In the News
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Advocacy News (Includes how to reach your legislators) DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshire return to top |
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E.P.A. to Order Pesticide Testing The Environmental Protection Agency said it would order the manufacturers of 67 pesticides to test whether their products disrupt the hormonal system of humans or animals. Congress passed a bill mandating such tests in 1996, but the agency took years to develop them and ensure their validity, officials said. The agency said that the 67 pesticides were chosen because humans and animals are widely exposed to them, not because they are necessarily the most likely disruptors of endocrinal functions. About 1,000 substances will eventually be tested, said James J. Jones, acting assistant administrator for prevention, pesticides and toxic substances. The results are due back from manufacturers around the end of next year. |
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| The MACC Spring/Summer Workshops including: Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners, Vernal Pools for Professionals, Hydric Soils - Field Skills, Wetland Delineation - Soils, Wetland Delineation - Vegetation, Advanced Wetland Delineation and more are in full swing. Don't miss out on our "Cape and Islands Series". Go to our website to register or to find out more. https://www.maccweb.org/edu_workshops.html Happy Spring! Rick Chaff MACC Webmaster ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions http://www.maccweb.org 10 Juniper Road Belmont, MA 02478 USA return to top |
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| New England Wild Flower Society's Nasami Farm in Whately, MA opened to the public April 16, 2009, and will be open Thursday - Sunday until June 14. Starting in May, there are free seminars offered at Nasami on Sunday afternoons. Click here to learn more. While you are there, check out the progress on the Native Plant Center which is nearing completion! return to top |
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New Board Members Wanted2009 - 2011 Term
Responsibilities of Board Members:
Please Join Us! |
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News from Hancock Shaker VillageReady for Spring?Each day we're welcoming new lambs, piglets, calves and chicks here at Hancock Shaker Village - a sure sign of Spring - and we invite you to join us during Baby Animals on the Shaker Farm. Romp around with some new furry friends and enjoy some farmyard fun with your family!April 11 - May 3 ♦ Open daily 10-4 Read more about Baby Animals on the Shaker Farm __________ Behind-the-Scenes Farm ToursAvailable daily at 11am and 2pm during Baby Animals, families can get up close and personal, helping at feeding time and having special access to the newborns! Your private tour includes a fun-filled gift bag with goodies from our Village Store, and a framed photo of your group to commemorate your visit.Space on each tour is limited. Make your reservation now, and skip the ticket lines! Please call 413.443.0188 x203 for family rates and information. Reserve your Behind-the-Scenes Farm Tour __________ Visit free!Come back again and again to watch your new favorite Baby Animals grow, and don't pay admission! HSV Members receive valuable discounts on our workshops and at our Village Store. You'll also receive FREE admission all year, including special events like Baby Animals, Country Fair and Winter Weekend!Join us and become a part of a community that finds Shaker values inspiring. Your Membership helps us tell the story of Shaker life and innovation. Become an HSV Member now! __________ The Sustainability StoryOur annual Baby Animals program is one part a year round agricultural story. HSV President and CEO recently spoke with Berkshire Grown about our locally sourced Cafe menu, handmade store items, and how our workshops and special events reflect the principled living of the Shakers. Get the whole storyreturn to top |
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GREAT BARRINGTON HOUSATONIC RIVER WALK 2009 SEASON
Volunteers should assemble at the W. E. B. Du Bois River Garden at Church and River Streets. We will work in light rain,
MORE WORKDAYS
Volunteers are welcome to join landscaper Heather Cupo and the River Walk crew We also arrange special work days with schools and other groups. PLEASE wear safe, protective clothing, including shoes with good traction, gloves, and eye protection. Sorry, we cannot allow volunteers less than 10 years of age to work on the riverbank. Contact Rachel Fletcher (528-3391) return to top |
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Green Jobs |
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LARGEST ENDANGERED SPECIES PERMIT PROTECTS OVER 1,000 ACRES An initial agreement to preserve thousands of acres of critical habitat and open space - and clear the way for an innovative eco-friendly smart growth development project - in southeastern Massachusetts has been reached between the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game and A.D. Makepeace Company, the world’s largest cranberry grower and the largest private landowner in eastern Massachusetts, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles announced today. The three-phase land deal, which involves purchase by the state agency of 160 acres in Plymouth and Wareham and two long-term options to purchase thousands of other acres that will be protected under conservation restrictions in the meantime, will support smart growth development projects that Makepeace is pursuing elsewhere on its properties. Makepeace is also considering plans to install wind turbines to support its own operations, and evaluating the possibility of a sizeable wind farm in a remote location. “This is the full package - with land conservation where it matters most, development concentrated where it makes the most sense, and renewable energy where the resource is available, A.D. Makepeace is demonstrating a new model for creative, environmentally sensitive development,” said Secretary Bowles. “Today, we cap more than a decade of collaboration and negotiation between the Commonwealth and one of our largest landowners. The agreement will protect important habitat forever at the same time that it enables development to move forward, creating jobs and growth.” “The company, and the Makepeace family, are fully committed to preserving this property, despite its appeal for development,” said Michael P. Hogan, president and CEO of the A.D. Makepeace Company. “We believe that the proximity of conservation land to our River Run village will enhance the value of the village, while the transaction helps the Commonwealth to achieve its land conservation goals.” Hogan credited the Plymouth Planning Board and conservation advocacy groups, including The Nature Conservancy, Six Ponds Association, Wildlands Trust, Mass Audubon, and the Wareham Land Trust for their support of the TDR (Transfer of Development Rights) bylaw which made the innovative River Run plan possible. Under a three-part agreement finalized today, the Department of Fish and Game will purchase 160 acres from Makepeace for $3.4 million, and also obtain options to purchase land that will be held under conservation restrictions required by endangered species permits. Included in the purchase is land near Halfway Pond in Plymouth and the Maple Springs property in Wareham. The funds derive from the $1.7 billion Energy and Environment Bond Bill enacted last year, and are part of the Patrick Administration’s five-year capital plan. “These are ecologically important properties in Pine Barrens habitat that supports a variety of rare species, including the Northern Red-bellied cooter, Eastern Box Turtle, and a variety of rare insects and freshwater mussels,” said Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Commissioner Mary Griffin. “This acquisition sets the stage for a much more extensive conservation plan we will pursue in cooperation with Makepeace, local communities, and the land conservation community over the next 30 years.” The second phase involves a 20-year option to acquire Makepeace property along the Agawam River corridor. Makepeace is currently in the process of developing its mixed-use River Run project on a portion of this property, but other portions will be protected and managed under permit from DFG’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program and conservation restrictions. Covering more than 1,000 acres, the endangered species permit is the largest area ever protected by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. Rare species supported in the area include New England Blazing Star and the Barren’s Buckmoth, as well as declining shrub land birds such as the Brown Thrasher, Prairie Warbler, and Whip-poor-will. The third stage of the conservation effort involves a 30-year option to purchase several thousand acres of environmentally sensitive land west of Myles Standish State Forest in an area known as “Frogfoot,” as well as a block of land south of the forest called Maple Springs North, should Makepeace decide to pursue development opportunities on any of its property in that area. A.D. Makepeace has also committed to implement and provide funding for long-term management of the protected Pine Barrens, maintaining habitat for rare species while reducing the risk of uncontrollable large-scale wildfires. In addition, Makepeace has agreed to support a Pine Barrens monitoring and research project in southeastern Massachusetts. These conservation plans, in combination with Makepeace’s River Run and Tihonet mixed-use and commercial developments, are made possible by Plymouth’s Transfer of Development Rights Bylaw, under which permanent protection of environmentally significant open space allows for denser development elsewhere. This innovative “smart growth” approach both preserves important natural habitats and concentrates development where it is most appropriate. Hogan credited the Plymouth Planning Board and conservation advocacy groups, including The Nature Conservancy, Six Ponds Association, Wildlands Trust, Mass Audubon, and the Wareham Land Trust, for their support of the Transfer of Development Rights Bylaw, which made the River Run plan possible. Makepeace is also considering plans to install several wind turbines on its properties, to power its agricultural operations, support its 1,175-unit mixed-use River Run development in Plymouth, and also a potential larger installation in an interior portion of its properties. “Finding a balance between development and conservation is critical to the future of our communities. This is the kind of agreement that is going to meet the future needs of our community while, at the same time, protect wilderness and species that make our area unique,” said Senate President Therese Murray. “I am pleased that the Commonwealth and Makepeace have been able to make the commitment to our environment, conservation and smart growth.” “This is one of the best land deals the Commonwealth has ever made,” said Bernie McHugh, coordinator of the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition. “This is fabulous. It is a great expression of Governor Patrick’s commitment to biological diversity and natural heritage protection. |
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Earth Day 2009 Home Depot Accepts Used CF Light Bulbs, just go to the customer service desk. |
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CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP GRANTS HELP PROTECT 165 ACRES The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) announced $500,725 in FY 2009 Conservation Partnership Grants that will enable eight nonprofit organizations to preserve 165 acres of open space in nine communities from Cape Cod to the Pioneer Valley. Lt. Governor Timothy P. Murray highlighted the grants to fund projects that protect drinking water sources, restore habitat and provide recreational space in Amherst, Hardwick, Harwich, Holden, Marshfield, Oxford, Spencer, Westport, and Wareham at the annual Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference in Worcester. “We’re pleased to award these grants that will help local environmental organizations accomplish the important work of protecting open space in their communities,” said Lt. Governor Murray. “This program, which encourages partnership between the state and land trusts and other conservationists, has led to the protection of nearly 1,000 acres over the past three years.” “Land trusts and environmental organizations like these are models of land stewardship and are key partners in carrying out the Patrick-Murray Administration’s unprecedented commitment to land conservation, which led to the protection of more than 24,000 acres of parks, farmland, wildlife habitat, and forests last year,” EEA Secretary Ian Bowles said. “We appreciate the hard work of these organizations to preserve these open spaces for future generations to enjoy.” The grants are designed to help nonprofit organizations purchase land or interests in land (such as conservation restrictions) for conservation or recreation. Based on the program’s past success, EEA increased the maximum grant award this year from $60,000 to $75,000. Grants finance no more than half of total project costs. Proposed projects are evaluated and selected based on their ability to conserve biodiversity, protect water quality, promote recreation, and preserve working farms and forests. * Kestrel Trust -- $75,000 for the 14.5-acre Johnson Conservation Restriction project, a wooded wetland and hayfield that will add to an existing block of conserved land in the Lawrence Swamp to protect grasslands, farm land and other open space between the Fort River and Mt Holyoke range. (Amherst) |
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Discounted rain barrels for Berkshire residents The average homeowner uses approximately 40% of water for outdoor use. A one inch rainfall on a 1,200 square foot roof will yield over 700 gallons of water. Using a rain barrel is an excellent way to conserve some of this water. A quarter inch run-off from an average roof will easily fill the barrel. If you have 5 storms a season, that equals 275 gallons of free water. Rain barrel use reduces the stress on municipal water systems during the summer months and improves storm water management. The rain barrels are made from 55 gallon blue plastic recycled containers. The top does not come off, so children or pets are unable to access the barrel. It has a six inch diameter inlet opening covered with a screened louver to keep insects and debris out. The barrels have 2 brass spigots; one to allow you to connect a hose for watering, and one for overflow. It even comes with a 5 foot hose with a shutoff valve. Orders may be placed through May 21. Rain barrel pick-up day is Saturday May 30 at the Tri-Town Health Dept. Parking Lot, 44 Railroad Street, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. To order a rain barrel or for further information, call The New England Rain Barrel Company at 877-977-3135 or order online at www.nerainbarrel.com. |
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INTERIOR DEPT. STUDY SHOWS SERIOUS DECLINES IN BIRDS Secretary Salazar Releases Study Showing Widespread Declines in Bird Populations, Highlights Role of Partnerships in Conservation Washington, D.C. - Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today released the first ever comprehensive report on bird populations in the United States, showing that nearly a third of the nation’s 800 bird species are endangered, threatened or in significant decline due to habitat loss, invasive species, and other threats. At the same time, the report highlights examples, including many species of waterfowl, where habitat restoration and conservation have reversed previous declines, offering hope that it is not too late to take action to save declining populations. “Just as they were when Rachel Carson published Silent Spring nearly 50 years ago, birds today are a bellwether of the health of land, water and ecosystems,” Salazar said. “From shorebirds in New England to warblers in Michigan to songbirds in Hawaii, we are seeing disturbing downward population trends that should set off environmental alarm bells. We must work together now to ensure we never hear the deafening silence in our forests, fields and backyards that Rachel Carson warned us about.” The report, The U.S. State of the Birds, synthesizes data from three long-running bird censuses conducted by thousands of citizen scientists and professional biologists. However, the report also reveals convincing evidence that birds can respond quickly and positively to conservation action. The data show dramatic increases in many wetland birds such as pelicans, herons, egrets, osprey, and ducks, a testament to numerous cooperative conservation partnerships that have resulted in protection, enhancement and management of more than 30 million wetland acres. The report is available at http://www.stateofthebirds.org Washington Post article on the study at: |
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NEW CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP GRANT ROUND NOW OPEN! The Mass. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has announced a new grant round for the Conservation Partnership Grants program. These grants provide funding directly to non-profit land conservation groups to purchase land or conservation restrictions. All Mass. land trusts are strongly urged to take advantage of this unique program! Applications due in by July 13, 2009. This is a very successful small program that has funded excellent projects and has contributed substantially to preserving undeveloped land in the state. Land conservation is a priority of both Governor Patrick and Secretary Bowles - take advantage of this opportunity now, and show that this and similar programs continue to be a good use of public funds for which there is strong support. The maximum grant award for a single project is $75,000. The maximum reimbursement amount available for a single project is 50% of the total project cost. Qualified applications will be selected on a competitive basis. The grants are due July 13, 2009. The Request for Response (RFR), application form, rating system, and program timeline are available on the Comm-PASS website All forms must be printed out and mailed. Faxed or emailed applications will not be considered. |
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NEW LAND & PARC GRANT ROUNDS NOW OPEN! The FY10 round for Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity grants (LAND), Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities grants (PARC) and Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants is now open. LAND grants provide municipalities with funding for conservation land acquisition. PARC grants provide municipalities with funding for parkland acquisition, development of parks, and renovations of existing parks. LWCF grants fund acquisition of conservation land and parkland, and the renovation or development of public outdoor recreation facilities submitted from municipalities, DCR or DFG. A full description of the grants is contained in Secretary Bowles' announcement letter below. Applications are due on July 15, 2009. Please attend a “how to” grant workshop on Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 10:00 am in the 2nd floor conference room at 100 Cambridge Street, Boston. For the grant application package and fillable PDF application form, visit DCS’s website at: |
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"SAVING NEW ENGLAND'S WILDLIFE" GRANTS The Open Space Institute is now accepting Letters of Interest for a new funding initiative in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. OSI’s Saving New England’s Wildlife is offering grants for projects that increase funding and support for wildlife habitat protection consistent with the implementation of the State Wildlife Action Plans. These amplification grants will help to broadcast the importance of these plans to diverse audiences. The suggested grant range is $25,000 to $75,000. Completed LOIs must be received by OSI by April 27, 2009. For more information visit; http://www.osiny.org/NewEngland_Amplification_Grant |
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FARM VIABILITY PROGRAM APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE This popular business planning and technical assistance program provides management advice and grants of up to $75,000 to implement farm growth and sustainability strategies. Farm operators not only receive up front cash awards for signing a 5 or 10 year Agricultural Covenant, but also receive valuable consultations and visits from a team of experts to discuss farm production and management, marketing, and business planning. Typical uses of funds from the Farm Viability Program include building or repairing farm structures, modernizing field equipment, purchasing delivery vehicles and tractors, improving marketing structures or food processing capacity, and establishing a farm website. Over 300 farms have received business planning and technical assistance from the Program in the past thirteen years. The total value of awards to farms in the same time period exceeded $12 million. Over 29,000 acres of farmland has been placed under short-term Agricultural Covenants. Applications and program information are available on line at the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources website www.mass.gov/agr, or you can request a copy of the application by calling the Farm Viability Program at 617-626-1723. The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday June 25, 2009. Craig Richov |
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"BEAVER DECEIVER" FUNDING ASSISTANCE FOR BERKSHIRE COUNTY Thanks to a grant from the Nion Robert Thieriot Foundation, the Mass. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) has funding to assist with installation of water flow devices to humanely, non-lethally, and ecologically mitigate beaver-related flooding in the Berkshires. Who can participate? Any individual, town, business, or organization in Berkshire County. What are the criteria? A willingness (of all parties involved) to resolve problems non-lethally for the long term, a site that is conducive to flow device usage, and permission of the landowners and the local Conservation Commission to install water flow devices. Funding assistance: The amount of funding offered to each applicant will depend on the number of requests, the amount of each viable request, and the ability of each requester to pay for part of the flow device, or the maintenance contract for the device, themselves. Deadline: Requests will be accepted throughout 2009 until funding is exhausted. Requests will be considered in the order in which they are received. Submit ASAP, please. |
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Mass. Riverways "Riverways News Notes" monthly e-newsletter always is a goldmine of resources and grants for water and land protection. This month's grants listing is on-line at: |
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Patrick Administration Announces Opening of Western Satellite State Agricultural Office in Amherst BOSTON – The Patrick Administration today announced the opening of a Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) Western Massachusetts satellite office in the Pioneer Valley – one of the Commonwealth’s agricultural epicenters. With the new Amherst location, agricultural officials are able serve the state’s western region directly, meeting the Patrick Administration’s goal of improving delivery of government services to all regions of the Commonwealth. “We’d like to welcome the members of the agricultural community to drop in and visit this new office, which is aimed at serving the agricultural constituents where they live and work,” said DAR Commissioner Scott Soares. “The agricultural industry in Massachusetts has a bright future and we look forward to face-to-face meetings at this office with community and industry representatives who are working toward that bright future with us.” Located next door to the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, one of DAR’s primary partners, the office will maintain a rotating schedule of staff representing four divisions: Agricultural Development, Animal Health, Crop & Pest Services and Technical Assistance. The 2,400 square-foot office at 101 University Drive features a large on-site conference room for meetings, business development courses, workshops, classes, hearings and other agricultural events. The space is equipped with modular and moveable furniture and an overhead projector, so that the room can serve as either a classroom or traditional conference room. The office also has wireless technology for use by field inspectors, office staff and visitors. “We are delighted that the DAR will have a new Western Massachusetts office accessible to farmers and partners, especially one that is designed to offer state-of-the-art services to the agricultural community,” said Alex Dowse, president of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau. “We share a mutual mission with Commissioner Soares and his team to assist agricultural entrepreneurs in keeping agriculture viable and growing,” said Nancy Garrabrants, director of the University of Massachusetts–Amherst Extension Program, which offers agricultural studies program. "Our proximity will increase collaboration on projects that positively impact the constituents we work with." The DAR’s mission is to ensure the long-term viability of local agriculture in Massachusetts. The DAR is comprised of four divisions – Agricultural Development, Animal Health, Crop and Pest Services, and Technical Assistance – tasked to support, regulate, and enhance the Commonwealth’s agricultural community. Through its strong partnerships with municipal and federal entities, farmers, and farming associations, the DAR’s services provide support for continued successful cultivation of a thriving and diversified agricultural industry; economically and environmentally sound food safety and animal health measures, and fulfilling agriculture’s role in energy conservation and production. For more information, contact the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources at 251 Causeway St., Suite 500, Boston, MA 02114, (617) 626-1700 or www.mass.gov/agr. Contact information for the Amherst office is: 101 University Dr., Suite C4, Amherst, MA 01002, (413) 548-1900. |
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Forest Futures Visioning Process |
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Tons of released drugs taint US water |
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BCC Earns Place in the Top 50 Recyclemania Grand Champions The school also placed 5th out of 13 participating schools in the state. Check out all the details on the Recyclemania website. |
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