The BEAT News

June 23, 2010

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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EPA Seeks Public Comment on Strategic Plan to Move Forward on Agency Priorities: Draft plan will help advance Administrator Jackson’s seven priorities
Water Headlines for the week of June 21, 2010

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment on its draft FY 2011-2015 strategic plan, which helps advance Administrator Lisa P. Jackson’s priorities and the mission to protect human health and the environment. Administrator Jackson’s seven priorities are: taking action on climate change, improving air quality, protecting America’s waters, cleaning up our communities, assuring the safety of chemicals, expanding the conversation on environmentalism and working for environmental justice, and building strong state and tribal partnerships.

The draft plan identifies the measurable environmental and human health benefits the public can expect over the next five years and describes how EPA intends to achieve those results. The draft plan proposes five strategic goals and five cross-cutting fundamental strategies that aim to foster a renewed commitment to accountability, transparency and inclusion. The plan is prepared in accordance with the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993.

The public comment period begins June 18 and closes July 30. EPA will use stakeholder feedback to prepare the final strategic plan, which will be released by September 30. Comments on the draft strategic plan may be submitted through http://www.regulations.gov. The Docket ID number is EPA-HQ-OA-0486.

For the first time, EPA is using a discussion forum to solicit ideas and feedback on the cross-cutting fundamental strategies, a new element of EPA’s strategic plan. The agency will use the feedback provided through https://blog.epa.gov/strategicplan as it implements the cross-cutting fundamental strategies and takes actions to change the way EPA does its work. 

Information about the draft plan: http://www.epa.gov/ocfo/plan/plan.htm   
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MASSLAND E-NEWS
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community
June 19, 2010
Volume 10, Number 09
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Items of interest to the Massachusetts land protection community.
For more news and information, go to http://www.MassLand.org
Please send items of interest to Info@MassLand.org
 
You may reproduce any or all of MassLand E-News free of charge for non-commercial use only, with the appropriate citation to MassLand and/or cited sources.
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"To give away money is an easy matter and in any man's power. But to decide to whom to give it and how large and when, and for what purpose and how, is neither in every man's power nor an easy matter."
 -- Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC), Greek philosopher --
 
"The deed is everything, the glory naught."
 -- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832), German writer and Poet --
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1) Grants - Wharton Trust Preliminary Proposals Due Sept. 15
2) Grants - DEP Drinking Water Supply Protection Grants
3) Grants - Scholarships for LTA Rally in Hartford, CT
4) Grants - NFWF Seeks Invasive Species Proposals
5) Grants - MDAR Grant Programs Seeking Applications
6) Jobs - Western Mass. Program Director, TNC Mass.
7) Jobs - Director of Philanthropy, TNC Mass.
8) Jobs - Opacum Land Trust Seeks Stewardship Manager
9) Jobs - Director, Campaign for Parks, Albany NY
10) Jobs - New England National Scenic Trail Planner, AMC
11) Jobs - Northeast Field Representative, LTA
12) Jobs - Public Relations Internship, NOFA/MA
13) Jobs - Executive Director, Gallatin Valley Land Trust, MT
14) Jobs - Coastal Ecologist, The Trustees of Reservations
15) Jobs - More Job Openings at The Trustees of Reservations
16) Jobs - Wildlife Care Supervisor, Mass Audubon, Lincoln
17) Jobs - Wildlife Program Coordinator, Mass Audubon, Lincoln
18) Jobs - Project Manager, Groundwork Lawrence
19) Jobs - Senior Marketing Associate, AMC Boston
20) Jobs - List of Major New England Conservation Employers

To read any of these articles follow the link below

http://www.massland.org/files/enews061810_JobsGrants.pdf
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Find Out Where the Gubernatorial Candidates Stand on the Environment

The outcome of this November's gubernatorial election could have profound effects on the Massachusetts environment, given the obvious importance of the state environmental agencies under the Governor's control. [NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION] and other environmental organizations are planning a gubernatorial forum for Tuesday, June 29, to ask the candidates about their views on environmental issues. Governor Patrick and Green Party candidate Jill Stein already have confirmed, and all candidates have been invited. This will be a fascinating event in an historic setting with opportunities for Q&A.

When: Tuesday, June 29, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington Street, Boston
RSVP: This is a free event, but seating is limited. RSVP to smoser@environmentalleague.org 

Sponsored by:  Appalachian Mountain Club, Association to Preserve Cape Cod, Berkshire Environmental Action Team, Charles River Conservancy, Charles River Watershed Association, Clean Water Action, Conservation Law Foundation, Environmental Business Council, Environmental League of Mass. (ELM), Friends of the Blue Hills, Greater Worcester Land Trust, Green Decade/Cambridge, Groundwork Lawrence, Groundwork Somerville, Home Energy Efficiency Team, Mass. Association of Conservation Commissions, Mass Audubon, Mass. Energy Consumers Alliance, Mass. Interfaith Power and Light, Mass. Land Trust Coalition, Mass. League of Environmental Voters, Mass. Rivers Alliance, Neponset River Watershed Association, North & South Rivers Watershed Association, Old South Meeting House, Organization for the Assabet River, Safer Waters in Mass., Sudbury Valley Trustees, Taunton River Watershed Alliance, The Trustees of Reservations, Walk Boston; and ELM Corporate Council members: Aggregate Industries, Grossman Marketing, Legal Sea Foods, Millipore, The Saunders Hotel Group (The Lenox; Comfort Inn & Suites Revere; and Hampton Inn Norwood), and Shawmut Design & Construction.
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Employment Opportunity: Be a part of an ecological gold rush

We are looking for motivated individuals to join the Asian Longhorned Beetle Survey Team working around Worcester , MA .  Candidates will be conducting ground-based tree surveys with the aid of binoculars and recording the resulting data in PDA’s.  All related equipment and training will be provided.  Field work is expected to start in mid-July 2010 and run until June 30, 2011.  Interviews begin immediately.

 

Compensation:
a. Survey Technicians, -64 needed: $30-$40/Hr.
b. Mass Certified Arborists -12 needed: $50-$55/Hr.

If interested please contact:

Jonathan Parrott, Ph.D.
Parrott.forestry@gmail.com
(413) 658-8117 c.
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ONLINE PLANT IDENTIFIER READY TO GO
 
The latest release of the New England Wildflower Society's electronic key to the native and naturalized woody plants of New England is now available for testing.  The Plant Identifier New England (PINE) Woody Plants is a prototype for a complete electronic flora of New England, which is based on the upcoming field manual to the region being prepared by our Research Botanist, Arthur Haines. Take PINE out for a spin and please be sure to fill out the online survey located on the website.  Your comments will help us produce the best identification tool possible. Click here to access PINE. Thank you!. Thank you!
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BP is burning endangered sea turtles alive

Dear Friend,

News has just emerged from the Gulf Coast that BP is burning endangered sea turtles alive.

A boat captain who has been leading efforts to rescue the endangered turtles says BP has blocked his crews from entering the areas where the animals are trapped, effectively shutting down the rescue operation.

BP is using "controlled burns" to contain the oil spill. Shrimp boats create a corral of oil by dragging together fire-resistant booms and then lighting the enclosed "burn box" on fire. If turtles are not removed from the area before the fire is lit, they are literally burned alive.

I just signed a petition telling BP to stop burning endangered sea turtles alive. To learn more and take action, click on the link below.

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/bp_endangered_turtles/?r_by=9715-2998725-1ZDmq9x&rc=confemail
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Report on Gulf Oil Spill by Smith College Graduate

Rachel Rock Blake is a recent Smith grad and worked/interned at the Berkshire Botanic Garden in many capacities. She is currently working and blogging from one of the barrier islands, Grand Isle, LA. Here is her message and a link to her blog.

I am down here in Grand Isle, LA distributing money that we have raised to fishermen who are out of work due to the oil crisis. I have also been blogging about what I have seen. I would love it if you could take a look when you get a chance and send it out to your friends. People do not have a clue about what is going on down here. Thanks!

http://livingwiththespill.blogspot.com/

 Also, if you think you are getting the real story, here's a link to a video of a reporter trying to talk to people who are actually cleaning the beach.
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Part-time GIS manager position opening - Housatonic Valley Association in Cornwall Bridge, CT

 The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) seeks a skilled and motivated Geographic Informations Systems (GIS) professional with strong geospatial analytical skills and a natural resources background for the part-time (28 hrs) position of GIS manager.  HVA has been dedicated since 1941 to the health and vitality of the Housatonic River,  a nationally recognized, 1,245,000 acre watershed located in western Connecticut and Massachusetts and portions of eastern New York. GIS is an HVA core competency.  It is essential to the work we and our partners undertake to set conservation priorities, conserve the natural character and environmental health of our communities, and protect and restore the lands and waters of the Housatonic Watershed for this and future generations.

Position Description:  The GIS Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership and day-to-day implementation of GIS technology and services at HVA.   He or she shall collaborate with key staff to identify and implement GIS solutions to geospatially-related problems.  He or she shall maintain and enhance a GIS database related to natural resource conservation and land use planning throughout the three state Housatonic Watershed in CT, MA and NY, with particular emphasis on the towns within Northwest Connecticut that are part of the Litchfield Hills Greenprint Collaborative that is sponsored and administered by HVA.   He or she shall also provide high quality GIS maps and data and related services on a fee for service basis to strategic conservation partners, such as local municipalities, councils of elected officials, and conservation non-profits.  The GIS Manager works closely with HVA colleagues and reports to the Executive Director. This is a part-time (28 hr) position with a competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Qualifications:   The successful candidate shall have a passion for land and water conservation.  He or she shall be a solution-oriented problem solver comfortable working in interdisciplinary teams with diverse stakeholders and with limited supervision.   He or she shall possess a minimum of 1 year professional experience in geospatial analysis with an advanced degree, or 4 years experience with a Bachelor’s degree related to geography, geographic information systems, remote sensing, or a physical/biological/environmental discipline with a strong emphasis in geospatial analysis and modeling.  He or she shall have a strong background in the use of the ESRI ArcGIS Desktop Suite (9x) and all associated data types (vector, raster).  He or she shall have demonstrated experience creating custom hardcopy and digital cartographic products.  He or she shall have demonstrated experience with GIS applications for natural resource inventory, multi-criteria analysis, and familiarity with viewshed and impervious surface analysis.  He or she shall be well organized, focused, and familiar with naming conventions and file storage. Familiarity with GIS data sources for CT, MA and NY preferred.

Mail or email cover letter and resume to: Lynn Werner, Executive Director, HVA, PO Box 28, Cornwall Bridge, CT 06754, or lynnhva@hotmail.com. The position is open July 1, 2010 and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 
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Two Massachusetts Companies Face Fines for Clean Water Act Violations

(Boston, Mass. – June 22, 2010) – Discharges of muddy storm water from a construction site, in violation of the federal Clean Water Act, has prompted EPA to file an enforcement action seeking penalties against two companies constructing a residential development in Ayer, Mass.

EPA’s New England regional office has issued a complaint under the federal Clean Water Act to Crabtree Development, LLC of Ayer, Mass. and R.A. Powell Construction Corp. of Lunenberg, Mass. for unauthorized storm water discharges from a construction site.

Crabtree Development is the developer of a residential development called Pingry Hill in Ayer, and Powell is the general contractor. On two separate occasions in 2009, an EPA inspector observed that storm water contaminated with sand, dirt, sediment, suspended solids, residues of construction material and turbidity was running off the site into adjoining waters and wetlands.

Because they are operators of a site disturbing more than one acre, the companies were required to apply for either an individual permit or a promulgated General Permit for Storm Water Discharges from Construction Activities. The permit requires the use of “best management practices” to prevent erosion and sedimentation of waterways that can result from construction activities.

Though construction began in 2007, neither company had submitted a Notice of Intent for coverage under the NPDES Construction General Permit until Crabtree Development did so in January 2010 (following the EPA inspections). EPA’s complaint seeks a penalty of up to $177,500 for the violations.

Rainwater running off construction sites can carry sediments, oil and other pollutants which contaminate nearby streams, ponds and rivers. Erosion from a one-acre construction site could discharge as much as 20 to 150 tons of sediment in one year if not properly managed. Sediments reduce the storage capacity of drains and waterways, causing flooding and adversely affecting water quality and fish habitat. Sediments and chemicals can also contribute to fish die-offs, toxic algae blooms, contaminated shellfish beds and closed swimming beaches.

More information:
EPA Storm Water Permit Program in New England (www.epa.gov/region1/npdes/stormwater)
Enforcing Clean Water requirements in New England (www.epa.gov/region01/enforcement/water)
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The NOFA Organic Land Care Program Announces its Summer Courses 

The second annual Advanced Organic Land Care Workshop Series, created in response to the demand for more in-depth and hands-on education is sponsored by the Northeast Organic Farming Association's Organic Land Care Program (NOFA OLC).  Workshops in this series are conducted in small groups in an outdoor setting and are led by organic land care professionals who are experts in the topic. These workshops provide a unique experience to work closely with highly experienced professionals.

Mike Nadeau leads a small group of students at the Pruning Workshop held last year at the CT Beardsley Zoo.

This summer NOFA is offering four advanced workshops.  Lee Reich's workshop on Edible Landscaping with Fruit and Todd Harrington's Intensive Workshop on Soil Testing and Interpretation are new this year!  If you missed out on last year's workshops, we will be offering both Producing and Applying Actively Aerated Compost Tea with Peter Schmidt and Organic Invasive Removal with Mike Nadeau.   The advanced workshop series will be extended into the winter with a February 2011 workshop on Turf Nutrition with Chip Osborne.

In addition to this series, the Annual NOFA Organic Lawn & Turf Course, featuring new topics and speakers, will be held at Save the Bay in Providence, RI on August 5th. It will feature Chip Osborne, Paul Sachs, Don Bishop and Javier Gil as course speakers.  Please take a look at the detailed course descriptions below, call 203-888-5146 or visit organiclandcare.net for more information. 

 

Edible Landscaping with Fruit: a workshop with Lee Reich
July 21st, 9:00am - 3:00pm (Rain date-July 22nd)
Lee Reich's farmden, New Paltz, NY

Join NOFA OLC for this unique opportunity to learn about edible landscaping from expert Lee Reich!  This workshop will include site assessment, soil preparation, plant selection and maintenance, and using fruit in luscious landscaping.

It will also include a comprehensive review of topics such as assessing the soil, microclimates, timing for ripe fruit, drainage, soil organic matter, plant pruning, pests and consideration in selecting fruit trees.

Lee Reich, PhD is an avid farmdener (more than a garden, less than a farm) who turned from plant and soil research with the USDA and Cornell University to writing, lecturing, and consulting. His books include A Northeast Gardener's Year, The Pruning Book, Weedless Gardening, Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden, and Landscaping with Fruit. He writes regularly for Associated Press and publications such as Fine Gardening and Horticulture. His garden has been featured in such publications as the New York Times and Martha Steward Living, has won awards from National Gardening and Organic Gardening magazines, and has been included in "Open Days" tours of the Garden Conservancy.

Start with the Soil: an Intensive Workshop on Soil Testing and Interpretation
August 3rd, 9am - 3pm
Harrington's Organic Land Care, Bloomfield, CT

Success with organic growing depends on healthy soil.  This advanced workshop given by Todd Harrington of Harrington's Organic Land Care will take the mystery out of interpreting soil tests.  The workshop will cover chemical and biological soil sampling, testing and results. Students will learn:

  • Correct sampling techniques for different situations
  • How soil properties influence and affect nutrients and other soil characteristics  
  • How a lab tests the chemistry and biology of soil samples and how to begin to make connections about the biology of the soil based on chemistry results. 
  • How to use soil results to create a comprehensive plan to improve soil quality and the landscape

During the workshop students will learn sampling techniques and understand how analytical results in the soil test report fit together to describe the overall health of the soil. 

Upon completion of this workshop, students should have the skills needed to interpret test results and make appropriate recommendations for improving soil quality based on NOFA's Standards for Organic Land Care.  The workshop will include lab time, classroom time and a tour of the compost tea center.

NOFA Organic Lawn and Turf Course
August 5, 2010, 8:00 am - 4:30pm
Save the Bay, Providence, RI 

This is a one-day, intensive Organic Lawn and Turf Course. This course is specifically designed to meet the needs of professionals who are managing lawns and athletic turf in residential, commercial, or public settings such as schools and parks. We offer this course annually.  Over the past five years we have trained over 700 students in organic turf management. The text book for this course is the NOFA Organic Lawn and Turf Handbook, which is available to purchase in our book store.

The sixth annual NOFA Organic Lawn and Turf Course, featuring new topics and speakers, will be held in Providence, RI on August 5th. Nationally known natural turf expert, and NOFA AOLCP, Chip Osborne will teach much of the course and is revising the agenda to provide more up-to-date information.  Chip just published "A Cost Comparison of Conventional (Chemical) Turf Management and Natural (Organic) Turf Management for School Athletic Fields." 

The new speakers include Paul Sachs of North Country Organics, who will address the important subject of Compaction and Javier Gil of J.Gil Organic Landscaping who will speak on Compost Tea.  Don Bishop of Gardens Are... will also teach Pest, Weeds and Diseases.

The course will be held at the beautiful Save the Bay building on the water in Providence!  A delicious local and organic lunch will be provided. This is the only NOFA lawn and turf course this year and seating is limited, so register soon.

Organic Invasive Removal with Mike Nadeau
August 18th, 9am - 3pm (Rain date- August 24th)
Connecticut Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport, CT.

Join Michael Nadeau for a demonstration of organic techniques used for removing bittersweet, garlic mustard, Japanese knotweed, Russian olive, burning bush, and other herbaceous perennials. Physical, thermal, biological, and managerial methods will be covered. Other topics include: identifying areas in need of invasive removal, site analysis, creating appropriate management plan, wetland regulations and management techniques that work! Make sure to wear work gear and bring gloves!

Michael Nadeau, one of the principals of Plantscapes, Inc. is a member of the Organic Land Care Committee of  CT NOFA that created and published the first Standards for Organic Land and Lawn Care: Practices for Design and Maintenance of Ecological Landscapes. Michael is also a frequent lecturer on organic topics.


Producing and Applying Actively Aerated Compost Tea
September 21st, 9am - 3pm
Stonewall Farm, Keene, NH

Join us for a hands-on workshop on Producing and Applying Actively Aerated Compost Tea with Peter Schmidt of Compostwerks! LLC.

This workshop is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and to learn in a small group setting. Some of the topics that will be covered include how to brew compost tea, customizing tea for specific uses, assessing compost tea quality and methods of application. The workshop will be conducted both outside on the farm and in a classroom setting.

Peter Schmidt, certified arborist and founding partner of Compostwerks! LLC has been involved in the horticultural industry for 25 years. He interacts with Elaine Ingham of the Soil Foodweb Inc. on a regular basis, and is working to become a certified advisor.

Advanced Course Cost (includes a local and organic lunch):

General public.............................................$200
AOLCPs and/or NOFA members.........................$185

AOLCPs early registration discounts:
Edibles workshop:               June 25th.................$150
Invasives workshop:           July 12th..................$150
Compost Tea workshop:   August 16th.................$150

NOFA Organic Lawn and Turf Course Cost (includes a local and organic lunch and a copy of the NOFA Organic Lawn and Turf Handbook.)
Cost.......................................................$150

Early Registration:    by July 1st....................... $125

To register contact Ashley Kremser, NOFA OLC Program Manager, at 203-888-5146or register online at organiclandcare.net
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