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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 Berkshire
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Thursday, January 7th At 7:00PM North Adams First will sponsor a community conversation followed by a screening of the film
Talking to the Wall: The Story of an American Bargain by Steve Alves
As the process for approving and delivering a Super Wal-mart goes forward in the North Adams city government at a fast pace, the screening of this interesting and fun film is an opportunity for people to inform themselves on this issue and to participate in what is a major decision/proposal facing North Adams. Please come, talk to others, and enjoy the film. Please forward and encourage others to come.
Screening location- St. John's Episcopal Church, Summer Street, North Adams (next door to North Adams Post Office)
Screening time- 7pm community conversation, 7:30pm film screening
Film Description: Wal-Mart's plan to build a large store in a small town (Greenfield, MA) is the backdrop for this sharp-edged docu-comedy. All goes well for the corporate giant until an 11th hour citizens' rebellion resists the lure of low prices to reveal another side of the bargain - a side which paves over open land, annihilates Main Street businesses, and rolls back wages. The story goes still deeper - following, over a period of seven years, Greenfield decision contrasted with a town 20 miles away which welcomes the corporation. The results of decisions made years earlier are clearly documented. Made by an award-winning filmmaker, Steve Alves, who fought in his town's internationally recognized battle against Wal-Mart. Personal and incisive, 'Talking to the Wall' examines the issue of big box chain stores, and citizens unwittingly turned into a nation of consumers, with humor and depth. Running Time: 57 minutes.
PLEASE NOTE: The Planning Board Public Hearing will take place Monday, January 11th at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The agenda includes the WalMart developer's proposal for five Special Permits. The Public Notice can be found at:
http://www.mypublicnotices.com/Berkshire/PublicNotice.asp?Page=PublicNotice&AdId=1697698
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NEGEF SMALL GRANTS PROGRAMS
New England Grassroots Environmental Fund's (NEGEF) small grants program provides grants to groups working on community level issues in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The Fund interprets the word ‘environment’ broadly and will provide funding for a wide range of activities. Whole systems-thinking is critical to initiatives focused on making our environment better, healthier and more sustainable. Small grants are intended to support community groups who represent the most exciting energy in the environmental movement that are not being reached by traditional funders. The next deadline is February 15, 2010. See: http://grassrootsfund.org/grants/small_grants/
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WILLIAM P. WHARTON TRUST PRELIMINARY PROPOSALS DUE MARCH 1
The William P. Wharton Trust, which is administered by the Trustees at the law firm of Choate Hall & Stewart LLP in Boston, Massachusetts, makes grants to organizations as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Trust supports projects that directly promote the conservation, study, and appreciation of nature, including
1) Natural areas preservation, primarily in Massachusetts and New England, including funding acquisitions of land for conservation purposes,
2) Management techniques designed to improve environmental quality and species diversity,
3) Bird and forestry research and management, especially at the applied level rather than the theoretical or molecular level, and
4) Creation of materials or projects designed to foster an appreciation of and a concern for wildlife and natural systems.
Preliminary applications are due March 1, 2010.
For more information, see: http://www.williampwhartontrust.org/
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New Climate and Wildlife Alliance
from Mass Land Trust Coalition
Following a climate change conference held last year at Bentley University, a new collaborative group focusing on global warming’s impact on wildlife was formed. The Climate Change and Wildlife Alliance - Massachusetts, of which the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition is a founding member, is working closely with the Department of Fish and Game and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to coordinate protection efforts.
The Alliance aims to: advocate for science-based adaptation strategies for ecosystem conservation; aid in the distribution of climate-related impact and adaptation information; and enhance planning, policy, and funding for wildlife resiliency.
Visit www.climateandwildlife.org to learn more.
Other founding members include Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Mass Audubon, New England Wild Flower Society, The National Wildlife Federation, The Nature Conservancy of Massachusetts, and The Trustees of Reservations.
BEAT Note: Jane and Bruce Winn of BEAT attended and videotaped the conference in November 2008. BEAT believes that our projects to protect linkages among our already protected landscapes and to decrease the impact of roads on ecosystems and wildlife habitats are great strategies to meet some of the goals of the Alliance and "Help Wildlife Cope with Climate Change". We are looking forward to this year's conference -
Responding to Climate Change II:
Tools and Solutions for Safeguarding Wildlife and Habitats
Monday, April 26, 2010 - 1:00-5:00 PM
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Mass. Department of Fish and Game Protected over 10,000 acres of Wildlife Land in FY 2009
Over 10,280 acres of fish and wildlife habitat in 42 towns were protected for wildlife and the public by the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) in the past fiscal year (July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009). Key wildlife habitats protected through the efforts of MassWildlife and DFG realty staff ranged from 1-acre acquisitions in Pepperell on the Nissitissit River and in Montague on the Saw Mill River to the 4,300-acre conservation easement in Fall River which is held jointly by DFW and the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
These wildlife lands will be added to the list of over 170,000 acres currently under the care and control of MassWildlife, most of which are Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). Most properties this year were purchased outright (in fee), however from an acreage perspective, approximately 75% of lands protected in FY 09 were via conservation easements that restrict development and allow public access for wildlife-related recreation but still leave the land in the hands of the original owner. All lands protected are open to fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife observation, boating, hiking, and other wildlife-related recreation. A listing of the FY 2009 properties by town can be found at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/habitat/land/land_acquisitions.htm
“Wildlife Conservation Easements (WCE) played a major role in our land protection efforts in the eastern and central part of the state,” said Bill Minior, recently retired Chief of Wildlife Lands. “Although WCEs accounted for only 12 of our 56 projects, they included over three quarters of the total acreage protected.” Municipalities were the grantors of about 75% of the total conservation easement acreage protected. Minior noted that the driving factors behind this municipal activity appears to have been the need for funding coupled with the desire to preserve open space for resource protection and recreational needs.
Several notable properties acquired include a 248-acre tract in the Western District that more than doubled the size of the agency’s Hawley Herp Preserve and was the largest parcel acquired in fee this year. Additionally, a 17-acre parcel acquired in Dalton includes approximately one quarter mile of Housatonic River frontage as well as an attractive log cabin style office building which now houses the Western District office. In the Connecticut Valley District, the agency was able to add 174 acres to the Montague WMA. Also in Montague, a key 1-acre public access parcel of riverfront land was acquired on the Sawmill River. In the Central District, a new 498-acre Nineteenth Hill WCE in Winchendon was acquired from the Town of Winchendon, and a new 564-acre Wekepeke WCE located in Sterling and Leominster was acquired from the Town of Clinton. In the Northeast District, the Shirley Rod and Gun club conveyed a 146 acre WCE which adds substantially to agency holdings in that area. A new WMA - the Townsend Hill WMA - was created by combining two abutting acquisitions in Townsend and Pepperell. Last but not least, in the Southeast District, the town of Fall River conveyed the 4,300-acre Fall River Wildlife Conservation Easement (WCE), which is held jointly with DCR. Perhaps the most notable acquisition is the 158-acre AD Makepeace (ADM) transaction in Plymouth and Wareham. It created two new WMAs, Halfway Pond and Maple Springs, but more importantly paved the way for future protection of thousands of acres of ADM property. Much of this property is considered by MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage Program to be some of the most valuable rare and endangered species habitat in the eastern part of the state. This complex project involves the ADM Co., local municipalities, non-profits/land trusts and the Commonwealth, and under options will span several decades.
“The AD Makepeace project is our biggest conservation deal in decades. The amount of land we're talking about protecting in that area over time is tremendous,” said DFG Commissioner Mary Griffin. “Coupled with the other land protection projects our staff completed, it is certainly the most successful year our department has had in quite some time.''
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NEWS ARTICLES ON THREATS TO MASS. ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT
- from Mass Audubon's Beacon Hill Weekly Roundup by Jack Clarke, Director of Public Policy & Government Relations; Jennifer Ryan, Legislative Director; Christina McDermott, Assistant to the Director
Valley Advocate writer Maureen Turner investigates the bill that would limit the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program's ability to review and permit development threatening vulnerable plant and animal populations and habitats. An Act Designating Natural Heritage Functions of the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Environmental Law Enforcement (H.4167 - click here for text: http://www.mass.gov/legis/bills/house/186/ht04/ht04167.htm) effectively guts the authority of Massachusetts’ Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. The article delves into the arguments surrounding this controversial legislation: http://www.valleyadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=10912
A supplementary article by Turner profiles Bill Pepin, a property owner, political donor, and the general manager and vice president of WWLP, Springfield's top-rated news channel. Pepin was particularly influential in the filing of H. 4167: http://www.valleyadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=10916
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State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program Receive a Crucial Funding Boost from US Congress
Increase will help state fish and wildlife agencies address environmental threats to some of the nation’s most imperiled species
This week, Congress approved $90 million for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program as part of the $32.2 billion Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriation Act for 2010. The increase is $15 million over last year’s level and also includes a change in the nonfederal match requirement from 50% to 35%.
The State and Tribal Wildlife Grants program, now in its 10th year, is a principal source of funding for implementation of congressionally required State Wildlife Action Plans in every state and territory. The Plans assess the health of each state’s wildlife and habitats, identify the problems they face and outline the actions needed to conserve them over the long term to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered. (See the Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan here.)
The increase in federal dollars comes at a time when state fish and wildlife agencies are increasingly challenged to address the impacts of invasive species, habitat loss and degradation and the exacerbating affects of climate change.
“We appreciate the work of the administration and Congress to secure increased funding for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program,” said Matt Hogan, Executive Director of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “These additional funds will help states tackle the backlog of conservation projects to address the threats of some of the nation’s most imperiled fish and wildlife and they will also maintain existing and create new jobs across the country.”
The State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program was started in 2000 to meet a longstanding need for funding of fish and wildlife species that are typically not hunted or fished.
“We appreciate the work of Norm Dicks, Chairman of the House Interior, Environment and Related Appropriations subcommittee, Ranking Member Simpson and the entire committee for helping to secure the additional funding,” said Phil Anderson, Director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. “The State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program is essential to the successful implementation of the Washington State Wildlife Action Plan and the additional funding will allow us to step up our efforts to address climate change.”
The apportionment of funding through the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program is based on one third of land area and two thirds on population. For example, for fiscal year 2010, the state of Washington will receive about $1.5 million in apportionment funds. The program also will provide tribes with $7 million for a competitive grants program. An additional $5 million will be made available to states for a competitive grants program.
“The State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program provides the only source of federal funding directed at preventing wildlife from becoming endangered and is that much more urgent now because of the impacts to wildlife from global warming,” said Naomi Edelson, Senior Manager, State Wildlife Programs for the National Wildlife Federation and member of the Teaming With Wildlife steering committee. “This increase is a natural investment toward protecting fish and wildlife and the natural lands and waters they depend on for survival.”
Increased funding for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants program is supported by the 6,200 member Teaming With Wildlife coalition made up of wildlife conservation groups, nature centers, hunting and fishing organizations and businesses. BEAT is a member of Teaming With Wildlife. Please consider showing your support and joining TWW as well. Here's the Massachusetts Teaming With Wildlife webpage.
For more information about Teaming With Wildlife and State Wildlife Action Plans, go to www.teaming.com.
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The Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition seeks an experienced individual with a passion for land conservation to implement its new training program, handle communications with its membership and conduct outreach activities to partners and providers.
The Outreach and Training Manager will:
- Establish and maintain a network of service providers who work with the land conservation community.
- Assist in developing and scheduling workshops and materials for regional trainings.
- Manage the www.MassLand.org <http://www.MassLand.org> website, including finding and posting materials for the resource library.
- Assist with other communications, including compiling and editing the MassLand E-News
This position requires:
- The ability to communicate the organization’s mission and goals to others
- The ability to work independently
- Excellent project organization and follow-through skills
- Excellent inter-personal and relationship management skills
- High degree of familiarity and comfort with online technology
Work with land conservation leaders for one of the most respected and effective land conservation service organizations in the nation. This is a half-time (20 hours per week) contract position with flexible hours, and will include some travel within Massachusetts, so a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle is required. You may work at home, at our office in Sudbury, or a combination. A computer will be supplied. Annual compensation to $22,000, no benefits.
Please submit a resume and cover letter saying why you are excited about this position and why we should be excited about you. Send email to: kmcgrath@massland.org or regular mail to Mass Land Trust Coalition, Attn Kathy McGrath, 18 Wolbach Road, Sudbury, MA 01776
Deadline for applications February 15th, 2010
No phone calls, please
The Massachusetts Watershed Coalition
....Creating a Network of Watershed Partners.
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Berkshire Grown Outreach Coordinator – 20 hours a week
Key responsibilities include: Manages community and professional (farmer, food buyer, retail and restaurant) member recruitment, renewal, fulfillment and outreach. Responsible for ensuring the office runs as smoothly as possible, a multi-tasker and problem solver who is responsible for database management, public inquiries, office support services, purchasing, facilities management and more. Responsible for updating the Farm to Table Directory and the Farm Map and Map-o-licious online. Actively involved in a variety of Events. Supports the Executive Director’s fund-raising, communication, and networking activities.
Please submit resume and references as soon as possible, preferably by January 22, 2010 to Barbara Zheutlin, Berkshire Grown, P.O. Box 983 , Great Barrington, MA 01230 and/ or Barbara@berkshiregrown.org.
Job will begin mid to late February.
For more information about Berkshire Grown, explore berkshiregrown.org
Barbara Zheutlin
Executive Director
Berkshire Grown
P.O. Box 983
Great Barrington , MA 01230
413-528-0041
www.berkshiregrown.org
Support Local Food & Farms
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OUTDOOR USERS: THANK A LANDOWNER TODAY
from MassWildlife
As the year comes to a close and our fishing, hunting, or wildlife watching adventures become fond memories, it's time to remember the private landowners who, through their generosity, helped to make these experiences possible. "Access to fishing, hunting, hiking, or watching wildlife is a privilege provided by landowners," says Marion Larson, Outreach Coordinator for the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. "Let them know you appreciate it. If you have been recreating on local land trust or other private non-profit conservation lands, be sure to include those groups on your thank-you list.” Larson offers the following suggestions for hunters, anglers, and other outdoor users when thanking private property owners who allow access for outdoor recreation:
- Be thoughtful and personal in expressing your appreciation, treating the landowner as you would like to be treated. If you are mentoring a new or young hunter, angler, birder or naturalist, include him or her in the process of thanking the landowner.
- Visit the landowner at the end of the season to express your appreciation in person; if possible, provide him or her with some of your fish and game harvest, share images or a list of the wildlife you saw on their property.
- Send a personal note or card thanking him or her for the opportunity to use their land. Consider giving a small gift such as a certificate to a local restaurant, a gift basket, or a subscription from Massachusetts Wildlife magazine.In the case of a non-profit group, make a donation to their organization.
- Offer to assist with tasks around the property that would be helpful, or to identify, clean up and properly dispose of any illegal dumping that has occurred.
- Assist the landowner in protecting the property by documenting and reporting suspicious activities to the Environmental Police at (800) 632-8075.
"Hunting, fishing, birding, and other wildlife-related activities are traditions that will continue only if everyone follows the basic principles of being a good neighbor," Larson said. "Take a few moments to reflect on our outdoor traditions, including the importance of access to private lands in maintaining these traditions, and what you can do in 2010 to ensure that these recreational opportunities will continue to be available to you and other outdoor users for future generations."
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Action Plan for the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response’s (OSWER) Community Engagement Initiative.
The Plan can be found at www.epa.gov/oswer/engagementinitiative.htm.
The Community Engagement Initiative (CEI) will enhance OSWER and Regional programs’ engagement with local communities and stakeholders to meaningfully participate in government decisions on land cleanup, emergency response, and the management of hazardous materials and waste. I am very interested in hearing about your ideas for the Initiative.
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said in a memo to employees last April: “In all its programs, EPA will provide for the fullest possible public participation in decision making. This requires not only that EPA remain open and accessible to those representing all points of view, but also that EPA offices responsible for decisions take affirmative steps to solicit the view of those who will be affected by these decisions. This includes communities of color, Native Americans, people disproportionately impacted by pollution, small businesses, cities and towns working to meet their environmental responsibilities, and others who have been historically underrepresented in EPA decision making.” OSWER’s Community Engagement Initiative is designed to advance this powerful and unambiguous commitment.
I invite you to provide input to this plan. The Action Plan is a working document that presents guiding principles, goals and areas of
action to advance the Initiative. When reviewing the proposed objectives, please consider the following questions: Are there certain
best practices that should be scaled-up? Are there components of guidance and policy that we should particularly evaluate? Among these actions which are the highest priority? Are there additional areas we should focus on? What are the best mechanisms to effectively communicate progress?
The objectives and actions in the plan will be refined and more fully developed as we obtain feedback and input from communities and other stakeholders, local governments, tribes, states, and EPA program offices. I look forward to hearing from you about your ideas for
meaningful and effective community engagement. Please provide any comments or ideas at EPA’s Web site www.epa.gov/oswer/engagementinitiative.htm. Comments would be most helpful if received by January 15, 2010.
Mathy Stanislaus
Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
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