The BEAT News October 17, 2012

News Headlines

Governor Patrick Announces $267 Million Investment in Energy and Environment as Part of 2013 Capital Plan

 

October 10, 2012 – Governor Deval Patrick has announced $267 million in capital funds for energy and environment projects and programs, furthering the Patrick-Murray Administration’s commitment to investing in protecting our natural resources in Massachusetts.

“These investments will ensure that we continue on the path to economic recovery by laying the foundation for long-term growth,” said Governor Patrick. “By investing in education, infrastructure and innovation we are creating jobs and building a better and brighter Commonwealth for the next generation.”

“As we continue to support the Commonwealth’s long-term economic growth and sustainability, our Administration is committed to making strategic investments that will yield positive results now and in the future,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “The projects in the capital plan will help improve the state’s infrastructure and continue to create significant new jobs in regions across the state.”

The Capital Investment Plan seeks to reverse decades of underinvestment, create jobs and improve the Commonwealth’s economic future by supporting public assets – classrooms and academic buildings, roads and bridges, and public housing. The plan also invests in the Commonwealth’s innovation industries to create thousands of jobs and set the stage for future economic growth.

“This updated five-year capital investment plan continues the Patrick-Murray Administration’s commitment to rebuilding our public infrastructure and making targeted investments to support economic growth,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Jay Gonzalez.  “Our ability to make these critical investments is a function of our fiscally responsible finance plan and the low-cost financing available to us thanks to the Commonwealth having its highest-ever credit ratings under the Patrick-Murray Administration.”

“Under this plan, we are investing in innovation, helping Massachusetts become more energy dependent and helping to create jobs,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rick Sullivan. “These investments also make a significant commitment to protecting our natural resources, ensuring that the people of the Commonwealth can enjoy our state forests, parks, farms, and wildlife for generations to come.”
Investing in the Commonwealth’s Energy and Environment


The energy and environment investments made in the FY13-17 Capital Plan focus on the Administration’s goal of reducing our environmental impact in a responsible manner. Highlights include:

  • $1.75 million for a four-year initiative to revitalize Heritage Parks, primarily located in urban areas, that provide exhibits and historic information with an emphasis on the industrial history of the communities in which they are located;
  • A $1.25 million investment in the nationally recognized river and wetland restoration program for the Department of Fish and Game expected to leverage an additional $5 million in federal and private funds and create over 75 jobs per year;
  • Final design and initial construction of a headquarters building for the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife in Westborough. This will replace current outdated and overcrowded facilities and will be the Commonwealth’s first net zero energy building.

Since 2006, the Patrick-Murray Administration’s conservation efforts have protected more than 100,000 acres of open space at an investment cost of over $287 million.  This legacy of land conservation is protecting our drinking water, sustaining communities’ character, providing children with a place to play, conserving forests and natural habitat and supporting jobs in forestry, farming and tourism.

To read the FY13 Capital Plan, please visit: http://www.mass.gov/bb/cap/fy2013/rec/hdefault.htm

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Small Environmental Organization Tackles Polluting Nuclear Facility

Entergy Corporation could be could be liable for up to $831,325,000.00 in civil penalties for polluting Cape Cod Bay at its Pilgrim nuclear reactor.  According to a letter sent to the company and federal officials on October 5, 2012 by local residents, since 1996, there have been 33,253 violations of the federal Clean Water Act. Entergy could liable for a $25,000.00 civil penalty for each violation.

The letter was sent under the provisions of the federal Clean Water Act, which gives citizens the right to enforce the law if the government fails to do so. Citizens must give the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency written notice of the pollution and a chance to act on the violations.  If the agency does not act, citizens can bring a suit after 60 days.  Entergy could avoid being sued by reaching an agreement with the citizens or EPA over the violations, and stopping the activities that are alleged to be unlawful. The letter tells the EPA that the citizens may file a lawsuit after 60 days if the agency does not act.

The Pilgrim nuclear power station uses 510 million gallons a day of ocean water for its once-through cooling system.  Marine life is harmed by the water intake, and after cycling through Pilgrim, the heated ocean water is discharged at temperatures up to 32 degrees hotter, and sometimes up to 120 degrees, and containing chemical pollution.  Pilgrim has been using the once-through cooling system since 1972, and was recently relicensed for another 20 years by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The letter identifies 15 different types of violations of the Clean Water Act. They include unlawfully discharging into the Bay a chemical used to control corrosion in the station’s pipes, exceeding legal limits for pH and chlorine, discharging total suspended solids and oil and grease without a permit, and failing to properly monitor and report pollutant discharges.  The letter also alleges that Entergy has failed to conduct required biological monitoring to assess the impacts of the cooling water system on the Bay. The letter claims the 33,253 violations are documented in Entergy’s own monitoring reports filed with the government every month.

Also on October 5, a group of residents sent a separate notice of intent to sue to the state Department of Environmental Protection for allowing Entergy to damage the environment and failing to enforce the law. The state law allows a “damage to the environment” case to be brought, based on violations of pollution laws.  The residents can initiate the state suit 21 days after the October 5 letter if the state does not act.

“Our ocean is not Entergy’s dump.  Cape Cod Bay belongs to all of us. Our regulators should enforcing the laws that prevent this kind of pollution,” said Pine duBois, one of the three residents who are signatories to the letter.

Attorney Meg Sheehan, one of the attorneys representing the residents said, “Our oceans and fisheries are in terrible shape, and stopping Entergy’s pollution is one way to make things better.  The Bay belongs to all of us.  It is vital to tourism and is part of our natural and marine heritage.  Pilgrim has been polluting Cape Cod Bay for over 40 years.  Enough is enough.”

For more information:  www.capecodbaywatch.org

www.pilgrimwatch.org

Pine duBois

pine@jonesriver.org

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Plan to Reduce Toxic Chemical Use by Dry Cleaners Across Commonwealth

 

State environmental officials today announced adoption of a plan by the Toxic Use Reduction Act (TURA) program offices designed to reduce the use of toxic solvents by dry cleaners. The Toxics Use Reduction Administrative Council unanimously adopted the resolution to address the use of the chemical perchloroethylene.

 

Under the plan, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will revise its Environmental Results Program (ERP) that now covers all dry cleaners using perchloroethylene, using a voluntary approach, at first, to bring about significant reductions in the use of the chemical (also known as “perc”). If a voluntary approach does not bring about the required reductions within four years, MassDEP will propose mandatory rules that promote the reductions.

 

“This plan is a big step forward in our efforts to minimize the use of toxic solvents by dry cleaners in the Commonwealth,” said Undersecretary for the Environment Philip Griffiths. “There are safer alternatives that we need to encourage dry cleaners to use, to ensure the safety of their workers, and the protection of our environment.”

 

Under the federal Clean Air Act, MassDEP has the authority to regulate the dry cleaning industry. Under MassDEP’s innovative ERP, dry cleaners using perc must submit annually a certification that they are in compliance with all environmental regulations.

 

The Administrative Council’s resolution outlines the changes that MassDEP plans to make to the annual compliance certification forms, and the changes to the certification program workbook, which is available to dry cleaners as a resource document for completing the certifications. The resolution also describes the voluntary “comparative analysis” that assists dry cleaners in understanding and comparing the benefits and costs, including risks, of alternatives to perc. The plan also outlines a process by which goals for perchloroethylene use will be set to encourage an accelerated rate of reductions, and the voluntary comparative analysis will become mandatory if the goals are not met.

 

“MassDEP enthusiastically supports the voluntary approach adopted by the TURA Council to build on our successful Environmental Results Program for dry cleaners,” said MassDEP Commissioner Kenneth Kimmell. “By providing the expanded information and options analysis tools, this program will allow all dry cleaners to make the best environmental and business decisions for them as they consider their future professional cleaning options.”

 

As part of the new plan, the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI), based at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, and the state Office of Technical Assistance and Technology (OTA) will continue to provide education and assistance to the industry, which, in recent years, has focused on safer alternatives that have been demonstrated to be both technically and economically viable. Long-standing collaboration with industry trade associations has already resulted in substantial perc reductions.

 

Perchlorotheylene was designated by the TURA Administrative Council as a Higher Hazard Substance (HHS) in 2008, following a TURA Science Advisory Board recommendation that was based on a review of information that confirmed its toxicity. The HHS designation required OTA to achieve further reductions in the use of perc, but the designation would have covered less than a quarter of the dry cleaners now using perc. So the voluntary plan that covers all dry cleaner operations was drafted.

 

OTA consulted with MassDEP, TURI, industry trade associations and other stakeholders, individual dry cleaners, environmental and public health experts, and the TURA Advisory Council, and recommended that modifications be made to MassDEP’s ERP and, if necessary, state air regulations. OTA found that the voluntary approach would be more efficient for both the state and the dry cleaner industry, and should achieve the required results with a lower economic impact on the industry.

 

Perchloroethylene has serious consequences for public health and the environment when it is spilled or released during the dry cleaning process, and the chemical ends up contaminating groundwater. Perc can migrate and later volatilize, with the vapors rising up through the soil and causing serious air quality issues in the lower floors of buildings.

 

The Toxics Use Reduction program has identified several other less toxic options to perc for dry cleaners to consider. These alternatives include high flashpoint hydrocarbons, professional wet-cleaning, acetyls, propylene glycol ethers, and siloxanes. More information on these alternatives is available on a fact sheet developed by TURI: http://tinyurl.com/8kyogo8

 

Information on MassDEP’s ERP for dry cleaners is available here: http://www.mass.gov/dep/service/online/erpforms.htm#dc

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 $439,000 In Federal Grants From USDA To Market Massachusetts Speciality Crops

 

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) Commissioner Greg Watson  announced $439,000 in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for projects aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Massachusetts specialty crops. The grants will benefit 17 agricultural organizations across the Commonwealth.

“We are excited to assist our agricultural partners in promoting Massachusetts specialty crops,” said Commissioner Watson. “I’m confident the projects selected will accomplish the goal of expanding market opportunities, making the Commonwealth’s farmers more competitive.”

Organizations representing apple and cranberry growers, winemakers, and horticulture are among the recipients of this year’s USDA Specialty Crop Block Grants, which are funded by the United States Farm Bill. This year, the USDA provided an estimated $55 million to state departments of agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops – defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery products.

“Once again, I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has made these funds available to Massachusetts and the 17 agricultural organizations across the state,” said Sen. Marc R. Pacheco, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “These funds will go a long way in helping these projects get off the ground and make the Massachusetts agriculture sector more competitive and successful. I want to thank the Obama Administration and our federal legislative delegation for their continued support and ensuring these funds were made available for Massachusetts.”

“These grants showcase how our farmers have diversified their crops and methods of production to meet the changing consumer markets.  From the smallest to largest grant they help to sustain our agricultural heritage,” said Rep. Anne Gobi, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture.

This year’s grant recipients include:

  • Massachusetts Farm to School Initiative (Amherst) — $50,000 to provide resources and technical assistance to specialty crop growers, school food service personnel and institutional food service professionals to support and increase farm to cafeteria food sales.

 

  • Nuestras Raices (Holyoke) — $39,922.50 to increase the sales of specialty crops while also addressing the nutritional and educational needs of low income immigrant families.

 

  • The University of Massachusetts (Amherst) — $34,000 to demonstrate the feasibility of growing fava beans as a specialty crop in Massachusetts.

 

  • New Entry Sustainable Farming Project (Lawrence) — $30,000 to provide technical assistance to 30 beginning  immigrant growers with a focus on specific products that are increasingly in demand at CSA’s and farmers’ markets as well as marketability of the products.

 

  • Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (South Deerfield) — $30,000 to partner with the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association, Berkshire Grown and Northeast Harvest will develop a marketing campaign to increase the consumption of 24 select specialty crops.

 

  • Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association (Carver) —  $29,950 to develop a process and database to organize the pond/bog interactions, pond water quality, and identify likely Total Maximum Daily Load standards (TMDLs)  regulatory issues prior to The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) involvement.

 

  • Holyoke Kindergarten Initiative (Holyoke) — $29,600 to launch a new program using local specialty crops to facilitate early childhood education in Holyoke Public Schools.

 

  • The Worcester Kindergarten Farm to School Initiative (Amherst) — $24,000 to expand their comprehensive nutrition education program that uses Massachusetts specialty crop snacks and specialty crop farm visits to teach young students about local food production and healthy eating.

 

  • DAR’s “MassGrown & Fresher” — $22,095 to will promote specialty crops through consumer events and an email marketing campaign.

 

  • Sustainable Business Networks of Greater Boston (SBN) — $20,000 to organize a trade show that will create connections between local and regional food systems, the consumers and the specialty crop producers.

 

  • Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom (Seekonk) —  $20,000 to develop new initiatives that offer tools and training to inspire and enable Massachusetts educators to initiate new school gardens or expand existing programs.

 

  • New England Apple Association (Hatfield) — $16,000 to collaborate with Rhode Island Department of Agriculture will enhance the visibility of New England apples and develop an apple breeding program to add access to new apple varieties.

 

  • Massachusetts Farm Winery Growers Association (Lincoln) — $15,000 to expand the Massachusetts wine industry through the development of a mobile application to increase consumer awareness and drive wine sales.

 

  • Massachusetts Nursery & Landscape Association (Conway) & Massachusetts Flower Growers’ Association (Bedford) — $13,000 to develop a consumer and industry campaign to promote water conservation practices.

 

  • University of Massachusetts Extension (Amherst) — $8,470 to offer Better Process Control School (BPCS): a course that teaches key food safety processing fundamentals that will be offered through a scholarship to Massachusetts specialty crop growers interested in value added food processing.

 

  • Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets in partnership with MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources — $8,000 to continue to research the UVM Extension hopyard project and enhance farmer capacity to produce high quality hops for the New England brewing industry.

 

  • The Northeast Organic Farming Association (Barre) — $5,000 to improve educational resources for Massachusetts organic vegetable growers.

 

DAR’s mission is to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in Massachusetts. Through its four divisions – Agricultural Conservation & Technical Assistance, Agricultural Markets, Animal Health, and Crop and Pest Services – DAR strives to support, regulate and enhance the rich diversity of the Commonwealth’s agricultural community to promote economically and environmentally sound food safety and animal health measures, and fulfill agriculture’s role in energy conservation and production. For more information, visit DAR’s website at www.mass.gov/agr, and/or follow at twitter.com/MDARcommish.

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$366 Million Settlement to Cleanup PCBs in New Bedford Harbor

The Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, on behalf of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, have reached a settlement with AVX Corp. for $366.25 million plus interest regarding the New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site, in New Bedford, Mass.

The settlement paves the way for expedited implementation of the cleanup of the New Bedford Harbor Site at full capacity, providing more rapid protection of public health and the environment in addressing polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contaminated sediment in the harbor.  PCBs are mixtures of up to 209 individual synthetic chlorinated compounds that are chemically stable, attach onto sediment particles readily and are resistant to biodegradation.  PCBs are characterized as a probable carcinogen in humans.

The settlement follows an April 18, 2012, enforcement order issued by EPA to AVX to implement the ongoing cleanup work at the Harbor Site.

The “cash-out” settlement will be paid to the United States and the commonwealth jointly, and retained by EPA for use at the Harbor Site.  The settlement provides the United States and the commonwealth with funding from AVX Corp. to continue to take action to remediate contamination.  This includes dredging PCB-contaminated sediment and disposing the dredged sediment at an appropriately licensed off-site facility, in a confined aquatic disposal cell in the Lower Harbor, and in confined disposal facilities to be built along the shoreline. AVX’s payment resolves its remaining liabilities to pay for the costs of cleanup at the site. If approved by the court, this will be the largest single-site cash settlement in the history of the Superfund program.

“This agreement is the product of our commitment to pursue the government’s legal rights to defray costs borne by the Superfund and U.S. taxpayers in the cleanup of the New Bedford Harbor and to hold polluters ultimately accountable,” said Ignacia S. Moreno,  Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice.  “The recovery of these settlement funds will result in a more rapid reduction of human health and environmental risks and faster restoration of the harbor for the use and benefit of the public.”

“With this settlement, we are making good on our pledge to the citizens of New Bedford to help clean their harbor.  Cleanup work will proceed much faster with dedicated funding, and we will more rapidly be able to ensure that both human health and ecological health are being protected from exposure to PCBs in New Bedford Harbor,” said Curt Spalding, the Regional Administrator of EPA’s New England Office.  “Further, the settlement is consistent with EPA’s longstanding ‘polluter pays’ principle.”

“This settlement is a victory for the people of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “These funds will allow us to expedite the ongoing cleanup efforts at the Harbor Site in order to protect the environment and the public health of our residents.”

“This settlement brings hundreds of millions of dollars to the City of New Bedford to clean up contamination that subjected people to unacceptable health risks and limited economic development,” said Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley.  “The AVX Corporation is responsible for the contamination and will pay for the cleanup, not Massachusetts taxpayers. The settlement also significantly accelerates the schedule so the region can feel the economic benefits sooner rather than later.”

“Thanks to this record settlement, those who live and work along the harbor will see a significant reduction in risk to humans and the environment, and people will not have to wait decades to begin to enjoy the harbor’s natural resources,” said Commissioner Kenneth Kimmell of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. “As the natural resources return to vitality, so will tourism, recreation and redevelopment for harbor-side communities.”

The settlement with AVX will provide the bulk of the estimated funding needed to allow EPA to complete the cleanup remedy for the New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site in approximately five to seven years, in contrast to the estimated 40 or more years it would take to complete the remedy under current funding of $15 million per year from the Superfund and payment of $1.5 million per year by the commonwealth.

From the 1940s to the 1970s, AVX’s corporate predecessor, Aerovox Corp., owned and operated what was known as the Aerovox facility, an electrical capacitor manufacturing facility located on the western shore of New Bedford Harbor.  The United States and the commonwealth have determined that Aerovox discharged hazardous substances, including PCBs, into the harbor, and that Aerovox’s facility was the primary source of PCBs released into the harbor.

In 1983, the New Bedford Site was listed on the EPA’s Superfund National Priorities list, and the United States and the commonwealth of Massachusetts filed suit against AVX and other companies for injury to natural resources at the site from releases of PCBs.  In 1984, the civil action was amended to include claims on behalf of EPA for recovery of response costs.  AVX previously paid $66 million, plus interest, for past and future response costs and natural resource damages at the Harbor Site as a result of a 1992 settlement with the U.S. and the commonwealth.  The governments reserved certain rights in that settlement through reopener provisions, which were exercised to bring about this current settlement.  In addition, in 2010 AVX entered into a settlement with the U.S. to demolish the Aerovox facility, which was accomplished in 2011, and AVX entered into a separate settlement with the commonwealth to address the remaining contamination at the Aerovox facility.

Under the supplemental consent decree lodged today in federal district court in Boston supplementing and modifying the 1992 consent decree, AVX agrees to pay $366.25 million plus interest to settle its remaining liabilities for cleanup at the harbor site.

The supplemental consent decree will be published in the Federal Register and is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court.   A copy of the consent decree will be available on the Justice Department website at www.usdoj.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.

More information: EPA’s New Bedford Harbor website www.epa.gov/nbh

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Geissler’s Supermarket Recycles Food Waste in Agawam, MA

Geissler’s Supermarket has recently started composting food waste at their location in Agawam. Instead of throwing un-sellable food in the trash, Geissler’s collects this material separately and it is brought to an area farm where it is composted.  The program started in March and is now projected to prevent approximately 78 tons of food waste from going to the trash annually.

Triple T Trucking hauls the supermarket’s food waste to one of three farms in the Pioneer Valley where it is processed into compost for agricultural use. “It definitely is cheaper,” says Tom Scavotto, the store manager at Geissler’s.  “The length of time between our trash pick-ups has doubled since we started composting.”  He added that the program has been running smoothly.

This cost-saving program was initiated with assistance from RecyclingWorks, a business assistance program funded by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and delivered under contract by the Center for EcoTechnology.  “Geissler’s staff and management were very supportive of the new diversion program,” adds Sean Pontani, with RecyclingWorks.  “Businesses appreciate an efficient program that can reduce their waste and reduce costs while benefiting the environment.  It’s a win-win.”

RecyclingWorks collaborated with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission who assisted with outreach and created custom signs. RecyclingWorks provided technical assistance and staff training. The program at Geissler’s eliminates food waste and waxed cardboard from their rubbish disposal, leading to significant savings in disposal fees, which more than offsets the composting service cost.

Geissler’s submitted an application for the MassDEP Supermarket Recycling Certification Program, which recognizes stores that divert food waste and recycle cardboard and plastics. MassDEP promptly accepted the application. This MassDEP certification program encourages individual supermarkets and the industry as a whole to throw away less while recycling and composting more. “We congratulate Geissler’s in achieving the Supermarket Recycling Certification Program for recycling and composting,” says Sumner Martinson, Director of MassDEP’s Composting Program. “Their initiative will provide cost-savings for the store, regulatory relief from the current waste bans, and it is making a positive environmental statement.  By implementing a composting and recycling program now, Geissler’s will already be compliant when the Commercial Organics Waste ban comes into effect in 2014.”

“I am pleased and honored to have such a wonderful business as Geissler’s in Agawam who goes the extra distance to be mindful of how important it is to recycle food waste and protect our environment,” says Agawam Mayor Richard Cohen.  “I congratulate Geissler’s for applying and for their acceptance to The MassDEP certification program for Supermarket Recycling and Composting as it is a great accomplishment and will have a positive environmental impact now and well into the future.”
For more information on how your business can start or improve upon an existing recycling or composting program, contact RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts — a recycling assistance program administered by the Center for EcoTechnology under contract with the MassDEP. RecyclingWorks in MA helps businesses and institutions maximize recycling, reuse, and composting opportunities. A RecyclingWorks Expert can be reached by calling (888) 254-5525, or emailing info@recyclingworksma.com.   Or visit the website www.recyclingworksma.com.

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Vigil to End Climate Silence

from 350 Massachusetts

It’s time to break the silence on climate in the Massachusetts Senate race.

Climate change is the biggest threat the world has ever faced, and we’re quickly running out of time to take action. Countless lives are at stake, yet candidates and the media skirt the issue or fail to mention it at all.

So from October 23-30, Massachusetts residents will participate in a round-the-clock Vigil to End Climate Silence at Government Center in Boston. We encourage those who live far away to organize their own satellite rallies and spread the word.

Click here to be part of the Vigil to End Climate Silence.

We need bold climate policies and true leadership, as each passing second without action deepens the crisis we face. Here in Massachusetts, we watched the recent debates in Lowell and Springfield with a sense of growing disbelief. It was business-as-usual and politics-as-usual, with not a single mention of climate change.

We ask that candidates for federal office in Massachusetts spell out their positions on climate change between now and the election, particularly at the October 30th debate—even if the debate moderator or other journalists do not ask them about it.

We need to know whether the candidates acknowledge the climate crisis as the biggest issue of our time. We need to know whether they will make climate change a top policy priority—beginning with a vote to repeal the billions of dollars in federal subsidies and giveaways to the fossil fuel industry, the very industry that is destroying our climate and our future.

Unless people across the country stand up and provide a moral counter-weight to the money and power of the fossil fuel industry, climate change will not be a top priority for elected officials or a central issue in political campaigns. Right now, there’s no better place to take this stand than in Massachusetts, where the US Senate race is in the national spotlight.

Will you help us put climate change in the national spotlight too? Click here to sign up for a shift at the Vigil to End Climate Silence.

We hope to see you standing with us in Boston next week.

Onward,

Vanessa, Craig, Marla, and the 350 Massachusetts team

This message was sent on behalf of our partners at 350 Massachusetts. The Vigil to End Climate Silence is sponsored by 350 Massachusetts, the Better Future Project, Massachusetts Climate Action Network, Religious Witnesses for the Earth, and Students for a Just and Stable Future.

 

This email was paid for by the 350 Action Fund, which works to empower a dynamic activist movement to fight for the solutions to the climate crisis that science and justice demand. We must use all tools at our disposal for these purposes, including efforts to influence policy and policymakers through bold and creative campaigning. Therefore, the work of the 350 Action Fund is necessary to complement the work of our affiliated organization 350.org, which works to build a global grassroots movement to solve the climate crisis.

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Chronic Wasting Disease Found in Pennsylvania Deer

With the recent confirmation of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a Pennsylvania deer, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is reminding hunters of the ban on importing intact deer carcasses from CWD-positive jurisdictions such as Pennsylvania and New York, into Massachusetts.

To prevent the possibility of this disease entering Massachusetts, regulations were adopted making it illegal for anyone to import, process or possess whole carcasses or parts of deer, elk, or moose (from the wild or from captive herds) from states and Canadian provinces where CWD has been found. The only exceptions to the regulations are meat that is deboned, cleaned skull caps, hides without the head, or a finished taxidermy mount. Also, it is illegal to import live deer of any species into Massachusetts for any purpose. This ban includes animals used in deer farming practices and those used seasonally for petting zoos or holiday displays.

To date, CWD has been found in wild or captive deer or elk in 23 states and provinces: Alberta, Canada; Colorado; Iowa; Illinois; Kansas; Maryland; Michigan; Minnesota; Missouri; Montana; Nebraska; New Mexico; North Dakota; Oklahoma; Pennsylvania; Saskatchewan, Canada; South Dakota; Texas; Utah; Virginia; West Virginia; Wisconsin; and Wyoming.

CWD is a contagious neurological disease fatal to deer, moose, elk, and other members of the cervid (deer) family. CWD attacks the brains of infected animals, resulting in their becoming emaciated, exhibiting abnormal behavior, and eventually dying.

A CWD monitoring and testing program for wild cervids has been conducted in Massachusetts by MassWildlife since 2002. Currently, MassWildlife is only testing deer or moose displaying symptoms of disease. CWD has not been found in Massachusetts deer or moose.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The World Health Organization, there is no evidence that CWD can be transmitted to humans. Hunters have been taking and eating deer, elk and moose from the infected areas of Colorado and Wyoming for more than 30 years.

For more information about CWD and FAQs, visit http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/diseases/cwd_info.htm.

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‘Friends’ Conference to Promote Networking for Massachusetts’ Forests, Parklands, Trails and Beaches

(Worcester, Mass) Autumn in Massachusetts always sparks an appreciation for the incredible natural beauty found throughout the Commonwealth from the sugar maple forest of Pittsfield State Forest in the west to the pitch–pine scrub–oak forest of Nantucket State Forest in the east. Nevertheless, Massachusetts’ forests, parks, trails and beaches are in trouble.
“We’ve all found garbage dumped in and near our parks, seen environmental damage caused by illegal vehicles, found broken windows and graffiti and evidence of illegal campfires. Many people have participated in park clean ups in nearby parks. Some may even have called the Environmental Police on occasion or wondered how to report such things. People across the Commonwealth have become determined to do something to make things better,” stated Michael Toomey from the Friends of Howe Park in Spencer State Forest.

“Decades of cuts to the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) operational budget have left all parks across the Commonwealth under funded with some unstaffed or closed,” Toomey continued.  “Parks without adequate care develop infrastructure and environmental problems that undermine the surrounding communities and cost more in the long run to correct.” There is a way you can help.
The Massachusetts Forest and Park Friends Network (MFPFN) is a grassroots group working to connect and encourage volunteers for state forests and parklands. “The Friends Network knows you can make a difference—and we are here to help you. We believe that by bringing people together to care for our public lands we can maintain the quality of life in our communities, protect public health, show responsible public land stewardship and even attract tourism,” said Toomey.

“Since 2007, the MFPFN’s key mission is to see a Friends group for each of the 331 DCR forests, parks, trails and beaches. We have identified 47 active Friends groups that people can join, or they can start their own group. There’s a long way to go but we have the Friends Network for support,” stated Sharl Heller of Myles Standish State Forest.

“Friends groups come in all sizes. At Ellisville Harbor State Park, a neighbor regularly picks up the trash, while the Friends of the Ellisville Marsh have undertaken a huge effort to restore the marsh. The Charles River Conservancy partners with DCR to bring in over 2,500 volunteers a year for the care of the Charles River Parklands. The Friends of Willard Brook State Forest and the Friends of the Blue Hills have worked to control invasive plants. Many groups have used the DCR Partnership Matching Funds Grants to build bridges, improve trails and signage, and more. No matter how small or large a group is, they are all making a difference,” said Heller.

The Friends Network web site has a list of the 331 DCR Properties that has or needs a Friends group. People can help the DCR and the Friends Network by submitting information on the MFPFN DCR Properties List online form to help us keep the database current. You will soon find an online form to report problems at specific parks,” Heller added.

Anyone who uses or cares about Massachusetts’ forest, parks, trails and beaches, is invited to meet other Friends at the Friends Network Conference on Saturday, November 17, 2012, from 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM at Union Station, in the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) Conference Room, 2 Washington Square, Worcester, Mass.

The Keynote Speaker will be Priscilla Geigis, Assistant Commissioner and Director of the Division of State Parks and Recreation at the Massachusetts DCR and President of the National Association of State Park Directors. Her topic will be State Parks – A Natural Fit!

Find out more at www.networkingfriends.net
Quick link to the agenda
Quick link to the online registration form
Quick link to the mail-in registration form

 

Tufts Students volunteering for<br /><br /><br /> Friends of the Middlesex Fells<br /><br /><br /> ReservationVolunteers in Action!
On August 25th, 2012,10 students from Tufts University’s FOCUS pre-orientation community service program cleaned up trails in the Middlesex Fells Reservation.  The event was coordinated by the Friends of the Fells. Photo credit: Rich Sanford.

MFPFN’s list of all DCR forests, parks, trails and beaches that have or need friends.

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Job Opening: Assistant Superintendent, Trustees of Reservations Stockbridge, MA

The mission of the Trustees of Reservations is to preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. We are more than 100,000 people like you who love the outdoors, who love the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting them, for everyone, forever. Together with our neighbors, we protect the distinct character of our communities and inspire a commitment to our special places. Our passion is to share with everyone the irreplaceable natural and cultural treasures we care for. We enjoy and care for more than 100 special places – nearly 25,000 acres – all around Massachusetts. And we are actively building an extended family of friends and neighbors across the state that can help in their different ways.

The Assistant Superintendent reports to the Superintendent of the Stockbridge Management Unit. This is a full-time, non-exempt position located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

Responsibilities
The Assistant Superintendent’s responsibilities can be categorized into the following areas: property stewardship, organizational capacity building, and personnel supervision and development. Specifically, the Assistant Superintendents duties include:

Property stewardship:

  • Assist with the protection and management of all properties within the SMU, following The Trustees’ Management Guidelines, specific property management plans, and other effective land management techniques.
  • Supervise and/or perform the following landscape related tasks – turf maintenance including mowing, fertilizing, and herbicide applications; tree and shrub pruning and removal; irrigation system maintenance and repairs. Field mowing, parking area maintenance and trash removal, and trail creation and maintenance.
  • Assist with snow removal, which may require working flexible hours and/or overtime.
  • Under the guidance of the Superintendent, oversee and/or perform routine maintenance of all buildings and structures. This may involve, but is not limited to, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting and masonry work, as well as larger capital projects undertaken by staff and by contractors.
  • Ensure that all equipment is in good working order through preventative maintenance.
  • Assist with the preservation and care of unique and important cultural resources both in the landscape and in Trustees buildings and structures.
  • Maintain good and productive relationships with our neighbors, visitors, town officials, businesses, and The Trustees’ staff from other divisions and regions.
  • Ensure some flexibility to work on weekends and/or evenings to prepare for special events or to ensure the safety of the visiting public.
  • Be able to work independently and as part of a team and be willing to learn new skills in order to meet the broad range of tasks that will be assigned to the position.
  • Be willing to assist with projects on other Trustees properties as required and perform additional duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

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Apply for the Merrell Pack Activation Grant by November 15th!

Do you have an idea that will increase participation in outdoor recreation activities? If so, Merrell and Outdoor Nation have an opportunity for you — The Pack Project Activation Grant Program!
Merrell and Outdoor Nation recognize that sometimes the smallest awards can make the largest differences. For this reason, The Pack Project Activation Grant Program will be awarding a total of $12,500 to a minimum of 5 projects designed to give young individuals between the ages of 18 and 28 or 501c3 non-profit organizations the resources and funding needed to bring their innovation and active ideas to life. Grants will be awarded to the most innovative, impactful and sustainable projects focusing on increasing outdoor recreation in communities across the country.

The deadline to apply for this second cycle of the grant is November 15, 2012, so apply today! For more information, visit the Outdoor Nation website.
This award program is made possible by Merrell!

Apply Now!

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November 1 Deadline for Barrett Fund

 

November 1 is the deadline for submitting grant applications to the William J. and Margery S. Barrett Fund for Adams, Cheshire and Savoy. Nonprofit organizations, community organizations or public agencies that serve the residents of Adams, Cheshire or Savoy are eligible to submit grant applications. Previous projects funded have included hot, home delivered meals for seniors, digital photography workshops and parenting education programs.

 

This year the there will be a priority for programs and projects that enhance early childhood development for children between the ages of 0-6 years. The fund’s intentions are to promote the well-being and overall development of young children in all areas including cognitive, language, pre-literacy, social-emotional and physical so that children are “ready to learn” when they enter kindergarten.

 

Applications and guidelines are available online.

For a list of past grantees: view full press release

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American Rivers and NOAA Community-Based Restoration Program River Grants

Restoring Rivers: Stream Barrier Removal Grants

Since 2001, American Rivers and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Community-based Restoration Program have provided financial and technical assistance for river restoration projects benefiting diadromous fish species in the Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT), Mid-Atlantic (DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA), Northwest (ID, OR, WA) and California. We are also excited that projects located in the South-Atlantic (FL, GA, NC, SC) are eligible to receive partnership funds from American Rivers. [Diadromous fish migrate between freshwater and saltwater during their life cycle. Examples include alewife, American shad, American eel, salmon, steelhead and shortnose sturgeon.]

For the past ten years, our partnership with the NOAA Restoration Center has provided more than $5.3 million to support over 140 community-driven river restoration projects that have benefited diadromous fish populations and habitats throughout the country. Click on the map to learn more about the projects we have funded.

The American Rivers-NOAA River Grants program funds stream barrier removal projects in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Northwest, South-Atlantic and California. Applications are being evaluated based upon the following priority criteria: (1) ecological merits of the project, (2) technical feasibility of the project, (3) timeliness in completion of funded phase; (4) benefits provided to the local community, and (5) financial clarity and strength of the application.  Grants are provided for three distinct project phases: Construction, Engineering Design and Feasibility Analysis. The maximum award request is $150,000.

Applications are currently being accepted for 2013 project funding with a deadline of December 7, 2012. Applications for projects must be received by the deadline for consideration in this funding cycle. Potential applicants must contact American Rivers to discuss projects prior to submitting an application.

Applicants can expect notification about funding decisions in March 2013, with disbursement of funds likely by May 2013.

  • Funding Guidelines (PDF)


Select your appropriate regional contact below:

Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT): Brian Graber, 413-585-5896 or Amy Singler, 413-584-2183
Mid-Atlantic (NY): Stephanie Lindloff, 518-482-2631
Mid-Atlantic (DE, NJ, PA): Laura Craig, 856-786-9000
Mid-Atlantic (DC, MD, VA): Serena McClain, 202-347-7550 x 3004
California: Serena McClain, 202-347-7550 x 3004
Northwest (ID, OR, WA): Denise Hoffert-Hay, 503-827-8648 x303
South-Atlantic (FL, GA, NC, SC): Lynnette Batt, 919-682-3197

Click here for more information on the NOAA Community-Based Restoration Program and its partners.

General Questions? Contact:
Serena McClain, American Rivers
1101 14th Street, NW, Suite 1400
Washington, DC 20005
202-347-7550 x3004
rivergrants@AmericanRivers.org

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