The BEAT News

July 15, 2009

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DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshire

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Department of Fish and Game Takes Action to Prevent Possible Spread of Invasive Zebra Mussels
Responding to local concerns, agency authorizes municipalities to restrict use of  public boat ramps on water bodies susceptible to infestation; temporary, emergency measures to remain in place no longer than 45 days
                                   
BOSTON – In the wake of last week’s discovery of zebra mussels in Laurel Lake in Lee and Lenox – the first confirmed presence of the invasive species in Massachusetts - and in response to concerns from local officials in nearby communities, the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) today authorized municipalities to enforce limited restrictions on the use of boat ramps at other Berkshire County water bodies deemed at-risk to infestation by the highly destructive species.

The purpose of Friday’s action by DFG’s Office of Fishing and Boating Access (OFBA) is to reduce the risk that boats that have recently been on Laurel Lake will transport zebra mussels to other Berkshire County lakes, ponds and rivers. Coming on the heels of OFBA’s emergency closure of the state boat ramp at Laurel Lake on July 8, it authorizes local boat ramp managers to bar the use of boat ramps at susceptible water bodies by vessels ramp managers determine have been on Laurel Lake within the last 30 days unless boats in question have undergone specific cleaning and disinfection.  These measures include thoroughly draining, flushing, cleaning and drying the boat – including the engine, bilge, ballast water, recreational equipment and anything else that has come in contact with lake water; using a bleach solution and high pressure hot water; and allowing the boat to dry for at least one week in dry weather and up to 30 days in cool, wet weather.

 Under Massachusetts regulations, both today’s OFBA action and the July 8 Laurel Lake boat ramp closure cannot remain in effect longer than 45 days without public notice and opportunity for public comment.

 The OFBA has authority to close state boat ramps, or authorize municipal officials to restrict access, for not more than 45 days if it finds that the immediate establishment of management measures is necessary for the public health, safety or general welfare. Zebra mussels, which significantly alter lake ecology and can harm native animals, humans, and boats, can be unknowingly transported from one lake to another by boaters.

In addition today’s emergency action, DFG and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced that they will host a public meeting at 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, at Pittsfield City Hall to present information on the status of zebra mussel infestation at Laurel Lake and boat ramp issues, provide background on zebra mussels and DCR’s ongoing public awareness program in western Massachusetts, and discuss future actions such as what citizens can do to prevent the species from spreading.

The Commonwealth is committed to maintaining public access to these bodies of water as required under existing law, and its long-term zebra mussel management plan is focused on containment through public education and enforcement of rigorous boat cleaning rules. But restricting boat access on a temporary basis provides additional safeguards while state invasive species experts determine the scope and severity of the zebra mussel infestation in Laurel Lake, the possible infestation of neighboring water bodies, the level of risk that exists regarding transport of the mussels by boats from one water body to another, and appropriate management measures going forward.  Temporary boat access restrictions will reduce the chance of accidentally spreading the species while state officials make the boating public aware of preventive measures.

As part of this effort, the DCR, which confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Laurel Lake last week, has provided guidance to officials of the Laurel Lake association, urging them to contact lakefront property owners and request that they not remove their boats from the lake. The association was also asked to distribute zebra mussel educational materials and post additional signs alerting boaters and others that Laurel Lake contains zebra mussels.  Volunteer boat ramp monitors trained by area lake associations in cooperation with the DCR will help to enforce the boat ramp restrictions, along with DCR ramp monitors trained by agency biologists.  The DCR plans to hire two additional ramp monitors within the next two weeks to assist with this effort.     

In addition, to determine the extent of the infestation, DCR will conduct surveys of Laurel Lake and downstream areas next week.  Surrounding lakes in Berkshire County are being surveyed by DCR-trained volunteers and the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. The DCR’s survey will target lakes with calcium concentrations and other water quality characteristics necessary to support breeding populations of zebra mussels. In addition, the OFBA’s authorization for municipalities to restrict use of other Berkshire County boat ramps is limited to water bodies determined by DCR to have the water chemistry necessary to support zebra mussel colonies.
Ramps that could have limited restrictions under this emergency measure include: 

·         Laurel Lake                            Lee
·         Goose Pond                            Tyringham
·         Shaw Pond                              Otis
·         Big Pond                                  Otis
·         Lake Buel                               Monterey
·        Thousand Acre Pond                New Marlborough
·         Windsor Pond                         Windsor
·         Stockbridge Bowl                    Stockbridge
·         Richmond Pond                       Richmond
·        Onota Lake                              Pittsfield
·        Pontoosuc Lake                       Pittsfield

A freshwater bivalve mollusk that looks like a small clam with a yellowish or brownish shell shaped like the letter “D,” zebra mussels have been found in numerous lakes, ponds and rivers in the United States, including the entire Great Lakes region and Connecticut, New York, and Vermont. Nationally, taxpayers spend billions of dollars a year to control zebra mussel infestations, which, once established, are usually impossible to eradicate. Considered among the country’s most significant invasive species, the mussels out-compete juvenile fish for food and cling by the thousands to virtually everything in a water body - including docks, boats, other aquatic organisms, and various water intake pipes and instruments. Microscopic juvenile zebra mussels can get into boat cooling systems and other water intakes and grow, completely clogging these systems. Found in numbers as high as 750,000 individuals per square meter, their razor-sharp shells wash up on shore, creating a safety hazard for beachgoers.

In 2005, DCR developed a Rapid Response Plan for The Zebra Mussel, which focused on public education, and preventing and/or slowing the spread of the mussels from one body of water to another. The plan directs the state to take steps to minimize the transport of the mussels when infestation is extensive. Steps may include “screening of outlets, curtaining of interbasin channels and preventing human use of the body of water.”

To view DCR’s Rapid Response Plan go to http://www.mass.gov/dcr/watersupply/lakepond/downloads/rrp/zebra%20mussel.pdf.

DCR’s Lakes and Ponds Program conducts ongoing zebra mussel education, outreach and monitoring, and has trained volunteers to collect samples to monitor the species. It was a DCR-trained volunteer who first detected zebra mussels in Laurel Lake.  The DCR program includes informative boat ramp signage and an educational brochure on zebra mussels. 

DCR and DFG recommend that boaters who have boated in an infested lake thoroughly drain, flush, clean and dry their boat and all recreational equipment before launching it in any other lake. This includes the boat engine, bilge, ballast water, or anything else that has come into contact with the water.  Boaters should use a bleach solution along with high-pressure hot water, and dry the boat for at least one week in dry weather and up to 30 days in cool, wet environments. 

For more information on zebra mussels, http://www.mass.gov/dcr/waterSupply/lakepond/factsheet/Zebra%20Mussel.pdf

www.mass.gov/masswildlife
Subscribe to MassWildlife News, a free electronic monthly newsletter updating you on research, events, new laws and other agency activities.  All you need to do is send an email to:  Join-MassWildlife.news@listserv.state.ma.us 

MassWildlife serves you from the following Offices: 
Western District, Pittsfield 413/447-9789
Conn.Valley District , Belchertown 413/323-7632
Central District, W. Boylston 508/835-3607
Northeast District, Acton 978/263-4347
Southeast District, Bourne 508/759-3406
Westborough Field Headquarters 508-389-6300

Make an Investment in Massachusetts' Wildlife and Habitat Management--Purchase a fishing or hunting license, make a donation to the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund or the Wildlands Fund
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Massachusetts Material Trader Exchange Network

The Northeast Recycling Council (NERC) and MassDEP are pleased to announce the launch of the Massachusetts Material Trader, a FREE on-line material exchange network funded by the EPA.

Is your business wondering what to do with surplus inventory, manufacturing by-products, or even office furniture? If so please visit http://www.massmaterialtrader.com today and reduce your carbon footprint by signing up as a member and posting any unwanted materials.

How to become a member:

  1. Visit http://www.massmaterialtrader.com.
  2. Post a listing for something your business no longer wants or needs. Do it today, if you can. (Don't worry, you can always include the picture later). To list an item you must create a company profile first:  http://massmaterialtrader.com/?content=company.new   
  3. NERC & MassDEP encourage you to forward this email to colleagues or any businesses that you think will be interested.


Thanks in advance for your support and help promoting reuse in Massachusetts.

Brian W. LaValle
MassDEP
617-348-4076
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Risk Assessment for King Street Dump

On July 9, Jane Winn spoke to Dan Hall from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Solid Waste Office. Dan said that DEP is currently reviewing the Risk Assessment for the King Street Dump. His best guess is that the Risk Assessment will be done in December 2009. After that there will be a Corrective Measures Study. BEAT asked for a public meeting and site walk after the Risk Assessment comes out.

The King Street Dump is a beautiful area that once must have been a gorgeous wetland floodplain. It was then used as a dump where waste was burned, so much of what is in there is ash. The trick will be to make this area safe for people, wildlife, and the river (so material in the dump will not contaminate the river) without destroying all the habitat that exists there today. But keep in mind - this was a dump, and all the current habitat grew in there. If we completely remediated the area, removing all the contamination, and then taking restorative measures, it would eventually grow back. On the other hand, are there "in situ" remedial technologies that would allow us to decrease the contamination without removing it?. Or should we remove some of the contaminated material and restore the previous level of the land to a much lower level that might alleviate flooding across the river at Wahconah Park?

Lots of questions. We hope many people will be involved with finding the right answers for the community and the environment.

Jane
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Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) news
(Read full newsletter here)

At this time of year, we often spend lunch breaks at CISA reporting on the seasonal bounty emerging from our CSA shares, gardens, local farmstands, retailers, and pick-your-own operations. Berries, peas, the first summer squash, and lots more -- summer is really here, and we're enjoying it three meals a day! At the same time, we're hearing regularly from farmers about the challenges brought by this season. While most people may think the cool, rainy start to summer doesn't feel much like beach weather, for many farmers it's likely to have a real impact on their businesses and bottom lines. Rain and cool temperatures contribute to poor growth, increased plant disease, and poor pollination. Three rainy weeks in a row mean poor sales for pick-your-own strawberry farms and farmers' markets. And the economic slowdown has led to reduced prices and slower sales overall.

It's not often that you can eat well, enjoy yourself, and change the world at the same time. But supporting local farmers gives you the opportunity to do just that. Make a farmstand or farmers' market a regular part of your week--or ask the produce and dairy managers at your grocery store to point out the locally grown products. Invite friends to a locally grown potluck. You'll feel the rewards from spending your food dollars locally at your table every day, and they'll benefit the whole community as well. Go forth, eat well, and enjoy the summer!

Phil Korman
Executive Director
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Savor the Flavors of Massachusetts
New initiatives encouraging culinary tourism kick off this month

BOSTON - Massachusetts boasts epicurean adventures from the Berkshire Hills to the tip of Cape Cod, and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) invite food lovers everywhere to visit the Bay State through a new culinary tourism initiative: Savor Massachusetts.
"Savor Massachusetts is one of our newest Massachusetts Grown and Fresher Programs and a natural extension of our efforts to promote agri-tourism throughout our Commonwealth,” said DAR Commissioner Scott Soares. “I invite residents and visitors to the Bay State to celebrate and enjoy Massachusetts farms, farm products, and festivals - one taste at a time." 

“The local farm to table industry is a vital part of the Commonwealth’s appeal” said Betsy Wall, executive director Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism “and a rising interest among visitors looking for fresh and unique culinary experiences.”

Culinary tourism is a growing industry that helps tourists plan trips based on what and where they want to eat. The emerging niche market helps develop and promote local food and drink as the main attractions for culinary travelers, fostering support for local communities and economic development.

The Bay State’s culinary tourism attractions include:
Brewery Tours
Culinary Education
Culinary Events and Farm Festivals
Ethnic Markets and Food Production Tours
Farms with Restaurants and Cafés
Farm Tours
Wine and Cheese Trails
Winery Tours

Go to www.mass.gov/massgrown and click on Savor Massachusetts for a guide to culinary opportunities available in Massachusetts. In addition, The Massachusetts Wine and Cheese Trails, produced by DAR and the Massachusetts Farm Wineries Association is available at www.MassWinery.com.

For instance, 18 Massachusetts cheesemakers make more than 75 varieties of artisan and farmstead cheeses, and 11 of them give public tours by appointment. There are 34 licensed wineries in Massachusetts and at least 21are open for tours and tastings of award winning-grape and fruit wines. Communities that host wineries and cheesemakers are: Needham, Carlisle, Topsfield, Ipswich, Lincoln, South Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, Richmond, Monterey, Hatfield, Westport, Westport Point, Haverhill, Plymouth, New Bedford, East Falmouth, Nantucket, Sterling, Bolton, Winchendon, Manson, New Marlborough, Charlemont, Williamstown, Holland, Hubbardston, Charlton, Hardwick and North Truro.

Savor Massachusetts was developed collaboratively by DAR and MOTT, with funding from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop program.  The group worked together to produce resources for local specialty crop growers, consumers and chefs to strengthen opportunities for farmers and producers in Massachusetts.

The first ever Massachusetts Wine and Cheese Trail was funded through a $26,000 USDA Rural Development Grant, awarded to DAR.  The goals of USDA Rural Development Grants are to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Americans. 

Every year, the USDA invites states to apply for grant funds under the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program-Farm Bill. Grants are awarded based on the value of specialty crops grown in that state. Specialty crops, as defined by the USDA, include fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops. In May 2008, DAR received $62,000 to develop the culinary tourism initiative. A second installment of the grant was awarded in April 2009 for $40,000. The goal of Savor Massachusetts is to strengthen opportunities and enhance the profitability of Massachusetts specialty crop farmers and producers.

The DAR mission is to ensure the long-term viability of local agriculture in Massachusetts. Through its four divisions – Agricultural Development, Animal Health, Crop and Pest Services, and Technical Assistance – the DAR strives to support, regulate, and enhance the Commonwealth’s agricultural community, working to promote economically and environmentally sound food safety and animal health measures, and fulfill agriculture’s role in energy conservation and production.
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