Thank you to Rachel Branch, producer of the television show Solutions Rising for including a “BEAT” series for people to learn more about the fracked gas pipelines proposed to bring gas from the fracking fields of Pennsylvania across New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire to a gas hub in Dracut, MA. The show interviews many people providing information about the proposed pipelines as well as the many alternatives to these pipelines.
Tel Electric Dam (Mill St Dam)in Pittsfield to be Removed
Pittsfield’s Tel-Electric Dam is an 87-year-old dam that spans the west branch of the Housatonic River behind the Eagle Clock Tower building upstream of the Mill Street bridge. The Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) is working on several Berkshire County river projects to restore stream continuity and improve instream habitat. The removal of Pittsfield’s Tel-Electric Dam is one of those projects. There is a site visit scheduled for May 27 at 9:30 am starting at the City of Pittsfield Maintenance Dept. Building at 18 Hawthorne Ave.
How Will Future Energy Needs Be Met, Now That Kinder Morgan Pipeline Has Gone Belly Up?
Jean Atwater-Williams is happy for the people who no longer have to worry about the Texas-based Kinder Morgan company tearing up their yards to bury a new natural gas pipeline. “Yes, it is great,” she says, “but it doesn’t really change our situation.” Last week financial problems forced Kinder Morgan to retire its controversial proposal for a vast multi-state pipeline to bring more natural gas to the region. But it and other companies still have smaller proposed pipelines in the works. Some haven’t attracted as much attention because they run along existing corridors, like Atwater-Williams yard in Sandisfield, in southwestern Massachusetts. By Rupa Shenoy, WGBH News, April 27, 2016.
Basic environmental protections for Massachusetts residents have unraveled in the last 15 years as deep budget cuts and shifting political priorities take hold. The state has slashed bacterial testing of lakes, rivers and other surface water by more than two-thirds in the last decade, according to state-reported data analyzed by The Eye. Inspections of contaminated properties and waste and water sites, meanwhile, have dropped 24 percent from fiscal year 2001. By Beth Daley & Caitlin Bawn, The Eye for the New England Center for Investigative Reporting, M
Historic Victory: 4 Teenagers Win in Massachusetts Climate Change Lawsuit
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court found in favor of four youth plaintiffs, the Conservation Law Foundation and Mass Energy Consumers Alliance Tuesday in the critical climate change case, Kain et al. v. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection(DEP). The court found that the DEP was not complying with its legal obligation to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions and ordered the agency to “promulgate regulations that address multiple sources or categories of sources of greenhouse gas emissions, impose a limit on emissions that may be released … and set limits that decline on an annual basis.” “This is an historic victory for young generations advocating for changes to be made by government. The global climate change crisis is a threat to the well being of humanity, and to my generation, that has been ignored for too long,” youth plaintiff Shamus Miller, age 17, said. Our Children’s Trust reported in Ecowatch, May 17, 2016.
Oil firms have 10 years to change strategy or face ‘short, brutish end’
International oil companies such as Shell and BP must completely change their business model or face a “nasty, brutish and short” end within 10 years, one of Britain’s most influential energy experts has warned. Paul Stephens, a fellow at Chatham House thinktank, said in a research paper the oil “majors” were no longer fit for purpose – hit by low crude prices, tightening climate change regulations and their own wrongheaded strategies. In the report, Stephens argues the only way forward for the companies lies in diversifying into green energy, drastically reducing their operations or consolidating through mega-mergers. By Terry Macalister, The Guardian, May 5, 2016
Jobs
Watershed Ecologist (Environmental Analyst IV) – Boston
Hoosic River Revival Summer 2016 Intern Position – North Adams
Mohawk Forest Environmental Education Internship – North Adams
Confronting Climate Change Internships: Five On-campus summer emissions research positions – Williams College
Outdoor Educator – Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, Cropseyville, NY
Greenagers Summer Jobs – Trail Crews & Agricultural Apprentices – Various locations in Berkshire and Columbia Counties
Landscape Design Assistant, Garden Installation Manager & Crew, Fine Garden Maintenance Crew – Helia Native Nursery and Land Design
Camp Counselors – Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary of Mass Audubon
Tel Electric Dam (Mill St Dam) to be Removed in Pittsfield
Pittsfield’s Tel-Electric Dam is an 87-year-old dam that spans the west branch of the Housatonic River behind the Eagle Clock Tower building upstream of the Mill Street bridge. The Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) is working on several Berkshire County river projects to restore stream continuity and improve instream habitat. The removal of Pittsfield’s Tel-Electric Dam is one of those projects.
May 2016: The Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) and the City of Pittsfield have filed an Expanded Environmental Notification Form (EENF pdf) and requested a waiver of the mandatory Environmental Impact Report because they feel they have provided enough information that no new environmental information would be added during that process.
There is a site visit scheduled for May 27 at 9:30 am starting at the City of Pittsfield Maintenance Dept. Building, 18 Hawthorne Ave. Alex Hackman from DER will be available to answer further questions after the site visit.
Comments are due July 8, 2016. This is an extended comment period to allow thorough review of the EENF by all interested parties.
How Will Future Energy Needs Be Met, Now That Kinder Morgan Pipeline Has Gone Belly Up?
By Jean Shanoy
WGBH News Radio
April 26, 2016
Jean Atwater-Williams is happy for the people who no longer have to worry about the Texas-based Kinder Morgan company tearing up their yards to bury a new natural gas pipeline.
“Yes, it is great,” she says, “but it doesn’t really change our situation.”
Last week financial problems forced Kinder Morgan to retire its controversial proposal for a vast multi-state pipeline to bring more natural gas to the region. But it and other companies still have smaller proposed pipelines in the works. Some haven’t attracted as much attention because they run along existing corridors, like Atwater-Williams yard in Sandisfield, in southwestern Massachusetts.
“I’m standing at my dining room window, and when I look beyond my pond, there’s a clear area,” Atwater-Williams says. “The area is fairly wooded and this is a scar that runs across the land that’s kept clear of vegetation.”
Two parallel pipelines are already buried in that clearing, next to Atwater-Williams’ late 1700s-era farmhouse. She never thought about them until Kinder Morgan wanted to put in a third pipeline.
“We really didn’t understand what the dangers were – not only to us personally, but just environmentally,” Atwater-Williams says.
She and a group of nearby residents have vigorously opposed the new line. But state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton says Massachusetts still needs new pipelines.
“We are becoming more and more reliant, every year that passes, on natural gas to provide our baseload generation of electricity,” he says.
Janet Besser of the Northeast Clean Energy Council says combining hydro and on-shore wind power could make the cost of transmission more cost-effective. She’d also like to see the bill include a program for off-shore wind development.
The legislature is considering Governor Charlie Baker’s proposal to bring more hydropower down from Canada and invest more in wind-power projects. But those won’t come fast enough, Beaton says. He points to the high local cost of energy, and to areas where utilities have placed moratoriums on new natural gas hookups because they’ve run out of supply, or existing lines are inadequate. He says there’s also new demand from natural gas power plants coming online to make up for retiring coal and oil plants, and the Pilgrim Nuclear power station.
“We’re not going to be able to meet our baseload energy requirements through an immediate transition to renewables,” Beaton says. “We need to certainly reduce our contribution of greenhouse gases, but do it in an economically smart way that gets us out of the top five ranking that we are in right now for the most costly energy in the nation.”
To that end the administration has proposed a new way to fund pipelines. It would place a line on customers’ electric bills to pay for them. On May 5 the State Supreme Judicial Court will decide if that method is legal. Peter Shattuck of the environmental group the Acadia Center says if we fund projects that way, it essentially puts the risk on the public.
“Risks including that projects run over their multi-billion dollar initial estimates; risk that pipelines serve export markets and actually drive our prices up, and risk that growing climate concerns and cheaper renewables will leave us with expensive fossil fuel infrastructure that we just can’t afford to keep using,” he says.
Environmental advocates like David Ismay of the Conservation Law Foundation say gas was never meant to be more than a so-called “bridge” fuel; a backup as the region transitions to carbon-neutral renewable energy sources.
“Our bridge to renewables has been built,” Ismay says. “If we invest more in natural gas at this point we’re threatening the reliability of our system rather than helping it.”
Spectra Energy is the company behind the biggest remaining proposed pipeline – most of which would run along existing pipeline corridors. Spokesman Phil West argues natural gas is still needed to complement renewable energy sources.
“The wind doesn’t always blow and the sun doesn’t always shine,” West says. “For a considerable time in the future it’s going to be necessary to provide electricity and heating on cold winter nights where other sources just can’t do it right now.”
So, despite the collapse of the biggest pipeline proposal, the basic point of contention hasn’t changed: whether renewables are ready to shoulder the region’s energy future. Instead of waiting for someone else to resolve the debate, Massachusetts should take charge of the discussion, says Congressman Jim McGovern. The pipeline proposal Kinder Morgan just dropped would have passed through his district.
“We need a plan,” he says. “Up to this point all we do is react. We’re told we have to take it our leave it – it’s this or nothing.’ And ‘if we don’t do this, energy costs are going to rise’ and on and on and on. Rather than being in that situation, let us put forth a proposal on our own and go out and solicit the companies that can build what we want, rather than rely on the same old, same old.”
Governor Baker’s taking a step toward that with his energy bill, which would bring in more wind, and make major utilities seek long-term hydro contracts from Hydro Quebec in Canada. Critics, like Dan Dolan and the New England Power Generators Association, say hydropower would undercut some existing local power sources, driving them out of business. He also says ratepayers would end up paying for costly new transmission lines that would have to be built to bring more hydropower south.
“Our belief is that the contracting being proposed with provinicially owned hydropower – to give it a third of all the electricity consumed in Massachusetts for 25 years — would add $777 million dollars per year in above market electric costs onto ratepayers bills,” Dolan says.
But Baker’s legislation also has its supporters. Janet Besser of the Northeast Clean Energy Council says combining hydro and on-shore wind power could make the cost of transmission more cost-effective. She’d also like to see the bill include a program for off-shore wind development.
“This is a real opportunity to take our largest resource that we’ve got here in New England, with the most potential to meet our needs, which is off-shore wind,” she says.
The legislature will probably include something like that in the bill it eventually passes, Secretary Beaton says. And the administration will support that addition, he says, as long as it doesn’t commit the state to procuring wind power.
“So we’re not overcommitting ourselves before we know the true cost of any resource,” Beaton says. “If it is strictly to basically test the market.”
– LISTEN to this story and see more at: https://news.wgbh.org/2016/04/27/local-news/how-will-future-energy-needs-be-met-now-kinder-morgan-pipeline-has-gone-belly#sthash.5uI5WArJ.dpuf
Springfield and Northampton Groups to Host Expert Forum on Gas Leaks
Years of budget cuts disarm Massachusetts in environmental fight
A state environmental arm, the Office of Technical Assistance & Technology, visited 250 businesses a year in the early 2000s, providing advice on reducing energy, toxic-material and water use, according to Rick Reibstein, the office’s former outreach and policy manager, who left with scores of other environmental employees in an early retirement program in July. The state told The Eye 50 businesses are now visited a year.
Retreat on mercury
On the campaign trail two years ago, Gov. Baker pledged to increase spending on the environment to 1 percent of the state budget over the course of his first term. Neither the current environmental budget nor the governor’s proposal approaches that figure.
The spending cuts, combined with a gubernatorial executive order last year requiring state agencies to cull “confusing, unnecessary, inconsistent and redundant” regulation, has environmentalists worried that more protections are about to be stripped. Baker has required agencies to focus in part on axing regulations that are stricter than federal law.
Several state environmental laws fit that description. For example, Massachusetts has strict drinking water standards for perchlorate, a chemical found in fireworks and explosives that can interfere with thyroid function, possibly leading to development and metabolism problems. The federal government has no standard, although it is developing regulations.
“When agencies’ budgets are cut so severely, year after year it drastically diminishes their ability to fulfill their mission,” said Erica Mattison, legislative director of the Environmental League of Massachusetts, an advocacy group. A report from the League and five other groups last month gave the Baker administration a “C” grade for energy and environmental protection.
The state also went beyond national mandates with a 2006 law aimed at controlling mercury, which can cause developmental problems in young children.
The law required manufacturers to meet a 70 percent recycling rate for fluorescent lights containing the metal by the end of 2011, or pay up to $1 million if targets weren’t met. But in 2014, the legislature amended the law, abolishing the 70 percent target and setting unconditional fees of $300,000 a year to pay for recycling. Only 34 percent of fluorescent lights were recycled in 2008, the last year of data available, according to the Product Stewardship Institute, a Boston-based non-profit.
John Reinhardt, a recently retired DEP employee who worked with the mercury program, said the money isn’t being collected. The end result, he said, is a lack of incentive to recycle the toxin, which that can eventually be absorbed by fish and poison humans. DEP spokesman Ed Coletta confirmed money is not being collected and said the agency is developing new regulations for the program.
Wet dog smell
Nowhere are the funding cuts and changed priorities starker than in water-quality monitoring. While the state is working to reduce a backlog in analyzing river data, it is still behind, environmentalists say.
“In the Charles, we need to know is it getting cleaner, is it dirtier,” said Julie Wood, director of projects for the Charles River Watershed Association. “We don’t have enough data to always know where new pollution sources are, and the state is not collecting new data.”
In 2010, Sam Copeland, a ninth grade student on a community-service project for his earth-science class, was in a canoe on the Assabet with his mother when they discovered a broken pipe discharging a stream of warm, milky colored liquid. “It smelled like wet dog,” said Sue Beede, Sam’s mother.
DEP and federal environmental officials inspected the pipe, found high levels of bacteria and ordered the prison to fix the problem, with fines of up to $25,000 a day if it didn’t, according to the state’s enforcement order.
But in September of 2014, a volunteer river cleanup crew found latex gloves, a toothbrush and other possible flush-aways from the prison piling up near the pipe, which was trickling warm water.
The state was called again and found lower, but still unacceptable bacteria counts, according to another enforcement order. DEP’s Ferson said the pipe was last tested in December, when levels were elevated but much lower than in 2010. The state prisons department has been working with the agency to eliminate any elevated bacteria levels, a spokesman said.
Field-Juma, the OARS leader, said the state was not proactive in dealing with the problem and it “has dragged on far too long.” She said the Assabet has lots of visitors that spot and report problems. “But what about those places that don’t?” she asked.
This story was edited by Gary Putka at gputka@bu.edu, with online production by Shawn Musgrave. NECIR intern Ellen Cranley contributed reporting.
Historic Victory: 4 Teenagers Win in Massachusetts Climate Change Lawsuit
Our Children’s Trust
Reported in EcoWatch
May 17, 2016
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court found in favor of four youth plaintiffs, the Conservation Law Foundation and Mass Energy Consumers Alliance Tuesday in the critical climate change case, Kain et al. v. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection(DEP).
The court found that the DEP was not complying with its legal obligation to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions and ordered the agency to “promulgate regulations that address multiple sources or categories of sources of greenhouse gas emissions, impose a limit on emissions that may be released … and set limits that decline on an annual basis.”
“This is an historic victory for young generations advocating for changes to be made by government. The global climate change crisis is a threat to the well being of humanity, and to my generation, that has been ignored for too long,” youth plaintiff Shamus Miller, age 17, said.
“Today, the Massachusetts Supreme Court has recognized the scope and urgency of that threat and acknowledges the need for immediate action to help slow the progression of climate change. There is much more to be done both nationally and internationally but this victory is a step in the right direction and I hope that future efforts have similar success.”
In 2012, hundreds of youth petitioned the DEP asking the agency to comply with the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) and adopt rules reducing the state’s greenhouse gas emissions, but that petition was denied. As a result of DEP’s reluctance to comply with the GWSA, youth filed this case arguing that the DEP failed to promulgate the regulations required by Section 3(d) of the GWSA establishing declining annual levels of greenhouse gas emissions.
Massachusetts is not on track to meet its 2020 greenhouse gas reduction goal of 25 percent below 1990 levels—a fact that is directly related to DEP’s failure to issue the required regulations. The plaintiffs are working to ensure that Massachusetts is complying with the law and doing everything necessary to protect their constitutional and public trust rights to clean air, a healthy atmosphere and a stable climate system.
“In agreeing with the youth plaintiffs in this case, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court joins growing global judicial recognition of youth’s rights to demand that their governments act in accordance with the urgency of the climate change crisis,” Julia Olson, executive director and chief legal counsel at Our Children’s Trust, said.
“Youth around the country and internationally are bringing their governments to court to secure their rights to a healthy atmosphere and stable climate. Today, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court called Massachusetts to task and underscored the need to take significant action now, so youth are not unfairly consigned to a disproportionately bleak future should we fail to address the most important and time sensitive issue of our time.”
This win follows two other recent landmark wins in youth-led lawsuits against the federal government and the state of Washington.
Jobs
Watershed Ecologist (Environmental Analyst IV) – Boston
Date of posting: 5/6/2016
Closing: The position will remain open until filled. However, first consideration will be given to those candidates that apply within the first 14 days.
The Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration is hiring!
The Watershed Ecologist provides overall leadership and administration of the Division of Ecological Restoration’s (DER) Flow Restoration Program and manages staff and fiscal resources to achieve Program goals. The position directs and oversees the priorities, strategic planning, resource allocation, scientific integrity, and overall operations of the Program and coordinates flow restoration activities within the Division. The position supervises staff scientists as well as interns, ensuring that their work is scientifically sound and supports DER strategic priorities. This position also serves as an advisor to state agency workgroups, commissions, and initiatives to inform science, policies, and regulations that impact in-stream flow and aquatic ecosystem protection and restoration. Interested candidates can learn more about DER and view the full job announcement here: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/der/.
To apply online, please visit the MassCareers website at https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=1600025T
Hoosic River Revival SUMMER 2016 INTERN POSITION –
North Adams
HRR is a community-based, nonprofit organization with a mission to revitalize the North Adams section of the Hoosic River by developing a modern flood control system that will reconnect the North Adams community to an accessible, attractive, healthy river which will enhance the city’s recreational, cultural and economic vitality (www.HoosicRiverRevival.org).
The internship is multi-faceted:
1) Create and pilot two science/history based 45 minute walking/talking presentations for a new HRR River Rangers program. The goal of this program is to provide an interesting, fun, interactive activity for school children ( ages 9- 16) and for adults so they will understand the ecology of the Hoosic River within levees, its role in North Adams’ history, and the plans of HRR to modify the river and its corridor.
2) Work with HRR Board members to prepare text and graphics for on-site interpretive ‘info Boxes’ ; these boxes (already made) would sit on poles set up along the river and will enable viewers to see restorations planned for that section of the river and learn some of the history in that area.
3) Assist with other outreach efforts as needed. For example, HRR may have exhibit space in one of the downtown summer galleries; in that case, the intern will need to help set that up (most of the materials are already prepared) and from time to time be in the gallery explaining HRR’s history and future plans.
The intern(s) will be expected to complete 8 weeks of full-time work, mostly in North Adams, between approximately June 15-August 15, 2016. The project is co-sponsored by the Center for Environmental Studies, the Center for Learning in Action, and HRR. The intern may qualify for funding (through the CES or the Career Center), including on-campus housing.
Qualifications: The intern should be interested in environmental studies, local history or science education and public engagement. Successful applicants must be able to both work independently and collaboratively and must possess exemplary writing, listening, and communication skills. Access to a car or bike is desirable.
Applications: For inquiries or to apply, send a resume and cover letter that explains your interest and describes relevant experience to Judy Grinnell at hoosicriverrevival@gmail.com. Review of applications will begin on March 21 and continue until the position is filled.
To learn more about the HRR, see hoosicriverrevival.org
Mohawk Forest Environmental Education Internship,
North Adams
The Mohawk Forest summer internship places one to two interns with the Caleb Group at Mohawk Forest Apartments in North Adams to work with teen leaders and elementary school children. The teens are part of a teen leadership development and employment program and the youth are part of the summer day camp program. The intern(s) work under Kathy Keeser, the Resident Services and Program Coordinator at Mohawk Forest. The internship is for 35 hours/week, for eight-ten weeks during the summer (specific dates are flexible based on the intern’s and Resident Coordinator’s decision).
The intern(s) work with teen leaders to help them set up and implement neighborhood improvement projects, including:
• Access to healthy and local food, such as nutrition or cooking projects for day camp, community awareness of local resources like the farmer’s market and working with teen-generated ideas for further programming
• Trash/recycling: which might include addressing community efforts and awareness of keeping the community clean and beautified, encouraging and teaching recycling, which last year included a recycling rewards program. Last summer a compost bin was purchased and the teens worked with the youth to separate food scraps for the compost from trash at lunch. The compost will be used for the small youth community garden.
• Fitness: working with the teens to lead current efforts for getting families and kids out and active and to brainstorm new opportunities.
• Other Environmental Awareness or action projects that the teens and youth develop. Last year this included an energy conservation tip sheet that the teens researched, printed and distributed to all 190 apartments. The tip sheet was also sent to the Caleb Group’s head office for distribution to other Caleb Group housing sites.
The intern(s) will work with an older elementary school day camp group, assisted by the teen leaders to implement neighborhood improvement projects in the Mohawk Forest community. The intern(s) will also bring an environmental focus into the summer youth day camp program through experiential education including field trips, activity days and special events.
The internship is a great opportunity for those who are committed to education, community empowerment, and to developing leadership opportunities end environmental consciousness in the Berkshires.
Interns are eligible to apply for funding through the Center for Environmental Studies, which offers a stipend of $400/week and housing on campus. Internship is open to current freshmen.
If interested, please send a resume and brief cover letter to Julia Yarak: jly1@williams.edu
Confronting Climate Change Internships
On-campus summer emissions research positions
The 2016-17 academic year will focus on “Confronting Climate Change” (CCC) at Williams. As part of this CCC initiative we will be closely examining campus emissions and holding some exercises, such as the wedge game,* to demonstrate the options for the campus to meet its CO2 emissions reductions goals.
To this end, the Zilkha Center and the Center for Environmental Studies are hiring five summer research assistants to gather and analyze campus greenhouse gas emissions data and conduct background research for a climate-change related campus event in the next academic year.
The students will work as a team to determine the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction potential of a variety of strategies. Areas of research may include car, bus, and air transportation on college business, campus building hours and energy systems, renewable energy projects, conservation measures, and policies and practices to achieve reductions.
We are seeking students with a variety of skills but most importantly experience with data collection and analysis and an interest in primary research. We will provide training on the details of emissions calculations, but seek students with strong quantitative skills, experience with Excel, and an ability to work tenaciously to track down primary data. Applicants should have experience in visual displays of data (web/graphic design skills) and a general interest in climate change.
The work done by student researchers will be used to run events during the academic year in which groups of students, faculty and staff work together to consider combinations of strategies that can be used to achieve campus GHG emissions goals.
To: Apply:
1. Complete the online application form.https://ces.williams.edu/?page_id=7
Under “Title of Project” write “CCC Internship” and respond to each the questions below in 1 paragraph: 1) Describe your interest in campus GHG emissions and the College’s initiative to reduce emissions; 2) Explain how your experience qualifies you for this position; 3) What are your research preferences, based on the description above.
2. Submit an unofficial copy of your transcript to dlewis@williams.edu (Write CCC Internship Application” in subject line.)
3. Submit your resume to dlewis@williams.edu (Write CCC Internship Application in subject line.)
Application Deadline: March 10, 2016
*The Wedge Game is based on a 2004 paper by Rob Socolow, linked below. It is a game that demonstrates global GHG emissions in a visual way, and participants make choices about how to achieve reductions. We are planning to develop a campus version of the wedge game with campus data. Please see the paper here:https://www.princeton.edu/mae/people/faculty/socolow/Science-2004-SW-1100103-PAPER-AND-SOM.pdf
Summer 2016 Internship, Eagle Eye Institute,
MountainStar Forest, Peru, MA
This is more than an internship; it is a transformational learning opportunity!
Title: Residential Land Management Intern
Positions Available: 2
Background: Eagle Eye Institute is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization based in
Peru, MA, committed to engaging underserved urban youth with the environment
through hands-on exploratory learning, stewardship, and career bridging
programs. This internship program takes place at MountainStar Forest, a 200+
acre forest training site in Peru, MA, just 30 miles west of Northampton, MA. The
mission of the site is to protect the spirit of this forest and to conserve and
enhance its beauty and health by engaging people of all ages and cultural
backgrounds in its stewardship, so that future generations of all life can flourish.
Description: As an intern, you will live on the land for six weeks and connect
with nature, others, and yourself in an immersive outdoor setting. Housing will be
provided in private Eureka Equinox 6 standup tents, each on its own tent
platform. You will live off the grid without electronic devices, participate in food
preparation (all food is vegan and will be provided), learn about energy and water
conservation while living outdoors, help grow organic vegetables, and deepen
your overall relationship with nature. You will gain hands-on experience in land
management, including but not limited to, tree, shrub, and flower planting,
mowing and weed whacking, trail building and repair, forest management and
firewood production, brush cleanup, vegetable gardening, and traditional and
alternative building construction. You will also have the opportunity to assist with
Eagle Eye Institute overnight programs for youth held at the land over the
summer. This will include camp setup, food prep, and overall logistics. In
addition, you may keep a daily journal of your experiences, share your personal
story, and participate in daily morning meditation and exercise.
Melinda Stockmann, former MountainStar Forest intern, says:
“So, I think what I’ll tell other people is that this is a really good chance to …well,
not to be too clichéd… but to connect with yourself and with others and with
nature… and to just really get back to the basics…Coming out here for six weeks
you get to really just be. And work. And appreciate work. And appreciate play
and appreciate the food you eat. And just think about what you want to be and
what you want to do and what you are doing and what you are being. And that’s
really an opportunity that a lot of folks don’t get…It’s challenging… especially if
you’re used to being in a routine and having constant stimulation in different
ways…You have to be committed to the opportunity for what it is…I think it’s
definitely worth it and it pays off on a lot of different levels…Outdoor living is fun!”
We are looking for the right individuals with the following qualities:
• Hard-working
• Positive attitude
• Willingness to learn with an open mind
• Sense of humor
• Sense of cooperation
• Experience and commitment to working with diverse people, especially
urban youth of color
• Trustworthiness
• Ability to work independently and with a team
• Good communicator
• A leader who can take initiative
Qualifications:
• Current college/university student
• Good physical condition
• Knowledge of and interest in the environment
• Camping and outdoor living experience
• Use of basic hand tools: shovel, rake, mower, weedwacker, etc.
• Some carpentry skills
Additional Qualifications:
• Must have own transportation to and from the site.
• We prefer that interns have an additional living situation within
commuting distance, for weekends and days off.
• Flexibility with days and hours.
Timeline: Six weeks, approx. July 6 – August 17, 2016 (exact dates TBD).
Schedule: 40 hours per week, flexible based on weather and work to be
accomplished any given day or week.
Compensation: Room (camping) and board.
How to Apply:
Submit a resume, two character references, and a letter stating why you are
interested, why you are the best person for this internship, what skills you have to
contribute, and what you would like to learn from this experience. How do you
see this internship helping you in your own personal development?
SEEKING DIVERSE APPLICANTS
Contact: Anthony Sanchez, Board President, Eagle Eye Institute
MountainStar Forest Manager
(413) 655-0103
asanchez@eagleeyei.org
Seasonal Outdoor Educator –
Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, Grafton, NY
Experience needed: Experience working with children in the outdoors required. Some experience in outdoor recreation preferred. Education required: Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences or Education.
Job Requirements: Must be able to perform physical work in the outdoors, be able to work some weekends and evenings and possess a valid driver’s license.
To apply: Please send resume and Rensselaer County application (available at www.rensco.com) to: Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, 475 Dyken Pond Road, Cropseyille, New York 12052 or contact Lisa Hoyt at 518 658-2055 ordykenpond@gmail.com. Applications accepted until position is filled.
Visit our website for more information about our summer camp and programs at:http://www.dykenpond.org
Dyken Pond
Environmental Education Center
475 Dyken Pond Road
Cropseyville, New York 12052
518 658-2055
Greenagers Summer Jobs
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. Click here to find out more information and apply online.
Applications for trail crew positions are due on May 1st.
Trail Crews consist of 6-8 youth aged 15-19 and one skilled leader with a minimum of 3 years field experience. Our 2016 Trail Crew options are: Appalachian Trail Crew, Berkshire County Community Crews, and Columbia Land Conservancy Trail Crews.
Our 2016 Trail Partners to date are: National Park Service, Columbia Land Conservancy, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Great Barrington Land Conservancy, Housatonic River Walk, Laurel Hill Association, The Nature Conservancy, Chesterwood, Egremont Land Trust, Sheffield, Land Trust, Hancock Shaker Village, and Town of Egremont. Please contact Elia Del Molino, Trails Coordinator, for further information.
Agricultural Apprentices are matched with area farms, from whom they learn about machinery operation, animal husbandry, organic farming and the business of agriculture. Past apprentices have been placed at Woven Roots Farm, Howden Farm, Farm Girl Farm, Plantin’ Seeds, Sky View Farm, Larkin Farm, Ward’s Farm, Project Native, Wolfe Spring Farm, Mountain Falls Farm, The Sheffield Food Program, and here at Greenagers (to name a few). New farm partners this year include: Hosta Hill, North Plain Farm, Equinox Farm, Camp Eisner, and Undermountain Elementary School Gardens. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Please contact Matt Downing, Agricultural Program Coordinator, for further information.
We are very grateful for the financial support of: Berkshire United Way; Robbins-de Beaumont Foundation; and the Green Pastures, Berkshire Hills Fund for Excellence, and Berkshire Environmental Endowment funds at Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.
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Landscape Design Assistant, Garden Installation Manager & Crew, Fine Garden Maintenance Crew – Helia Native Nursery & Land Design
We specialize in Native Plants, Ecological Landscape Design, Wildflower Meadows, Site Restoration, Edible and Fine Gardens. We are expanding and currently have full time openings in the following positions:
Landscape Design Assistant – The right candidate will have a strong background, full knowledge and experience in site surveying, base mapping and design, autoCAD and SketchUP, with a good knowledge of plants, especially natives. You must be energetic, hardworking, physically fit and a positive team-oriented person.
Installation Manager & Crew – We are looking for full time, energetic, hardworking, physically fit, positive, and team-oriented people to join our landscape installation team and manage installation jobs. Experience with native plants, garden installation, small machinery, stone work and maintenance is preferred.
Garden Maintenance Crew – Come join our full time fine garden maintenance team. We are looking for energetic, hardworking, physically fit, positive, and team-oriented people to join our team.
Please call 413-274-1400 to apply or email your resume to helialanddesign@gmail.com.
Seasonal Ranger I (West)–(1600026F)
DescriptionAbout the Department of Conservation and Recreation: The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. DCR is a dynamic agency, and is one of the largest park systems in the nation. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails and parkways. The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position Seasonal Ranger I. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is seeking Park Rangers to patrol facilities to promote compliance with rules and regulations, protect natural and park resources, and enhance visitor experience through providing a presence and being available for visitor information; coordinate with law enforcement officials for appropriate regulatory action; and perform related work as required. Park Rangers normally work a forty-hour week (which includes nights, weekends, and holidays). April-early June will be Monday-Friday day shift. Mid June to August will require include week-end days and may include some evening shifts. Uniforms and training are provided; park housing is not. Successful candidates must attend the Seasonal Ranger Academy.Conducts patrols, either in a vehicle, on a bicycle or on foot, effectively utilizing techniques and available resources, to enforce applicable laws and regulations, provide visitor services, assess facility resources, assist visitors with first aid, and other public services as required.Perform the crossing of school-aged pedestrians on DCR roadways twice daily in accordance with the school’s schedule.Maintain an inventory of and maintain the condition of issued equipment.Complete Bureau records, reports, files, and logs.
Attend seminars, workshops, training sessions, etc., in order to maintain proficiencies.Participates in search and rescue operations in accordance with agency policy.Provide informal and, occasionally, formal information/educational programs, demonstrations, and materials for schools and civic groups as requires, in areas such as Ranger programs, park activities and services, outdoor skills, natural and cultural history and search and rescue.Respond and assist park staff at major incidents, assist at special events, and occasionally assist at statewide incidents or functions.Position Information: Seasonal Ranger I (00137682)Location: Mohawk Trail State Forest Complex, CharlemontStart Date: 4/24/16End Date: 11/5/16Position Information: Seasonal Ranger I (00182451)Location: Tolland State Forest Complex, OtisStart Date: 4/24/16End Date: 11/5/16Position Information: Seasonal Ranger I (00137661)Location: Moore House, AmherstStart Date: 4/24/16End Date: 12/30/16Preferred Qualifications:Knowledge of the standard procedures and techniques followed in foot, auto or other types of patrols.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of park or resource management.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of recreational programming.
Knowledge of general ecology and cultural history study, practice and principles.
Knowledge of the methods and techniques for presenting media productions, and drafting brochures and exhibits.
Ability to understand, explain and apply the rules, regulations, policies, procedures standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.
Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner.
Ability to speak effectively before the public
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to gather information by examining records and documents and through observing and interviewing individuals.
Ability to accurately record information provided orally.
Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in park or resource management, environmental education, water resources or water supply management, or natural/cultural history interpretation or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
1. Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator’s license.
2. Possession of a current and valid CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) certificate from the American Red Cross or the American heart Association.
3. Possession of a current and valid standard first aid and personal safety certificate and first responder certificate issued by the American Red Cross.An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Official Title: Ranger IWork Locations: Pittsfield – 740 South Street 01201Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Pittsfield-Pittsfield – 740 South StreetJob: Community and Social ServicesAgency: Department of Conservation & Recreation
Schedule: Full-timeShift: MultipleJob Posting: Mar 21, 2016, 12:43:07 PMNumber of Openings: 3Salary: 1,429.24 BiweeklyIf you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator:: Agatha Summons-Maguire – 617-626-1282Bargaining Unit: 02-AFSCME – Service/Institutional
Seasonal Forest And Park Supervisor III (West) – (160001XB)
DescriptionAbout the Department of Conservation and Recreation: The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. DCR is a dynamic agency, and is one of the largest park systems in the nation. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails and parkways.The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position of Seasonal Forest & Park Supervisor III. The Seasonal Forest & Park Supervisor is responsible for supervising the maintenance and operations of parks, recreation areas, parkways, roadways, pedestrian ways and parking lots for public use. The incumbent of this position determines work priorities and resources, assigns and supervises staff, compiles and reviews data concerning park maintenance effectiveness and provides reports of all activities and incidents.SPECIFC DUTIES:
Supervises the maintenance of assigned recreational areas, including such activities as roadway and parkway maintenance, grounds maintenance, building and equipment maintenance and the repair and/or removal of hazardous conditions such as unsafe trees or limbs. Determines manpower and equipment resources necessary to accomplish assigned tasks.Maintains records and prepares reports concerning assigned work to provide information and make appropriate recommendations.Coordinates the activities and work of volunteers, court-referred individuals, etc.May prepares budgets for assigned areas by projecting resource needs and preparing required documentation for agency’s budget request.Monitors the activities involved in park and roadways maintenance work.Compiles and reviews data concerning effectiveness of park maintenance activities to prepare reports for supervisorProvides on-the-job training for new employees.Prepares reports as required; maintains records and logs on such matters as time and attendance of assigned personnel; performs routine vehicle maintenance inspections; and operates motor vehicles and other park machinery and equipment as required.Inspects damage to park areas, roadways, parking lots, equipment, etc. as a result of storms, vandalism and accidents to estimate the cost of labor and materials required for repairs and/or replacementsDetermines work priorities and assigns staff to specific tasks such as spraying, watering, planting trees, cleaning catch basins, trash removal, etc.Performs related work as assigned. Ability to work in a team setting. Ability to exercise sound judgment. Required to work outdoors in all types of weather. Work varied shifts and/or irregular hours; and stand for prolonged periods of time.POSITION INFORMATION: Position: Seasonal Forest & Park Supervisor III
Location: Pittsfield State Forest, Pittsfield
Start Date: 5/1/16
End Date: 11/12/16Salaries are based upon full-time/40 hours worked per week. Work schedules and days off are at the discretion of the Supervisor. This position may require working weekends and/or holidays.Qualifications
This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in the field of forestry, parks or recreational management and (B) of which at least two years must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. An Associate’s or higher degree with a major in forestry, natural resources management or parks and/or recreation management may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.*
*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
NOTE: No substitutions will be permitted for the required (B) experience. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Official Title: Forest And Park Supervisor III Work Locations: Pittsfield-Cascade Street 012010000 Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Pittsfield-Pittsfield-Cascade StreetJob: Community and Social ServicesAgency: Department of Conservation & RecreationSchedule: Full-timeShift: MultipleJob Posting: Mar 11, 2016, 12:18:15 PMNumber of Openings: 1Salary: 1,758.24 BiweeklyIf you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator:: Agatha Summons-Maguire – 617-626-1282Bargaining Unit: 02-AFSCME – Service/Institutional
Summer Internships – Williams College
Summer Internships on Campus, Berkshire area & U.S. – Also: Summer Internship Funding: Check out dozens of campus and local environmental internships, all eligible for summer funding: Campus Emissions Research, Hopkins Forest Caretakers, Environmental Education, Sheep Hill environmental education, Farm Market/Ag research, Clark Art landscape internship, Environmental Analysis Lab, Hoosic River Watershed Association, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, and more…http://ces.williams.edu/category/summer-jobs/National/Global Summer Internships: Dozens of enviro internships and research positions in the US, many developed specifically by CES alumnae for Williams students HERECES Summer Funding for internships and research information and application form here.Deadline: March 10 (second deadline: April 8).Position required to apply for funding.
Camp Counselors – Pleasant Valley
Pleasant Valley Nature Camp is celebrating its’ 67 th year. We are seeking caring, committed, and enthusiastic staff to lead campers for their best summer ever! Our counselors:
- 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 are strongly encouraged to apply;
- Experience working with children;
- Willingness to obtain certification in CPR/First Aid are required-training is provided;
- Some positions also require lifeguard/water safety certifications;
- Successful candidates will 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: $10.00- $12.00 per hour – depending on experience and position.
Additional Comments
Camp Session: June 9 – August 19 Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 3:30 pm or 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Camp Counselors are required to work at least one camp overnight during the summer.
How to Apply
Please send (email preferred) your cover letter and resume to:
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
472 West Mountain Road
Lenox, MA. 01240
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