In the News
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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The BEAT News Archives
Advocacy News (Includes how to reach your legislators)
DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshire
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Progress Report on Climate Change and Water Released
The EPA Office of Water has released a report describing activities implemented in 2008 to respond to the challenges posed by a changing climate. The report is divided into three major sections:
- a description of activities to implement the National Water Program Strategy: Response to Climate Change, including the 44 key actions in the Strategy;
- a review of water-related climate change activities in EPA Regions; and
- a summary of EPA climate and water-related activities not specifically addressed in the Strategy.
During 2008 the Office of Water made substantial progress implementing the Strategy. Work on all but three of the 44 key actions has been initiated. For most of these actions, interim milestones and schedules have been accomplished and work is on schedule. Some highlights of successful implementation efforts include:
- publication of proposed regulations designed to assure that geologic sequestration of carbon does not pose a threat to underground sources of drinking water;
- development of the "Climate Ready Estuaries Program;" and
- establishment of a Federal Interagency Workgroup on climate change and water matters.
More information about the Strategy is available on the Office of Water Climate Change Website at: www.epa.gov/water/climatechange
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What is the BagShare Project?
The end goal of The BagShare Project is to help stores transition to becoming 'disposable bag free'.
How it works
Volunteers work together to produce reusable cloth bags.
Baskets of these bags are kept at participating shops (and library) patrons borrow a bag if they need one.
The bag is then returned to that location or another BagShare location for another to use.
Community Bag Sews (sewing circles) are organized by volunteers, materials and machines are donated by individuals and local businesses.
The BagShare Project was started in Western Massachusetts but we hope the idea will spread to other communities.
Please, visit the new website.
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New Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
Community Supported Agriculture or CSA's are local farms where you can buy a share of the harvest in advance and then collect your fresh picked veggies and often other products each week. The farmer benefits because their crop is sold before they plant it, and the customer enjoys a great value on fresh organically grown food.
There is a new CSA in the Berkshires, River Valley Farm in Lenox. Located at the end of East New Lenox Road, River Valley Farm is operated by Lisa Dachinger. You can read more about River Valley Farm CSA and download a membership form at http://www.rareshee pwool.com/ csa.html.
There are a number of benefits from joining a CSA:
• you receive fresh, delicious produce at a fair price.
• You know where your food is coming from.
• You know who is growing your food and how it is produced.
• You are investing in your local community.
• You are not buying products that had to be transported, emitting CO2 and toxic chemicals, thousands of miles.
There are 10 CSAs in and around the Berkshires:
- Caretaker Farm - honey, Farm, fruits, vegetables, bread, meat and poultry, eggs -Don Zasada,1210 Hancock Rd.,Williamstown, MA 01267,www.caretakerfarm.org, 413-458-9691.
- Farm Girl Farm - vegetables - Laura Meister, P.O. Box 124, North Egremont, MA 01252, www.farmgirlfarm.com, 413-528-1952
- Holiday Farm - eggs, pork, fire wood, hay, pumpkins, seasonal veggies, sweet corn, farm stand, compost, maple syrup, straw -Jesse Robertson-Dubois,100 Holiday Cottage Rd., Dalton, MA 01226, www.holidayfarm.com, 413-684-0444
- Indian Line Farm - seasonal veggies, annuals, bedding plants, herbs -Elizabeth Keen, 57 Jug End Rd., Great Barrington, MA 01230,www.indianlinefarm.com, 413-528-8301
- Mahaiwe Harvest CSA - seasonal veggies -Mr. David Ingles, 329 North Plain Rd., Housatonic, MA 01236, 413-274-6859
- Moon in the Pond Farm -farm stand, herbs, hot dogs, liverwurst, knockwurst, weisswurst, artisanal sausages, grass fed lamb, goose, duck, Capretto, vegetables, grass-fed pork, Dominic Palumbo, 816 Barnum Street, Sheffield, MA 01257, www.mooninthepond.com, 413-229-3092
- River Valley Farm -workshops in fiber arts, Farm, annuals, hanging baskets, perennials, grass fed lamb, milk-fed, pastured veal, wool, eggs, farm stand, grass-fed beef, pork, vegetables - Lisa Dachinger, 345 New Lenox Road, Lenox, MA 01240, www.raresheepwool.com, 413-822-9621
- The Farm at Miller's Crossing -potatoes, seasonal veggies, Farm, specialty greens, beets, bedding plants, grass-fed beef - Christopher Cashen, 81 Roxbury Rd., Hudson, NY 12534-3600, www.farmatmillerscrossing.com, 518-851-2331
- Threshold Farm -pears, apples, peaches - Hugh Williams, P.O. Box 323, Philmont, NY 12565, 518-672-5509
- Wolfe Spring Farm - seasonal veggies, potatoes, fruits - June Wolfe, 946 Hewins St., Sheffield, MA 01257,413-229-2012
For much more information on local food and farms, visit Berkshire Grown's website. In the Pioneer Valley visit the Pioneer Valley Growers Association and Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture website
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JENNY'S HEROES
The "Jenny Jones Foundation" will give $1,000,000 for worthy causes around the United States. All grants are considered investments in communities.
Jenny's Heroes is looking for specific ideas where the Foundation can purchase, repair, upgrade, provide equipment, or otherwise make improvements to benefit the community.
Any legal resident of the United States over the age of 18 can apply to receive a grant, without regard to race, religion, national origin, color, sex, veteran status, or disability. No recipient may keep any of the funds for his or her personal use; all funds must be spent on the approved community project that benefits a number of people.
The total cost of the project cannot exceed $25,000.
Grant requests will be reviewed within a month of receipt. Applicants who are being considered will be notified within six weeks of receipt. Full proposals will be requested from those whose projects may be funded.
http://www.jennysheroes.com/index.shtml
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Vernal Pool Educators Opportunity
For classroom teachers and nature centers:
1. The Vernal Pool Association is able to offer 5 opportunities to
participate in the Poster Outreach Project where students research a
topic (which involves vernal pools), illustrate and write about it and
send the material to VPA to produce a poster which they then display in
locations within their community. This project is very popular with
several schools participating each year. This opportunity is intended
for schools new to the project.
2. We have sets of our 35 poster "Vernal Pool Life" poster set
to give to educators.
Both of these opportunities are funded by a grant from the EnTrust Fund
and will be without cost to the recipient. Go to the Vernal Pool
website for more information and links to samples of Outreach Posters
and to view the Vernal Pool Life set.
http://vernalpool.org/vernal_1.htm
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MASS. LAND CONSERVATION CONFERENCE, MARCH 29, WORECSTER
2009 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference
Saturday, March 28, 2009, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Worcester Technical High School, Worcester, MA
$38 if you register by Mar 14; $58 after Mar 14; lower rates for MLTC members
(Box lunch available for additional $12)
Sponsored by the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition and The Trustees of Reservations’ Putnam Conservation Institute
REGISTRATION AND DETAILS AT:
http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/38698_massachusetts_land_conservation_conference_2009.cfm
Join 500 of your closest friends for the largest statewide land trust training day in the nation! Anyone can attend - Land Trust Board Members, Volunteers and Staff; CPA Committees, Open Space Committees, Conservation Commissioners, Municipal Employees, Students, etc.! More than 30 workshops on all aspects of land conservation work, including a full-day "Boot Camp" specifically for land trust board members. Other topics include:
Land Conservation Fundamentals
* What Every Board Member Should Know: A Full-Day Workshop for Building a Stronger Land Trust*
* This workshop is a triple session--10:30AM - 12Noon, 1:30 - 3PM, and 3:15 - 4:45PM. Participants must commit to attending all three sessions. Please don’t attend just one or two segments.
* Protecting Land in Massachusetts: The Basics of Planning & Funding Projects
* Tax Advantages of Conservation Giving 101
* Managing Conserved Land: The Basics of Effective Stewardship
Funding & Fundraising
* Growing Your Organizational Membership
* Writing Your First (or Second) Grant Proposal
* The Fundamentals of State Funding Sources for Conservation: PARC, LAND, & LIP
Stewardship: Land Management & Conservation Restrictions
* Building Partnerships While Designing Trail Experiences
* The Fundamentals of Monitoring Conservation Restrictions
* Managing Woodlands for Wildlife & Revenue: The Complimentary Roles of Forestry & Land Conservation
The Art & Science of Conserving Land
* Expanding the Farmland Protection Toolbox: New Concepts & Tools
* What’s New at the Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affair
* Regional Conservation Collaborations in Massachusetts: What’s Working & What’s Next?
* Having It All: Saving Land & Historic Places
* Free, Online Mapping Tools that YOU Can Use: A Hands-On Workshop
Particularly Legal Matters
* Advanced Tax & Appraisal Issues for Gifts of Land & Conservation Restrictions
* Massachusetts’ Conservation Restriction Review Process
* Legal Challenges to Protected Land: What Are the Issues and Options for Collective Defense?
* Land Conservation Law: Issues, Update Plus Q&A
Emerging Issues
* Unexpected Colossal Stewardship Challenges - Two Case Studies
* Responding to Climate Change: Emerging Management & Conservation
* Conservation Restrictions in the 21st Century: A Legal Perspective
* Green Burials on Conservation Land: A New Source of Perpetual Stewardship Funding?
* When is it Appropriate to Have Infrastructure for Renewable Energy on Conserved Land
* Opportunities & Challenges in Climate Change Policy for the Conservation Community
Organizational Development
* Using New Media to Reach More People
* Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Your Organization: Getting Started
* Becoming an Accredited Land Trust: Lessons From Massachusetts’ Early Adopters
The Community Preservation Act (CPA)
* Building a Coalition to Pass the CPA
* Acquiring Land With CPA Funds: Advice and Perspective from a Land Trust
* Current and Futures Issues with the CPA
Finding Common Ground: Land Conservation & Civic Engagement
* The Neighbor Conservation Network: Harnessing Social Capital for Land Protection Efforts
* Lobbying and Advocacy: Where are the Limits for Nonprofits and Individuals?
* The Heritage Landscape Inventory Program: A Model for Civic Engagement
* Inspiring Stories of Civic Engagement: Expanding Your Horizon
For this year’s keynote address, we have invited Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray to speak to us about Civic Engagement.
Last year's conference was sold out; sign up now to guarantee your space!
Get the Conference brochure and registration forms at:
http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/38698_massachusetts_land_conservation_conference_2009.cfm
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POSITION DESCRIPTION
Financial Analyst, Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences
Would you like to put your finance and analytical skills to work for conservation? Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences is seeking a talented Financial Analyst to join our team. As one of the nation’s oldest independent environmental research organizations, Manomet is developing innovative models for businesses and communities to forge a new partnership with the planet. We convene stakeholders and help develop science-based, enduring solutions that work in the real world and improve conditions for wildlife, habitats and people. For more information, please visit our website at www.manomet.org.
Position Summary
The Financial Analyst tracks data, prepares reports, and performs analyses to support sound decision-making and planning. The position is responsible for grants and contracts administration and compliance, budgeting, monitoring revenues and expenses, analysis of trends and variances, forecasting, financial reporting, insurance and risk management, and analysis associated with the endowment. The position reports to the Director of Finance & Operations. The position is located at Manomet’s headquarters directly on beautiful Cape Cod Bay, in Plymouth, MA, 45 miles south of Boston.
Essential Functions
• Grants and contracts administration: Create and maintain grant and contract files with documentation. Prepare grant budgets, track expenses, and review monthly revenue releases for appropriateness. Ensure compliance with grant and contract terms. Produce regular financial reports by grant and communicate results to program leaders. Prepare and submit financial reports and reimbursement requests to grantors and contracting agencies.
• Financial planning and analysis: Assist with preparation, monitoring, and forecast projections of department and program budgets. Monitor revenues and expenses, calculate financial ratios, and analyze variances and trends to support sound decision-making and scenario planning.
• Financial reporting: Present financial performance data in summary tables and charts. Prepare and transmit monthly reports to staff and quarterly financial statements to the Board.
• Risk management: Evaluate and recommend insurance coverage.
• Endowment: Track gifts and performance by endowed fund. Prepare quarterly entries for unrealized gains/losses.
• Furnish additional internal and ad-hoc reports as necessary.
Qualifications
• B.A. or equivalent in business, finance, economics, or related field.
• Minimum five years’ experience in nonprofit financial management. Graduate degree in management or finance may substitute for years of work experience.
• Specific experience managing a complex portfolio of restricted grants and contracts in a nonprofit or academic environment.
• Excellent quantitative and analytical skills. Strong technical abilities using Excel, accounting systems, and relational databases.
• Ability to solve problems independently. Flexible team player with a sense of humor. Good judgment and high integrity.
• Highly detail-oriented. Ability to multi-task and work well under deadline pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate financial information to program staff.
• Interest in conservation issues.
How to Apply
Please email your resume and cover letter as attachments to jobs@manomet.org. Please reference the job title in the subject line. The position is available immediately and applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible.
Manomet offers a comprehensive package of benefits and is an equal opportunity employer.
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Job Announcement: Habitat Connectivity Campaign Coordinator
Center for Native Ecosystems, a Denver-based nonprofit devoted to endangered species and native wildlife protection in the Southern Rockies and surrounds, is seeking a full-time coordinator to manage our Habitat Connectivity Campaign. The objective of this campaign is to provide safe passages for wildlife between core areas of habitat in the face of an increasingly fragmented landscape. Specifically, this campaign addresses the negative impacts on wildlife of transportation infrastructure and other development through engagement in regional and local transportation planning processes and policies, facilitating on-the-ground projects, and conducting scientific research and monitoring designed to inform mitigation measures.
The Campaign Coordinator will manage all facets of the Habitat Connectivity Campaign by providing scientific information, best practices, and tools to facilitate the implementation of mitigation measures for wildlife along critical stretches of roadway in the Southern Rockies Ecoregion through collaboration with federal and state agencies, counties, and other non-profit partners. The Campaign Coordinator will also interface with public officials, government bodies and the public through lobbying for improved policies, public outreach and education, and grassroots organizing. The Campaign Coordinator will also work in conjunction with other CNE staff to implement key aspects of our Climate Change Campaign related to protecting wildlife movement corridors.
Job Location: main office is in Denver ; much field work and outreach will take place in Summit or Eagle Counties
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Assist with inventory and monitoring activities along I-70 in collaboration with the project manager and research partners. This includes implementing study protocols, compiling and analyzing data, and completing progress reports.
- Participate in regional and statewide transportation planning and policy making to support early and substantial consideration of wildlife concerns.
- Provide transportation planners and project designers at the state and county levels with the best available tools and resources for avoiding and mitigating transportation impacts to wildlife.
- Work with the Conservation Director to develop new projects and guide the growth of the Habitat Connectivity Campaign.
- Provide regular updates on monitoring efforts to agency partners, donors, and other interested parties.
- Use public outreach tools to generate citizen participation in wildlife monitoring opportunities, including online reporting tools.
- Through public outreach and organizing, generate community support for the construction of wildlife crossings and other mitigation measures to restore connections between core habitat areas.
Qualifications:
- Minimum BS/BA, MS or equivalent preferred
- Passion for endangered species, wildlife and wildlands protection
- Experience in wildlife monitoring, field research techniques and data analysis
- Educational/professional background in wildlife or conservation biology, ecology or related fields
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
- Willingness to maintain a flexible schedule (occasional weekend work)
- Familiarity with grassroots organizing/political advocacy preferred
Salary: $32,000 - $36,000, commensurate with experience. This is a full-time staff position with a generous benefits package including health care, retirement plan, and bus pass.
Application Procedure: Send a resume, cover letter, three references, and a brief writing sample, Attention: Josh Pollock, Executive Director, at 1536 Wynkoop Street, Suite 303 , Denver , CO 80202 , or cne@nativeecosystems.org. Application deadline is February 27th. return to top |
