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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Advocacy News (Includes how to reach your legislators) DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshire return to top |
New Wind Report |
EPA just announced a grant program to help communities establish Robert A. Levite, Esq. The Massachusetts Watershed Coalition |
United We Serve |
Report says agricultural carbon sequestration essential to climate future Agricultural carbon sequestration might be the world’s most vital means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a new report released by the Worldwatch Institute and Eco Agricultural Partners says. Scientists composed a list of tactics that should be implemented to reduce carbon emissions, including enriching soil carbon, farming perennials, and restoring watersheds. While other carbon sequestering technologies may take decades to perfect, using land to sequester carbon is the most tangible, effective tool at our disposal today to reduce carbon emissions and help mollify climate change, they say. |
The School of Living Arts for Creativity & Ecological Culture is a new holistic learning center on 6.5 acres in New Lebanon (Berkshires/ Hudson Valley), New York. |
Center for Biological Diversity Leads Nationwide Call to Save Bats On May 20, the Center for Biological Diversity submitted a letter to all members of Congress urging intensified action and increased funding for white-nose syndrome, the new, deadly illness that is destroying bat populations across the eastern United States. The Center was joined by 60 other organizations from around the country, along with well-respected ecologists and bat scientists. Among the groups and businesses that expressed deep concern about the bat die-off were conservation, agriculture, anti-pesticide, and wildlife-protection organizations. With an estimated 1 million bats already dead from the fast-spreading sickness, several species may now be dangerously close to disappearing forever. In response to the possibility that humans moving between caves (carrying the pathogen on their caving gear) may be one means of transmission, the U.S. Forest Service recently announced that it was closing all caves on national forest lands within its eastern and southern regions. The order affects 33 states in all. New England congressional members have been taking leadership roles in urging greater funding to address white-nose syndrome. On May 5, Vermont senators Leahy and Sanders and Representative Welch were joined by several dozen other congressional members in requesting that Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar ensure that the Department of the Interior provides adequate funding to federal agencies coping with the crisis. New Hampshire’s Representative Carol Shea-Porter has also been calling upon her colleagues in the House to support increased resources to combat the bat crisis. At least two congressional hearings on white-nose syndrome have occurred thus far, including one on June 4. The Center for Biological Diversity has submitted written testimony, including a summary of the response to our action alert, which called for letters to Secretary Salazar and members of Congress about white-nose syndrome. More than 18,000 Center activists answered this call for action. |
EPA Released GE NPDES Permit Modification for Public Comment This is BEAT's report after the meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) about the, recently released for public comment, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the General Electric Company (GE) site in Pittsfield. This process is complicated. Certain parts of the NPDES Permit issued in 2008 are in effect, others were under appeal and some were still under the very, very old permit. Now, GE and EPA appear to have worked out a solution with the EPA issuing a Modification to the 2008 NPDES permit (pdf) for public comment (pdf). From page 4 of the EPA Fact Sheet (pdf), "The proposed permit modification marks a conceptual shift from end-of-pipe treatment to source elimination..." for dry weather flows. Meaning that rather than monitoring dry weather flows for PCBs and having specific limits that must be met, GE will have time to monitor pipes for dry weather flows and then they will have to come up with a plan to try to eliminate those flows. If elimination is not possible, they will then have to monitor the flows to "characterize the location, origin, nature, quantity, and quality of such flows". We support the move to eliminate these sources of PCBs entering the Housatonic River rather than just putting a limit on the amount of PCBs - although we would like to have a better picture of how much PCBs these flows are currently putting into the river. We are concerned that by eliminating the flows through these pipes, the PCBs may still find their way to the river by flowing over or through the ground. We hope the in stream/bank monitoring in place is sufficient to catch this problem if it occurs. On page 11 of the EPA Fact Sheet (pdf) there is information on the new "Reopener" Provision - meaning that if EPA feels GE's pollution control methods are not effective, they may reopen and modify the permit. Under the modification, the examination to see if the new pollution control methods are effective will be 42 months after the modification is approved. The wet and dry weather monitoring data will all be publicly available on the web (http://www.epa.gov/region1/ge/). Dean Tagliaferro said that he believes it will be included in GE's monthly reports. For more history on this permit, see BEAT's GE NPDES web page. submitted by Jane Winn |
Biomass Energy and Sustainable Forest Management, Carbon Sequestration, and Carbon Neutrality Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles has directed the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to develop a sustainability requirement for electricity generated from biomass (woody crops and forest products) under the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). To that end, DOER has posted a Request for Information (RFI) asking for public comment on a proposed study of issues including Sustainable Forest Management, Carbon Sequestration, and Carbon Neutrality associated with biomass energy. Responses to the RFI are due on July 3, 2009. The RFI can be accessed either by: |
Berkshares News There are many ways to take a stance in support of the local economy. We know from studies and experience that much more of our money stays in the local economy when citizens shop at their small, independent businesses. The BerkShares local currency program is revolutionary in its promotion of keeping money local and planning for an alternative economic future with community, economy, ecology and sustainability front and center. With the recent addition of Berkshire Bank in Lee, there are now 13 local bank branches where you can make exchanges between federal dollars and the region¹s local currency. You can find a list of all the participating exchange banks here: Susan Witt, Sarah Hearn, and Stefan Apse |
American Clean Energy and Security Act passes the House The US House of Representatives just passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act, HR 2454, by a razor-thin margin of 219-212. This is a first of its kind, comprehensive federal bill to combat global warming and promote clean energy. We recognize that this bill is not perfect but even so it will make a monumental difference. This bill has the potential to transform our economy by creating millions of clean energy jobs, improving our national security, and protecting our planet. |
From The Greenfield Recorder The state plans to use the ''white paper'' to develop a ''sustainability requirement'' for electricity generated from woody crops and forest products under the its Renewable Portfolio Standard. The state standard, in turn, could be tied to Renewable Energy Credits that Pioneer Renewable Energy project's Matthew Wolfe says is necessary to make the project adjacent to the Interstate 91 Industrial Park financially viable. .... When Bowles ruled in April that the Pioneer project doesn't require a full-scale environmental review, he noted that Wolfe's company should not be required to address the cumulative demands for clean wood from various projects, and whether they exceed the forest supply without violating state forest cutting regulations, wetlands protection requirements and other environmental laws. In calling for comments by July 3, Bowles said, ''Biomass is an important renewable energy resource for the commonwealth, but it must be developed in a way that is truly sustainable … We want to encourage the use of this renewable energy source only if the biomass is sustainably harvested in a way that maintains our forests for future generations.'' But the questions being addressed by the state are ''completely off-base,'' said Margaret Sheehan, a Williamstown attorney representing opponents of the Pioneer Renewal project. ''The question is not about sustainability or about carbon neutrality,'' Sheehan said. ''The question really is whether burning forests as renewable energy, and having taxpayers pay for it, just like they do for wind, solar and geothermal, is consistent with the law that says we're supposed to be reducing global warming. The question isn't really how much forest you should be burning; it's really a question of whether you should be promoting incineration as a means of creating 'clean and green' energy.'' According to EOEE spokeswoman Lisa Capone, once Bowles reviews submitted comments after the July 3 deadline, the state will issue a formal request for a comprehensive ''white paper'' study that should take about six months to complete. The project reviews could proceed, Carbone said, but issues related to the state's Renewable Energy Standard would be left on hold pending completion of the state's review. That process calls for the state's selected consultant to hold a single three-hour meeting early in the process with ''stakeholders,'' representing state and regional agencies, recognized environmental organizations and the forest-products and biomass industries to solicit questions and comments. Three more three-hour sessions are proposed -- one to present a draft report to state officials and a ''stakeholder'' advisory group, and two public forums to present the final report. The locations of the sessions have not been decided. |
Habitat Protection Crosses the BorderNews from the Open Space InstituteFrom New York to Nova Scotia, encompassing more than 80 million acres on the eastern edge of North America, the largely forested Northern Appalachian/Acadian eco-region of Canada and the United States provides much-needed habitat for wildlife such as the woodland caribou, lynx, moose, black bear and loon. Its broadleaf temperate forests stand tall and green, protecting clean water sources, providing recreational opportunities and creating jobs for people. As the forests extend across the borders of the two countries, the region has historically, and most importantly, ecologically, been connected. Yet conservation work across the border has not been well coordinated, says Alice Chamberlin, the executive director of Two Countries, One Forest. “Landscape scale” connectivity recognizes the needs of wildlife in the region, providing the natural corridors and subtle changes necessary for species on the move. For that reason, sustaining the health of landscapes like the Adirondacks, the Champlain Valley and the Sutton Mountains in Quebec is vital for the bear, lynx, moose and the many other species of bird and wildlife that follow migration patterns from one expanse of forest to another. Currently, subdivision, rapid changes in ownership and scattershot development endanger the forests, threatening to create ecological islands no longer connected by the common thread of habitat. The onset of climate change only intensifies the threat. Fortunately, there is a growing awareness that coordinated international action is needed to protect the character of this great natural resource. “There are a lot of unknowns about what we’re going to see in these landscapes,” Chamberlin said. “Our challenge is to find that successful way to allow people to live comfortably, but not to deplete these vast, nearly unfragmented forests.” The Open Space Institute has joined Two Countries, One Forest, along with a growing group of conservationists, scientists, civic and government leaders to engage in a collaborative transborder conservation effort. With the generous support of an anonymous foundation, OSI is pleased to announce the creation of a $1 million Transborder Land Protection Fund to support conservation in this ecosystem that stretches from the Adirondacks in New York State to the Gaspe Peninsula in southeastern Canada. “The Transborder Fund is a logical extension of OSI’s work in the Northern Forest and we are thankful to have partners and funders who recognize the importance of thinking beyond national boundaries to conserve the ecological integrity of the forest,” said Jennifer Melville, OSI’s New England field coordinator. The Transborder Land Protection Fund is the first of its kind, as it specifically targets the transborder region while working closely on the ground with local organizations critically aware of the need to link core protected areas. For more information on the Transborder Land Protection Fund and to read guidelines for grant applications, click here. BEAT's Berkshire Wildlife Trackers program works with other land protection organizations, including Two, Countries One Forest, to protect large, unfragmented landscapes and the linkages among them. |
Endangered Species Grants The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is requesting proposals from states and U.S. territories for grants to support conservation planning activities and habitat acquisition for federally protected species. For fiscal year 2010, President Obama’s budget request includes $100 million in funding for grants under the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund. The service is soliciting proposals for three categories of grants: recovery land acquisition grants, habitat conservation planning (HCP) assistance grants, and HCP land acquisition grants. Also, for the first time FWS will consider climate change when evaluating proposals for grants. Proposals must be submitted to FWS regional offices by Aug. 19, 2009. For more information, link to the FY 2010 Request for Proposals on the FWS Endangered Species Grants website. |
Failed MEPA Process on Permitting - by Steve Kaiser, who used to work at MEPA Alicia McDevitt, director of the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office (MEPA), told an Environmental Business Council breakfast on Friday that the Patrick administration is considering scrapping its Super-MEPA permitting process and will likely eliminate some green building permitting guidelines. But McDevitt also said that administration officials "are not revisiting the purposes" of the state's development guidelines, which will only get tougher in the coming years. |
Waste to Energy Regulation Change Proposed Brief Explanation and Rationale for Changes: Section 32 of the Green Communities Act classifies a Waste-To-Energy (WTE) facility in commercial operation prior to December 31, 1997 that uses conventional municipal solid waste technology to generate electricity as a Class II renewable energy generating source if it “operates or contracts for one or more recycling programs approved by the Department of Environmental Protection.” MassDEP has established within its Solid Waste Regulations (310 CMR 19.000) the requirement for a solid waste facility permit modification that specifies how a WTE facility will obtain an approved recycling program from MassDEP. WTE facilities will need to demonstrate compliance with these regulations in order to qualify as a Class II renewable energy generating source under the Department of Energy Resources Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards (225 CMR 15.00). Web Link to View Final Regulations: http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/laws/regulati.htm#wec |
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New Canaan Nature Center just posted 2 interesting jobs on the Orion Grassroots Network job board: please share with anyone you know who's looking: Education Program Manager http://jobs.oriongrassroots.org/ Erik -- The Orion Grassroots Network provides services and support to grassroots organizations engaged in ecological, social, and cultural change. |
A Sampling of News from MassWildlife REPORTING FISH KILLS With warm weather warming up lakes and ponds, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) has already fielded nearly two dozen reports about fish kills discovered in some bodies of water. Half of these calls have come in since the beginning of June. The sight of dead and dying fish along the shores of a favorite lake or pond can be distressing and trigger concerns about pollution. Fish do act as the "canary in the coalmine," so it's natural to think a fish kill is an indicator of a problem with human caused pollution. However, the vast majority of fish kills reported are natural events. Natural fish kills are generally the result of low oxygen levels, fish diseases or spawning stress. Depletion of dissolved oxygen is one of the most common causes of natural fish kills. As pond temperature increases, water holds less oxygen. During hot summer weather, oxygen levels in shallow, weedy ponds can further decline as plants consume oxygen at night. This results in low early morning oxygen levels that can become critical if levels fall below the requirement of fish survival. In addition to reduced oxygen levels, late spring and early summer is when most warmwater fish species, such as sunfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass) begin to spawn. At this time, large numbers of these species crowd into the shallow waters along the shore vying for the best spawning sites. These densely crowded areas become susceptible to disease outbreaks, especially as water temperatures increase. The result is an unavoidable natural fish kill, usually consisting of one or two species of fish. When a caller reports a fish kill, a MassWildlife fisheries biologist determines if the kill is due to pollution or is a natural event. Generally, pollution impacts all kinds of aquatic life, therefore the most important piece of evidence for the biologists is knowing the number of fish species associated with the fish kill. Fish kills in which only one or two species are involved are almost always a natural event. When it is likely a fish kill is due to pollution, MassWildlife notifies the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). DEP takes the lead on a formal investigation which includes analysis of water and fish samples to determine the source of pollution. MassWildlife provides DEP with technical assistance by identifying the kinds and numbers of fish involved. To report a fish kill Mondays through Fridays between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, contact Richard Hartley at (508) 389-6330. After normal business hours or on holidays and weekends, call the Fish Kill Pager at (508) 722-9811 or contact the Environmental Police Radio Room at 1-800-632-8075. NEW FISH BROCHURE AVAILABLE A new full color, illustrated brochure of the Freshwater Fishes of Massachusetts is available from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife). This folding brochure includes pictures of most of the freshwater fish species found in Massachusetts and is packed with information that will be valuable for any conservationist with an interest in ponds, streams or rivers. “Beginning and experienced anglers will appreciate the tips on identification of game and bait fish, fishing ethics and instruction on how to fillet a fish. They will also find information on Massachusetts’ Angler Education Program and Freshwater Fishing Awards Program. Other conservationists will find useful information on rare, riverine and migratory fish species as well as notes on statewide fish and aquatic habitat restoration efforts,”observes Ellie Horwitz, Chief of Information & Education. The Freshwater Fishes of Massachusetts brochures are found at MassWildlife’s regional offices located in Acton, Belchertown, Boston, Bourne, Pittsfield, Westborough and West Boylston. MassWildlife’s Hatcheries in Belchertown, Sandwich, Montague and Sunderland will also have brochures. To obtain a copy by mail, send a self-addressed, business sized 61-cent stamped to: Fish Brochure, MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd, Westborough, MA 01581. REPORT HERPS! The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) is asking interested conservationists for reports or sightings of certain specific reptiles and amphibians. The species of NHESP interest include: Smooth Greensnake, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, Eastern Ribbonsnake, Eastern Musk Turtle, Spotted Turtle, and the Northern Leopard Frog. NHESP is particularly interested in sightings of the Eastern Hog-nosed Snake. These particular species are of interest for a variety of reasons: 1) the species is thought to be rare, declining or vulnerable, but there is insufficient information on the condition, number and size of populations to make a determination; 2) the species was removed from the official regulatory list, but the Program believes it still is in need of some conservation attention; 3) the species distribution and abundance are not well known. Herpetologists want to bring attention to and track reports of these reptiles and amphibian in order to determine whether any of the species listed are appropriate for proposal to the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act list. Anyone who has seen the above mentioned wildlife are encouraged to submit a Rare Animal Observation Form found on-line at http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/pdf/electronic_animal_form.pdf. Information needed includes date of sighting, specific mapped location and a photo of the observed animal. Submit the form, map and photo(s) to: Data Manager, Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. For more information about this conservation effort, visit the following web page: www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/conservation/herps/reptiles_amphibians_undstat.htm. MAGAZINE ISSUE TO FEATURE REPTILES Is that a milk snake, a copperhead, or a rattlesnake in the stone wall? The answer to this and other intriguing snake and turtle identification questions will be revealed in a special issue of Massachusetts Wildlife magazine devoted exclusively to reptiles! The Field Guide to the Reptiles of Massachusetts features information on breeding, feeding habits, range, habitat, and conservation issues. It also offers spectacular color photos of the various species including color and pattern morphs of those species with variations and a list of key features that will allow you to identify any native snake, and turtle (except sea turtles) found in the Bay State. This publication will be a must for budding naturalists, curious children, environmental educators, classroom teachers and veteran naturalists. The Reptile issue will be available in August 2009. Massachusetts Wildlife is printed for its subscribers, so subscribe now to guarantee that you receive a copy of this very special guide. Subscriptions for this quarterly publication are an incredible value: $6 for a 1 year, $10 for 2 years. Each issue is packed with award-winning articles and outstanding photos on just about anything relating to wildlife and the outdoors in Massachusetts. To subscribe, call 1-800-289-4788 or visit www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/publications/mwmag/mwmag_home.htm. Leave your name, mailing address and your choice of a 1 or 2 year subscription. No credit card information is required. You will be billed by postal mail. You can also send a check payable to Massachusetts Wildlife Magazine and mail it to: Reptile Issue, Massachusetts Wildlife Magazine, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, 251 Causeway Street (4th floor), Boston, MA 02114. NEW HUNTERS! SIGN UP NOW FOR COURSES New hunters of all ages are reminded that it is never too early to sign up for a Basic Hunter Education Course. First time license buyers in Massachusetts are required to show proof that they have taken a basic hunter education course in order to purchase a hunting or sporting license. Basic courses are available across the state and many begin in August and September. Massachusetts offered its first hunter safety course in 1954, and to date has graduated more than 169,000 students. Topics covered during the course include safe handling and storage of hunting arms and ammunition, hunting laws and ethics, wildlife identification, wildlife management, care and handling of game, basic survival skills and first aid. Students who successfully pass the course receive a Certificate of Completion that is accepted for purchasing a Massachusetts hunting or sporting license and for people 15 or older making application for a Firearms Identification Card with their local police departments. The certificates are also accepted in all states and Canadian provinces for the purchase of a hunting license. Course schedules are posted on line at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/education/hed/hed_basic_listing.htm. Graduates who have lost their Certificates may obtain a Duplicate Certificate from the Hunter Education Program through the Hunter Education website pages or by contacting the office directly at (978) 632-7648. July 9–Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee Meeting. The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee will be meeting at MassWildlife's Field Headquarters in Westborough from 1:30- 4:30 pm. This meeting location is handicapped accessible and the meeting is open to the public. For directions, call (508) 389-6360 or got to www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/facilities/westboro.htm. July 28–Fisheries & Wildlife Board Meeting & Public Hearing, Easton--The Fisheries & Wildlife Board will hold its July meeting on Tuesday July 28, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Avenue, North Easton. A Public Hearing will be held this same day at 3:00 p.m. at the Borderlands State Park Visitor’s Center, relative to rules and regulations pertaining to the dates of the spring turkey hunting season in Zones 11 & 12 (Barnstable, Bristol, and Plymouth Counties). 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: 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 |
NEW Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Committee Listening Session IN THE BERKSHIRES 7/16/09 BEAT is pleased to announce that EEA has scheduled a session in the Berkshires - Thursday, July 16 in Pittsfield from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The meeting will be held in at the Berkshire Athenaeum, One Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield. BEAT has several suggestions on how to help wildlife (and people) cope with climate change. We believe it is critically important to maintain and enhance linkages among our already protected landscapes. This way wildlife will be able to move to adapt as their habitats change. Also, BEAT is asking that highway planners design culverts and bridges to allow for fish and wildlife passage, as well as for the large stormwater surges we are having due to more intense storms. By following the Massachusetts River and Stream Crossing Standards for new roads, when repairing existing roads, we can decrease the impact of our transportation network, and help wildlife cope with climate change. |
2009 New Openings at the Pleasant Valley Natural History Day Camp! Registration for Day Camp at Pleasant Valley Sanctuary in Lenox continues with additional openings now available. We have added camper spaces for our Discoverer (age 6-7) Sessions, beginning the weeks of July 20, July 27, August 3, and August 10. If your child likes to explore, roam and discover all the captivating wonders of nature’s classroom, come see how learning here among our trails, ponds and forests can help build one of the greatest skills of a lifetime – curiosity. Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries |
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