The BEAT News

June 15, 2011

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

Please send items of interest to kristen@thebeatnews.org
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Help clean the Housatonic River

The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) and the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) together with First Church of Pittsfield are organizing several Saturday river cleanups this summer. Cleanups run from mostly from 8:30am to 12:30pm. Wear old clothes and sneakers or waterproof boots. Trash bags and work gloves and lunch will be provided. For more information or to register for a clean up by call HVA at 413-394-9796 or send an email to adixon@hvatoday.org.

On Saturday, June 18 volunteers will canoe north and south from Decker Landing on New Lenox Road, Lenox and pick up trash collected by the strainers (downed trees).  Meet at 8:30 am the large Wildlife Management Area Parking lot on New Lenox Road. Please bring your canoe or call HVA at 413-394-9796 to reserve a canoe. All participants will be required to wear a PFD (life jacket).

A cleanup of an historic pile of trash on the Old Mill Trail is also scheduled for Saturday, June 18 from 9am – 11am. Meet at the Old Mill Trailhead on Old Dalton Road, Hinsdale. Trout Unlimited and Crane and Company will assist with this cleanup. This clean up is entirely on shore, canoes will not be used.

On Saturday, July 23 and Saturday, August 20 meet at 8:30 am at Wahconah Park, 105 Wahconah Street, Pittsfield to clean up north and south of the new river access located behind this historic ballpark. Volunteers are welcome to come for all or just part of the day and bring a canoe to help move trash to an exit point,

On Saturday, September 24, at 9:00 am meet at the Church Street entrance of the Housatonic River Walk in Great Barrington to remove trash from the banks and the river. Great Barrington Trails and Greenways, Berkshire Co-op and Greenagers are additional cosponsors for the Great Barrington cleanup.

Please call Alison Dixon at 413-394-9796 or email adixon@hvatoday.org for more information and to register. Information is also available at www.thebeatnews.org.

Founded in 1941, HVA protects and restores the land and waters of the Housatonic watershed from its source in the Pittsfield, Massachusetts area to Long Island Sound.  Visit www.hvatoday.org for more information.

BEAT works with you to protect the environment for wildlife, keeps the public informed of current local issues that could have an impact on the environment, and helps people work together to take action to protect the environment. Visit www.thebeatnews.org for more information.
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Locally Grown Farm Products Guide for the Pioneer Valley

Locally Grown, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA)'s annual Farm Products Guide, arrives this week in retail stores, on farmstands, and in daily papers throughout the central Pioneer Valley region.   It's a comprehensive guide, with information about farms and businesses serving or sourcing locally grown farm products. You'll also find farmers' market information, farm festivals, tips for including more locally grown farm products in your life, and profiles of our 2011 Local Hero Awardees.
  
Newly interested in locally grown foods? Find the farms and markets nearest you in the Farm Products Guide. Already a connoisseur of local food and farms? Use the Guide to find farmstands or farmers' markets when you are travelling new routes in the Valley for a meeting or social event. Find a farm festival or restaurant serving seasonal meals. Browse the listings of farms and related businesses just to see the breadth of what the Valley has to offer. Of course, there's more online. Visit our website for a searchable Farm Products Guide, profiles of farmers, and an up to date list of farm and food related events.  

Margaret Christie
Special Projects Director
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Updated Bottle Bill update

Welcome to the third weekly newsbrief on the Updated Bottle Bill, an effort to expand the five cent deposit on beverage containers. 

Happenings from the past week:

  • The MA Parent Teacher Association and the New England Consortium signed on as endorsers of the Bottle Bill. As of Monday, June 13th 87 organizations have signed on as endorsers of the Updated Bottle Bill.
  • The towns of Dudley and Ludlow signed on as the 190th and 191st municipalities to support the Bottle Bill.

Suggested Actions:

PRIORITY ACTION:  Wed July 20 Updated Bottle Bill hearing date at 10am at the State House. Turnout will be key, so encourage people to attend.
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Comment on Eastern Box Turtle Conservation Plan

A draft Eastern Box Turtle Conservation Plan for Massachusetts has been developed by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) pursuant to the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act, M.G.L. c. 131A, (MESA) and DFW's MESA regulations at 321 CMR 10.12 6(a) (6), 10.23(6) and 10.26.

The plan is now available for review and can be found at the following address: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/conservation/herps/teca_conservation_plan.htm
The Fisheries and Wildlife Board held an informational meeting for the public on the proposed Eastern Box Turtle Conservation Plan on May 18th in Westborough.

DFW has a 60-day public comment period on the plan and related general permit, which will end on the close of business, July 18, 2011.

BEAT Note: The benchmarks that this draft plan sets to remove the Eastern Box Turtle from the state list do not include any mention of how the population is faring. Please, ask DFW to require population surveys to show that the population is stable or increasing before delisting this sensitive species. In addition, ALL species conservation plans should require a population study to show that the species is not declining before delisting would be considered.
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Four New Hampshire Biomass Plants May Close
from Mass Forest Update

Four biomass energy plants in New Hampshire say they may cease operations unless the state’s largest utility enters into a contract with them to purchase the electricity they generate.  The plants employ 100 people in New Hampshire and are supplied by nearly 300 loggers, pumping $40 million annually into the state economy.

Biomass plants in Bridgewater, Tamworth, Bethlehem and Alexandria have been seeking a short-term contract to supply electricity to the Public Service Company of New Hampshire.  The four wood to energy plants supplied PSNH with electricity for 20 years under state order after being constructed in the mid to late 1980s.  When that order expired, the four plants were able to sell their electricity under short-term contracts on the open market.

Since those contracts have expired, however, the open market price has been lower than the plants’ costs to operate, due to high diesel fuel prices which have raised the cost to deliver wood to the plants.  Electricity rates have dropped sharply due to the slowdown from the recession and the availability of cheap natural gas.

Besides selling electricity on the open market, the plants also receive Class III Renewable Energy Credits under New Hampshire’s Renewable Portfolio Standards.  Under New Hampshire’s RPS, natural gas plants also qualify for Class III RECs and the surplus of natural gas has resulted in Class III REC values dropping sharply.  The RPS rules are currently under review and new rules will go into effect in July 2012 that will likely boost the amount of money the four plants receive from RECs, but they need a short-term energy contract to bridge the gap.
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Enter the Annual Wiffleball Fun-Raiser! 3 Weeks Left to Register

Our wiffleball tournament is coming up, July 7th at the Route 7 Grill! We had 3 teams sign up at Green Drinks last week, and that leaves room for yours in this 8 team field. Teams are 3-5 players, cost to enter is $25/team, the winning team keeps all the cash for the green cause of their choice!

Don't be left out! The Nature Conservancy and Native Habitat Restoration are among the competitors this year. CET is also putting together a squad to defend their title from last July.

Folks who work for a green nonprofit can play on their own org's behalf. Last year CET collared the $200 for recycling efforts in Lenox.

Want to be part of this fun event? Send me your team name and roster of 3-5 players today! Or call the office, 413-528-4422.

July 7
Route 7 Grill
Games start at 5:45, single elimination, using official wiffle rules


Erik Hoffner
Orion magazine

***Orion is winner of the 2010 Independent Press Award in the category of General Excellence***

888-909-6568

http://www.orionmagazine.org
http://twitter.com/Orion_magazine
http://www.facebook.com/Orionmagazine
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Agricultural Grant Deadlines are Fast Approaching
from Mass Forest Update

The application deadlines are fast approaching for five funding programs that provide assistance to farms to support agricultural stewardship of natural resources, promote energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy on farms, and ensure economic competitiveness and profitability.

Farm Viability Enhancement Program
This business planning and technical assistance program provides management advice and grants from $25,000 to $75,000 to implement farm growth and sustainability strategies. Farm operators also receive consultation to discuss farm production, management, marketing, and business planning. Program information and applications can be found by clicking here or by calling the Farm Viability Program at 617-626-1723. The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday, June 23, 2011.

APR Improvement Program
The APR Improvement Program was designed to help sustain active commercial farming on land protected by the Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program. The program assists with issues of economic viability, environmental sustainability, resource conservation, ownership control, modernization of infrastructure and other issues that may enhance the long term continued use of agricultural land.

The APR program preserves and protects agricultural land from being built upon for non-agricultural purposes or used for any activity detrimental to agriculture. The APR program has permanently protected almost 800 farms and a total land area of over 66,000 acres.

Applicants must own, or co-apply with the owner of, APR land that they have been actively farming for at least the last three years. The current Request for Response (RFR) with application is available by clicking here or by calling the APR Improvement Program at 413-268-8269. The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday, June 23, 2011.

Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture
The purpose of the Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture (MEGA) Program is to help with business expansion on new and beginning farms. MEGA will provide technical assistance and business planning help, and provide funds to aspiring commercial farmers. Priority will be given to farm enterprises that have operated commercially for one to five years and have a potential to expand productivity or commercial significance with the infusion of additional technical support and capital. MEGA applications and program information are available by clicking here or by calling 413-559-0949. The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday, June 23, 2011.

Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program
The Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program’s (AEEP) purpose is to support the mitigation and/or prevention of negative impacts to the state’s natural resources that may result from agricultural practices by providing reimbursement directly to agricultural operations that implement eligible projects that prevent, reduce or eliminate environmental impacts for the benefit of the public.

AEEP funds the acquisition of materials only, not labor costs or equipment rental. Grants support practices that prevent direct impacts on water and air quality. Projects primarily focused on renewable energy or energy conservation should apply to the Massachusetts Ag-Energy Grant Program - see below. Information regarding the AEEP grant applications is available on MDAR’s website. The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday, June 30, 2011.

Ag-Energy Grant
Ag-Energy grants assist agricultural operations in an effort to improve energy efficiency and to facilitate adoption of alternative clean energy technologies. MDAR is offering grants for both the AEEP and Ag-Energy Program during the same timeframe. Projects focusing on water conservation and improving air and water quality should apply to AEEP, while energy efficiency and renewable energy projects should apply for the Ag-Energy grant. Applicants cannot apply to and receive funding from both AEEP and Ag-Energy for the same project. Program information and application can be found by clicking here. The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday, June 30, 2011.

For more information, contact Gerard Kennedy at 617-626-1773 or Gerard.Kennedy@state.ma.us.
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The Tom's of Maine 50 States for Good Community Sponsorship Program supports grassroots organizations throughout the country working to do good in their communities. In 2011, the program will provide five grants of $20,000 and one grant of $50,000 to nonprofit organizations in order to help them enhance their community projects. Eligible projects must have a positive impact on the community in one of the following areas: Environmental Goodness, Healthy Human Goodness, or Animal Goodness. A review panel of leaders from around the country will narrow the applications down to 20 finalists. Information on these finalists will then be posted on the Tom's of Maine website in August so that the public can vote for which six projects should be awarded funding. The deadline for submitting online applications is 5pm ET June 21, 2011. Click here to learn more about this program and submit an online application.  
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Dyken Pond Summer Camp Scholarships

Grafton, NY – Camp scholarships are still available for the Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center’s Summer Outdoor Learning Adventure (SOLA).  These week-long day camps provide age appropriate activities in ecology, wildlife and outdoor living skills.  Games, hikes, and hands-on discoveries will give campers a lifetime of memories. 
Camps run from mid-July to mid-August depending on age.  Scholarship applications, camp schedules and details can be downloaded at www.dykenpond.org or by contacting the Center at (518) 658-2055 or dykenpond@fairpoint.net.
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Nashua River Watershed Association Seeking AmeriCorps Service Member for Regional Conservationist Position

The Massachusetts Land Initiative for Tomorrow (MassLIFT) is an AmeriCorps program developed by a collaboration of seven regional land trusts and watershed associations, including the Nashua River Watershed Association, to meet community needs for land protection, stewardship of protected lands, conservation outreach and education, and service learning that engages young people in conservation.  MassLIFT has openings for 20 AmeriCorps positions for service from September 12, 2011 – August 24, 2012.   AmeriCorps members serve in regional land trusts and partner organizations across the state and in one of four positions: land steward, regional conservationist, service learning coordinator, or community outreach coordinator.  These fulltime positions come with stipends, health insurance, and the potential to earn education awards.   The application deadline is July 8, 2011. 

See Regional Conservationist Qualifications and Applications Procedure below.  Further information about AmeriCorps-MassLIFT partners and service positions can be found on the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust website:  http://mountgrace.org/join-masslift, or contact Dee Robbins, robbins@mountgrace.org.   No phone calls please.

Please feel free to post and share this information with others who you feel may be interested in this position.  Thank you!

_________________________________________________

Regional Conservationists' Qualifications and Application Procedure

The main purpose of this position is to help land trusts increase the pace of land protection in their region and strengthen the efforts of volunteer community leaders and municipal commissions to identify and facilitate conservation projects.  AmeriCorps members serving as Regional Conservationists will: (1) use maps and GIS to identify promising land protection projects; (2) facilitate efforts of landowners, municipal boards, local land trusts, and potential funders to implement projects; (3) assist and train local boards, land trusts, and volunteers in landowner negotiations and conservation planning; and 4) help communities to form and carry out the work of volunteer commissions (such as agriculture commissions or open space committees).  Mentor/supervisors will provide training and guidance necessary to achieve the program objectives. 

Required Qualifications:

  • a strong interest in working with municipalities on land conservation projects
  • comfortable speaking to groups
  • strong writing and verbal communication skills
  • able to work both independently and as a member of a team
  • familiarity with Microsoft Office programs

Desired Qualifications:

  • computer mapping skills (GIS) are a plus
  • experience coordinating events
  • experience developing public information materials
  • experience in local government and/or civic organizations
  • experience in land conservation or land use planning

Application Procedures:
Email a resume, a 1-2 page cover letter, and three references that we may contact to Dee Robbins, MassLIFT Program Manager at robbins@mountgrace.org.  Please mention in your cover letter what you hope to learn/experience from participation in our AmeriCorps program and describe your interest in community engagement.  The application deadline is July 8, 2011.  Additional applications will be accepted and reviewed on an as needed basis.  No calls please.

In the event you receive duplicate emails, please let us know so we can correct our records—our apologies.  If you would like to be removed from this NRWA email list, please Reply with a request to unsubscribe and your name will be removed.

Nashua River Watershed Association
592 Main Street
Groton, MA  01450
(978) 448-0299
www.NashuaRiverWatershed.org

Please consider the environment before printing this email.  REDUCE, RECYCLE, REUSE, RESTORE 
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TOWN OF SHIRLEY CONSERVATION COMMISSION
7 KEADY WAY· SHIRLEY, MASSACHUSETTS 01464

Job posting: 06/07/11
PART-TIME CONSERVATION ADMINISTRATOR


(978) 425-2600 ext. 245 FAX (978) 425-2627

The Shirley Conservation Commission is seeking to fill a 12 hour/week position (with no benefits) to administer the Wetlands Protection Act and other associated laws and town by-laws. Salary is $17 per hour.

Position reports to the Shirley Conservation Commission and will need to attend Conservation Commission meetings, which are normally held twice a month on Tuesday nights. Applicant must Draft Orders of Conditions and other Commission ­issued permits as needed. Must perform on-site inspections and review applications. Will need to maintain minimal office hours for the public, day and time are negotiable but need to be posted in advance.

Qualifications: College degree in appropriate field with 2 or more years' experience. Position requires sustained periods of walking and hiking, sometimes in construction zones, knowledge of Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, and ability to communicate clearly orally and in written form. Will need to interface with public, volunteers, and various other departments in Town.

Send cover letter, resume, and at least two references by June 28,2011, to:

Nancy Askin, Shirley Conservation Commission, 7 Keady Way, Shirley, MA 01464 or email conservation@shirley-ma.gov.
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Enviro Editorial Intern Opportunity

Editorial Intern for busy international author. Get hands-on experience in professional editing and writing, drafting press releases, and making contact with leading environmentalists and green organizations. You’ll also work with author to adapt a UK manuscript for American readers and help develop a website/blog on green living. Requires knowledge of current environmental issues and science, excellent writing skills, and knowledge of HTML/CSS, RSS, WordPress, and social networking sites as well as basic Microsoft programs. This is a fantastic chance to make a difference while developing skills and contacts for a career in media/PR or in the nonprofit or publishing sectors. Part-time and flexible, unpaid for trial period with long-term opportunity for paid freelance work. Visit www.berkshirepublishing.com and www.armchairenvironmentalist.com/blog for background information. Send cover letter explaining what you can contribute and what you want to learn as well as a resume and two letters of reference from professors or past employers: karen@berkshirepublishing.com.
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