon emissions by 5 million tons annually. As the technical report (PDF) authored by Synapse Energy Economics has now made clear, the 5 million ton number is wildly overstated because hydropower facilities, especially the new projects being built in Québec, have substantial greenhouse emissions that can be comparable to the natural gas power that Northern Pass would replace. In fact, this mistake leaves a hole in Massachusetts’s climate plan amounting to more than 20% of the overall goal. In April, as reported on the front page of the Boston Sunday Globe, a new report from Massachusetts think tank MassINC shone a new light on this problem. As explained in this post at CLF Scoop, the MassINC report is a fresh reminder that Massachusetts should stop relying on Northern Pass to achieve its ambitious climate goal of reducing emissions by 25% by 2020.

You can stay informed about the Northern Pass by using this link to sign up for Conservation Law Foundation’s Northern Pass Wire.

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Deadline: June 18, 2012 (Pre-proposals)

Conservation Partners Offers Support to Promote Conservation Programs to Private Landowners

Conservation Partners is a partnership between the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and other regional/initiative-specific partners such as the Walton Family Foundation. The purpose of the program is to provide grants on a competitive basis to field biologists and other habitat conservation professionals (ecologists, foresters, range cons, etc.) working with NRCS field offices to provide technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other private landowners seeking to optimize wildlife habitat conservation on private lands.

Conservation Partners aims to better focus and increase the effectiveness of Farm Bill assistance funded through programs such as the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Conservation Reserve Program, and others. In addition, Conservation Partners will consider funding capacity and outreach for organizations whose mission matches the goals of the program.

During the summer 2012 funding cycle, priority funding will be directed to proposals that target species and ecosystems of shared interest between NFWF and NRCS, including but not limited to Northwest Salmon Rivers, Northern Great Plains, California Sierras and Bay Delta, and Lesser Prairie-Chicken. In addition, grants can be awarded to any region of the country for conservation relating to the Conservation Reserve Program.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, educational institutions, tribal governments, and state or local units of governments (e.g., state conservation agencies, counties, townships, cities, conservation districts, utility districts, drainage districts, etc.). Individuals, federal government agencies, and for-profit firms are not eligible.

Typical grant awards will range from $50,000 to $250,000. Each program priority area is expected to receive between $500,000 and $1,000,000 in funding. Projects will be funded for up to two years. A match of at least 1:1 non-federal cash or in-kind is required, but larger match ratios are encouraged.

For the complete Request for Proposals, application instructions, and archived webinars on the proposal process, visit the NFWF Web site.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

 

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Scholarships Available for Children’s Nature Camp

Grafton – The Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center announces that scholarships are still available for children aged 6 through 14 to attend a one-week nature camp. The popular camp is called the “Summer Outdoor Learning Adventure” and is held from 9 AM until 3 PM, with after care hours available. Children attending the camp will spend the entire day outdoors learning about nature and having fun! Each day is spent hiking, exploring and discovering things about the natural world around us. The scholarship covers the full cost of the one-week session. Paid registrations are also being accepted.  Please visit our website at www.dykenpond.org or contact the Center at  dykenpond@fairpoint.net or (518) 658-2055 for an application and more information.

Dyken Pond Center is a Rensselaer County Park open daily during daylight hours for hiking, fishing and non-motor boating. Call 658-2055 for directions and a complete schedule of our spring and summer events.

 

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Job Opening at Project Native

ATTENTION nature lovers, gardeners, educators, native plant people!
Project Native is looking for someone to work in our Garden Shop.If you like being outside, working with people and plants, and have a upbeat personality you might be just the person we want to join our team. Retail experience preferred.Project Native is a non-profit, native plant nursery and 54-acre wildlife sanctuary. This is a full time seasonal position working Tuesday thru Saturday, 9am – 5pm. For more information and a complete job description call 413-274-3433 or email dellis@projectnative.org.

 

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