Environmentalists worry GE’s move to Mass. could taint Housatonic cleanup plan
Support pollination and plant a buzzworthy garden
Honeybees and monarch butterflies have become the poster species for habitat conservation campaigns, their images emblazoned on everything from T-shirts to tote bags, and names fashioned into social media hashtags like, #savethebees, #beefriendly and #SaveTheButterflies. In the past year, voters in Williamstown and Great Barrington in Massachusetts have passed resolutions and the state of Vermont has passed legislation (Act 83) to further make this a priority. But it’s only half the battle in achieving the full protection of pollinators and preserving life-sustaining pollinated crops. By Jenn Smith, The Berkshire Eagle, May 17, 2017 <more>
Discuss the Energy Issues You Care About
The Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change is hosting hearings throughout the Commonwealth to get input from you on pressing issues in clean energy and climate. How do you think the legislature should keep our state healthy, sustainable and strong? <more>
#ClimateClass: Reports and reflections from the Bonn climate talks
What happens when you pull 11 students out of Montana and toss them into the middle of the UN climate negotiations? As climate reporters and pundits speculate on what President Trump will do about the Paris agreement, here in Germany negotiations plow ahead—and a group of undergraduates from Montana roamed the halls, networked, and got a firsthand look at how the sausage is made. I’m one of the instructors. We spent the semester learning about climate science and policy. By Douglas Fischer, The Daily Climate, May 12, 2017 <more>
BMO’s responsible funds to divest from fossil fuels
by 2020
BMO Global Asset Management has begun excluding companies with fossil fuel reserves from some of its responsible funds, with an aim to completely divest across the range by 2020. The firm has updated its climate change policy to enable its investors to support transitioning to a low-carbon economy. It will now more heavily invest in companies “operating in a sustainable way or delivering solutions to global challenges”. The approach has been rolled out for five of its responsible funds, covering UK equity growth, UK income, global equity, sterling bond, and global emerging markets equity. The policy will then be adopted across all of its responsible funds, which manage around £1.5bn of assets, from 1 January 2020. By James Phillips, Professional Pensions, May 15, 2017 <more>
Discuss the Energy Issues You Care About
The Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change is hosting hearings throughout the Commonwealth to get input from you on pressing issues in clean energy and climate. How do you think the legislature should keep our state healthy, sustainable and strong?
Visit The MA Clean Energy Future Tour website to share your ideas.
And attend the Pittsfield hearing at Berkshire Community College on June 19th at 6:00 pm.
#ClimateClass: Reports and reflections from the Bonn climate talks
What happens when you pull 11 students out of Montana and toss them into the middle of the UN climate negotiations?
By Douglas Fischer
The Daily Climate
May 12, 2017
Editor’s note: Douglas Fischer is in Bonn with a delegation of Montana State University students and professors. This is a selection of their observations and assessments from the week. Follow them online at #climateclass.
BONN—As climate reporters and pundits speculate on what President Trump will do about the Paris agreement, here in Germany negotiations plow ahead—and a group of undergraduates from Montana roamed the halls, networked, and got a firsthand look at how the sausage is made.
I’m one of the instructors. We spent the semester learning about climate science and policy: Where do they intersect, and why do they seem to move in opposite directions. After the semester ended, we flew to Germany to participate in the UN talks. After a week spent observing semi-frozen politics, we’ll fly to Iceland to look at something that’s really moving: The country’s melting glaciers.
These mid-year climate talks are formal, arcane and tedious: They’re meant only to set the agenda for the larger, higher-stakes talks in the fall—and to assess nations’ willingness for more ambition and commitment. I knew these students would be lost. I certainly was on my first visit, in 2009 in Copenhagen.
A different view
But I also hoped they would see the vast diaspora of ideas and perspectives gathered here at the United Nations. That they would realize international diplomacy is difficult. That they would more clearly see the complexities of getting 200 nations heading the same direction on the path toward a sustainable future.
I get it: I struggle to get four roommates on the same page about the dishes
“I get it: I struggle to get four roommates on the same page about the dishes,” writes Laura Ippolito, sophomore at Montana State University. “But I have seen, in just three short days, something incredible.”
That’s the magic that often gets lost amid the headlines and the daily stresses. Ippolito and fellow students—and my two fellow professors—had a front row seat all week. At 11 students and three professors, the Montana State crew came one delegate short of matching the biggest delegation at the talks, the U.S. negotiating team.
We asked everyone to capture their impressions for our class blog. We’ve edited and reprinted a few essays here, with more to come over the next few days.
BMO’s responsible funds to divest from fossil fuels
by 2020
By James Phillips
Professional Pensions
May 15, 2017
BMO Global Asset Management has begun excluding companies with fossil fuel reserves from some of its responsible funds, with an aim to completely divest across the range by 2020.
The approach has been rolled out for five of its responsible funds, covering UK equity growth, UK income, global equity, sterling bond, and global emerging markets equity.
The policy will then be adopted across all of its responsible funds, which manage around £1.5bn of assets, from 1 January 2020.
Governance and sustainable investment team director Vicki Bakhshi said investors were increasingly demanding this kind of action from asset managers.
“We see a growing investor demand, from both institutions and individuals, for investment strategies that allow them to avoid investment in these companies, yet there is a distinct lack of choice for such strategies in the market,” she said.
She added the asset manager will use its voice to influence companies and policy-makers to adopt more environmentally-friendly strategies.
The policy change came as research by campaign group Fossil Free last month showed around $5trn of institutional assets have a divestment strategy in place.
ShareAction chief executive Catherine Howarth said this action will help build trust in pensions.
“What is interesting with this BMO decision is the combination of financial and ethical arguments that led to it,” she said. “UK pension funds, most particularly auto-enrolment funds that track equities indices, remain dangerously over-exposed to the type of high carbon firms from which BMO has chosen to divest.
“A growing number of pension savers are cottoning on to their carbon risk in their pension fund, and it does nothing to build trust in the UK’s pensions industry.”
Along with ClientEarth, ShareAction has urged schemes and providers to use their voting power at company annual general meetings to press for more long-term strategies, particularly in relation to climate risk.
Jobs
Visitor Greeter – Becket Land Trust – Becket, MA
The Becket Land Trust is looking to fill the position of a Visitor Greeter (VG) for the summer season of 2017. This person will have the responsibility of collecting parking fees or confirming membership of all visitors wishing to park at the Historic Quarry and Forest parking area. The VG will record the plate number of parked cars and keep record of the number of visitors. Additionally, the VG will provide information to visitors about the appropriate use of the property, its historic and natural significance and remind visitors that they must leave behind only footprints. The VG will give interested visitors hiking maps, highlight our Historic Quarry Walk, the Oak Regeneration and NE Cottontail Management Areas and how to find them along the hiking trails. The VG will also maintain the neatness around our new trash receptacle and Porta-Potty shed and the parking area. During slow periods the VG may also be asked to do light trail maintenance and also lead informal informational hikes for interested visitors. The VG is responsible for informing visitors of the rules and may remind visitors that they are responsible to obey them. This is in no way a position of security guard and the VG is not to attempt to enforce the rules. At the first sign of potential conflict, the VG is to cease communication with the visitor and call the Becket Police Department for assistance.
The candidate must be punctual for work, have good people skills, be able to resolve conflict, be able to mulit-task and deal with all age groups.
The position is for the summer season staring immediately and running until September. The hours are 40 hours a week and coverage will be Friday through Sunday and flexible days Monday through Thursday. The wage for this position is $12 per hour.
http://www.becketlandtrust.org/contact.htm
Housatonic Valley Association – River Stewards of Tomorrow
2017 Internship Positions Available
The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) is seeking applications for our River Stewards of Tomorrow Environmental Internship positions, available for summer 2017. The River Stewards will work on a variety of projects related to water quality and habitat conservation. River Stewards will either be assigned to our Berkshire field office in South Lee, MA and work primarily in the Massachusetts portion of the watershed; or to our main office in Cornwall Bridge, CT and work primarily in the Connecticut and New York portions of the watershed. Each River Steward will be expected to complete at least 280 hours of work from June – August (at least 35 hours/week over 8 weeks). There is the potential to extend the internship to 12 weeks- with a proportional increase in stipend- depending on available funding.
Internship Overview: While working out of the Cornwall Bridge office, the 2016 River Stewards will be supervised by HVA’s Conservation Projects Manager, but may also be asked to work with other staff as needed. In the Berkshire Office, River Stewards will be supervised by HVA’s Berkshire Director. Work will include a mix of office and field-based activities. Projects that the intern may be involved with include:
Environmental Monitoring: The River Stewards will assist HVA staff in the field with water quality monitoring and habitat assessment activities including collecting water samples for chemical analysis, macroinvertebrate sampling and conducting visual surveys along important stream reaches to document threats and identify restoration opportunities.
Restoration project monitoring and maintenance: River Stewards will monitor the success of restoration plantings and conduct maintenance activities like weeding and watering.
Data Compilation, Document Analysis and Mapping: River Stewards will assist with gathering and summarizing environmental data and planning documents from a variety of local, state and federal sources. This work will support a number of ongoing HVA efforts, including watershedbased planning.
Road/Stream Crossing Assessment: River Stewards will visit and assess bridges and culverts throughout the Housatonic watershed to identify barriers to fish and wildlife passage, and assist with post-assessment data processing and report writing.
Websites and Social Media: HVA maintains a website for the organization as well as websites focused on the Naugatuck River and the Still River, both important tributaries of the Housatonic in CT. The intern will be involved in producing materials for the websites and Facebook pages that HVA manages. Related tasks might include identifying and summarizing relevant news items, sharing photos of HVA events and field work, and writing project updates.
Opportunities may be available for the intern to assist with other organization work including conservation easement monitoring, GIS analysis of land and water resources and outreach activities such as guided paddle trips, community events, and school field trips.
Qualifications: Candidates must be highly-motivated, passionate about watershed conservation, and able to succeed both independently and as part of a team. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess:
Enthusiasm for outdoor field work, including working in remote areas under potentially inclement environmental conditions; Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to represent HVA in a professional manner; Excellent writing skills; Familiarity with basic website administration and social media; Experience using GPS and GIS; Willingness to work the occasional evening or weekend. 2016 River Stewards of Tomorrow Summer
Requirements: Daily access to a personal vehicle is a requirement of the position. The intern must also be physically able to participate in potentially strenuous field work (i.e. physically active work outside for several hours at a time during the summer). Housing is not provided. HVA will assist successful applicants in finding summer lodging convenient to their assigned office.
Compensation: The intern will be provided with a $2,400 stipend for the course of the internship. Work related travel will be compensated at a rate of $0.48/mile.
Application Procedure: Interested candidates should submit the following materials via email: 1. COVER LETTER explaining your interest and qualifications 2. RESUME 3. TWO (2) PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES 4. (Optional but encouraged) Examples of past projects relevant to HVA’s mission (please limit to 1-2 pages/project, max of three projects) Incomplete applications will not be considered. Deadline: We expect to make hiring decisions no later than April 15th. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Questions and applications should be directed to: Michael S. Jastremski, Watershed Conservation Director Housatonic Valley Association Mail: PO Box 28, Cornwall Bridge, CT 06754 E-mail: MJ.HVA@outlook.com Phone: (860) 672-6678
Sierra Club – Boston Organizer
Context: As the biggest city in Massachusetts and even New England, Boston carries disproportionate impact. The chapter is more likely to achieve its clean energy and environmental goals if Boston has taken steps to do so first. One example is Ready for 100 – if Boston joins this campaign it makes it easier to get other communities to do so.
Scope: The Boston Organizer creates and carries out clean energy and/or environmental campaigns within the City of Boston.
Job Activities: Plans, develops and implements campaign strategies for clean energy and/or environmental campaigns within the City of Boston. Recruits and trains volunteers to facilitate grassroots involvement to achieve campaign ends. Builds and maintains relationships with Sierra Club Boston members and supporters, Boston local and state level elected officials, other advocacy groups, and relevant stakeholders. Makes presentations to community, political, and governmental bodies regarding clean energy and environmental campaign efforts. Writes press releases, newsletters, flyers, etc. to keep Club membership and the general public informed. Advocates the Sierra Club position on proposed legislation involving clean energy programs; informs and communicates with elected officials, business leaders, governmental agencies, and other non‑profit organizations. Participates in task forces, committees, coalitions, etc. representing the Club’s objective or mission. Produces written reports for funders as needed. Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.
Knowledge & Skills: BA/BS degree in Environmental Studies, Political Science or a closely related field. 1-2 years’ experience organizing campaigns – environmental experience a plus. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Proficient computer skills Demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with volunteers.
Visit website to apply.
The Sierra Club offers competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience plus excellent benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a retirement savings 401(k) plan. This is a category 5 exempt position.
Sierra Club is a 501(c)(4) organization. Sierra Club does not sponsor H1B visas.
Sierra Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.
Explore, enjoy and protect the planet. Visit website to apply.
Volunteer Opportunities in the Berkshires w/The Trustees
“Time travel” with The Trustees, and take our visitors on the voyage with you! Become a National Historic Landmark Greeter at Mission House (Stockbridge) or Tour Guide at the William Cullen Bryant Homestead (Cummington) and share the stories and magic of these special places. No experience necessary. Training provided. Fridays through Sundays. Flexible. Fun. Social. Rewarding.
Visit www.thetrustees.org/volunteer or contact tbeasley@thetrustees.org or413.532.1631 ext. 3119 for more information.
Mass Audubon – Berkshire Nature Camp Counselor – Lenox
Location: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox, MA
Responsibilities
- Plan, develop and implement a variety of outdoor activities utilizing Pleasant Valley’s 1300+ acres of forests, fields, streams and ponds
- Are responsible for supervising the health and safety of campers
- Maintain communication with parents and other staff
- Must be able to work and learn together, have outstanding communication skills, and be willing and able to share their interests and talents with children aged 5-14
- Provide leadership and mentor Leaders in Training (LITs)
Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years old
- College experience preferred
- Should have knowledge and interest in the nature of the Berkshire region
- Applicants with a background in Environmental fields, education, or the arts preferred
- Experience working with children
- Willingness to obtain certification in CPR/First Aid are required-training is provided
- Lifeguard/water safety certifications or Wilderness First Aid desirable
- Must pass a background records check (CORI and SORI)
- And…of course, flexibility and a sense of humor is a must!
Compensation and Benefits Rate of Pay: $11.00- $12.50 per hour (depending on experience and position).
Additional Information Camp Session: June 12 – August 19, 2017 Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 3:30 pm or 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. Must work at least two camp late nights during the summer.
How to Apply Please send (email preferred) your cover letter and resume to: Gayle Tardif-Raser – Education Coordinator, gtraser@massaudubon.org, 413-637-0320, or Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Road, Lenox, MA. 01240
Executive Director – Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) – Belmont, MA
The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) seeks an Executive Director. MACC is a small membership-based non-profit, established in 1961, that protects Massachusetts’ wetlands, open space, and biological diversity through environmental education, advocacy, and support of Massachusetts conservation commissions. The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer, reports to the Board of Directors, and is responsible for achievement of MACC’s mission and financial objectives; program planning, development and oversight; board and community relations; finances and fundraising; legislative and regulatory advocacy; and staff supervision. The Executive Director supervises two full-time and one part-time staff.
The successful candidate will have an understanding of relevant Massachusetts environmental laws, regulations, and policy; successful experience in non-profit management and fundraising; a passion for natural resources, and excellent presentation and writing skills. Compensation is commensurate with experience and MACC’s budget.
For a full description of the position, please visit MACC’s website jobs page and download the position description: http://www.maccweb.org/page/ResJobsVolunteering
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume by May 15, 2017, to staff@maccweb.org.
Bird Research Technicians – Aton Forest – Norfolk, CT
Aton Forest, Inc. has been awarded an Audubon Connecticut Important Bird Area Grant for 2017 to conduct Breeding Bird Surveys and Breeding Territory Studies in northwestern Connecticut. Two experienced birders will be hired in 2017 as Research Technicians to conduct and report on this project.
Brief Description of Project: This grant will continue and expand the breeding bird research conducted at Aton Forest by hiring two experienced birders to complete breeding bird surveys along three established survey lines and determine breeding territories within selected managed shrub land and meadow habitats at Aton Forest, Norfolk, CT. Data from such study will go into the eBird database and contribute to the understanding of the distribution, populations, behavior and habitat use of Connecticut’s birds.
Aton Forest (AF) is an ecological research field station in the Northwest Hills of Connecticut in the northeast corner of the Town of Norfolk. The Forest was designated an Audubon Important Bird Area in 2015. Because of its location the Forest falls within a rather unique geographical area of Connecticut, part of the Berkshire Plateau, with many plants and animals more common further north. The elevation, topography, terrain, weather, climate, and flora all contribute to its special nature. This uniqueness is also reflected in the variety of forest birds that breed there each year. Breeding forest birds include: cerulean warbler, black-throated blue warbler, black-throated green warbler, least flycatcher, magnolia warbler, wood thrush, eastern towhee, American woodcock, and ruffed grouse to name just a few. The AF breeding bird surveys were begun in 2002 and have been conducted continuously to the present day. All breeding bird survey data has been entered into the citizen science database eBird, as well as records maintained at Aton Forest.
Specific Goals and Objectives of Project: There are two goals of the project: one, to organize two breeding bird surveys on each of the three interior survey lines and, two, to determine bird breeding territories within selected managed shrub land and meadow habitats at Aton Forest. The breeding bird line surveys will be conducted between June 1 and 15, 2017; the breeding territory study will be accomplished between June 1 and 31, 2017. It is estimated that the project will require 72 hours per technician and wages will be $15 per hour. Aton Forest, Inc. will also make sleeping quarters, office space and a computer available for the researchers. Orientation, coordination and supervision will be provided by the Executive Director of Aton Forest, Inc.
There may also be an opportunity for student interns to work on this project, to assist the Research Technicians, to learn research techniques, to better their knowledge of northern Connecticut birds, and to further develop their birding skills.
Anyone interested please contact:
John Anderson, Executive Director, Aton Forest, Inc.
Email: contact@atonforest.org
Aton Forest, Inc.
P.O. Box 509
270 N. Colebrook Rd.
Norfolk, CT 06058
(860)542-5125
www.atonforest.org
www.sandybrook.org
Great Summer Jobs with Greenagers!
Apply now.
Greenagers employs 50 youth each year for work on local trails and farms, through our trail crews (3 in Berkshire County and 2 in Columbia County) and our Farm Apprenticeships.
Our new and improved Farm Apprenticeships program is the result of an exciting collaboration with Jen Salinetti of Woven Roots Farm in Tyringham, MA. Jen is the new Farm Apprenticeship Coordinator and she has designed a thorough farm/soil/food curriculum to bolster the paid apprenticeship experience. The program runs from April through November. Apprentices are matched with area farms and are expected to work a minimum of four hours per week on that farm. Apprentices will also participate in the Young Farmer Education Series, bi-monthly farm education workshops and farm tours led by Jen on the first and third Wednesday of every month. Workshops are held at Woven Roots Farm, Tyringham, MA and Greenagers, Housatonic, MA. Farm visits will take place throughout Central and South County.
Participant Requirements: 15-22 years old • Able to manage own transportation • Prepared to work outdoors for a minimum of 4 hours/week • Willing to commit to workshop and farm visit schedule • Ready to engage in community dialogue and discovery
Workshop Topics Include • The Soil Food Web • Food Systems • Food Literacy • Food Diversity • Food Justice • Sustainability • Wholesome Food Preparation
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Jen Salinetti, Program Coordinator.
Apply for a Farm Apprenticeship.
Trail Crews consist of 6-8 youth aged 15-24 and one skilled leader with a minimum of 3 years field experience. Our 2017 Trail Crew options are:
~ Appalachian Trail Crew – runs for 4 weeks in July, Mondays to Fridays. This crew camps on-site during the week, returning home for weekends.
~ Community Crews (2 in Berkshire County) run 6 weeks in July and August, Mondays to Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Community Crews build and maintain trails for local land trusts and organizations and begin and end each workday at the Greenagers office in Great Barrington.
~ Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC) Trail Crews – 2 crews based in Columbia County that build and maintain trails on CLC-owned land.
For more information, please contact Elia Del Molino, Trails Coordinator.
Apply for a trail crew member position.