In the News

• 2010 Constitution Hill Snowshoe Race
• The Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs is seeking public comment on the proposed revisions to the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy and Protocol
• Submit your nominations for the EBC 20th Annual EBEE Awards
• New Federal Stormwater Listening Session
• Anthony A. Lapham River Conservation Fellowship
• Water Sustainability and Climate (WSC)
• Energy Day at Williamstown Elementary School
• Businesses go green!
• Upcoming Environment Committee Hearing
• Improvements to Regulations.gov Make for Easier Access to Federal Regulations
• EPA Announces New Support for Sustainable Communities and Releases Municipal Tool for Improving Water Quality
• Senior Program Leader position with Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences
• Three More Community Groups Join Rensselaer Plateau Alliance
• Berkshire Conservation District Annual Seedling Sale now in progress!
• UPCOMING GRANT OPPORTUNITY: FFY’11 Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Competitive Grants Program
• Application for the 16th Annual Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education
• Pleasant Valley Nature Camp
• E.F.Schumacher Society is Undergoing a Transition
• Sifting through PCB reports

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Environmental Monitor
Public Notices Alphabetically by town
The BEAT News Archives

Advocacy News (Includes how to reach your legislators)

DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshire

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Based upon the input provided by stakeholders and taking into account the changes to MEPA’s enabling statute under the Global Warming Solutions Act, the MEPA Office now proposes revisions to the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy and Protocol to clarify the requirements for review and analysis of GHG emissions and to fulfill MEPA’s statutory obligations. 

The Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs is seeking public comment on the proposed revisions to the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy and Protocol, which can be found in the Public Notices section of Environmental Monitor dated February 10, 2010.  Public comments should be provided in writing to the MEPA Office at the following address no later than March 12, 2010: 

 Secretary Ian A. Bowles
Attn: Deirdre Buckley, MEPA Analyst
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
Or via Fax: (617) 626-1181
Email: Deirdre.Buckley@state.ma.us
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Submit your nominations for the EBC 20th Annual EBEE Awards

Each year, the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) recognizes companies, organizations and individuals for outstanding environmental/energy accomplishments in the promotion of a sustainable, clean environment through the EBEE Awards Celebration. The EBEE Awards are presented each year in June at the EBC's Annual Award Celebration. These awards were established by the EBC to encourage companies, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and environmental professionals to serve as models for others to emulate and, in doing so, further the mission and objectives of the EBC.
You are encouraged to make nominations in one or more of the following categories.
Award Categories

• The Paul G. Keough Environmental-Energy Award for Government Service
• The John A.S. McGlennon Environmental-Energy Award for Corporate Leadership
• The Stephen G. Lewis Environmental-Energy Merit Award for Service to the Environmental Industry
• The Nicholas Humber Environmental-Energy Award for Outstanding Collaboration
• The EBC Environmental-Energy Merit Award for Leadership by a Non-Profit Organization
• The James D.P. Farrell Award for Brownfields Project of the Year
• The EBC Award for Outstanding New Environmental Technology or Application
• The EBC Excellence in Business Award
• The EBC Member Project- Technical Merit award for Environmental/Energy/Climate Change Project

NOMINATION FORM

Deadline for submission: Tuesday April 13, 2010
Detailed information on the EBEE Award Celebration
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New Federal Stormwater Listening Session, in Boston on March 11, 2010

In December, EPA announced plans to initiate national rulemaking to strengthen its stormwater program. In order to seek stakeholder input to help EPA shape this proposed rule, EPA held a series of public listening sessions the last two weeks of January. EPA's presentation from these listening sessions and a copy of the Federal Register Notice seeking stakeholder input is available at www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/rulemaking.

EPA has added an additional listening session in Boston on March 11, 2010 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Registration information for this listening session is available at www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/rulemaking. For individuals who cannot attend the Boston listening session, EPA will make a 'listen only'
conference call line available. Please contact Amber Marriott
(amber.marriott@tetratech.com) for the conference call information.

EPA also held a virtual listening session webcast on February 3, 2010.
The archive of this webcast will be available by the end of February.

Written comments on EPA's proposed rulemaking must be submitted on or before February 26, 2010. Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2009–0817, by one of the following methods:
• http://www.regulations.gov: Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
• E-mail: OW-Docket@epa.gov, Attention Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2009–0817.
• Fax: 202–566–9744.
• Mail: Water Docket, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Mail code: 4203M, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. Attention Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2009– 0817.

What to expect at the Boston listening session:  EPA will give a brief presentation at the beginning of the listening session, but the intent of the listening session is to receive feedback from the public. The focus of the listening session is on the following preliminary rulemaking considerations as described in the Federal Register Notice:

-Redefine the area subject to federal stormwater regulations
-Establish specific requirements to control stormwater discharges from new development and redevelopment
-Develop a single set of consistent stormwater requirements for all MS4s
-Require MS4s to address stormwater discharges in areas of existing development through retrofitting the sewer system or drainage area with improved stormwater control measures
-Explore specific stormwater provisions to protect sensitive areas

Please note that the listening session is not intended to solicit comments on the recently finalized Construction and Development Effluent Limitation Guidelines
(http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/guide/construction), the Construction General Permit (http://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/cgp) or the Draft General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems in Massachusetts North Coastal Watersheds. EPA-Region 1 will hold a separate public hearing for the draft general permit on March 18, 2010. For further information about the draft general permit or the March 18 public hearing, please contact Thelma Murphy (murphy.thelma@epa.gov).

We look forward to receiving your comments. A factsheet on the listening sessions is available at www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/rulemaking.

*** You can now manage your own account on NPDES News. Just go to www.epa.gov/npdes/npdesnews to subscribe, change your email address, edit your contact information, or unsubscribe. ***
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Anthony A. Lapham River Conservation Fellowship

TITLE: Anthony A. Lapham River Conservation Fellow
LOCATION: Washington, D.C.
DATE: Summer 2010 – Summer 2011
APPLICATIONS DUE: March 1, 2010
STIPEND: $38,000 plus benefits*

Position Summary
The Anthony A. Lapham River Conservation Fellowship at American Rivers provides an excellent professional development opportunity for talented post-graduates pursuing careers as leaders in environmental conservation.  Recent master degree graduates, working with a team of professional staff, will apply research and advocacy skills to help advance the mission and goals of the organization.  The 2010-2011 Fellowship will focus on the protection and restoration of rivers and freshwater in the face of climate change and will require the fellow to apply her/his experience and skills to specific aspects of this dynamic and complex challenge.  The individual will be an integral part of a dynamic organization comprised of experienced conservationists and emerging leaders and will participate in a range of organizational functions and activities.  

This fellowship honors the memory of Anthony A. Lapham who served on the board of American Rivers, including as its Chairman.  The program reflects his integrity, intellect, concern for humanity, and commitment to excellence; we seek candidates who possess these qualities.

Anthony A. Lapham’s Legacy 

Anthony A. (Tony) Lapham was a champion of American Rivers and the nation’s conservation movement. Gentle and thoughtful in every way, our chairman of the Board of Directors was a giant in his intellect, his curiosity, his compassion, and his enthusiasm for life.

The clarity with which he analyzed an issue; the wit with which he defused a tense moment; the joy he felt while paddling or hiking along a stream with his friends and family; the connection he felt with his Virginia farm and the Jordan River that runs through it -- all this and much more infused and strengthened American Rivers and made it a more human organization. He inspired and challenged the staff to innovate and never settle for anything less than our finest work.

Tony served on the Board of Directors of American Rivers from 1998 to 2006, and in his last year served as Chairman. He leaves an indelible mark not only on this organization and many others, but on the conservation and rebirth of rivers across this land.
At the end of a life filled with accomplishment and hard work, Tony passed away peacefully, with his hip waders on, while fishing in North Carolina with his son.
American Rivers will forever be grateful to Tony, and to his family who shared him with us. We are proud that his legacy will live on through the Anthony A. Lapham River Conservation Fellowship.

Fellowship Program Details and Requirements: 
The objective of the Anthony A. Lapham Fellowship Program is to develop the next generation of conservation leaders who can promote practical environmental solutions that achieve measurable results for both natural and human communities.  Working with American Rivers program staff in one of our target areas, the Lapham Fellow will help shape solutions to river conservation challenges, educate decision makers about the benefits of healthy rivers, inform legislative and legal proceedings, and influence opinion leaders.  Fellows will engage in research and advocacy projects that directly support the goals of one or more of American Rivers’ conservation campaigns.

The 2010-2011 Fellowship year is focused on the protection and restoration of rivers and freshwater in the face of a changing climate.  Advancements in river conservation will be especially important during the coming years due to the extreme threat of global warming, as well as more traditional, ongoing threats.  Several areas of particular interest include but are not limited to:

• Protection of forested landscapes for clean water supply
• Progressive approaches to flood management
• Enhancing connectivity through barrier removal
• Water conservation/efficiency
• Green infrastructure approaches to clean water management
• The energy-water nexus

Fellowships may rely upon any number of scientific disciplines as well as economics, law, or policy. Fellows will have the opportunity to publish work in a variety of different formats and will be encouraged to present results to various audiences including colleagues, lawmakers, and academics. 
 
The 12-month Fellowship will be supported by a team of conservation staff and members of our Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee, which includes some of the nation’s foremost experts on freshwater conservation science and policy.   Conducting an applied research project under the guidance of expert advocates will provide the Fellow with invaluable experience as he or she begins a career.

Fellows will receive training, have opportunities to participate in meetings with congressional offices and federal agency officials, speak with the media, and attend hearings and conferences.  Additionally, Fellows will engage in organizational activities including meetings of our Board of Directors, staff meetings and retreats, and other activities. 

Eligibility Requirements

• Masters or terminal degree in stream ecology, hydrology, geomorphology, public health, public policy, law, economics or engineering, or related fields
• Dedication to action on behalf of environmental sustainability
• Excellent research and analysis skills
• High academic achievement
• Proven leadership ability
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• High degree of personal integrity
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Ability to work both autonomously and as a member of a team in a professional environment
• Ability to travel as necessary for research
• Application Requirements

All candidates must submit completed application packets by 11:59 pm EST March 1, 2010. Packets must include:

• Completed Application Form: Download either a Word or PDF version.
• Resume: Description of your work experience (both paid and volunteer) including an outline of each job/responsibilities, contact information for each employer, and dates of employment.
• Transcripts: Transcripts for all higher education institutions attended must accompany your application. 
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required.  You may choose to have faculty members or current/former employers submit these letters.  Letters should be sent directly from the recommenders. The Letter of Recommendation Instruction form (PDF) should be provided to all recommenders for guidance in writing recommendation letters.
• Academic Mentor Information: Preference will be given to candidates that identify an academic mentor, who will assist during the duration of the fellowship.  Please submit bio of and letter from your academic mentor with your application.  Letters should indicate mentor’s willingness to fulfill the duties of this role.  The Academic Mentor Instruction form (PDF) should be provided to your mentor as guidance in writing the letter. 
• Cover Letter: Please submit a cover letter with your application that addresses the following: 
• What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
• How will this fellowship assist you in accomplishing your goals?
• How has your academic training, employment history, and volunteer experience prepared you for this fellowship?
• Project Proposal: A two to four page essay describing an applied research project you would undertake during your time at American Rivers. Your proposal should address a specific challenge and make the case for how to advance a practical solution to address that challenge. Further instructions for the Project Proposal can be found on the Application Form.

Only complete applications (letters of recommendation and academic mentor letters can be sent separately) will be reviewed; partial applications will be discarded. For further information about all attachments please refer to the Aapplication Form.

Please submit all materials to fellowship@americanrivers.org. Applications can be submitted via mail, but email is preferred. If sending the application by mail, please send to:
American Rivers
Anthony A. Lapham River Conservation Fellowship
1101 14th Street, NW, Suite 1400
Washington, DC 20005

Letters of recommendation and academic mentor letters should be sent via email directly from the recommender/mentor, with the candidate’s full name in the subject line. Recommenders/Mentors can also send letters via mail, but the letter must be enclosed in a sealed envelope with their signature across the seal. Please provide letter of recommendation and academic mentor instructional sheets to appropriate parties. 

Application Deadline: 11:59pm EST March 1, 2010
Interviews: March 2010
Final Decision: April 2010 (must be accepted by mid-May 2010)

* Anthony A. Lapham River Conservation Fellows are eligible for health and dental insurance as well as generous leave benefits.
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Water Sustainability and Climate (WSC)  

CONTACTS

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

Solicitation  10-524
DUE DATES
Letter of Intent Deadline Date:  March 15, 2010
Full Proposal Deadline Date:  April 15, 2010
SYNOPSIS

One of the most urgent challenges facing the world today is ensuring an adequate supply and quality of water in light of both burgeoning human needs and climate variability and change. Despite its importance to life on Earth, there are major gaps in our basic understanding of water availability, quality and dynamics, and the impact of both a changing and variable climate, and human activity, on the water system. The goal of the Water Sustainability and Climate (WSC) solicitation is to understand and predict the interactions between the water system and climate change, land use, the built environment, and ecosystem function and services through place-based research and integrative models. Studies of the water system using observations at specific sites in combination with models that allow for spatial and temporal extrapolation to other regions, as well as integration across the different processes in that system are encouraged, especially to the extent that they advance the development of theoretical frameworks and predictive understanding. Specific topics of interest include:

• Determining the inputs, outputs, and potential changes in water budgets in response to both climate variability and change, and human activity, and the effect of these changes on biogeochemical cycles, water quality, long-term chemical transport and transformation, terrestrial, aquatic and coastal ecosystems, landscape evolution and human settlements and behavior.
• Developing theoretical frameworks and models that incorporate the linkages and feedbacks among atmospheric, terrestrial, aquatic,
  oceanic, and social processes that can be used to predict the potential impact of climate variability and change, land use and human activity on water systems on decadal to centennial scales in order to provide a basis for adaptive management of water resources.
• Determining how our built water systems and our governance systems can be made more reliable, resilient and sustainable to meet
  diverse and often conflicting needs, such as minimizing consumption of water for energy generation, industrial and agricultural
  production and built environment requirements, reuse for both potable and non-potable needs, ecosystem protection, and flood control and storm water management.

Proposals may establish new observational sites or utilize existing sites and facilities already supported by NSF or other federal and state agencies (e.g. USEPA, USGS).  Proposals that do not broadly integrate across the biological sciences, engineering, geosciences, and social sciences may be returned without review.  Successful proposals are expected to study water systems in their entirety and to enable a new interdisciplinary paradigm in water research.

What Has Been Funded (Recent Awards Made Through This Program, with Abstracts)
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Energy Day at Williamstown Elementary School
EcoBytes from CET, Wednesday, February 17, 2010

On November 20 the entire sixth grade at Williamstown Elementary School learned about ways that they can make a difference by saving energy in their school and at home. Stephanie Boyd, Director of Sustainability at Williams College, kicked off the day with inspirational words about how students use energy and why saving energy is important. Students spent the remainder of the morning attending hands-on workshops focusing on energy efficiency, heat transfer and solar energy. In the afternoon they toured the school to learn about energy use and then met in their classrooms to brainstorm actions to save energy and resources. 

At the end of the day, students convened in the auditorium to share their ideas and recommendations. The day was made possible by the Fund for Williamstown and the Berkshire Bank Foundation, along with community, student and parent volunteers, the science education coordinator, 6th grade teachers and CET staff. For more information about energy education in your school, contact Cynthia Grippaldi at 413-445-4556 ext. 25.
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Businesses go green!
EcoBytes from CET, Wednesday, February 17, 2010

In December, the MA Department of Environmental Protection honored CET with the WasteWise Endorser of the Year award. The award recognizes CET’s extensive work with small, medium and large businesses.
Over the past year, we helped Big Y Foods compost and recycle over 14,000 tons of material, improving their bottom line by over $2.7 million.

Photo:
Fruits and veggies are ready for composting and plastics are ready for recycling. 

HAP Housing, a non-profit affordable housing organization, started a comprehensive recycling program at its main office in Springfield with our assistance. HAP now has the tools to start or strengthen recycling at its 600 housing units throughout western MA. At Cooley Dickinson Hospital, we made suggestions to make their trash and recycling system more cost effective and helped the Hospital implement food waste composting in early January 2010. These are a few of the businesses that we have helped become a little greener, and in most cases save some money in the process. Contact Lorenzo Macaluso at 413-218-1543 to learn more about CET Green Business Services.
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Upcoming Environment Committee Hearing
(news from the Environmental League of Mass.)

Dozens of environmental bills will be heard by the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture on February 25, 2010 at 12PM in State House Room 437. 

If you are interested in seeing the full text of any of these bills, go to http://www.mass.gov/legis.  If you want to testify on any of these bills but can't make the hearing, generally you have a week or two after the hearing to submit testimony.  Committees must act on bills before them by March 10th unless they explicitly request an extension.

Full List of Bills to be Heard During the Environment Committee Hearing on February 25th, 2010

S365-An Act relative to disposition of state property.
 
S369-An Act establishing the Quaboag and Ware River Valley Heritage District Commission.
 
S372-An Act providing improved management of state forests.
 
S382-An Act Amending the Conservation Restrictions and Agricultural Preservations Statutes.
 
S388-An Act to Promote Healthy Communities and the Environment.
 
S394-An Act Requiring the Notification of Tenants about Oil and Hazardous Waste Material Release
 
S398-An Act to Provide Public Input into changes to Public Lands and Buildings located thereon.
 
S401-An Act to establish a water infrastructure finance commission.
 
S403-An Act relative to memorials located on Department of Conservation and Recreation property.
 
S410-An Act to Ensure the Safety of Organic Compost.
 
S415-An Act authorizing the Department of Conservation and Recreation to provide leases to yacht clubs on its property.
 
S416-An Act creating the blue hills advisory.
 
S417-An Act relative to establishing the Massachusetts conservation corps.
 
S419-An Act establishing a study commission on the municipal waterways improvement and maintenance funds.
 
S424-An Act providing fees to licensing authorities for deer tag processing.
 
S432-An Act to protect children from bisphenol-A.
 
S440-An Act to strengthen waterways enforcement
 
S441-An Act to assure uniformity in the regulation of sanitary sewage treatment and disposal.
 
H692-An Act banning the use of methyl tertiary butyl ether in gasoline.
 
H700-An Act further regulating the Pesticide Control Act.
 
H705-An Act creating the non-indigenous species management plan.
 
H724-An Act relative to Morey's Bridge Dam in Taunton.
 
H731-An Act to limit outdoor night lighting, conserve energy, and reduce light pollution.
 
H738-An Act to further regulate cutting practices.
 
H752-An Act relative to ice rinks owned by the Commonwealth.
 
H753-An Act relative to golf courses owned by the Commonwealth.
 
H754-An Act regulating the organic content in newly constructed and renovated lawns.
 
H755-An Act to prevent the use of the most dangerous pesticides.
 
H758-An Act to provide public input into changes to public lands and buildings located thereon.
 
H760-An Act relative to protecting the natural resources of the Commonwealth.
 
H762 -Relative to the preservation of the archaeological and fossil resources of the Commonwealth.
 
H764-An Act relative to conserving bluefin tuna.
 
H773-An Act relative to certain environmental boating regulations and penalties.
 
H775-An Act amending the conservation restrictions and agricultural preservation statutes.
 
H783-An Act relative to the pollution of water by certain toxic chemicals.
 
H789-An Act to protect and preserve family camping in Massachusetts.
 
H801-An Act relative to areas of critical environmental concern.  .
 
H802-An Act relative to the Department of Recreation and Conservation Board of Stewardship.
 
H807-An Act establishing a Mystic River water quality commission.
 
H812-An Act relative to the licensing of a certain facility by the department of environmental protection.
 
H814-An Act implementing the Greater Callahan Open Space and Greenway Plan in the towns of Framingham, Sudbury, and Southborough and the city of Marlborough.
 
H821-An Act directing and Department of Conservation and Recreation to develop a master plan for the Bellevue Hill Reservation.
 
H823-An Act directing the department of conservation and recreation to maintain certain property.
 
H825-An Act to establish the water infrastructure finance commission.
 
H826-An Act making an appropriation for the fiscal year 2010 to provide for the funding of the Ponkapoag Boardwalk in the towns of Canton and Randolph.
 
H827-An Act making an appropriation for the fiscal year 2010 to provide for funding of certain footpaths and trails.
 
H828-An Act establishing a trust fund within the department of conservation and recreation for the planting of trees.
 
H848-An Act relative to the operating and management of rights of way.
 
H849-An Act establishing an Environmental Appeals Panel within the Division of Administrative Law Appeals.
 
H850-An Act regulating the disposal of prescription medication.
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Improvements to Regulations.gov Make for Easier Access to Federal Regulations

As part of President Obama’s commitment to more effective and open government, the public can more quickly access federal regulations at Regulations.gov, thanks to comments received during the Regulations.gov Exchange online forum held last year.  Regulations.gov provides one-stop public access to information related to current and forthcoming regulations issued by the federal government.

The eRulemaking Program made the following specific-site improvements to Regulations.gov:

• A new rotating panel of images and video clips offering a preview to the latest Web site changes
• A dashboard of regulatory documents housed on Regulations.gov
• A new A-Z index of rules and proposed rules categorized by topic
• Instructional video-clips highlighting site functions
• Improvements to the site's homepage and search wizard

In addition, the eRulemaking Program has re-launched its Regulations.gov Exchange online forum to allow the public to explore proposed new designs and features, provide comments, and engage with other site visitors and the eRulemaking Program staff.  The public can also link to the Regulations.gov Twitter page to further support visitors’ participation in Regulations.gov and their government.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is the managing partner of the inter-agency eRulemaking Program, which operates Regulations.gov
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EPA Announces New Support for Sustainable Communities and Releases Municipal Tool for Improving Water Quality

Senior Program Leader position with Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences
http://www.manomet.org/about/employment/jobs/

The Energy and Environment program leader position will be located in Plymouth, MA. Manomet is a non-profit environmental research center dedicated to conserving natural resources for the benefit of wildlife and humans.

With grants from the Wildlife Conservation Society and from The Island Foundation, this new project will focus on applying the best science to ensuring that future planning and development of the national (“green”) grid will benefit ecosystems and plant and wildlife populations. The major goals of the project are to assist 13 northeastern states (ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA, MD, DE, VA and WV) and DC in the management of utility corridors to 1) promote connection of renewable energy projects to the grid, 2) safeguard against impacts to species/habitats, 3) promote habitat for corridor specialists, and 4) optimize grid management for habitat and species movement in the face of climate change. This project will assist in the implementation of 13 SWAPs that seek to protect priority wildlife connectivity areas, integrate plans for energy infrastructure with wildlife requirements, and incorporate strategies for wildlife adaptation to climate change with wildlife planning and alternative energy development.

msheldon@manomet.org
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Three More Community Groups Join Rensselaer Plateau Alliance
Land Stewardship Group Adds More Perspectives    

Poestenkill N.Y. – The Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, Inc. (RPA), a land stewardship group comprised of local residents, has announced the addition of three more community groups in their effort to ensure the ecological integrity of the Rensselaer Plateau for all its citizens.

The Black River Raiders Snowmobile Club, the Spring Lake Association, and the Home Waters Chapter of Trout Unlimited are the latest to join this community forum to discuss and plan for the future of the geographical entity known as the Rensselaer Plateau.  The Black River Raiders have been enjoying the forested trails of the Plateau since 1969, and the Spring Lake Association of Taborton, comprised of local home and camp owners, has also been active in raising awareness of their lake’s ecology. The Home Waters Chapter of Trout Unlimited is the Rensselaer County Chapter of that national group with a mission to "To conserve, protect and restore North America's coldwater fisheries and their watersheds."

 “We are very pleased to count on the input of all three groups” said RPA President, Jim Bonesteel.  “The RPA looks to have a diversity of perspectives in order to get a full picture of how the Plateau is valued.”  Bonesteel adds, “Anyone who works, lives or recreates on the Plateau - we need to be hearing from them.”

The ongoing and educational dialog of the RPA includes an array of concerns from hunters to foresters to hikers.  As the organization conducts various ecological studies and workshops on land-use, they seek to integrate the experiences and views of the community as to how best to function as proactive stewards. 

The Alliance membership also includes the following organizations: Rensselaer Land Trust, Friends of the Dyken Pond Center, Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton Trail Riders, Mohawk-Hudson Cycling Club, The Nature Conservancy, The Conservation Fund, Babcock Lake Estates, The Trust for Public Land, The Village of East Nassau, Berlin Mountain Fish & Game Club, N.Y. Forest Owners Association (Capital District Chapter), and Audubon New York.

For more information about the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, to make a tax-deductable donation, sign up for our e-mail list, or to take our online survey, visit www.rensselaerplateau.org or contact RPA President Jim Bonesteel at (518) 794-9160.
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Berkshire Conservation District Annual Seedling Sale now in progress!

Though it may still be winter, it's not too early to start planning your spring planting. A wide variety of affordable tree seedlings, flowering shrubs, and edibles can be ordered now during the Berkshire Conservation District's Annual Seedling Sale. Prepaid orders will be taken until March 31st for pickup on May 1st at one of three Berkshire County locations; Lakeview Orchard in Lanesboro, 2 Andes Rd. in Peru, or Monument Mt HS Greenhouse in Great Barrington.

Most plants offered are native, beneficial to wildlife and able to survive the tough Berkshire winters. New this year is the everbearing blackberry that provides fruit the first year and will survive our tough winters. Home gardeners will also be interested in such plants as asparagus, strawberries and blueberries.

View pictures of the plants available for sale, print out a brochure, or place your orders online at www.berkshireconservation.org. For more information, request a brochure, or to volunteer to help with the plant sale call the Berkshire Conservation District at 413/443-1776 X102 or email deborah.burke@ma.usda.gov.


The Berkshire Conservation District is a voice for our local community, providing leadership on conservation issues and establishing priorities for conservation projects. Conservation Districts partner with state and federal agencies to deliver needed programs, education and technical assistance to landowners. The District is governed by a board of locally elected citizens who volunteer their time and leadership. The District does not receive any government funding and relies on fundraising to exist.


Deb Burke
District Administrator
Berkshire Conservation District
78 Center St. Suite 206
Pittsfield, MA 01201
www.berkshireconservation.org

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UPCOMING GRANT OPPORTUNITY: FFY’11 Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Competitive Grants Program
Request for Responses to be issued on or about April 1, 2010
Two Pre-RFR meetings will be Held

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:

Section 319 of the Clean Water Act of 1987 established a national program to control nonpoint sources (NPS) of pollution.  Each year the Massachusetts DEP issues a Request for Responses (RFR) for competitive projects to be funded through Section 319 grants.  This year’s RFR will be issued on or about April 1, 2010.  Proposals will be due on June 2, 2010.  The RFR will be posted at the Commonwealth’s procurement site, http://www.comm-pass.com under Open Solicitations, Department of Environmental Protection, Professional Services. 

Two Pre-RFR meetings will be held at MassDEP’s Central Regional Office, 627 Main Street, Worcester, MA. 
March 2, 2010 10-12 p.m., Concord Room
March 16, 2010 10-12 p.m., Concord Room

The purpose of each meeting is to review project requirements and eligibility and to discuss FFY ’11 program priorities.  Any other aspect of the program may also be discussed.  Under state procurement regulations, Department and other EOEEA staff will not be able to discuss projects with proponents once the RFR is issued on or about April 1.  Therefore, potential applicants are urged to take advantage of either or both of the Pre-RFR meetings, and all other opportunities to engage 319 program staff in discussion about how to develop eligible, competitive projects, prior to the April RFR issuance. 

Directions to CERO: http://mass.gov/dep/about/region/centralr.htm
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Application for the 16th Annual Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education
December 22, 2009

The Mass. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs is now accepting applications for the 2010 Secretary’s Awards for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education.  The deadline for submitting your application is March 30, 2010 at the close of business.

Applicants can type directly into the online form and submit it; or download the “fillable” pdf application, fill it out, save it and then email their application to meg.colclough@state.ma.us 

Fill out the Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education Form Online

If you are unable to fill out the form online please contact Meg Colclough by phone: (617) 626-1110, or email meg.colclough@state.ma.us for alternate instructions.

The Secretary’s Advisory Group on Energy and Environmental Education (SAGEE) will review nominations through the beginning of April.  Winners will be notified in April along with an invitation to attend a formal award ceremony at the State House.  Award winners will be recognized by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian A. Bowles.

Winners will receive certificates of excellence, honor and merit. 
We encourage you to nominate a school program, teacher and students who are participating in energy and environmental education projects.

Ian A. Bowles, Secretary
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge, 9th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts
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2010 Constitution Hill Snowshoe Race

Berkshire Natural Resources Council will host a 5 kilometer snowshoe race at Constitution Hill in Lanesboro on Saturday, March 6.

The event will also feature a 1-kilometer family fun run/walk.

Advance registration is $15, or $35 for a family of three or more.  Race-day registration is $20, or $45 for a family of three or more.   Children under 16 are free.  Adult registration fee includes a t-shirt.   (Registrations received after February 26 are not guaranteed a t-shirt on race day).  Complimentary BNRC membership and goody bag, prizes for top finishers.

The race course runs through open fields and woods, and includes approximately 480 feet of vertical ascent (and descent).

Start time is 10:30.  The fun run will start immediately after the 5K start.

Registration starts at 9:45 a.m.

The event is being sponsored by Berkshire Natural Resources Council, the non-profit land conservation organization that owns and manages Constitution Hill for public recreation and wildlife.

Additional supporters include Berkshire County League of Sportsmen and Berkshire Environmental Action Team. 

Proceeds not used to underwrite the event will be dedicated to the land protection and stewardship programs of BNRC.  Contributions in addition to race registration are welcome.

For more details and registration form, please visit www.bnrc.net, or call (413)499-0596.   

Tad Ames, President
Berkshire Natural Resources Council
20 Bank Row
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413.499.0596
www.bnrc.net
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Pleasant Valley Nature Camp .
June 28– August 20, 2010
Ages 5-13

Camp registration has begun at Mass Audubon, and there is a new look to our summer camp this year. We are offering one-week sessions for four different age groups with a different nature theme each session. An overnight camp-out will be available for older children, age 9-13. There is no limit to how many weeks a camper may attend.

Pleasant Valley’s camp, established in 1947, has allowed several generations of children to explore the natural world of the Berkshires. Approximately 1,300 acres of forest, meadows, mountains, brooks and beaver ponds provide a wonderful outdoor laboratory for children. Our camp provides an environment where children can connect with nature and have the freedom to play, discover and explore their interest in the outdoors.  The various programs include daily hikes within the sanctuary to observe animals and plants, related nature crafts, games, songs and more. Campers also have the opportunity to meet new friends, do crafts and play games. 

Our staff is made up of a group of enthusiastic naturalists who are dedicated to providing campers with the best summer experience possible.  Many of our staff members were once campers themselves here at Pleasant Valley. They have come back to continue the wonderful tradition of sharing their appreciation of nature with today’s campers.  All of our camp staff members are trained in accordance with ACA accreditation standards including First Aid and CPR certification. 

For details about camp sessions, curriculum, tuition, and camp scholarships you may request our camp brochure, complete with registration form, by contacting Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries, 472 W. Mountain Road, Lenox, MA 01240, 413-637-0320, berkshires@massaudubon.org or by visiting the website www.massaudubon.org.
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E.F.Schumacher Society is Undergoing a Transition

There is no doubt that the number of new ideas emerging in the field of humane, sustainable economics is accelerating.  But complete blueprints are still pretty few and far between.  Even so, our British colleagues at the New Economics Foundation (nef) have created an outline that is both impressive and hopeful.  Their blueprint offers a coherent foundation on which to build a future economics. They have called it "The Great Transition."

All of us at the E. F. Schumacher Society look forward to collaboration with nef as we undertake our own transition to become the New Economics Institute. David Boyle, a senior research fellow of nef, and his family, have joined us in the Berkshires to further that organizational transformation.

Warm wishes,
Susan Witt, Stefan Apse, and Kate Poole
Staff of the E. F. Schumacher Society
140 Jug End Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
www.smallisbeautiful.org
www.neweconomicsinstitute.org
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Sifting through PCB reports
from Environmental Health News

A panel of independent experts this week will begin sorting out two massive technical reports on the first year of PCB dredging from the Hudson River to offer a possible road map for the project's future. EPA believes there are almost double the amount of PCBs they expected to find. Albany Times Union, New York.

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=901147&category=REGION&TextPage=1

BEAT comment: Does this surprise anyone in the Housatonic Watershed? return to top