In the News
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Advocacy News (Includes how to reach your legislators) DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshire |
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Busted for dumping snow in Merrimack River Tuesday February 1, 2011 Mayor William Lantigua says he personally witnessed the dumping, which involved 42 trucks over a three-hour period late Sunday night and into Monday morning. Police Chief John Romero tells The Eagle-Tribune that dumping plowed snow into water is a violation of federal clean water laws, because the snow contains salt, oil and other contaminants. Police have informed both state and federal environmental regulators. Lawrence DPW workers suspended for dumping snow in river |
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RecycleMania 2011 The annual RecycleMania contest is here again, running for eight weeks beginning this February 6. This is the fourth year Berkshire Community College will participate in this competition. Last year we finished 37th out of 267 colleges and universities nationwide (an improvement on our 2009 finish of 41st out of 206 schools), and 4th out of 24 in Massachusetts. How can I find out more about RecycleMania or follow results? BEAT Note: Way to go BCC! Show ‘em how to reduce the competition. |
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DAVID CASH NAMED EEA UNDERSECRETARY FOR POLICY Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary (EEA) Richard K. Sullivan Jr. has announced the appointment of David Cash as Undersecretary for Policy. Cash, who served as Assistant Secretary for Policy for the last four years, will focus on developing policies that advance the Patrick-Murray administration's goals to create jobs in the clean energy sector, conserve and steward open space and parks, and enhance air and water resources. "It is an honor to be able to continue to pursue Governor Patrick's agenda of growing a clean energy economy, conserving our cherished natural resources, and assuring clean air and water in the Commonwealth," Undersecretary Cash said. "I thank Secretary Sullivan for giving me this elevated role in advancing the Commonwealth's national energy and environment leadership." As Undersecretary for Policy, Cash will build on his previous work developing and analyzing policy options to further EEA's mission in areas such as energy; land, water, and ocean management; wildlife and fisheries; air and water quality; climate change; transportation; and waste management. Chair of Governor Patrick's Sustainable Water Management Initiative and the Congressionally-established Boston Harbor Islands Partnership, Cash's achievements during the first Patrick-Murray administration include helping to develop a package of landmark legislation signed into law in 2008 - the Green Communities Act, Clean Energy Biofuels Act, Green Jobs Act, Massachusetts Ocean Act, and Global Warming Solutions Act (GSWA). |
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ASSISTANT PROGRAM COORDINATOR/RESIDENT ADVISOR (PETERSHAM, MA) For thirteen weeks in May-August 2011, thirty college-age students will join dozens of visiting and staff scientists at Harvard Forest in researching the effects of natural and human disturbances on forest ecosystems. The Program Assistant works closely with the Forest Administrator in organizing the various educational components to the summer program. S/he lives with the students in Fisher and/or Raup House, providing the information, advising, support and discipline required to create a hospitable academic environment. To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume and up to three letters of recommendation to the address below. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Additional information about Harvard Forest and the summer program is available at http://harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu For questions, please contact: |
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CLF SEEKS ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT LITIGATOR Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking an experienced attorney to fill the position of Environmental Enforcement Litigator. Working with the director of CLF's Clean Water and Healthy Forests Program Director and CLF's Clean Water Team, the Enforcement Litigator will be responsible for identifying and litigating Clean Water Act citizen suit enforcement cases regionally and obtaining fee and cost recovery. The Enforcement Litigator will be based in CLF's Boston office and will maintain a significant case load intended to enhance Clean Water Act compliance in New England through direct enforcement and the deterrent effect of litigation outcomes. More information available here. Interested candidates are required to send a cover letter and resume to: Human Resources at careers@clf.org or mail to: 62 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110. Candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply. |
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT THE TRUSTEES OF RESERVATIONS Assistant Dairy & Livestock Manager - Appleton Farms, Ipswich CSA Manager and Grower - Moraine Farm, Beverly Director of Annual Giving More information about employment opportunities at TTOR available here. |
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APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB SEEKS SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER Under the direction of the Vice President of Communications and Marketing, this key position will define strategies and execute on an annual marketing plan that supports occupancy goals in our full service lodging destinations, youth and program participation, and publication sales in support of AMC's broader mission of promoting the protection, enjoyment and understanding of the mountains, rivers, and trails of the Northeast outdoors. More information available here. To Reply: Please email resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to amcjob167@outdoors.org (preferred) or mail to: Vice President of Communications and Marketing, Appalachian Mountain Club, 5 Joy Street, Boston, MA 02108. No calls, please. |
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MEPA Site Visits in Easthampton, Deerfield and Northfield MEPA site visits are scheduled for Wednesday, February 9, for the following projects: Easthampton: EEA#14691 South Street Roadway Reconstruction The first four pages of the Environmental Notification Form are available through this link: http://www.env.state.ma.us/mepa/mepadocs/2011/012611em/nps/enf/14691.pdf Deerfield and Northfield: EEA#14693 Nourse Farms Inc. Irrigation Water Withdrawal http://www.env.state.ma.us/mepa/mepadocs/2011/012611em/nps/enf/14693.pdf Detailed site visit notifications will follow. Please contact me with any questions or concerns. Thank you. ----------------------------------------------- ph: (617) 626-1044 |
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Massachusetts Preservation Project Fund Administered by the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC), the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF) is a state-funded 50% reimbursable matching grant program to support the preservation of properties, landscapes, and sites listed in the State Register of Historic Places. Applicants must be a municipality or nonprofit organization. The program is administered in accordance with 950 CMR 73.00. Please note that grant disbursement is subject to reauthorization of the capital accounts and the availability of sufficient allocated funds. Applications are due March 25, 2011. For MPPF program information, downloadable Application/Instructions, click here or call the MHC at (617) 727-8470. MPPF Workshops
Directions to Millbury Public Library: Directions to the MHC: By MBTA |
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Dear BCC Coomunity: On April 23rd, the BCC Green Team, in partnership with the Berkshire Environmental Resource Center and the Berkshire Museum, will be hosting a Green Fair on campus. The purpose of the event is to serve as a resource for the community to learn about the environment and ways in which they can live a more green and sustainable lifestyle. We are looking for individuals and community members that may want to be part of the event. I'm hoping that anyone one campus that known of an individuals, organization, or company that is involved with related activities will forward this information on to them. Involvement may be:
As this is the first time we're doing this, we are hoping to offer a broad range of activities to determine what the community is most interested in. The target audience for the group is the entire community and not just those that are environmentally active. Thank you. Please contact me at 413-236-2105 or ckaminsk@berkshirecc.edu with any questions or ideas you may have. Charlie Kaminski P.S. Don't forget to visit the Green Team blogspace at http://blogs.berkshirecc.edu/bccgreenteam/ to read the Green Tip of the week and to view this week's video. |
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METAL POSTS NEEDED FOR WOOD DUCK BOXES Beavers pose an unexpected challenge for wood duck housing when they chew down the cedar poles state biologists have traditionally used to mount Wood Duck boxes in lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Resourceful as ever, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) has begun using metal posts, most commonly U-channel, whenever possible. This metal alternative can be very expensive when dozens of boxes across the state need new poles. Conservation-minded citizens are invited to help solve this problem! Part of the solution could involve local departments of public works (DPW). When sign posts are damaged by auto accidents or snow plows they are replaced by state, city, or town highway or public works departments and the old posts are scrapped. Often the damage is minor and the posts are still usable as Wood Duck nest box supports. Even badly-bent posts can be cut and two sections bolted together to provide sufficient support. Holes in U-channel poles are spaced every few inches, so boxes can easily be mounted at any height. Consider calling or stopping by the DPW in your town to see if you can salvage any old metal sign posts for Wood Ducks. At $26 per pole, a new 12-foot U-channel is relatively expensive for the average Wood Duck, or state wildlife agency. The poles scrapped by DPWs all over the state provide an efficient, low-cost foundation to anchor Wood Duck boxes firmly in the ponds and wetlands these birds share with beaver. Depending on where you live in the state, you can deliver the poles to the Westborough Field Headquarters 1 Rabbit Hill Rd (off North Drive) (508) 389-6321); or to one of the five Wildlife District Offices: Ayer—85 Fitchburg Road; (978) 772-2145; Belchertown—East Street; (413) 323-7632; Bourne—195 Bournedale Road; (508) 759-3406; Dalton—88 Old Windsor Road; (413) 684-1646; West Boylston—211 Temple Street; (508) 835-3607. If the department of public works in your town has poles, but you have no vehicle space, MassWildlife will try to arrange to pick up the poles. To facilitate this process, please call H Heusmann at (508) 389-6321. For those interested conservationists who don’t have the time or ability to find poles, but want to support this project, the Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation, Inc., has partnered with Mass Wildlife for the past two years by accepting cash and material donations that go directly toward the Wood Duck housing effort. Gifts to the Foundation are tax-deductible. To contact the Foundation go online to www.massoutdoorheritage.org or call (413) 230-4945. |
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Solar Hot Water - New Rebates in Mass. I just wanted to let you know that the MA Clean Energy Center is offering a new rebate for solar hot water systems installed in 2011. |
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How did the Elephant cross the road? |
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Recreational Trail Program in Massachusetts Massachusetts has participated in the Recreational Trails Program since 1993, receiving over $6 million in federal funding and awarding approximately 263 grant projects to date. As the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)’s largest annual grant program, communities and government entities alike have participated in the program with great enthusiasm. In a given year, the program will provide $600,000 to possibly $1 million in total federal funding while grantees will typically exceed the 20% required match, often providing a local match that is equal to or exceeds the federal funding awarded for the project. Similar to Benton MacKaye’s original vision of a volunteer-driven work force to develop and maintain the Appalachian Trail, the majority of RTP projects are completed by volunteers who dedicate their own time to the planning, design, collection of donations, organization of work days, and actual on-the-ground trail work. Often, the federal grant will pay for the purchase of materials for trail creation or maintenance, the hiring of design professionals for the more complex trail structures such as bridges and culverts, and funding youth trail crews. The local match often consists of a combination of sources, including donations, in-kind services, and occasionally other grants, usually in the case of large-scale projects. Several RTP grantees have worked to make a community or state trail vision become a reality by developing a phased approach and applying for grant funding in multiple years. This allows for small groups with even smaller spending capabilities to think big, while making significant accomplishments along the way. This has been the case with a dedicated force of trails volunteers in Great Barrington, who have been awarded multiple grants to establish a network of recreational trails in their community, which has included handicap-accessibility considerations and local river clean-up and restoration efforts: The RTP has also been a factor in facilitating projects to create recreational trail infrastructure within low-income and minority communities, funding projects to provide for environmental education, recreation, and passive enjoyment by children, families, seniors and handicapped individuals where no other sources of funding could be found. For instance, funding from the RTP was instrumental in allowing the residents of Boston's Four Corners and Bowdoin/Geneva Dorchester neighborhoods to reclaim an overgrown, dumped on, and unappreciated natural resource in their neighborhood. “The Geneva Cliffs Urban Wild is now an inviting open space with a walking trail that loops around the 2.5 acre site that is attracting young and old to explore this natural area, to appreciate its features and to enjoy special community events in the more open section of the site. The Friends of Geneva Cliffs greatly appreciate the support from (RTP) in helping the community to realize its vision of transforming this area into a true community asset,” said Sherry Flashman, Project Coordinator. RTP in Massachusetts has also provided funding to maintain the state’s popular long distance hiking trail system, awarding grants throughout the state which have benefited these trails, section by section, through land acquisition for corridor protection, re-routing, and maintenance funding. In the particular case of the Metacomet-Monadnock trail, the dedication of a multi-community, proactive volunteer work force and the funding it has successfully solicited and put to use has likely had a part in raising the trail’s profile to a national level. "The Recreational Trails Grant made it possible to save an important trail head for the Metacomet~Monadnock Trail here in Northfield,” said Joanne McGee a volunteer and resident of Northfield. “Now, thanks to the Federal Government, the M&M trail has been re-designated and renamed the New England National Scenic Trail, and will join the other national scenic trails (including the AT) as an important recreational asset for all.” |
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Shaking Things up at the State House Over the past few weeks the State House has seen a number of committee leadership changes. We congratulate Senator Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton), who will serve as senate chair of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture while retaining his chairmanship of the Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change. Congratulations also to environmental champion Senator Stephen Brewer (D-Barre) for assuming chairmanship of Senate Ways and Means, the senate budget writing committee. On the House side, it was announced today that Representative Brian Dempsey (D-Haverhill) will chair the House Committee on Ways and Means, and the vice-chairman will be environmental champion Stephen Kulik (D-Worthington). Representative Anne Gobi (D-Spencer), who has consistently scored well on environmental votes, will serve as the new House chair for the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. |
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Mass Audubon State Budget Tracking Governor Patrick released his Fiscal Year 2012 budget this week, which comes in at $30.5 million -- the state’s largest ever spending plan. Unfortunately, this plan includes several environmental program cuts. Compared to the FY11 final budget, administrative funding for the Department of Conservation and Recreation is down about $96,000, and Department of Environmental Protection administrative funds fell about $2.1 million. The Blue Hills Trailside Museum received no funding. The Governor’s budget also relies on $20 million from expanding the state’s bottle bill, one of Mass Audubon’s legislative priorities. $6.5 million of that would go to the environmental budget. If the bottle bill does not pass, further environmental cuts can be expected. Mass Audubon will continue to push for increased environmental funding and our goal of at least 1% of the overall budget for nature. Currently the percentage is still only about .65%. The Governor’s budget is the first in a series. Next up will be the House Ways and Means version, expected to be released in April. Follow the eight versions of the state budget as we begin tracking them in our budget chart. BEAT Note: What a shame that we can’t even have 2 percent for the environment. And how pathetic that we are having to fight for just 1 percent for the environment. Are we now the state with the lowest percent of our budget protecting the environment??? |
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DCR ASKS PUBLIC’S HELP TO STOP FEEDING GULLS The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is asking the public to stop feeding gulls. Results from a multi-year study by DCR’s Division of Water Supply Protection indicate that ring-billed gulls in Massachusetts rely on handouts from people for much of their daily food requirements. The study highlighted the connection between these daily handouts and the possibility of compromised water quality in drinking water supply reservoirs. Many gulls spend the day travelling to various parking lots in central Massachusetts where well-intentioned people toss bread, popcorn, french fries, and other food to the large flocks of persistent birds. The gulls then eventually make their way to the Wachusett or Quabbin Reservoirs, which provide water for more than 2 million people. The gulls also end up on smaller water bodies, including other municipal water supplies. Up to several thousand gulls can congregate nightly on these water bodies, forming large communal roosts. These protective roosts remain throughout the night as the gulls pass the time preening, sleeping, and - this is the true problem - defecating. These large aggregations of birds can have negative effects on water quality. Also, while feeding gulls can be fun and may appear to be beneficial to the birds, particularly during winter when conditions are difficult, it is not necessarily good for the birds. Foods typically provided to gulls (bread, french fries, crackers) are nutritionally inferior to the birds’ natural food selections and are a poor substitute for their normally varied diet. Gulls may suffer long-term health effects from an artificial diet. In addition, birds fed such a poor diet in crowded conditions can be at an increased risk for disease. Some of these diseases, such as Salmonella and E. coli, are potentially transmittable to humans. Finally, the act of feeding gulls in a parking lot can have unintended negative consequences: Sometimes in the confusion and competition of feeding, distracted gulls can be injured or killed by cars. A key component of DCR’s successful watershed management initiatives, which maintain Wachusett and Quabbin Reservoirs as high-quality water supplies, is a seven-day-a-week harassment program that keeps the gulls away from critical areas of the reservoirs. DCR also has initiated additional efforts to eliminate food sources, with the hope that once the food has been eliminated, gulls will leave the area and will no longer roost on the reservoirs. To that end, DCR is placing signs at parking lots in central Massachusetts asking members of the public not to feed gulls. Ring-billed gulls are a resourceful and adaptable species. They have learned quickly to take advantage of free food from humans and rely less and less on natural foods. Eliminating hand-outs does not mean death or suffering for gulls. DCR’s research has shown ring-billed gulls to be highly mobile and extremely capable birds. They can travel hundreds of miles in a short period of time in search of food or new roosting areas. If food is eliminated in Massachusetts, ring-billed gulls will adapt quickly and travel further south where conditions are more favorable for finding natural foods such as insects, fish, and worms. DCR asks for the public’s help in making a positive contribution to the quality of public water supplies and to the well being of the birds themselves. Please don’t feed the gulls. For more information on the DCR gull study, go to www.mass.gov/dcr/gullstudy . |
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Montague, Mass. Water Pollution Control Facility Recognized for Excellence (Boston, Mass. – Jan. 27, 2011) – The Montague, Mass. Water Pollution Control Facility was recently selected by EPA for a Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Excellence Award. The entire staff of Montague facility, led by Superintendent Robert Twombley, was recognized by EPA's New England Office for exceptional work in operating and maintaining the wastewater treatment plant and its collection system. The plant was among three facilities in New England acknowledged for exemplary performance during 2010. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection was instrumental in nominating this facility. In addition, the facility has been provided with outstanding support from the Town of Montague (Frank Abbondanzio, Town Administrator, and Patricia Allen, Chair of the Board of Selectmen) by allowing the freedom and flexibility for the operators to operate and maintain the plant and collection system to the best of their abilities. “The professionals operating these wastewater treatment plants, as well as the municipalities and the state environmental agencies that support them, are essential to keeping our communities and our environment healthy. I am proud to give them the credit they deserve,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA's New England Office. |
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Interested in eating healthier -- from tips to shopping smarter to exploring our current food policy? Don't miss TEDxManhattan's Changing the Way We Eat. On February 12, the Glynwood Institute for Sustainable Food and Farming will bring together thought leaders, policy experts and foodies to talk about Changing the Way We Eat. EWG will be there and so should you. Speakers will discuss how the nation can shift to a more sustainable way of eating and farming. EWG President Ken Cook will present a smart and accessible farm bill primer that addresses the question, "How can the next farm bill change the way we eat?" TEDxManhattan will webcast the event live and is encouraging individuals around the country to host their own viewing parties. Click here for more details on the upcoming webcast and to register a house party viewing event. We hope you'll find the presentations informative, provocative and helpful. Congressional leaders will begin drafting a new federal farm bill soon, and we're excited to work with citizens like you to reform our nation's food and farm policy. |
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011 NMFS-Sea Grant Fellowships in Marine Resource Economics |
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The Green Prize in Public Education |
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Franklin Land Trust Approaches Milestone: Over 19,000 Acres Protected Franklin Land Trust closed out 2010 with six new land projects in Franklin and Hampshire counties. This brings the total number of acres the non-profit organization has helped conserve to over 19,000 since the organization's founding in 1987, and it's expected that FLT will reach the 20,000 acre mark by June 30, the end of their fiscal year. The six most recent projects are located in Ashfield, Conway, Hadley, Heath, Leyden and Whately. They include the protection of local farm land, critical wildlife habitat and water resources, and scenic and historic landscapes. According to Executive Director Rich Hubbard, "By conserving their land, each of the landowners have left all of us-our children and grandchildren-a wonderful legacy. FLT is pleased to be able to assist them in realizing their conservation goals." More... |
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Fish Passage 2011 The National Conference on Engineering & Ecohydrology for Fish Passage Abstracts for Oral Presentations due February 15, 2011 The 2011 National Conference on Engineering & Ecohydrology for Fish Passage (Fish Passage 2011) promises to be an important national forum for researchers and practitioners to exchange findings and experiences on fish passage issues. Fish Passage 2011 will be of interest to researchers, educators, practitioners, funders, and regulators who have an interest in advancements in technical fishways, nature-like fishways, stream restoration and stabilization, dam removal, road ecology, and the myriad of funding, safety, climate change, and other social issues surrounding connectivity projects. Registration: The three-day conference has an all-inclusive registration fee of $250 with a discounted rate of $125 for students and state employees. For more information and to submit an abstract see: Conference Sponsorship: The University of Massachusetts is hosting the conference in cooperation with sponsors including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Interested in being a conference sponsor? For levels of sponsorship and benefits that come with sponsorship see: Conference Program: The conference will include concurrent sessions in engineering, biology, and management and social issues. A poster session is also offered. The Organizing Committee welcomes proposals for session topics. To submit a proposal see: Topics of interest include the following: Fish Passage 2011 Organizing Committee:
Fish Passage 2011 Advisory Board: |
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Position Available: RESTORATION ECOLOGIST, The Coalition for Buzzards Bay Background Position Description Restoration Project Development
Restoration Implementation Project Management
Natural Resource Monitoring
Professional & Personal Qualifications
Salary/Benefits Highly competitive nonprofit salary plus benefits including employer contributions towards Health Insurance and 401(k) Retirement plan and access to supplemental benefits. To Apply Interested applicants should respond by email with a cover letter and resume by Brendan Annett For more information see www.savebuzzardsbay.org. No calls please. |
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Stricter Phosphorous Pollution Controls The Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) announced, that EPA finalized a settlement of CLF’s federal court lawsuit challenging Vermont’s pollution budget for Lake Champlain. EPA agreed to rewrite the pollution budget and to require much stricter controls for the phosphorus pollution that is devastating the lake. EPA also announced that it will, for the first time, consider the effects of climate change in developing the new budget as recommended by CLF. CLF applauds EPA for taking a bold new approach to protecting our treasured waters and is proud that precedent has been set here in New England. |
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