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The BEAT News
February 6, 2008
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Follow all the environmental news and events in Berkshire County delivered to you computer weekly.
Subscribe to The BEAT News by email. (follow link and click on subscribe)
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In the News:
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 Berkshires
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New England Student Designs in Solid Pursuit of Prestigious EPA ‘People, Prosperity and the Planet’ (P3) Awards
(Boston, Mass. – January 28, 2008) - Four New England University teams were among fifty-eight national finalists, recently awarded over $500,000 in ‘P3’ grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA). Awards were given based on initial designs for achieving sustainable solutions to environmental issues. Student teams from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Keene State College and UMASS Lowell were recently awarded $10,000 each to put their designs into action and will compete once more among the other 54 teams in April.
Keene State College, N.H.: Students are working to create a “closed energy loop”, where biodiesel fuel is both created and used within the same community. This fuel will be made from waste grease generated within that community and then used to power local public fleets. Biodiesel is a fuel made from either vegetable oils or waste grease and offers promise as a sustainable energy source. While use of biodiesel is on the rise, few communities in the U.S. both manufacture and use biodiesel fuel.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Mass.: One team hopes to harness wind power from tethered kites as a low cost and sustainable energy alternative for developing nations. Two billion people currently live in developing parts of the world without access to electricity. Wind turbines are a possible renewable source, but their high cost and low use potential in less windy regions create steep disadvantages. These students hope that kites will supply environmentally friendly electricity where wind turbines are much less practical.
The second WPI team is working to create a nano-structured material for capturing mercury, arsenic and selenium from the gases of coal combustion. Although coal is not a sustainable energy source such as sun, water, or wind, there is an unrelenting demand for its use in both developed and developing countries. The team hopes to increase the sustainability of coal while aiding in minimizing its environmental impact.
UMASS Lowell, Mass. – UMASS students are developing a "Sustainable Project Dashboard", an easy-to-use software for collecting data and analysis that can measure the performance of a sustainability project. This interactive ‘dashboard’ would help manage a sustainability project, show social, economic and environmental changes and aid in education and outreach.
Winners were chosen from about 100 college teams competing from 29 states across the country. This grant money enables the winning teams to begin to further research and develop their projects for the next stage of competition in April. These 58 teams will bring their working designs to Washington D.C. during April 20-22, 2008 where six finalists will receive EPA’s ‘People, Prosperity and the Planet’, (P3) award.
The National Academies, advisors to the nation on science, engineering, and medicine, will convene a panel to evaluate and recommend the award winners who will be chosen by the EPA. The P3 awards to student teams includes additional funding of up to $75,000 for further opportunity to develop their designs, test them in real-life, and even get them on to the marketplace.
The People, Prosperity, and Planet Award was started by EPA in 2004 as a technical, on-the-ground response to the growing challenges of achieving sustainability in both the developed and developing world. This award program has encouraged with great results, student teams to design and develop projects that:
· Benefit People by providing healthier living environments
· Promote Prosperity by developing local economies and creating small businesses, and
· Protect the Planet by conserving natural resources and minimizing pollution.
Through this national competition, college students take the lead on innovative scientific, technical and policy solutions to sustainability challenges. Their designs will help achieve the mutual goals of economic prosperity while providing a higher quality of life and protecting the planet. Current environmental, economic, and social issues are strongly considered in this award process. Support for the competition includes over 40 partners in the federal government, industry and scientific and professional societies.
More information: EPA's P3 Awards, including the current designs in progress and the competition (www.epa.gov/P3)
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Connecticut Audubon Society
Position Description
The Connecticut Audubon Society, an independent, state-wide conservation organization founded in 1898 seeks a Conservation Biologist to support CAS’s conservation goals on the state and local level (for additional information on CAS sanctuaries and policies see www.ctaudubon.org.
Position Title: Conservation Biologist
Reports To: CAS Senior Director of Science and Conservation
Position Summary: Carries out conservation and research projects as assigned by the Senior Director of Science and Conservation including the Connecticut State of the Birds annual report. This position works with the Senior Director of Science and Conservation, building effective relationships with other conservation organizations, state and federal agencies and legislators. The Conservation Biologist is a leader for bird and habitat conservation in the state and supports CAS Centers in this role.
Responsibilities:
1. Participates with state, federal and municipal agencies in designing and implementing conservation activities that assess, conserve and restore bird populations and habitats in Connecticut.
2. Carries out conservation and research projects as assigned by the Senior Director of Science and Conservation.
3. Shares responsibility with the Sr. Dir. of Science and Conservation for integration of concerns about birds into CAS policy initiatives and for the development and promotion of citizen-science projects and other education and outreach activities focused on birds.
4. Works with the Senior Director of Science and Conservation to produce an annual Connecticut State of the Birds report.
5. Works collaboratively with colleagues at other CAS Conservation Centers, government agencies, NGO’s, and universities as needed.
6. Assists in developing annual budget.
7. Analyzes and monitor appropriate legislative activities.
8. Identifies and seeks appropriate grants from applicable foundations and donors in cooperation with the Director of Development.
Requirements:
1. Strong interest in bird conservation.
2. Advanced degree in Conservation Biology or related field.
3. Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills.
Desirable:
1. Experience and familiarity with bird conservation issues in the Northeast.
2. Skilled public speaking ability.
3. Knowledge of state and local government functions.
TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter, current résumé, and contact information for three (3) references via email (preferred) or U.S. Post Office to:
Mr. Robert Martinez, President, Connecticut Audubon Society, 2325 Burr St., Fairfield, CT 06824; rmartinez@ctaudubon.org
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Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance
Citizen Action Update
1-29-08
Zoning Task Force Update
The Patrick Administration has formed a Task Force to examine the current zoning and planning system in the state and work with the legislative
leaders to develop a bill that would improve zoning and planning in Massachusetts . Gregory Bialecki, Undersecretary for Business Development,
chairs the Task Force on behalf of the Administration. The Task Force plans to file zoning reform legislation in early 2008.
The Alliance has been playing an active role in the Task Force and aims to help craft a zoning reform proposal that makes it easier for cities and
towns to plan for future growth and change their zoning ordinances, providing them with tools to protect their natural resource areas and
encourage more compact development.
Please see the following link for materials from the Task Force meetings. The working document describing a possible framework can be found in
the January section. The Alliance encourages you to share your feedback on the framework with us as well as Greg Bialecki.
Make State Spending Sustainable and Equitable
The Alliance has taken a strong stand urging the Legislature to link all of the state’s capital investments to the Commonwealth’s Sustainable
Development Principles and to consider equity when making spending decisions.
Doing so will encourage the administration to prioritize its funding decisions with a consistent lens, one which improves coordination among
state agencies, maximizes the benefits to our residents, and encourages the most efficient use of public resources.
Support this effort! Contact the offices of:
- Senate President Therese Murray (Therese.Murray@state.ma.us) or
- Speaker Sal DiMasi (Rep.SalvatoreDiMasi@hou.state.ma.us)
Encourage them to incorporate language into the Environmental Bond Bill, the Transportation Bond Bill, and the Housing Bond Bill requiring:
1) that projects funded by the bond bills demonstrate consistency with the Commonwealth’s Sustainable Development Principles; and
2) that projects funded by the bond bills be planned and implemented in a way that promotes equal opportunity and diversity, consistent with
the stated goals of Executive Order 478.
The Alliance supports all three bond bills and their timely passage.
Smart Growth in the News
Beginning January 15th, The Standard-Times, a daily paper serving Southeastern Massachusetts , featured a week-long series, “A Call to Action:
Plan our Future” focusing on land use. Essay submissions, all promoting smart growth principles, include contributions from André Leroux,
Executive Director of the MA Smart Growth Alliance, Ian Bowles, Secretary of Energy and Environmental affairs for Massachusetts, Bernard Cohen,
Secretary of Transportation and Public Works for Massachusetts and Edward Lambert, former Mayor of Fall River and Director of the Urban
Initiative at UMass Dartmouth.
Excerpt from South Coast Today:
“Our series of essays this week aims to inform how communities plan for growth, choose land for preservation, respond to SouthCoast
commuter rail, and cooperate with other cities and towns to reap mutual land-use benefits.”
The list of essays includes:
Smart growth makes cents, André Leroux, January 15, 2008
“Denser development may not just be attractive for the public checkbook, but can enhance the attractiveness of our cities and towns.”
- André Leroux
André Leroux is the executive director of the Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance. In his essay, Mr. Leroux proposes six economic benefits of
smart growth. To access his essay, follow this link
Getting smart about land protection, Ian Bowles, January 16, 2008
“We need smart land conservation along with smart growth. That's why, going forward, the commonwealth is going to concentrate its
land protection efforts on three priorities which complement the administration's smart-growth goals.” Mr. Bowles lists urban parks,
habitat reserves and working landscapes as top priorities.
Mr. Bowles is Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs for Massachusetts . To access his essay follow this link
Surround rail stations with pedestrian-friendly, green development, Bernard Cohen, January 17, 2008
“As the third-largest public infrastructure project in recent state history, the scale and geographic reach of the South Coast Rail project
offer unprecedented opportunities to protect our communities and our natural environment, while finding ways to welcome and shape
new growth….. Our approach is what's often called smart growth. We combine transportation, economic development, and
environmental goals with old-fashioned frugality and common sense. We don't waste resources or land… To put these ideas to work, we
are asking cities and towns to partner with us to prepare for the train by developing an economic development and land-use corridor
plan.”
Mr. Cohen is Secretary of Transportation and Public Works for Massachusetts . To access this essay please follow this link
Urban investment elevates region, Edward M. Lambert Jr., January 18, 2008
“This emphasis on our cities, and the creation of an urban agenda, need not occur to the exclusion of supporting the surrounding towns.”
Mr. Lambert, a former mayor of Fall River , works at UMass Dartmouth as director of the Urban Initiative. To access this essay, follow this link
MA Smart Growth Alliance Selected as “Example of Excellence” in the 2007 MA Catalogue for Philanthropy
Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance in Boston has been selected for listing in the 2007 prestigious Massachusetts Catalogue for Philanthropy.
This year 390 charities applied for new listings, and 54 were selected, as “examples of excellence” in all fields of Massachusetts philanthropy—
the environment, culture (arts and education), human services and international. According to George McCully, President of the Catalogue,
“Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance was chosen because they are a great example of ‘private initiatives for public good, focusing on quality of
life’ in Massachusetts , and because they are both excellent and cost-effective. We urge donors, especially in the Boston area, to consider adding
Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance to their giving list this year.”
The purpose of the Catalogue, now in its 11th year of annual publication, is “to strengthen the culture of philanthropy in Massachusetts …through
donor education….” "The Catalogue is designed as a showcase for Massachusetts philanthropy,” McCully said, “and a one-stop shop for a family's
charitable giving. A single check, electronic transaction over the web, or stock transfer, can be allocated to as many charities as the donor
pleases, and because the Catalogue is paid-for by its philanthropic sponsors, 100% of every donation goes to the designated charities or fields
of philanthropy." This year it is mailed to 120,000 homes statewide, and is available to everyone on the web, at www.cfp-ma.org.
To view the Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance webpage on the Catalogue’s website, please follow this link.
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Alliance For A Healthy Tomorrow News Release
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
(from Clean Water Action
cwa@cleanwater.org)
Legislation to Reign in Toxic Chemical Use Passes in Senate
Precedent-setting Safer Alternatives Bill Will Prevent Illnesses
(Boston, MA) Today the Massachusetts Senate passed legislation that will safeguard public health by replacing toxic chemicals with safer alternatives. Supporters of An Act for a Healthy Massachusetts: Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals (The Safer Alternatives Bill) praised the Senate's action that takes the bill one step closer to becoming law. The bill would also help Massachusetts expand trade with foreign markets that have recently tightened toxic chemical standards such as the European Union.
Led by Senator Steven Tolman (D-Brighton) and Senator Pam Resor (D-Acton), efforts to move the bill forward in the Senate gained momentum in the wake of last year's product recalls over hazardous ingredients such as lead in children's toys and lipstick. It is supported by the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow (AHT), a coalition of over 160 organizations -health, labor, scientific, environmental, faith and community groups - working to promote the use of safer alternatives to toxic chemicals where feasible. Legislative sponsors and advocates from AHT proposed the legislation in response to mounting scientific evidence that indicates toxic chemicals are contributing to a chronic disease epidemic.
"The Senators have realized that this is a business friendly way to protect our health from toxic chemicals. It gently weans companies off outdated toxic chemicals by providing safer and more competitive alternatives," said Lee Ketelsen, Clean Water Action Regional Director. "We owe President Murray, and all Senate champions, our thanks for their leadership in protecting the health and economy of Massachusetts."
"Asking manufacturers to make safer products is nothing extraordinary especially when proven, effective alternatives to toxic chemicals exist," said Senator Pamela Resor (D-Acton), Co-Chair of the Environment Committee. "Massachusetts is poised to be the leader in the nation for promoting toxic substitution with the important research being done at the Toxic Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at UMass Lowell. If we can keep toxics out of everyday products, then we will be safeguarding the health of our environment and our children."
"This legislation will put Massachusetts at the forefront of responsible chemical policy and safeguard the residents of the Commonwealth from the very real and unseen dangers of toxic chemicals, "said Senator Steven Tolman (D-Brighton), lead Senate sponsor of the bill. "These chemicals have, unfortunately, become a part of our everyday lives and have been proven to be the root cause of many of the health disorders affecting the people of this state."
The Safer Alternatives Bill will require evaluation of designated "Priority Toxic Chemicals" which are used in Massachusetts and are linked to chronic illnesses, and then mandate safer alternatives to these chemicals where feasible. The bill will provide for transition assistance to businesses and increase the international competitiveness of Massachusetts businesses.
"We applaud the action of those Senators who took a stand to defend public health and we are hopeful that members of the House do the same," said Erin Boles, Associate Executive Director of the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition. "This is a great day for families across the state who are struggling with cancer and other illnesses linked to toxic chemicals - today's vote in the Senate gives us all hope for a healthier tomorrow."
A majority of House members supports the bill, including lead sponsor Representative Jay Kaufman (D-Lexington) and Representative Frank Smizik (D-Brookline), Co-Chair of the Environment Committee.
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Agency of Natural Resources Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
TEMPORARY JOB ANOUNCEMENT
Essex Junction, Vermont
Position: Environmental Analyst III (Temporary), Pay Grade 22 starting at $18.42 per hour
For details on the education and experience required for the position please go to the following website.
Supervisor: April Moulaert, Wetland Protection and Restoration Program. April can be contacted for specific questions about the position at (802) 241-1054 or april.moulaert@state.vt.us.
Location: United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s offices in Essex Junction.
Duration of Position and Schedule: This position will be nine months to one year in duration. The position may be extended beyond 12 months contingent on funding. This position can involve no more than 1520 hours service in a calendar year. Most work will be completed during normal business hours (8:00 to 4:30) however occasional evening meetings may be required. The position will remain open until filled.
General Job Description: : The State of Vermont is seeking applications for a temporary Wetland Restoration Specialist position with the Agency of Natural Resources Wetland Protection and Restoration Program (http://www.vtfpr.org/wprp/index.cfm).
The position will assist with wetland restoration activities in support the State of Vermont’s Clean and Clear Action Plan to improve the water quality of Lake Champlain (http://www.anr.state.vt.us/cleanandclear/) The position will work directly on the implementation of the recently finalized Lake Champlain Basin Wetland Restoration Plan, in which wetland restoration sites in the basin are identified and prioritized based on their potential to improve water quality for Lake Champlain.
The Agency of Natural Resources in cooperation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service plans to hire an individual to assist with landowner outreach and wetland restoration planning, design, and implementation. This position is an exciting opportunity for the right individual to gain hands-on restoration experience with numerous inter-agency partners, non-profits organizations, and private landowners. The selected candidate will work closely with USFWS and Agency staff to identify, survey, design, permit, and implement various wetland restoration projects throughout the Champlain Valley of Vermont. The field portion of the job will provide an excellent opportunity to spend lots of time outdoors in beautiful Vermont . Fieldwork will occur under challenging conditions at times, with mosquitoes being the main hazard.
In addition to a cover letter and resume please submit answers to the following questions:
Ø What is your knowledge of the principles, theories, and ecological requirements of the soils, vegetation, and hydrology associated with freshwater wetlands?
Ø What is your knowledge and understanding of wetland restoration techniques and practices?
Ø What is your working knowledge of water quality and fish/wildlife benefits associated with wetlands?
Ø What is your familiarity with basic GIS applications and land survey techniques?
Ø What is your ability with respect to working cooperatively and diplomatically with private landowners and conservation partners to ensure the implementation of planned restoration projects?
Ø What is your familiarity with State and Federal wetland regulatory processes?
Please submit a resume and cover letter to the following address:
April Moulaert, Wetlands Restoration & Protection Specialist,
Dept. of Forests, Parks & Rec.,
103 South Main Street, 10 South,
Waterbury, VT 05671-0601
Or e-mail: to april.moulaert@state.vt.us
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Position: Executive Director, Organization for the Assabet River
Posted: Feb 1, 2008
Closing date: when position filled
The Organization for the Assabet River (OAR) seeks an Executive Director (part time, flexible hours). The ideal candidate is a proven leader, fundraiser, fiscal manager, and excellent communicator with a passion for environmental conservation. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for assuring that OAR fulfills its mission to protect the Assabet and Concord Rivers, their tributaries and watersheds. The Executive Director has overall responsibility for staff management, fundraising and membership development, budgeting and financial management, policy development and strategic planning, and external relationships and communications.
OAR is a successful river advocacy group (501(c)(3)) with a reputation for using science and a thorough knowledge of state and federal regulations to advocate for the Assabet River, a federally- designated Wild and Scenic river west of Boston. Founded in 1986, OAR has a small, talented staff, a committed Board of Directors, and a membership of about 900 households and businesses. See www.assabetriver.org to learn more about OAR.
Five or more years of professional experience in environmental planning, watershed management, and/or non-profit administration is required. A graduate degree in non-profit administration, environmental policy, or natural resource management is preferred.
Please respond with cover letter and resume to:
oar@assabetriver.org
or
David Griffin
Executive Director Search Committee
Organization for the Assabet River
9 Damonmill Square, Suite 1E
Concord, MA 01742
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Water Headlines for February 4, 2008
Benjamin H. Grumbles
Assistant Administrator Office of Water Water
Headlines is a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the US Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water
In This Week's Water Headlines:
1) President's Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request
2) Guidebook to Help Water Utilities Improve Energy Management
3) Treatment in a Manner Similar to a State Strategy Issued
4) EPA Releases Draft Guidance for Drinking Water Regulations
5) Municipal Wastewater Technology Fact Sheets
1) President's Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request The President?s Fiscal Year 2009 budget request including for EPA?s National Water Program was announced on February 4, 2008. EPA's request for water programs is over $ 2.5 billion or 35 percent of the agency?s overall budget, and will allow EPA, along with our state, tribal and local partners, to make continued progress in ensuring America?s waters are clean, safe and secure. This budget will help EPA to: - restore and maintain waters across the country through state and tribal Clean Water Act programs, - continue to improve the health of the country?s major coastal ecosystems, and achieve a net increase of wetlands - increase the populations served by systems providing water that complies with drinking water standards, and - implement a total of five water security infrastructure pilots. For more information on the budget request.
2) Guidebook to Help Water Utilities Improve Energy Management EPA and its water and wastewater partners are learning more and doing more to confront serious challenges related to rising energy costs. A new guidance, Ensuring a Sustainable Future: An Energy Management Guidebook for Wastewater and Water Utilities, will help utilities systematically assess their current energy costs and practices, set measurable performance improvement goals, and monitor and measure their progress over time. "Water and wastewater utilities can do more to save more energy with this timely guidebook," said Assistant Administrator for Water Benjamin H. Grumbles. "Energy efficiency is good for the planet as well as the plant managers who make water clean and healthy." Steadily rising energy costs and associated environmental effects have made energy use one of the most pressing challenges facing water utilities. Energy management is also at the heart of efforts across the industry to ensure that water and wastewater systems are operated in a sustainable way. The guidance follows the successful Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology embodied in environmental management systems and other utility management tools. It was developed with the help of utilities that are successfully confronting their own energy challenges using this approach. It will serve as a step-by-step guide to help utilities systematically manage their energy programs over time. For an electronic copy of the handbook.
3) Treatment in a Manner Similar to a State Strategy Issued On January 23, the Deputy Administrator issued a strategy for EPA's Assistant Administrators and Regional Administrators to streamline their reviews of tribal applications to administer EPA regulatory programs. The strategy is designed to improve the timeliness of EPA reviews and improve ongoing communication with tribes concerning their applications. Several statutes, including the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and Safe Drinking Water Act, enable EPA to determine that qualified tribes are eligible to be treated in a manner similar to a state, or "TAS," for administering certain regulatory programs. The strategy will guide EPA's internal processes, and is posted on EPA's web site. EPA developed the strategy, based in part on input from a tribal work group established by the EPA National Tribal Caucus. The strategy provides direction to EPA staff in five strategic areas: establishing common expectations with tribal applicants concerning the TAS process, supplying additional tools to assist applicants in preparing TAS applications and to facilitate timely reviews, establishing improved internal review procedures including sequencing and timing of review steps, facilitating regular and effective communications with each applicant regarding the TAS review process, and identifying potential approaches for EPA to reach out, where appropriate, to other governmental entities and to the public to improve understanding of TAS.
4) EPA Releases Draft Guidance for Drinking Water Regulations EPA is releasing draft guidance to help public water systems and states understand and implement recent drinking water regulations. The 2006 Stage 2 Disinfection Byproducts (DBP) Rule will help to protect public health by reducing exposure to contaminants that can result from the disinfection process needed to inactivate microbial pathogens. The rule extends protection to consecutive water systems (those that receive water from another public water system) and, under certain conditions, requires public water systems to evaluate their source, treatment, and distribution system operations to understand potential causes of elevated DBP monitoring results. The Consecutive Systems Guidance Manual and Operational Evaluation Guidance Manuals are intended to assist public water systems to comply with these provisions of the regulation. In 2006, EPA also released the Ground Water Rule (GWR), which extends protection from microbial pathogens to consumers served by systems using ground water as a source of drinking water. States are required to conduct sanitary surveys that look at the critical components of these public water systems to ensure that there are no deficiencies that could result in threats to public health, and take action when problems are identified. The GWR Sanitary Survey Guidance briefly reviews the sanitary survey regulatory provisions, describes the elements that should be evaluated during the course of a sanitary survey, and gives specific examples of what constitutes a significant deficiency. The draft guidance documents are being made available to allow for public comment before they are finalized. The documents supporting the Stage 2 DBP Rule are available at the following website and the GWR guidance is available at the following website .
5) Municipal Wastewater Technology Fact Sheets EPA has developed four new fact sheets for innovative municipal wastewater technologies. These fact sheets are part of a continuing effort by the Office of Water to provide municipal utilities and state regulators with general technical and cost information on a variety of innovative or cost-effective technologies and best management practices. The new fact sheets are entitled: "Denitrifying Filters" (EPA 832-F-07-014), "Side Stream Nutrient Removal" (EPA 832-F-07-017), "In-Plant Wet Weather Peak Flow Management" (EPA 832-F-07016), and "Membrane Bioreactors" (EPA 832-F-07-015). These fact sheets, along with other previous municipal wastewater technology fact sheets on Combined Sewer Overflow Treatment, Biosolids Management, Wastewater Treatment, Storm Water Management, Decentralized Wastewater Systems, Collection Systems Rehabilitation and Replacement, and Energy Conservation and Green Power Generation can be viewed on the EPA web site.
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MASSLAND E-NEWS
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community
January 28, 2008
Volume 8, Number 1
Items of interest to the Massachusetts land protection community.
For more news and information, got to
Please send items of interest to Info@MassLand.org
You may reproduce any or all of MassLand Weekly E-News free of charge for non-commercial use only, with the
appropriate citation to MassLand and/or cited sources.
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IN THIS ISSUE
"The People shall have the Right to Clean Air and Water, Freedom from Excessive and Unnecessary noise, and the Natural, Scenic, Historic, and Esthetic Qualities of their Environment"
-- Article XCVII (97) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts --
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1) Commentary: "Mending Massachusetts' Conservation Tapestry"
2) News - Gov. Patrick Files Landmark $1.4 Billion Environmental Bond Bill!
3) News - Commonwealth Protects Record 11,202 Acres in 2007!
4) News - Governor Files FY 2009 with 4% Increase for Environment
5) News - Patrick Unveils $100M Parks Budget
6) Editorial - "Getting Smart About Land Protection", Sec. Ian Bowles
7) MLTC News - MLTC Awards $147,953 in Western Mass. Grants
8) Training - Mass. Land Conservation Conference, March 29, Worcester
9) Training - Keystone Project (Coverts), April 24-27, Harvard Forest
10) Training - Rhode Island Land & Water Conservation Summit, March 15
11) Training - Ecological Landscaping Assoc, Conference, March 6-8, Springfield
12) Training - MACC Annual Environmental Conference, March 1, Worcester
13) Job Opening - Executive Director, Monadnock Conservancy, Keene NH
14) Job Opening - Dept. of Fish & Game Land Agent, CT River Valley
15) Job Opening - CRWA Development Ass't and Membership Coordinator, Weston
16) Job Opening - Director of Gov't Relations, Nature Conservancy, Boston
17) Grants - DCR Partnerships Matching Funds Program
18) Grants - Taunton River Watershed Mini-Grants
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Thank you for subscribing to MassLand E-News. Please forward this to friends, family and colleagues who are
interested in Massachusetts land conservation issues and encourage them to subscribe. To subscribe, send an email
request to Info@MassLand.org
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1) COMMENTARY: "MENDING MASSACHUSETTS' CONSERVATION TAPESTRY"
- By Bernie McHugh, Coordinator, Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition and Editor, MassLand E-News
We mark the first year of Governor Deval Patrick's tenure in the Corner Office by heralding an extraordinary achievement by the Governor and his team, especially Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles. Working with state land agencies like the Dept. of Fish & Game (DFG), and the Dept. of Conservation & Recreation (DCR), Land Trusts, and Conservation Commissions, more than 250 private landowners in Massachusetts placed more than 11,000 acres of their land under permanent conservation protection in 2007. This doesn't even include the 2,000 or more acres that were acquired outright by land trusts, towns and the state. This is an great accomplishment and a testament to the power of the Commonwealth's most successful public-private partnership, the one between government and the non-profit land conservation sector.
It is more than a success for the new Governor, Secretary, and Commissioners, though. It marks a hard-earned and well-deserved victory for the staff and managers of the state's conservation and environmental agencies, who were decimated and demoralized by four years of calculated mismanagement under Governor Romney and his apparatchiks. Berated by Romney as "bureaucrats" and "deadwood", watching as colleagues were forced from their jobs, these unsung heroes quietly continued to hold together the programs crucial to conservation. So when Gov. Patrick and Sec. Bowles took office, they were met by a group of accomplished professionals, armed with a wealth of new ideas, and ready to get back to work protecting the environment of Massachusetts.
And the Governor has new ideas of his own. His vision of 10-15 new Signature Urban Parks, 10 or more large-scale Habitat Reserves, and Working Landscapes, a comprehensive set of programs to protect economically-important agricultural and forest lands, represent the long-missing "Smart Conservation" component of "smart growth". Anyone who doubts Gov. Patrick's commitment to conservation should read his preamble to the Environmental Bond below.
The Governor's new operating and capital budgets hold great promise for reversing the decline of the Romney years and repairing the damage done to Massachusetts' environmental infrastructure. The Environmental Bond has $355 million for land protection over the next 5 years, and the Governor has pledged convincingly that he will invest at least $50 million per year, and more if economic conditions permit it. This is a bold and unprecedented commitment. His just-filed operating budget restores funding for the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, which has been critically underfunded by the Legislature for years, and promises $100 million for the hard-pressed Parks of DCR.
It is hard to miss the excitement and sense of potential now being felt by Massachusetts conservationists now that the Commonwealth is making a renewed commitment to conservation. And private philanthropy is taking a new look at increasing its role in Mass. conservation efforts. A recent meeting organized by Secretary Bowles brought together the state's largest green groups with representatives of a dozen of the leading national and local foundations to discuss cooperative and large-scale efforts to protect both forested wildlands and working woodlands. And earlier this month the Massachusetts Wildlife Summit saw 100 of the state's leading conservationists, sportsmen, and environmentalists come together to explore ways to support the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife in implementing the comprehensive State Wildlife Action Plan, which is widely considered one of the best in the nation. It's been a long time since folks from the Environmental League of Mass. and The Nature Conservancy broke bread with the Mass. Sportsmen's Council and the Gun Owners' Action League. Perhaps the long-dormant "Guns & Roses" Coalition will rise again.
The Governor, Secretary and Commissioners are doing their part. Non-profits are stepping up their efforts. Donors and foundations are willing to give more. Now it's up to the Legislature - and YOU. The conservation champions in the Legislature will do their best, but it is we who must convince the rest, especially the leadership, of the importance of passing the Environmental Bond, the Natural Heritage line item, the Public Lands Preservation Act, and the Green Budget. Please be on the lookout for our Action Alert in the next two weeks and be ready to CALL or VISIT your legislator. Remember - if a Senator or Rep. gets 6 contacts on an environmental issue, that's a landslide! You CAN make a difference!
Whatever early successes Gov. Patrick might reflect upon as his proudest, he has given people who love the wildlife, landscape and natural beauty of Massachusetts much to celebrate in his first year. It's up to us to fulfill our end of the bargain and persuade the Legislature to do their part.
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2) PATRICK FILES LANDMARK $1.4B ENVIRONMENTAL BOND BILL!
The Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition and the other members of the Commonwealth Conservation Council (CCC)
are working to build the Coalition for the Environmental Bond, bringing together land trusts, hunters and anglers, water activists, farmers, foresters, gardeners, parks advocates, mayors and boards of selectmen, conservation commissioners and business people.
There are many interests competing for capital money and we must not allow the legislature to sidetrack the Environmental Bond. BE PREPARED TO CALL AND VISIT YOUR LEGISLATOR! Our goal is to move the bond bill through the legislature by the close of the session in July 2008, as many accounts, including those that provide land protection funds, are almost through their prior bond authorization.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! Go to WWW.ENVIROBOND.ORG <http://WWW.ENVIROBOND.ORG> and take action to support the bond.
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Governor Patrick's preamble to the Environmental Bond:
"To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives:
I am filing for your consideration a bill entitled "The Land, Parks, and Clean Energy Act of 2008". This legislation authorizes the Commonwealth to issue $1.4 billion in general obligation bonds to fund the Commonwealth's energy and environmental capital needs over the next five years. Of this $1.4 billion authorization, $355 million is dedicated to land protection and acquisition and $738.5 million to enhance state parks and rebuild OCR-owned infrastructure. This legislation also includes authorization for new programs to address climate change, comprehensive wildlife protection, and other emerging environmental challenges."
"The quality of our environment has a significant impact on our own health and on the quality of our lives. For ourselves and future generations, we have a responsibility to provide well-maintained and accessible parks and recreational facilities, and to preserve our valuable open spaces, farms and natural habitats. This includes doing our part to transition to a clean energy economy. State capital investments are necessary for maintaining a high standard for environmental protection and quality. Capital funds pay for important environmental protection projects, including land conservation, pollution remediation, dam rehabilitation, flood control, and water quality."
"The $1.4 billion capital investment funding authorization sought by the Patrick-Murray Administration in this bond bill is fiscally responsible. The amount of the bond bill is based on the Administration's five-year capital investment plan and related debt affordability analysis published in August. The authorization sought covers the estimated five-year spending amount and provides a reasonable level of flexibility to fund additional spending for environmental assets in the event that the Administration determines that the financial capacity exists to increase the state's investment in our environment over the five-year period covered by the bond bill."
"In light of the urgent need to begin to reverse decades of underinvestment in our environmental assets, I respectfully request that you take prompt action to enact this bill."
Respectfully submitted,
Deval L. Patrick, Governor
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3) MASSACHUSETTS PROTECTS RECORD 11,202 ACRES IN 2007!
- From The Boston Globe, January 1, 2008
- By Peter J. Howe, Globe Staff
11,000 acres are protected in 2007
Tax benefits cited as huge incentive
The year 2007 will go down as a banner year for land conservation in Massachusetts, with over 11,000 acres around the state - an area equal to all of Quincy - permanently protected from development before a special federal tax break expired last night.
The secretary of energy and environmental affairs, Ian A. Bowles, had through yesterday signed 266 so-called conservation restrictions covering 11,201.8 acres around the state. More than 5,100 acres, or nearly 8 square miles, were put under protection in the last 18 days alone, officials said.
With conservation restrictions, land owners generally continue to own their land but agree to give up their right to ever develop it. They get both a one-time charitable tax deduction and permanently lowered annual property taxes.
Parcels that have been protected from development include a 28-acre island off Monument Beach in Bourne, nearly 270 acres on Nantucket, 39 acres abutting a pond in Worcester, and land around working farms in Framingham and Southborough.
"It's a testimony to a lot of very hard work by conservation trusts and land trusts around the state," Bowles said. "It added up to more than the last three years combined" and was by far the most land put under conservation restrictions since the state program began in 1967.
Environmental leaders said the driving factor was a tax break Congress and President Bush approved in August 2006 that expired at midnight last night. The special break let landowners use the value of the conservation restriction they have donated to offset up to 50 percent of their taxable income for 15 years, compared to 30 percent for five years under the prior tax laws.
Some full-time farmers and foresters making conservation restrictions can use the break to offset all their federal tax obligation for 15 years. The one-time deduction, which some advocates want Congress to make permanent, inspired many people who had been considering a conservation restriction on their land to follow through, environmentalists said.
State law requires that the environmental affairs secretary approve each conservation restriction, to certify that it is ecologically significant land and not just a tax dodge.
Copyright 2008 Globe Newspaper Company.
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4) GOVERNOR FILES FY 2009 BUDGET WITH 4% INCREASE FOR ENVIRONMENT
- By Nancy Goodman, Vice President for Policy, Environmental League of Massachusetts
Highlights:
Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP) line item restored to $250,000; 10.2% increase for Riverways; 3.3% increase for MassGIS; 3.1% increase for DCR’s Administrative; 8.8% increase for DCR State Parks; 8.3% increase for DCR Urban Parks.
The Governor released his FY09 budget today (H 2). Despite tight fiscal projections, the Governor increased funding for the environmental agencies (not including energy) by almost 4% compared to last year's final budget. We are pleased that the Governor saw fit to continue to restore the environmental budget although we have a way to go to get back to the funding levels in place before the deep cuts of FY02.
Some notable changes in the Governor's budget are the increase of funding for state and urban parks and the restoration of the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species line item, which we have been advocating for since it was zeroed out in FY2004. While there was an increase for some DCR programs, other DCR line items were cut. We assume that some of these cut programs will now be covered from the increases in the parks line items, for example funding for the central artery parks, pools and beaches, and dam safety. The total funding for DCR is less impressive than we would have hoped given the excitement around increased parks funding.
Breakdown by Agency
Energy and Environmental Affairs: +274,893 (+1%)
Department of Environmental Protection: +$1.5m (+3%)
Department of Fish and Game: +$1.2m (+7%)
Department of Agricultural Resources: +$295,605 (+2%)
Department of Conservation and Recreation: +$4.2m (+4%)
Total Environmental Budget (not including energy): +$7.5m (+3.5%)
Below you can find information about key line items.
Energy and Environmental Affairs
GIS: +$9,058 (+3%)
Recycling and Redemption Centers: -$217,415 (-15%)
Office of Technical Assistance: +$186,829 (+12%)
Department of Environmental Affairs
Administrative: +$717,898 (+2%)
Toxic Use Reduction Act: +$27,746 (+3%)
Clean Air Act and Permits: +$132,127 (+8%)
Safe Drinking Water: +$59,648 (+4%)
Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup: +$456,322 (+3%)
Brownfields: +$63,863 (+4%)
Department of Fish and Game
Riverways: +$26,019 (+5%)
Natural Heritage (restoration of the line item): $250,000
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Stormwater Management: +$3,355 (0.4%)
Pools and Beaches: -$2.3m (-40%)
Dam Safety: -$168,306 (-12%)
State Parks: +$2m (+9%)
Urban Parks: +$2.4m (+8%)
Central Artery Parks: No line item funding provided (will be absorbed in the Urban and State parks line items)
Seasonal Staff: +$1.6m (+16%)
Retained Revenue: +$7.5m (+162%)
Below see how the governor's budget compares to ELM's FY2009 Green Budget recommendations (to be released in early February).
Green Budget Recommendation Comparison
GIS: -$575,068 (-66%)
DCR Administration (Resource Management Plans): no explicit reference to resource management plans mentioned in the budget; $583,000 recommended in the Green Budget
DCR Stormwater: -$2m (-69%)
Dams: -$723,306 (-36%)
State Parks: -$1.9 (-7%)
Urban Parks: -$495,332 (-2%)
Central Artery Parks: no line item funding provided; $1.4m recommended in the Green Budget
DEP Administrative: -$1.5m (-4%)
Mercury: no line item funding provided; $500,000 recommended in the Green Budget
Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup: -$1.9m (-10%)
Riverways: -$45,783 (-7%)
Natural Heritage: -$750,000 (-75%)
Office of Technical Assistance: -$113,171 (-6%)
Toxic Use Reduction Institute: -$83,000 (-4%)
Outside Sections
In the outside sections of his budget, the governor repealed the sales tax exemption for pesticides, an issue ELM and a number of our Collaborative partners have been working on for years. This is a great step forward if the legislature keeps it in. We are still looking at the implications of some of the language in outside sections and we will update you on anything new we find.
Next Steps
Now that the Governor's budget has been released, the House will file its own budget in April. Stay tuned for another exciting budget season!
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5) PATRICK UNVEILS $100M PARKS BUDGET:
Patrick to seek $100.6m to manage state parks, forests, beaches
Budget would boost spending 8.3 percent over current year
By Peter J. Howe, Globe Staff | January 18, 2008
Even as officials cut and scrimp to close a billion-dollar budget shortfall, Governor Deval Patrick will seek an 8.3 percent funding boost for the long-neglected state Department of Conservation and Recreation to increase staff and revitalize the 450,000 acres of state parks, forests, and beaches.
Senior administration officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said yesterday Patrick will seek a $100.6 million overall budget for the agency. After subtracting funds that pass through the agency for projects such as local environmental cleanups, that would represent an 8.3 percent increase in funding for core department operations and a 19.6 percent increase since Patrick took office.
Besides a previously announced new team of 60 maintenance workers and supervisors set to go to work this summer to improve ocean and fresh-water beaches, the new funding would increase the number of rangers in state parks by nearly 50 percent, from 21 to 31. Those figures don't count rangers assigned exclusively to the State House and the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs.
The increased funds Patrick seeks would also restore staff at visitors centers in several urban heritage parks around the state and pay for two new full-time, year-round crews of arborists focused on caring for the 10,000 trees that line parkways and parks in metropolitan Boston. Overall, if approved by the House and Senate, Patrick's plan would increase staff at the department by 100 people, to just under 1,200, compared to the day he took office in January 2007.
Frank Gorke - director of Environment Massachusetts, a group that has pushed to improve state parks - said advocates were thrilled by Patrick's move. "Our parks sorely need the help, as anyone who visits these places can tell you," Gorke said. "This kind of reinvestment is exactly what we need to get back on track to a world-class park system. This governor is making clear he's serious about restoring our parks."
Patrick vowed on the campaign trail to make revitalizing the state's parks, forests, and beaches a priority for his administration. In 2003, Governor Mitt Romney persuaded the Legislature to combine the Metropolitan District Commission and the Department of Environmental Management into a new Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Romney promised the merger would save millions of dollars in overhead costs that could fund "a world-class park system" for the state. But as he moved to close a large budget gap in 2004, Romney slashed department spending, and legislators - annoyed by what they called an unresponsive, ineffectual Romney team at the agency - refused to restore funds. By the middle of this decade, studies showed Massachusetts ranked 48th among the 50 states in spending per capita on parks.
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6) "GETTING SMART ABOUT LAND PROTECTION", SEC. IAN BOWLES
- From SouthCoast Today.com and the Standard Times, January 16, 2008
GUEST VIEW: Getting smart about land protection
By IAN BOWLES Mr. Bowles is Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs for Massachusetts.
"What we preserve is just as important as what we build." That's what Gov. Deval Patrick said in August when he announced the largest commitment to land conservation in state history - at least $50 million per year for five years to be spent protecting open space from development and preserving it for public enjoyment in perpetuity.
It's a simple point, but one not observed in Massachusetts in recent years. The last administration believed that policies and incentives for "smart growth," steering development toward city and town centers, would be sufficient to protect open space. As a result, the Romney administration spent less on land conservation (an average of $30 million per year) than at any time in the last decade and a half.
The administration before that - Govs. Paul Cellucci and Jane Swift - supported land preservation, but measured success in acres. They spent money on open space - still, in only one year, 2002, exceeding Gov. Patrick's commitment for each of the next five - but not necessarily the land most in need of protection.
We need smart land conservation along with smart growth. That's why, going forward, the commonwealth is going to concentrate its land protection efforts on three priorities, which complement the administration's smart-growth goals:
* Urban Parks: For smart growth to succeed, urban life needs to be attractive. From a land perspective, the best thing we can do to improve urban living is to make sure there are beautiful parks within walking distance of every urban dweller. So we plan to create visionary urban parks in 10 to 15 cities in neighborhoods that don't have them, and to significantly improving parks in all 51 Massachusetts cities over the next four years.
* Habitat Reserves: The most important land to protect is that which maintains undisturbed natural environments for native vegetation, wildlife, and public access. Working with land trusts and municipalities, we plan to preserve at least 10 large, unfragmented ecosystems to protect unique habitats for future generations and as destinations for the emerging "green tourism" industry. Such habitat areas could include mountain tops, wilderness areas, forests, wetlands and wild rivers.
* Working Landscapes: Agricultural and forest lands contribute more than $1 billion per year to the Massachusetts economy and maintain rural landscapes that give the Bay State its distinctive character. Through Agricultural Preservation Restrictions - which pay farmers now for keeping their lands in agriculture forever, rather than selling them for tract developments - and a host of other measures to make Massachusetts farms more economically viable, the commonwealth will be able to preserve cranberry bogs, corn fields, and working forests for generations to come. In line with our focus on promoting clean energy, we are also looking to create opportunities for farm owners to capitalize on wind and biomass to reduce their energy costs and diversify their revenue sources.
The agencies that report to me are working on smart land conservation projects in Southeastern Massachusetts already - improving quality of life in the region. These include the Ben Rose Baseball Field in New Bedford, which is being outfitted with lighting, benches, and water-park features, thanks to a state grant of $500,000. And the Hill-Gummerus land in Pembroke - nearly 100 acres of prime habitat, including two rare species and significant archeological resources - is being protected with a grant of similar size. And in Westport, 28 acres of land surrounding Dunhams Brook that link to more than 60 acres of conservation land is being protected, creating one of the largest contiguous conservation areas in town, with $140,000 in state money.
For smart growth to work, land has to be taken off the development table. That's the idea behind land conservation in general. We are now taking that concept a step further, concentrating on taking the most important lands - in urban and rural landscapes alike - off the table, reserving them for public access, use, and enjoyment for generations to come, even as the commonwealth and municipal officials open up other lands for development of the housing, industrial, and commercial properties we need for economic growth.
When it comes to land, we need to build, and we need to protect. We can, and must, do both.
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008801160319
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7) MLTC AWARDS $147,953 IN GRANTS TO 17 WESTERN MASS. CONSERVATION GROUPS
Working with a generous anonymous donor, the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition has awarded 17 grants of up to $10,000 to small conservation groups in the five counties of western and central Mass. The objective of the program, titled "Empowering Local Land Trusts in Western Massachusetts", is to help small land trusts and conservation groups increase their organization's stability and capacity by improving their management practices and/or the stewardship of the lands under their care. The recipients are listed below.
Ashburnham Conservation Trust $10,000
East Quabbin Land Trust $ 6,500
Fannie Stebbins Memorial Wildlife Refuge $ 5,200
Greater Northfield Watershed Assoc. $ 7,700
Greater Worcester Land Trust $10,000
Hilltown Land Trust $ 9,650
Kestrel Trust $10,000
Land for Good $ 8,526
Massachusetts Woodlands Institute $ 5,000
Metacomet Land Trust $10,000
Minnechaug Land Trust $ 9,200
North County Land Trust $10,000
Opacum Land Trust $ 8,677
Pascommuck Conservation Trust $10,000
Sheffield Land Trust $10,000
Southborough Open Land Foundation $10,000
Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation $ 7,500
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LOCAL LAND TRUST GETS $10,000 GRANT
Grant to assess holdings: Land trust finds $10,000 'really useful'
- From The Hampshire Daily Gazette
- By Matt Pilon, Staff Writer
EASTHAMPTON - A local land trust received an infusion of cash this month in the form of a $10,000 grant that will help local environmentalists take better care of the trust's property and increase its membership base.
The Pascommuck Conservation Trust, which owns 16 properties totaling approximately 200 acres in the city, received the grant from the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition, an association of 100 local trusts in the state.
Pascommuck Trust member Marty Klein said Wednesday that he and his volunteer colleagues are excited about the grant. "It's going to be really useful for us," he said. Klein said that for some time, the trust has wanted an environmental professional to perform ecological assessments of its properties. The end result would be maps identifying certain species of plants and wildlife, whether native or invasive, as well as special features such as vernal pools and potential problems like illegal dumping or vandalism.
Klein estimated that the trust could pay for assessments on three to six of its properties using the money.
The goal, Klein said, is to increase public access to, and use of, the properties as well as to be certain what the properties contain. "In order to steward them properly we really need to know what we have there," he said.
Although some of trust members have backgrounds in environmental studies, a professional is needed so that the already stretched-thin membership can stay focused on its regular duties, Klein said, which include property maintenance and staying abreast of potential properties to pursue.
Klein said that the money would also be used to try to increase the membership of the trust, which is currently hovering around 200, through mailings and outreach events. "It's kind of stuck around that number for the past few years," he said. "Given the interest in protecting important open space, it seems we should be able to double that."
Land Trust Coalition Director Bernie McHugh said that the approximately $150,000 in grants awarded this month are aimed at improving stewardship and increasing stability and growth of local land trusts from Worcester County to Berkshire County. The program is a first for the coalition, he said.
"I think it really shows the power of what grassroots groups can do if you give them a little leverage," he said.
McHugh said that the funding came from a private source that wanted to remain anonymous. "It was very nice of them," he said. "They're intensely interested in land conservation in Western Mass."
Matt Pilon can be reached at mpilon@gazettenet.com
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8) MASS. LAND CONSERVATION CONFERENCE, MARCH 29, WORCESTER
2008 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference
This year’s keynote speaker will be Kevin Knobloch, President of the Union of Concerned Scientists and co-founder of the Arlington Land Trust. There will be 33 workshops, including a full-day session specifically for board members and double sessions on land and CR stewardship. See the full chart of workshops at chart of workshops at www.TheTrustees.org/PutnamConservationInstitute.cfm <http://www.TheTrustees.org/PutnamConservationInstitute.cfm>
WHEN: Saturday, March 29, 2008, 8:00 am-4:00 pm
WHERE: Worcester Technical High School, Worcester, MA
COST: $38 if you register by Mar 14; $58 after Mar 14; lower rates for MLTC members
SPONSORS: The Trustees of Reservations’ Putnam Conservation Institute and the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition
QUESTIONS? Contact Miriam Scagnetti, mscagnetti@ttor.org; 978-840-4446 x1935
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9) KEYSTONE PROJECT TRAINING, APRIL 24-27, HARVARD FOREST
The Keystone Project, formerly Coverts, is an intensive 3-day training at the Harvard Forest in Petersham. This year the training will be Thursday evening, April 24th through Sunday afternoon, April 27th, 2008 . The Keystone training focuses on forest ecology and stewardship, wildlife management, and land conservation. In return, participants agree to return and serve as local resources for forest conservation in their communities with continued support from UMass Extension. Keystone Cooperators can either own forestland, be involved in the care and stewardship of a property, or be an active community leader. The intent of the Keystone Project is to create a network of well educated opinion leaders who can serve as a source of information to landowners, organizations and towns. For more information or to download any application visit, http://MassKeystone.net or contact Paul Catanzaro, UMass Extension, (413) 545-4839, cat@umext.umass.edu. The application deadline is: Monday, March 3rd, 2008.
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10) RI LAND & WATER CONSERVATION SUMMIT, MARCH 15
2008 Rhode Island Land & Water Conservation Summit
Saturday, March 15, 2008 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: URI Kingston Campus, Memorial Student Union Building
Sponsored By:
RI Land Trust Council
Narragansett Bay Estuary Program
RI Association of Conservation Commissions
This day-long conference provides Watershed Council, Land Trust, Conservation Commission board members, staff, volunteers, Municipal Commission Members and others interested in land and watershed conservation with the information, skills and connections you need to be effective.
Keynote: No Kid Left Inside - Commissioner Gina McCarthy, CT Dept. of Environmental Protection
Workshops at a Glance:
* Preparing a Town Conservation Inventory
* Beyond Sustainability: the Spectrum of Ecological Design Approaches
* Conservation Commission Training Part II
* Identifying and Managing
* Aquatic Invasives
* Watershed Restoration: Resources and Challenges
* Coastal Buffer Restoration and Enhancement
* Stewardship Management Plans
* Baseline Documentation for Protected Lands
* Conservation Easement Policies & Procedures for Your Land Trust
* Paddling RI’s Blueway
* Developing a Water Quality Monitoring Program - Create a River Report Card
* Protecting Stream Flows
* Stormwater Strategies
* Environmental Education Programs
* Economic Development and the Restoration of Urban Rivers
* Fundraising: Development of Your Organization’s Revenue Plan
* Fundraising: Building Your Organization’s Membership
* $ for Stewardship
* GIS 101: Making the Most of GIS
* Trail Mapping Made Easy
* Designing Programs that Enhance Your Organization
* Is Accreditation Right for Your Land Trust?
* Connecting Historic Preservation and Landscape (land & water) Conservation
* Partnering with Agricultural Land Preservation Commission to Protect Farmland
* Starting and Operating a Farmer’s Market
* Establishing Community Gardens
* Volunteer Power - Engage Volunteers Year-round to Build Your Organization
* Protecting Municipal Parks & Conservation Lands
* Forest Stewardship on Land Trust Properties - non-profit & municipal
REGISTER ON LINE: www.landandwaterpartnership.org <http://www.landandwaterpartnership.org>
Registration: Early Registration Ends February 22
$40 before February 22 | $55 after February 22 | includes Lunch
RI Land & Water Conservation Summit
c/o RI Land Trust Council
159 Waterman Avenue
Providence, RI 02906
Questions/Information? Contact:
Rupert Friday, land conservation liaison email: rfriday@tnc.org <mailto:rfriday@tnc.org> ; 331-7110 x 39
Meg Kerr, water conservation liaison email: megkerr@cox.net <mailto:megkerr@cox.net> ; 714-2313
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11) ELA CONFERENCE & ECO-MARKETPLACE, MARCH 6-8, SPRINGFIELD
Ecological Landscaping Association’s 2008 Conference & Eco-Marketplace
Re-Visioning the Landscape: an Ecological Approach
ELA presents: a full day Permaculture Intensive Workshop with David Jacke, Dynamics Ecological Design, and Jono Neiger, Regenerative Design, on March 6, 2008 followed by the 14th annual Conference & Eco-Marketplace on March 7 & 8, 2008. This premier event includes 25 workshops presented by preeminent educators, writers, and practitioners in the field of ecological landscaping. With over 40 exhibitors and live demonstrations, the Eco-Marketplace showcases landscape techniques, information, products, and services needed to create and manage healthy communities. In addition, each day features an optional meal with keynote speaker: March 6 - TBA; March 7 - John Todd, author and co-founded of New Alchemy Institute, Ocean Arks International, and Living Technologies Inc.; and March 8 - Tom Wessels, author and educator at Antioch University New England.
Date: March 6–8, 2008
Location: MassMutual Center, Springfield, MA
Sponsored by: ELA
Contact: Penny Lewis, ELA Executive Assistant, ELA.info@comcast.net or 617-436-5838
Website: www.ecolandscaping.org <http://www.ecolandscaping.org>
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12) MACC ENVIRONMENTAL CONFERENCE, MARCH 1, WORCESTER
The Mass. Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) Annual Environmental Conference is the largest regular environmental conference in New England.
Over 1000 Conservation Commissioners, other local officials, state and federal environmental officials, consultants, attorneys and others enjoy a full day of activities.
The Annual Environmental Conference includes an Opening Session with speakers; presentation of the MACC Environmental Service Awards, and the business session including the election of officers and directors.
Over 40 workshop and training sessions are offered, all taught by recognized experts. There are over 40 exhibits and displays. State and federal agencies, and providers of environmental products and services find the Annual Environmental Conference to be a great opportunity to reach a large number of environmental activists.
The 2008 MACC Annual Environmental Conference will be held on March 1, 2008 at the Hogan Campus Center, Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts.
For details, go to:
http://www.maccweb.org/edu_aec_workshops.html
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13) EXEC. DIRECTOR, MONADNOCK CONSERVANCY, KEENE, NH
The Monadnock Conservancy is a regional land trust covering thirty-five towns in the Monadnock Region of Southwestern New Hampshire. Founded in 1989, the Conservancy holds some 150 easements on more than 12,000 acres and has dozens of new projects underway at any one time. In addition to individual landowner projects, the Conservancy is working on three landscape scale initiatives and a region wide town conservation partnership.
The Conservancy is in the final stages of a major capital campaign and was selected for the first pilot round of LTA accreditation. We have a very strong five-person staff, a knowledgeable and energetic Board of Trustees and more than 1000 members.
We are seeking an Executive Director who would bring a passion and commitment to our mission and who would thrive in a team oriented environment. Candidates should have strong inter-personal and communication skills and significant experience in the not-for-profit sector. The salary range is into the upper quartile of the LTA survey.
Letters of interest, resumes and three professional references should be mailed by February 15th via USPS to our Board President: John Kieley, 1 Holt Lane, Temple, NH 03084. Visit our web site www.monadnockconservancy.org <http://www.Monadnockconservancy.org> for more information about our organization.
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14) FISH & GAME NEEDS LAND AGENT FOR CONN. RIVER VALLEY
The Mass. Dept. of Fish & Game (DFG) is looking for a new land agent for the Connecticut Valley district. District headquarters is in Belchertown.
THIS IS A CRUCIAL POSITION FOR WILDLIFE HABITAT PROTECTION IN THE COMMONWEALTH! DFG needs the best for this job!
Here’s the link to the job posting: https://jobs.hrd.state.ma.us/recruit/public/31100001/job/job_view.do?postingId=J13194&code=search.public&companyId=59 <file://localhost/recruit/public/31100001/job/job_view.do>
Applications are due February 5th.
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15) CRWA DEVELOPMENT ASS'T & MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR
Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA), an environmental non profit located in Weston, MA, seeks a full-time development assistant and membership coordinator. Responsibilities include constituent data base management using Microsoft Access; direct mail coordination and support; coordinating events and board meetings; and contributing to the fundraising efforts.
Qualifications: Highly proficient in computer software (specifically Microsoft Access database, and Windows platforms); strong personal and donor-centered skills; ability to work independently; 1 to 2 years experience in administrative and/or development work; strong written and verbal communication skills; and attention to detail. Must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends. Position is open immediately. Salary commensurate with experience and includes excellent benefits. CRWA is an equal opportunity employer.
Send cover letter and resume to Peggy Sunshine, psunshine@crwa.org, or CRWA,
190 Park Road, Weston MA 02493.
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16) DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, TNC BOSTON
Massachusetts Chapter of the Nature Conservancy is looking for a Government Relations Director
The Director of Government Relations plans, implements and coordinates a comprehensive program to affect government policy and legislation at the local, state and federal levels to further the Conservancy’s mission of preserving biological diversity. Duties include daily contact with elected and regulatory officials and staff on matters pertaining to administrative and legislative actions related to the mission of The Nature Conservancy, and public fundraising activity to increase the level of financial support for projects and priorities. The Director of Government Relations represents The Nature Conservancy before state and local agencies, nonprofit and other partners, and assists with building grassroots and grasstops support for statewide policy objectives that support TNC’s mission. S/he has significant opportunity to act independently and decisions and actions affect the public image and effectiveness of the Chapter as well as that of the Conservancy.
Full job description at: http://www.nature.org/careers/dynamic/natureorg/20080107195406.html
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18) DCR PARTNERSHIP MATCHING FUNDS PROGRAM
On behalf of Governor Deval Patrick, DCR is pleased to announce the availability of $1.5 million in state monies for a DCR Partnerships Matching Funds Program to support the parks, open spaces, and properties managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
This program builds on the past success of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Office of Public Private Partnerships Matching Funds Program (OPPP) <http://www.mass.gov/envir/opp/default.htm> , which has resulted in a combined investment by the Commonwealth and public and private partners of more than $7 million in our state’s environmental and recreational resources since 2004. Starting this year, the program will be overseen by DCR to align it more closely with the agency’s mission and facilitate its administration.
The operation of the FY 2008 program will remain much the same as before:
DCR will consider applications <http://www.mass.gov/dcr/partner/partnerships_matching_fund.htm#app> that will provide a match of non-state funds for capital projects at the agency’s parks, open spaces, and properties
Only monetary contributions will be matched. Private funds must be deposited in a trust account of the agency.
While the program aims to support projects that are expected to be completed by the end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2008), DCR will consider applications for projects that may require more than one fiscal year to plan and complete.
DCR will manage the implementation of the projects, in close consultation with the partner(s) making the contributions.
As a new program element this year, DCR will consider providing a 2:1 match on contributions of up to and including $25,000. This will enhance the possibility that partners who have a smaller base of financial support will have the opportunity to see their projects come to fruition. In addition, we encourage all prospective participants to share and discuss their project ideas with a representative of DCR prior to submitting an application. Application Deadline Monday, February 4, 2008
If you have questions regarding the Partnerships Matching Funds Program, please contact Ethel Stafford at 617-626-4917 or ethel.stafford@state.ma.us
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21) SMALL GRANTS FOR TAUNTON RIVER WATERSHED PROJECTS
Grants for Open Space Plans, Conservation Projects and Environmental Advocacy
The Taunton River Watershed Campaign, a coalition of ten environmental and planning organizations working in the largest watershed in southeastern Massachusetts, invites communities and conservation advocates to apply for Watershed Mini-Grants. Applications are due by email to campaign@savethetaunton.org by Friday, February 22nd, with one hard copy mailed to TRWA, PO Box 1116, Taunton, MA 02780. Grant awards will be announced in early March. Phone contact: Susan Speers, Campaign Coordinator, toll-free (866) 393-TRWA.
Application materials may be downloaded from http://campaign.savethetaunton.org/minigrants. This year, $15,000 is available for small grants to communities and conservation advocates in the watershed. The grants are open to cities and towns, grassroots groups and nonprofit groups working on conservation issues and land use planning to protect natural resources. Priority will be given to projects which will result in the permanent protection of significant natural resources, the preparation of municipal Open Space and Recreation plans http://www.mass.gov/envir/dcs/openspace/default.htm, and passage of the Community Preservation Act.
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