The BEAT News September 19, 2007

Citizens’ Coordinating Council (CCC) public meeting, Wednesday, September 19 at 5:30 PM.  The meeting will be held in Pittsfield, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  A draft agenda for the meeting is available. [link the words “draft agenda” to the CCC agenda that I put in the News/Archives folder on the BEAT web site]

  The Citizens’ Coordinating Council (CCC) meets with representatives of the General Electric Company, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on an ongoing basis.

The CCC will be discussing an outreach plan for the coming year that expands on the CCC effort to bring information to communities affected by the Rest of River project.  This will be an important meeting. Your input is needed on the outreach plan, and on the CCC schedule for the year.

 

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NRCS announces accelerated sign-up for farm conservation program in Massachusetts

AMHERST, MA (September 19, 2007) — Massachusetts farmers who would like technical and financial assistance in managing their natural resources are encouraged to apply now for the federal Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP – see http://www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip.html). The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has been authorized to conduct an accelerated sign-up period for EQIP while work on the next federal Farm Bill continues.

Applications must be received by Friday, November 12, 2007. Farmers should call or visit their local USDA Service Center as soon as possible to begin the conservation planning process and complete the necessary paperwork.

USDA service center locations are listed on-line at http://offices.usda.gov or in the phone book under Federal Government, U.S. Department of Agriculture. General program information is available on the NRCS Massachusetts website at

EQIP helps farmers improve production while protecting environmental quality by addressing such concerns as soil quality, grazing land conservation, irrigation efficiency and comprehensive nutrient management. With financial and technical assistance from NRCS, farmers will promote environmental quality on farmland, address water quality and quantity challenges, and protect valuable fish and wildlife habitat.

“USDA is committed to providing conservation tools and resources to help Massachusetts farmers ensure that their land remains healthy and productive,” said State Conservationist Christine S. Clarke. “NRCS field staff are available to help farmers develop a conservation plan to address their resource concerns.”

In fiscal year 2006, NRCS funded 113 EQIP contracts with Massachusetts farmers to implement $3.86 million in conservation practices on 7,894 acres of land.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment. NRCS has seven Massachusetts field offices in Greenfield, Hadley, Holden, Hyannis, Pittsfield, Westford, and West Wareham, which work with local conservation districts and other partners to serve farmers and landowners throughout the commonwealth.

Diane Baedeker Petit

Public Affairs Officer

United States Department of Agriculture

Natural Resources Conservation Service

451 West Street, Amherst, MA 01002

413-253-4371, fax 413-253-4375

www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov

Helping People Help the Land

 

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DRIVERS, BRAKE FOR MOOSE!

The months of September and October are the peak of the breeding season for Massachusetts‘ growing moose population and motorists are reminded to be conscious of increased moose activity, especially during early morning and evening hours. Having no natural predators in Massachusetts and being protected by law from hunting, moose are unwary as they move through populated areas. During the mating season this indifference is magnified by the “tunnel-vision” created by the urge to reproduce. While moose can appear on virtually any roadway in the state, many are located in Worcester County. Be aware and heed “Moose Crossing” signs erected by MassHighway. Motorists are advised to slow down and drive defensively should a moose be spotted on or by the road. Police and other departments involved in moose/car collisions are reminded that while drivers are allowed by law to keep white-tailed deer they have hit, only MassWildlife or the Environmental Police can make decisions regarding the disposition of moose involved in vehicle collisions. All moose/vehicle collisions should be reported to MassWildlife. More information about moose may be found in the on MassWildlife’s website at http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/living/living_with_moose.htm.

 

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The Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition’s Western Mass. Local Land Trust Grants program is aimed at assisting local land trusts and other conservation groups in western and central Massachusetts strengthen their organizations and improve their land management and stewardship.

Grants are available for up to $10,000 and will be awarded in 2008.

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 31, 2007!

I implore you to take advantage of this incredible opportunity!  The funder is eager to make this program work.  Attached you will find a letter of explanation and an application form.

I have distributed this announcement to a wide variety of correspondents including land trusts, watershed associations, “Friends” groups, etc.  In particular, I have sent it to independent consultants and conservation practitioners, in the hopes that whey will contact local land trusts and other groups to develop significant projects which meet the grant guidelines, especially in the area of land management and stewardship.  I encourage you to distribute this announcement widely to groups who you believe may be interested and eligible.

This project is being coordinated with the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust and the Franklin Land Trust.  I’m looking forward to working with them and I’m very excited about the potential for this grant program.

Please call me for project guidance or with any other questions at 781-248-7045

Regards,

Bernie McHugh, Coordinator
Mass. Land Trust Coalition
18 Wolbach Road
Sudbury, MA 01776
bmchugh@massland.org
Tel: 978-443-5588
Cell: 781-248-7045
Fax: 978-443-2333
www.MassLand.org

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Local Author Publishes Ground-Breaking Farm to School Cookbook

Better School Nutrition and A Boost for Massachusetts Farms is its Aim

Contact: Amy Cotler, Farm to Table Consultant, 413 232 7174. amy@freshcotler.com

Complete book on-line http://www.mass.gov/agr/markets/Farm_to_school/index.htm

Table of Contents page 6, numerous quotes page 127.

Cover photo and quotes available on request

Better student nutrition and a boost for Farm Sales are the dual aims of a new groundbreaking book, Fresh From the Farm: The Massachusetts Farm to School Cookbook. The book, which is now available on-line through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources website, is a tool for school food service staffs, training them how to work with farm-fresh food and introduce more local produce into school lunches. Print copies will published and distributed to every school district in the state through the MA Department of Education, who will soon list it on their website as well, where school food service directors also procure their food.

With the new federal mandate to include more produce in school lunches and the increasing discussion of childhood obesity, the schools are under enormous pressure to improve school lunches. But, they have tight budgets and limited food preparation time. Fresh From the Farm: The Massachusetts Farm to School Cookbook contains 46 recipes using seasonal produce, many emphasizing valued-added farm produce such as already sliced carrots or peel butternut squash, to ease school preparation time. The book is jammed with easy-to-follow educational tips on preparing fresh produce and seasonal buying, along with resources for procurement from nearby farms. All recipes include a nutritional analysis and safety guidelines. There is an addendum for educators with classroom lessons, focusing on the importance of fresh food and the farm to table connection, with a lesson plan development bingo game for educators on how to integrate the book’s concepts into existing mandatory school frameworks.

The book’s recipes were tested statewide for their ease of preparation and student receptivity. School food service professionals submitted requests, some of the recipes, as well as ideas on how to make the book effective. As a result, this empowering book liberally refers to and quotes specific personnel who participated in the project.  Locally, Tammy Jervas, Food Service Director at the Richmond Consolidated Schools and an enthusiastic supporter of serving fresh foods, contributed a tomato sauce recipe, using fresh harvest tomatoes.

“I wasn’t interested in creating a book that would get dusty on the shelf,” says author Amy Cotler, “Rather, I want to implement real change. So to do so,  I needed to engage the kitchen staff and appeal to the students.” said author Amy Cotler. “So the book’s recipes were served at school lunches and tastings were wheeled around in carts with questionnaires for feedback, which I incorporated into the book’s content.”

Ms. Cotler conceived and wrote the grant for this yearlong project after giving numerous cooking lessons in school kitchens across the state. The Mass Farm to School Project was already starting to connect schools to farms, but after working with processed foods for decades, many school kitchens personnel simply didn’t have the skills necessary to prepare fresh foods.

Although Ms. Cotler currently sells real estate with Cohen & White in West Stockbridge, she has worked as chef, culinary educator, cookbook author and farm to table advocate for 24 years. She was director of Berkshire Grown, a non-profit supporting local food and farms, and has consulted and lectured nationally on farm to table issues.

This book project was a unique collaboration, supported by an advisory board of members from, The Massachusetts Farm to School Project, The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, The Massachusetts Department of Education, the School Nutrition Association of Massachusetts, as well as several school nutritionists and food service directors.

Currently Ms Cotler is working with the Pittsfield school system to funding to integrate farm foods into school lunches.  Fresh From the Farm: The Farm to School Cookbook can be easily downloaded: http://www.mass.gov/agr/markets/Farm_to_school/index.htm

 

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Results of Mike Ward’s CSA FARM SURVEY

The response to my survey of interest in a Pittsfield CSA has been very encouraging.  To date, sixty four people have joined the list.  To put that number into perspective, the Garden at Holiday Farm in Dalton (the only CSA in central Berkshire County) sells only 30 shares.  I’m taking down the CSA survey this week but will continue to accept names — just call or email me if you want to be added to the list.

This project is still very early in its start up stage. Anyone with information, advise, or time to help with this project is encouraged to contact Mike Ward or Kristen Boyer (of BEAT).

 

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Grant Opportunity: Pulling Together Initiative The RFP for the 2008 PTI grants has been posted to the NFWF web site – www.nfwf.org/pti. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the USDA Forest Service (FS), the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), solicits proposals from non-profit organizations and government agencies interested in managing invasive and noxious plant species.

 

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New Fundamentals of Urban Runoff Management Document Now Available

A second edition of a popular publication called ?Fundamentals of Urban Runoff Management: Technical and Institutional Issues? was recently published by the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS). This document revises an earlier 1994 edition and was prepared with support from EPA?s Office of Wastewater Management and the Nonpoint Source Control Branch in EPA?s Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds. The update is important because of the tremendous amount of new information available as well as the significant shift in stormwater program direction from the historic mitigation-based approach to a more source-based approach. Copies of the document are posted in pdf format at: http://www.nalms.org/.

From: Water Headlines for September 11, 2007

Benjamin H. Grumbles Assistant Administrator Office of Water
Water Headlines is a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the US Environmental Protection Agency‘s Office of Water

 

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Land Acquisition and Capital Planning Coordinator

Agency Name:

Department Of Fish And Game

Official Title:

Regional Planner IV

Functional Title:

LAnd Acquisition and capital Planning Coordinator

Occupational Group:

Other

Position Type:

Civil Service

Full-Time or Part-Time:

Full-Time

Salary Range:

$53,504.10 to $71,688.24 Annually

Bargaining Unit:

09

Shift:

Day

Confidential:

No

Number Of Vacancies:

1

City/Town:

Boston

Region:

BOSTON

Facility Location:

Department of Fish and Game 251 Causeway Street – Suite 400 Boston, Massachusetts 02114

Application Deadline:

10-03-2007

Apply Online:

No

Posting ID:

J11693

Duties:

1. Assists in the ongoing development and implementation of the Departments statewide land acquisition program.
2. Prepares reports and makes recommendations for the Commissioner. Works with the Divisions staffs to formulate Department positions on environmental issues.
3. Manages the land acquisition program capital accounts of the Department including the recommendations of budgets.
4. Develops policy and procedures to be followed in the use of the Department’s land acquisition program and oversees related capital spending.
5. Oversees and manages special projects that support the Administration and agency mission.
6. Participate in the Department lands Committee to evaluate, select and protect the most important conservation focus areas and real property parcels in order to safeguard the Commonwealth’s natural diversity, and attend site visits and meetings to assess potential focus areas or special parcels for acquisition, as necessary.
7. Attend meetings as the Department’s representative as required.
8. Assist with other projects that support the Administration and agency mission.
9. Oversee the procurement, processing and execution of numerous state Service Contracts relating to the Department’s land acquisition program such as those for property appraisals, title searches, boundary surveys,, the hazardous material screening of acquisition sites, for land, planning, design and construction contracts for building repairs, contracts for clean state remediation projects etc
10. Formulate the capital budget recommendation for the Department by working with the Divisions and coordinate the management of the capital accounts.
11. Prepares and processes “staff “ contracts, service contracts, Interagency Service Agreements, ComPASS
Procurement, etc,
12. Compile and maintain spreadsheets that track the progress of the numerous land acquisition and other capital projects.
13. Perform other related duties as directed by the Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
14. Develop procedures in conjunction with the CFO to be followed in the use of the Department’s capital program, accounts and provide direction relative to the capital spending plan.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time technical or professional experience in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, transportation planning or land use planning, and (B) of which at least three years must have been in a professional capacity, and (C) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A Bachelor’s degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental sciences may be substituted for two years of the required (A) experience.* II. A Graduate degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental sciences may be substituted for three years of the required (A) experience and one year of the required (B) experience. *Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis on the proportion of the requirements actually completed. NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of three years of the required experience. Substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience. No substitution will be permitted for the required (C) experience. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class 3 Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:

. A bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental science, natural resource protection or natural sciences.
2. Three to five years work experience in environmental organization where there is demonstrable experience in policy, planning, programmatic and financial administration.
3. First hand knowledge of the conservation community and natural resources of Massachusetts
4. Familiarity with the principles or organization and workings of
5. government and/or conservation initiatives.
6. Demonstrated commitment to the conservation of biological resources.
7. Ability to communicate and negotiate well in person and in writing with a variety of people.
8. Experience in using financial spreadsheet software strongly preferred.

Comments:

This is a Civil Service position.
The incumbent will act as coordinator of the Department’s Land Acquisition Program overseeing all aspects of expenditures from those accounts including acquisition, construction, planning, project and program management and environmental remediation. This position works closely with the Department Lands Committee to evaluate, select and protect the Commonwealth’s most significant areas of biological diversity. It requires participation in land acquisition planning, the parcel selection process, financial administration of each acquisition project and oversight of the program’s fiscal operations. The position will also assist the Chief Financial Officer and the Divisions in the financial administration of all capital projects including but not limited to scoping, bidding, contract review and cost control. This position also assists the Commissioner and senior staff in the development of policy and the oversight and management of projects that support the administration and agency mission. It will work closely with the Department’s legal staff and with the fisheries, wildlife, Natural Heritage and realty staff of the Division of Fisheries and wildlife.

How To Apply:

All applications must be made in writing, consisting of a cover letter making specific reference to this particular announcement, a current resume with references and a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Application for Employment form, which can be found on the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs web site at http://www.state.ma.us/envir/, select the link Employment Opportunities, then EOEA standard employment application or you may request a copy be sent to you. All applications must be received in this office no later than 5:00 P.M. on the deadline date.

Mail cover letter and resume to:

Peter Burke, Personnel Officer
Department of Fish and Game
251 Causeway Street – Suite 400
Boston, Ma. 02114

Telephone (617) 626-1562
FAX #: (617) 626-1505

Agency Web Address:

http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/

Affirmative Action Officer:

Mr. Peter Burke, (617) 626-1562

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. return to top

CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION ALERT FROM TNC

Dear Colleague,

Please join The Nature Conservancy in our efforts to urge Massachusetts government officials to take a two-pronged approach to climate change  – reducing emissions and supporting planning and programs to help people and nature cope with and adapt to our changing climate.

We need your help!
Please show your support by signing your organization’s name to the attached Position Statement on Massachusetts Climate Change Policy and ask your partners to do the same. We are seeking a broad base of support from land trusts, watershed organizations, environmental groups, business and industry associations, institutions and others. We urge you to show your support by signing the attached Statement!

We hope you will consider endorsing this statement soon.  Timing is critical as Massachusetts state agencies and the Legislature are developing policy proposals now for release in the early fall.

We are asking for adaptation measures to be in all climate change initiatives, this covers the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and any additional legislation or policy. Some environmental/energy/consumer advocacy organizations want RGGI funds to focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy.  We agree that at least 90% of RGGI funds should support energy efficiency and renewables, but maintain that a small percentage, up to ten percent, should support adaptation as climate change impacts on natural communities are irrefutable and need to be decreased or mitigated

Contact Steve Long, Government Relations Associate, before Thursday, September 20 at: <mailto:slong@tnc.org>  or 617-227-7017 ext. 313 to sign on today!  Please note that you may sign on after this date, but we are trying to maximize influence and would appreciate your support as soon as possible.  Steve is maintaining a running list of signatories, including land trusts, watershed organizations and others, so please feel free to contact him for the list or with any questions.

Thanks for your support!
*******************************************************
Position Statement on Massachusetts Climate Change Policy

According to reports from the international scientific community, Massachusetts will experience the effects of climate change, such as increased temperatures and precipitation and sea surges.  These effects will cause multiple impacts, including erratic flooding and damage to property and loss of habitat that will harm people, productivity and natural communities.  The extent of these impacts depends in part on our responses, including the adoption of a two-pronged approach to climate change policy that includes:

*      Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through conservation, increased efficiencies, and renewable energy sources; and
*      Facilitating the adaptation of plants and animals to climate change impacts in terrestrial, marine and freshwater habitats.

This policy approach has broad-based support from several renowned climate change authorities, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

We the undersigned urge Massachusetts policy makers to support a goal of 80% mandatory emissions reduction from current levels by 2050.  We applaud, as an initial step, the Commonwealth’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from large power plants and to support energy efficiency and renewable energy, but realize that more needs to be done.

We the undersigned also urge Massachusetts policy makers to support funding and policy initiatives that will help natural communities cope with and adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change.  We are especially concerned with preserving and protecting the resilience of natural systems and the plant and animal species they support.  By facilitating adaptation, we can realize the benefits of ecosystem services to our economy, such as mitigating floods to preserve property, conserving estuaries to maintain nurseries for fisheries and protecting plants and forests that sequester carbon and provide timber.

Adaptation policy should:
*      Identify and monitor early effects of climate change on natural systems;
*      Integrate adaptation strategies into environmental plans and programs;
*      Protect and connect lands and waters that allow species to migrate as temperatures change, especially in fragmented landscapes that might inhibit migration;
*      Protect and restore habitat on which at-risk species depend thus protecting critical natural resources of statewide significance; and
*      Employ a variety of land and water management strategies, including cooperation with private property owners on voluntary efforts.

From: MassLand Weekly E-News
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community
September 15, 2007
Volume 7, Number 17

Items of interest to the Massachusetts land protection community.
For more news and information, got to http://www.MassLand.org
Please send items of interest to Info@MassLand.org

 

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DCR/EEA OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE WORKING GROUP

Recently, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in partnership with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) assembled an Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Enforcement Working Group, of which the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition is a member, to guide the agency in recommending changes to current OHV laws, regulations and practices.  DCR is sharing this information with the extensive list of individuals and organizations who have expressed an interest in the subject of OHV management to allow you to follow the progress of this committee on DCR’s http://www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/ohv/ohvworkgroup.htm and share your thoughts regarding OHV laws, regulations and management.  Comments should be directed to OHV.comments@state.ma.us


From: MassLand Weekly E-News
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community
September 15, 2007
Volume 7, Number 17

Items of interest to the Massachusetts land protection community.
For more news and information, got to http://www.MassLand.org
Please send items of interest to Info@MassLand.org

 

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SUBMIT WORKSHOPS FOR MASS. LAND TRUST CONFERENCE

18th Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference
Saturday, March 29, 2008 – Worcester, MA

Each year, the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition works with The Trustees of Reservations to present the Mass. Land Conservation Conference.  We rely on the generous pro bono participation of dozens of land conservation practitioners, both professionals and volunteers, to put together the excellent workshops that make this the best-attended and most informative state land trust conference in the country.

Request for Workshop Proposals – Due October 15, 2007

We encourage you to submit a workshop proposal for the 2008 Conference.  This day-long event provides land trust board members, staff, volunteers, commission members and others interested in land conservation with vital training.  We are looking for workshops on successful land protection projects, fundraising, conservation restriction drafting and stewardship, board development, appraisals, tax law, partnerships, outreach and PR.  To see workshop offerings from previous years click on www.TheTrustees.org/PutnamConservationInstitute.cfm <http://www.TheTrustees.org/PutnamConservationInstitute.cfm> and scroll down to “Past Events.”

To submit a workshop proposal, email the following information to Miriam Scagnetti (mscagnetti@ttor.org)
A. Your Contact Information
– Name
– Organization/agency/affiliation/profession
– Postal address
– Email address
– Daytime phone number
B. Your proposed title for a 90-minute workshop
C. The objective(s) of your workshop, i.e. what will participants come away with?
D. Two or three paragraphs describing your workshop
E. The name(s) and affiliations of any co-presenters you might work with
F. Two or three paragraphs describing your connection(s) to this topic. (Please don’t send résumés.)

Important Information to Note
* Look for a confirmation email within a few days saying that we received your proposal.  If you do not receive a confirmation email, please re-send it to <mailto:mscagnetti@ttor.org> and <mailto:pci@ttor.org>.
* In order to provide greater breadth or depth on a topic, we may ask some presenters to co-present with a specific person whom you may not yet know.
* We reserve the right to change workshop titles and descriptions and to accept or reject any workshop proposals.
* We will contact you by December 3 to let you know if your workshop proposal has been accepted or not.
* If your workshop proposal is selected you will receive a complimentary conference registration and lunch.
* You are responsible for your own travel arrangements and expenses.

Questions? Contact Miriam Scagnetti, TTOR’s Putnam Conservation Institute Program Assistant (978-840-4446 x1935; mscagnetti@ttor.org)

From: MassLand Weekly E-News
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community
September 15, 2007
Volume 7, Number 17

Items of interest to the Massachusetts land protection community.
For more news and information, got to http://www.MassLand.org
Please send items of interest to Info@MassLand.org

 

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ANDRE LEROUX NAMED SMART GROWTH ALLIANCE E.D.

The Mass. Smart Growth Alliance recently hired Andre Leroux as its new Executive Director.  Previously, Andre was the Director of Planning and Policy at Lawrence Community Works, a Lawrence-based Community Development Corporation. Prior to his work on-the-ground in Lawrence, he worked for then-Senate President Tom Birmingham both as a legislative aide and as deputy field director during Birmingham’s run for Governor. Andre brings knowledge of Beacon Hill and policy credentials as well as a background in community outreach, organizing and coalition building.

Andre can be reached at mailto:andre@ma-smartgrowth.org.

From: MassLand Weekly E-News
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community
September 15, 2007
Volume 7, Number 17

Items of interest to the Massachusetts land protection community.
For more news and information, got to http://www.MassLand.org
Please send items of interest to Info@MassLand.org

 

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Tempered Media Support for Environmental Concerns
Temper of the Times Foundation (http://www.temperfund.org/index.html) provides nonprofit organizations with funding to underwrite advertising designed to promote conservation and restoration efforts. Grants may be used to fund the production of print, radio, or television ads; to pay for advertising space or airtime; or to produce or distribute pamphlets, books, videos, or press packets specifically promoting the conservation and restoration of native wildlife, plants, and ecosystems in the U.S. Grants generally range from $5,000 to $15,000. Applications must be received by October 15, 2007. Visit the website provided above for additional application and eligibility information.
Link to Funder Profile

 

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UPCOMING GRANT OPPORTUNITY

FFY 08 604(b) Pre-RFR Meeting

 The Department of Environmental Protection plans to hold a Pre – RFR Informational Meeting to discuss potential projects before the FFY08 604(b) RFR is issued.  We recommend potential respondents attend this meeting that will be held in the Chicopee Room at MassDEP’s Central Regional Office in Worcester on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 from 10:00 AM to Noon to discuss your ideas on new projects for priority and other watersheds. See (www.mass.gov/dep/about/region/centralr.htm) for directions.

The focus of the FY2008 grants will be for watershed or sub-watershed based non-point source assessment activities that support MassDEP’s assessment efforts,

including data needs that are identified in:

– the Massachusetts Watershed based plans (www.public.dep.state.ma.us/Watershed/Intro.aspx ),

 – the EOEA watershed action plans (www.mass.gov/envir/water/publications.htm),

 – the Massachusetts Nonpoint Source Management Plan (www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/nonpoint.htm),

 – MassDEP’s watershed water quality assessment reports (www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/wqassess.htm),

 – the Massachusetts Estuaries Project, TMDL development, and water supply source protection planning. 

Respondents, however, are encouraged to propose other suitable water quality assessment/planning projects. According to the 5 year basin planning cycle, priority or target watersheds for FFY08 include: Deerfield, Millers, Ipswich, Buzzards Bay, Islands, Quinebaug, French, Merrimack, Parker, Shawsheen, Boston Harbor (including Mystic), Narragansett Bay and Mt. Hope Bay, and Cape Cod basins.

As the Commonwealth’s procurement rules prohibit MassDEP or any other RFR issuer from consulting with potential applicants to develop project ideas once an RFR is issued, potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact MassDEP before the RFR issue date to refine project ideas and get our feedback.  You may contact Gary Gonyea (617-556-1152 or gary.gonyea@state.ma.us) for a discussion of ideas and program objectives. and he will answer questions.  Once the RFR has been posted we can no longer offer project-specific and application process advice to applicants.

The tentative schedule is as follows:

Pre-RFR Informational Meeting in CERO                                       October 9, 2007

RFR release on Comm-PASS                                                         October 19, 2007

Responses due to MassDEP                                                           December 14, 2007

Evaluation of Responses                                                                 January 2008

Award Announcement                                                                   March 2008

 

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Grants Protect Hiking Trails

American Hiking Society: National Trails Fund
The National Trails Fund, sponsored by American Hiking Society, provides funding to grassroots nonprofit organizations working toward establishing, protecting, and maintaining foot trails in America. Grants help give local organizations the resources they need to secure access, volunteers, tools, and materials to protect America’s public trails. The following types of projects will be considered: securing trail lands, including acquisition of trails and trail corridors; building and maintaining trails which will result in ease of access, improved hiker safety, and/or avoidance of environmental damage; and constituency-building surrounding specific trail projects. Preference is often given to projects with volunteer labor. Projects that have hikers as the primary constituency are preferred; however, all human-powered trail projects are eligible. The application deadline is November 1, 2007.  Click on  http://www.americanhiking.org/alliance/fund.html for more information.

 

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Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture 2007-2008 Hearing Schedule.
This schedule is subject to change.  For questions please contact the Committee at (617) 722-2210

All hearings in State House Hearing Room A-1 unless otherwise noted

Policies – September 24, 2007 – 1:00 PM
Dept. of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) – October 1, 2007 – 1:00 PM
Sewers, Title V, Wetlands – October 15, 2007 – 1:00 PM
Miscellaneous – October 22, 2007 – 1:00 PM

 

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