The Riverways Program in the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game is working on several Berkshire County river projects to restore stream continuity and improve instream habitat. They have just completed the removal of two dams on Yokum Brook in Becket (check their website for more information), and are studying
the restoration of the Hoosic River and "daylighting" and habitat improvements along Hoxie Brook in Adams (check the Riverways website for project details)
the removal of the Tel-Electric Dam on the West Branch of the Housatonic River in Pittsfield (selected in 2005 - check Riverways website and BEAT has a Tel-Electric page as well)
restoration of the high quality, cold headwater stream of the North Branch of the Hoosic River in Clarksburg (one of two projects selected in 2007)
North Branch of the Hoosic River
The Hoosuck Trout Unlimited chapter is the lead proponent to restore the North Branch of the Hoosic River. This habitat restoration project will examine the feasibility of removing the Hewat Dam to improve habitat for trout and other coldwater species. Hewat Dam is owned by Cascade School Supplies of North Adams. Riverways works with engineering and habitat specialists to assess habitat restoration approaches and will carefully consider public safety and infrastructure protection when considering alternatives. Restoring the North Branch Hoosic will provide improved fishing opportunities and the aesthetics of a healthy free-flowing river.
Restoration of the headwaters of the North Branch of the Hoosic provides an important opportunity for the continuity of habitat for species of concern. Dams block the movement and migration of fish and impairing water quality by trapping sediment and artificially warming water temperatures. Hundreds of dams have been removed around the country to restore habitat, eliminate owner expense and liability, and improve public safety.
Joe Overlock, local Trout Unlimited chapter president, is extremely excited about the project being selected, “This is a once in a lifetime chance to restore the natural beauty of the river while creating tremendous angling opportunities for local residents.” “This is a shot in the arm for the newly re-formed Hoosuc TU Chapter” said Overlock.
Pittsfield's Tel-Electric Dam
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.
Pittsfield's Director of Community Services James McGrath told the Pittsfield City Council that removing or lowering the Mill Street dam is one of the measures that the city is considering to improve the environment around Wahconah Park. The dam is located roughly two miles from 3,100-seat Wahconah Park, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the summer of 2005. Wahconah Park is located within the flood plain of the river's western branch. McGrath said the cost could be as much as $2 million dollars to remove or lower the dam.
However, Tim Purington, a river restoration planner with Riverways, said the cost estimates for the dam are "somewhat broad" because the amount of sediment located behind the structure hasn't been determined yet. The more sediment located behind a dam, the more expensive it is to remove the structure, he said. As an example, Purinton said removing Ballou Dam in Becket, which contained little sediment, cost only $250,000.
BEAT supports the removal of this dam to restore river continuity. We would point out that the sediment removal behind Pittsfield's dam could be especially expensive and time consuming because it likely contains PCBs, the amount and extent of which will have to be determined. While BEAT believes that the General Electric Company should bear the cost of testing and removal, the time factor will be annoying.
BEAT suggests that measures for flood control at Wahconah Park should include removal of the old landfill at the King Street Dump and its restoration to a fundtional wetland.
The preliminary feasibility study has been completed, Purinton said, but a more detailed report, along with a scour analysis, has yet to be done. The second feasibility study also contains a public input phase, that will be accomplished by the scheduling of public hearings, he added. Purinton said that dam removal projects can often take years to complete. But he said they only take a "couple of years" once the funding pieces and permits are in place.
See BEAT's Tel-Electric webpage for more plus aerial photo and topographic map of the site.
Meeting with Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairspostponed again to April 13
Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA), Ian Bowles will be holding a "listening session" on April 13 at 10:30 am at the Department of Conservation and Recreation offices at South Mountain, 740 South St., Pittsfield.
Governor Deval Patrick failed to fund the state's parks at a level he promised during his campaign. The Governor pledged an additional $10 million in his first year in office to help fund state parks, but instead, his budget released last week included just an additional $740,000, according to an analysis by environmental groups including the Conservation and Recreation Campaign.
"We understand the governor had a difficult budget this year, but we are disappointed he is not fulfilling his commitment," said Thomas Philbin, associate director of the Conservation and Recreation Campaign. "It is critically important to the vitality of the state to have the quality of life and amenities these parks provide."
Massachusetts' park system is the sixth largest in the nation, yet one of the most under funded. Governing magazine last year ranked Massachusetts 48th in per capita spending on parks. The system also has $1.2 billion maintenance backlog.
According to the Conservation and Recreation Campaign's website:
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts manages more than 450,000 acres of parks and open land throughout the state, from the Boston Harbor Islands to Pittsfield State Forest in the Berkshires. But many of these assets are suffering from neglect and understaffing that, in some cases, have led to visible decay and even environmental damage. Consider this:
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Department of Fish and Game have had their budgets cut by more than 30% since 2001.
Last in the United States in state and local spending on on park and recreation as % of personal income. 48th in per capita spending.
Only 5 Rangers outside of metro Boston to patrol 320,000 acres.
Half of Massachusetts state park campgrounds are unstaffed over night.
A state forest of 10,000 acres with a swimming beach, hundreds of campsites, and over half a million visitors per year has only two full-time employees.
Spending on the maintenance of buildings, infrastructure, and landscapes within state parkland has been deferred until there is now an estimated $1.2 billion backlog of major capital repairs.
When ex-Massachusetts residents were asked what they missed most about Massachusetts, 25 percent of those polled said family, while 22 percent said the state's natural surroundings. Eight percent said they missed cultural outings to museums and theaters, and 8 percent said they missed Boston
Ian Bowles, the new Secretary of the newly created Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA), believes he can find savings from the merger (under the Romney administration) of the Department of Environmental Management and the Metropolitan District Commission that were never fully realized.
BEAT is concerned by the new office of Energy AND Environment. We believe in a system of checks and balances. All projects deserve clear and consistent review under the environmental laws and regulations.
Governor petitions to modify special permit in Richmond
RICHMONDZoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws and Section 6.3 of the Zoning Bylaw, on the petition to modify a previously issued special permit of Deval L. Patrick and Diane B. Patrick to construct a two family home at 245 Furnace Rd., Assessors Map 106, Lot 19. The hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, 2007, at Town Hall, 1529 State Rd.
The Riverways Program in the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game is working on several Berkshire County river projects to restore stream continuity and improve instream habitat. They have just completed the removal of two dams on Yokum Brook in Becket (check their website for more information), and are studying
the restoration of the Hoosic River and "daylighting" and habitat improvements along Hoxie Brook in Adams (check the Riverways website for project details)
the removal of the Tel-Electric Dam on the West Branch of the Housatonic River in Pittsfield (selected in 2005 - check Riverways website and BEAT has a Tel-Electric page as well)
restoration of the high quality, cold headwater stream of the North Branch of the Hoosic River in Clarksburg (one of two projects selected in 2007)
North Branch of the Hoosic River
The Hoosuck Trout Unlimited chapter is the lead proponent to restore the North Branch of the Hoosic River. This habitat restoration project will examine the feasibility of removing the Hewat Dam to improve habitat for trout and other coldwater species. Hewat Dam is owned by Cascade School Supplies of North Adams. Riverways works with engineering and habitat specialists to assess habitat restoration approaches and will carefully consider public safety and infrastructure protection when considering alternatives. Restoring the North Branch Hoosic will provide improved fishing opportunities and the aesthetics of a healthy free-flowing river.
Restoration of the headwaters of the North Branch of the Hoosic provides an important opportunity for the continuity of habitat for species of concern. Dams block the movement and migration of fish and impairing water quality by trapping sediment and artificially warming water temperatures. Hundreds of dams have been removed around the country to restore habitat, eliminate owner expense and liability, and improve public safety.
Joe Overlock, local Trout Unlimited chapter president, is extremely excited about the project being selected, “This is a once in a lifetime chance to restore the natural beauty of the river while creating tremendous angling opportunities for local residents.” “This is a shot in the arm for the newly re-formed Hoosuc TU Chapter” said Overlock.
Pittsfield's Tel-Electric Dam
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.
Pittsfield's Director of Community Services James McGrath told the Pittsfield City Council that removing or lowering the Mill Street dam is one of the measures that the city is considering to improve the environment around Wahconah Park. The dam is located roughly two miles from 3,100-seat Wahconah Park, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the summer of 2005. Wahconah Park is located within the flood plain of the river's western branch. McGrath said the cost could be as much as $2 million dollars to remove or lower the dam.
However, Tim Purington, a river restoration planner with Riverways, said the cost estimates for the dam are "somewhat broad" because the amount of sediment located behind the structure hasn't been determined yet. The more sediment located behind a dam, the more expensive it is to remove the structure, he said. As an example, Purinton said removing Ballou Dam in Becket, which contained little sediment, cost only $250,000.
BEAT supports the removal of this dam to restore river continuity. We would point out that the sediment removal behind Pittsfield's dam could be especially expensive and time consuming because it likely contains PCBs, the amount and extent of which will have to be determined. While BEAT believes that the General Electric Company should bear the cost of testing and removal, the time factor will be annoying.
BEAT suggests that measures for flood control at Wahconah Park should include removal of the old landfill at the King Street Dump and its restoration to a fundtional wetland.
The preliminary feasibility study has been completed, Purinton said, but a more detailed report, along with a scour analysis, has yet to be done. The second feasibility study also contains a public input phase, that will be accomplished by the scheduling of public hearings, he added. Purinton said that dam removal projects can often take years to complete. But he said they only take a "couple of years" once the funding pieces and permits are in place.
See BEAT's Tel-Electric webpage for more plus aerial photo and topographic map of the site.
Meeting with Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairspostponed again to April 13
Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA), Ian Bowles will be holding a "listening session" on April 13 at 10:30 am at the Department of Conservation and Recreation offices at South Mountain, 740 South St., Pittsfield.
Governor Deval Patrick failed to fund the state's parks at a level he promised during his campaign. The Governor pledged an additional $10 million in his first year in office to help fund state parks, but instead, his budget released last week included just an additional $740,000, according to an analysis by environmental groups including the Conservation and Recreation Campaign.
"We understand the governor had a difficult budget this year, but we are disappointed he is not fulfilling his commitment," said Thomas Philbin, associate director of the Conservation and Recreation Campaign. "It is critically important to the vitality of the state to have the quality of life and amenities these parks provide."
Massachusetts' park system is the sixth largest in the nation, yet one of the most under funded. Governing magazine last year ranked Massachusetts 48th in per capita spending on parks. The system also has $1.2 billion maintenance backlog.
According to the Conservation and Recreation Campaign's website:
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts manages more than 450,000 acres of parks and open land throughout the state, from the Boston Harbor Islands to Pittsfield State Forest in the Berkshires. But many of these assets are suffering from neglect and understaffing that, in some cases, have led to visible decay and even environmental damage. Consider this:
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Department of Fish and Game have had their budgets cut by more than 30% since 2001.
Last in the United States in state and local spending on on park and recreation as % of personal income. 48th in per capita spending.
Only 5 Rangers outside of metro Boston to patrol 320,000 acres.
Half of Massachusetts state park campgrounds are unstaffed over night.
A state forest of 10,000 acres with a swimming beach, hundreds of campsites, and over half a million visitors per year has only two full-time employees.
Spending on the maintenance of buildings, infrastructure, and landscapes within state parkland has been deferred until there is now an estimated $1.2 billion backlog of major capital repairs.
When ex-Massachusetts residents were asked what they missed most about Massachusetts, 25 percent of those polled said family, while 22 percent said the state's natural surroundings. Eight percent said they missed cultural outings to museums and theaters, and 8 percent said they missed Boston
Ian Bowles, the new Secretary of the newly created Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA), believes he can find savings from the merger (under the Romney administration) of the Department of Environmental Management and the Metropolitan District Commission that were never fully realized.
BEAT is concerned by the new office of Energy AND Environment. We believe in a system of checks and balances. All projects deserve clear and consistent review under the environmental laws and regulations.
Governor petitions to modify special permit in Richmond
RICHMONDZoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws and Section 6.3 of the Zoning Bylaw, on the petition to modify a previously issued special permit of Deval L. Patrick and Diane B. Patrick to construct a two family home at 245 Furnace Rd., Assessors Map 106, Lot 19. The hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, 2007, at Town Hall, 1529 State Rd.
From the Berkshire Eagle:
Gov. Deval L. Patrick and his wife, Diane, are seeking permission to carve out a 10.5-acre parcel from their 77-acre tract on Furnace Road to allow construction of a new residence. The Patricks have built a 9,000-square-foot house on rolling, wooded land in one of the county's most expensive communities. The governor and first lady use the home as a part-time residence; their legal address is in Milton.
Latest News on Off Road Vehicle Rules for State Forests and Parks - 2/22
In 2006, BEAT participated in a public process to review draft siting criteria for evaluating Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) properties for Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) use. Off highway vehicles (also known as off road vehicles or ORV’s) include a variety of vehicles, but DCR’s criteria process exclusively focused on all terrain vehicles (ATV’s) and off highway motorcycles. DCR wrote this letter to thank people for their participation in this complex issue and to update us on the latest developments:
The OHV siting criteria have been in development for over a year. In July 2005, DCR assembled an Off Highway Vehicle working group composed of trails users, scientists, land management organizations, and other stakeholders to guide the agency in developing the siting criteria. Representatives from nine northeastern states and interest groups, ranging from The Nature Conservancy to the New England Trail Riders Association, participated in the process. The working group’s deliberations produced the draft criteria that were presented in public meetings across the state in February and March of 2006. Over 130 written comments from citizens, organizations, and public officials across Massachusetts provided the agency with valuable input in developing its recommended policy for siting this use.
On February 2, 2007, the agency’s advisory board, the DCR Stewardship Council, approved the siting policy and criteria that emerged from that process. The Council added an important condition however, requiring that the agency submit for their review and approval a plan for addressing enforcement concerns by early August.
The policy establishes both “coarse” and “fine” filter assessments of properties to minimize environmental and social impacts and to maximize public safety. Key elements of the approved criteria address the protection of important natural resources, including wetlands, drinking water supply resources, important plant and animal habitats, priority natural communities, forest reserves, and steep slopes. The criteria also include provisions to encourage safe and enjoyable motorized recreation areas, including mileage goals, coordination with local communities, and cooperation with local clubs and supporting organizations. The complete policy is available at DCR’s website.
DCR has begun the process of applying the coarse filter criteria to the seven locations where OHV use is currently allowed and will begin making decisions about future OHV use in some locations before the riding season begins May 1, 2007. The agency is committed to holding public meetings in communities where OHV use changes from its past status.
The agency is also beginning the process for developing the enforcement plan required by the Stewardship Council. DCR recognizes that the process to improve OHV laws and regulations should involve the Legislature, multiple law enforcement agencies, and stakeholders, including environmental interests, land management entities and motorized recreation enthusiasts. The agency is therefore initiating a plan that encourages participation by these and other diverse interests. DCR will post updates on this process at its website.
DCR truly appreciates your interest in and contribution to this important and complicated issue, and we hope that you will continue to work with the agency and other stakeholders as we strive to achieve more effective and sustainable management of off highway vehicles in Massachusetts. We believe that effective and sustainable management requires three essential elements:
1. Improved management and operation of designated OHV areas
2. Strengthened state laws, regulations, and enforcement capacity to deter illegal riding
3. Consistent information regarding safe and environmentally responsible motorized trail recreation coordinated among land managers, local and state law enforcement agencies, dealers and manufacturers of motorized recreation vehicles, and the network of clubs and riders.
The policy that you contributed to helps set standards for improved management and operation. The Council’s challenge to outline a plan for enforcement in six months advances the second element. We hope that the network of individuals, organizations and decision-makers who have been engaged in this process will contribute to the consistent communication that is equally critical to effective and sustainable management.
Again, thank you for your participation in this process. Please direct questions to DCR at mass.parks@state.ma.us or the agency’s comment line at 617-626-4973.
Sincerely,
Gary M. Briere
Recreation Bureau Chief
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania are all challenging U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules that fail to regulate the emission of mercury and other pollutants from cement plants.
A similar challenge is being brought against the federal agency by a consortium of environmental groups, including the Hudson-based Friends of Hudson.
There are two coal-fired cement manufacturing plants just upwind of the Berkshires: St. Lawrence Cement in Catskill and LaFarge Building Materials in Ravena. According to the EPA's Toxic Release Inventory, those plants were the two largest mercury polluters in the state.
In 2000, a federal court ordered the EPA to set standards under the federal Clean Air Act for various hazardous air pollutants, including mercury. The rules released by the EPA in December 2006 exempt existing cement plants from meeting those standards. Susan Falzone, executive director of Friends of Hudson, said that in 2004, the Catskill and Ravena plants were responsible for nearly 40 percent of all mercury emissions in New York.
Mercury is a heavy metal that can damage the central nervous system, the endocrine system, the kidneys and other organs. Over time, it can result in brain damage and death.
New Report on the Economic and Social Values of our State Parks
The Conservation and Recreation Campaign has just released it's report Parks and Beaches: Common Cents for the Common Wealth. This report outlines the many ways that our system of public lands not only contribute to a healthy environment, but to our economy and quality of life
The goal of this information is to support better management of these treasures. For the first time, the Campaign shows that these parks and beaches are not only environmental assets, but economic ones as well. When we under fund our park system, not only are we hurting our environment, but we are hurting our economy.
The Campaign's review of the research materials available suggests that every tax dollar invested in DCR parks and beaches returns approximately 26 dollars to the Massachusetts economy and the Campaign believes more research could show an even greater return. So far they have found that, statewide our combined 1.3 million acres of protected lands provide:
• 6.5 billion in green infrastructure
• 5 billion in outdoor and recreational spending
• 50,000 jobs
• 1.5 billion on wages
• and just under 1 billion in recreational equipment purchase
Public meeting to hear General Electric's ideas for the "Rest of the River"
There will be a public meeting of the Citizens' Coordinating Council, General Electric Company(GE), US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at from 5:30 to 8 PM,
at Berkshire South Community Center
on Chrissy Rd in Great Barrington MA.
The meeting will focus on a presentation and discussion of GE’s Corrective Measures Study proposal for the Rest of River project. There will be a second meeting with the same agenda in Kent, CT at the Town Hall on Wednesday, March 7, 2007at 6 PM.
Comment on DCR’s Forest Cutting Comment Policy by March 16th
The Department of Conservation & Recreations has developed a new policy concerning public participation and comment concerning proposed timber harvests on DCR lands. The policy is a result of the clamor over proposed harvests on DCR lands at the Notch in Amherst, Robinson State Park in Agawam and elsewhere.
This policy is intended to provide guidance on DCR, Bureau of Forestry internal review and public notice of and comment on forest management plan implementation (forest cutting) projects.
Comments concerning the proposed Public Outreach and Consultation for Forest Cutting Plans Policy are due Friday, March 16. More information is available on the website.
Please submit comments c/o Marcelle Valentin via email at DCR.Policies@State.MA.US or via mail at:
Marcelle Valentin
Department of Conservation and Recreation
251 Causeway Street, Suite 600
Boston, MA 02114
The Partners Program was established in 1987 with a core group of biologists and a small budget for on-the-ground wetland restoration projects on private lands. This successful, results-oriented program has garnered support through the years and has grown into a larger and more diversified habitat restoration program assisting thousands of private landowners across the Nation.
Migratory birds, inter-jurisdictional fish, Federally-listed endangered, threatened or other declining or imperiled species are public resources, which by their migratory nature or declining numbers on a national scale, have been identified as Federal Trust Species. It is estimated that 73% of our Nation’s land is privately owned and that the majority of our fish and wildlife resources occur on those lands. Consequently, the conservation lands held by Federal and state agencies and other conservation groups cannot completely provide for fish and wildlife needs. Because the habitat needs of all Trust Species cannot be met solely on public lands, public funds are also expended on private lands to accomplish habitat improvements through cooperative conservation programs such as the Partners Program.
Comments on DCR Draft Forest Management Plan for Western Mass. Forests due March 16
The Department of Conservation & Recreation has published draft forest management plans for the Northern Berkshire, Southern Berkshire and Western Connecticut Valley Regions.
DCR will be accepting public comments postmarked by March 16, 2007.
Please clearly state which planning area (Northern and Southern Berkshire and Western Connecticut Valley District) you are commenting on and mail all comments to attn:
Kris Massini
DCR-Bureau of Forestry
PO Box 1433
Pittsfield,
MA 01202
or via e-mail: kris.massini@state.ma.us.
If you need a hard copy of the document, please contact Kris Massini.
The Environmental League of Massachusetts has released their Green Budget 2008 (pdf) with recommendations on how much money should be allocated to various environmental budget lines for the next fiscal year (2008). The Green Budget 2008 has been endorsed by 50 conservation and health organizations across the state, with recommendations for the Environmental Affairs budget.
In the Green Budget are recommendations to provide $1 million for the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) within the Department of Fish and Game to help implement the Wildlife Action Plan.
In the FY2004 budget the NHESP lost all of its operating funding from the state, which had amounted to around $800,000 a year. It now functions on only a combination of bond money, voluntary donations from Massachusetts residents in the form of a check-off box on the state income tax return, and federal funds.
NHESP is one of the programs within MassWildlife that implements the State Wildlife Action Plan. In order to continue to receive federal funding to implement our Action Plan, the state must match dollar for dollar what the federal government is willing to provide, which was around $900,000 in FY2007.
Much of the $1 million recommended in the Green Budget for NHESP would qualify for the agency's federal match to implement the Wildlife Action Plan.
You may contact your legislators to give them your views on this plan. Click on their name to email or give them a call.
By supporting $1 million for the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, Massachusetts could receive matching Federal money to implement the State Wildlife Action Plan.
