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In the News
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Advocacy News (Includes how to reach your legislators) DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshire return to top |
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FLT Protects Two Scenic Properties |
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Limited Scholarships Available for Children’s Nature Camp Grafton – The Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center announces that scholarships are still available for children aged 6 through 14 to attend a one-week nature camp. The popular camp is called the Summer Outdoor Learning Adventure and is held from July 20 through August 14 from 9 AM until 3 PM, with aftercare also available. Children attending the camp will spend the day outdoors learning about nature and wildlife. Each day is spent hiking, exploring and discovering things about the natural world around us. The scholarship covers full cost of the one-week session. Spaces are still open for all to register. Please contact the Center at 658-2055 or dykenpond@fairpoint.net for more information or visit www.dykenpond.org for a registration form. |
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The Housatonic River Initiative invites you to Join the EPA team to explore the two mile stretch of river that has been remediated to see what is actually taking place in this stretch of river. From D-NAPL to a healthy ecosystem? Date: Tuesday June 9th, 2009 Turn onto Lyman Street from East Street . Rear parking lot entrance is just before the bridge over the river. Park along river and enter building from the rear. We will start off with a slide presentation, followed by a walk to see the river. We will carpool to Fred Garner Park to further view the river. Bring your own waders if you want. Please RSVP to Tim Gray (413-446-2520) so we know how many to expect and who needs a canoe. |
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BRI Biology and Conservation seminar series The New York State Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) is pleased to announce that, after several successful test sessions of broadcasting seminars live to various locations across New York State and beyond, recordings of the recent BRI Biology and Conservation seminar series, held in April 2009, are now available for public viewing (free-of-charge). Links to the PowerPoint presentations and audio recordings are on the following webpage: http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/bri/program/bri_lectures_spring09.html. Links to the following seminars will remain active for a limited time (through October 2009). Acid Rain, Mercury Deposition, Forest Birds, and Electricity: Are They Linked? Emerging Ecology of the Worm Invasions: Predatory Planarians and Non-native Earthworms Predicting and Mitigating Hotspots of Herpetofauna Road Mortality Long-term Responses of Breeding Birds to Habitat Loss and Fragmentation REQUEST FOR INPUT: The New York legislature created the Biodiversity Research Institute in 1993 to help meet the challenges associated with preserving the state’s biodiversity. The BRI serves as a comprehensive source of biological information, which is used to advise both public and private agencies on matters relating to the status of New York’s biological resources. A program of the New York State Museum within the State Education Department and funded by the Environmental Protection Fund, BRI is a partnership among conservation and environmental groups and leaders from throughout the state. Its partners include the State Education Department; New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation; State University of New York; American Museum of Natural History; Audubon New York; New York Natural Heritage Program; and The Nature Conservancy. Further information is available at: http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/bri/ or by calling 518-474-6531. |
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Public "Listening Session" on Wind Power Potential for State-owned Lands |
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Housatonic River Walk joins National Network of Trails; Special Celebration Planned for June 13 GREAT BARRINGTON—U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has designated Great Barrington’s Housatonic River Walk as a newly recognized National Recreation Trail, joining it to America’s National Trail System. The National Park Service designation recognizes exemplary trails of local and regional significance. Among the 1,000 trails in the 12,000 mile network, fourteen are in Massachusetts, including the Freedom Trail in Boston and the 52-mile Massachusetts Trail, formerly Metacomet-Monadnock Trail. A special trail dedication is planned for Saturday, June 13, rain or shine, commencing at 10:30 A.M. at River Walk’s W. E. B. Du Bois River Garden Park at Church and River Streets, Great Barrington. U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, expected to award the certificate, says; "I am very pleased that the Housatonic River Walk has received this designation. As someone who has volunteered on the trail and walked the trail, I can say with certainty that it is a community treasure that well deserves this national recognition. It connects us to the land, the river, and each other." Following a brief ceremony that includes remarks by MA State Sen. Benjamin B. Downing and MA State Rep. Smitty Pignatelli, and the dedication of the Comstock Small Stone Bench with family members present, the public is invited to tour River Walk’s special features. Along River Walk’s upstream section, Bernard Drew of the Great Barrington Historical Society will discuss the achievements of William Stanley at the William Stanley Overlook. Heather Cupo of Plant Euphoria will demonstrate River Walk’s native plant restorations and compost tea program. Peter Jensen of Peter S. Jensen & Associates will demonstrate sustainable trailmaking techniques. Along River Walk’s downstream section, Steven Mack of Foresight Land Services will demonstrate River Walk’s riverbank stabilization and bio-engineering project. Conservation biologist Suzanne Fowle will explain River Walk’s ecological monitoring program. Dennis Regan of the Housatonic Valley Association will unveil plans for a new state-of-the-art canoe launch soon to be installed at the current access point near Bridge Street. The program will conclude at noon with light refreshments. A 3.5 mile loop walk guided by Christine Ward through Great Barrington’s downtown, Lake Mansfield and Conservation Forest Trails will depart at 12:30. Preregistration is required: ch.wards@verizon.net, 413-329-5809. River Walk’s founding director Rachel Fletcher, who will discuss W.E.B.Du Bois’s environmental and river advocacy at the Du Bois River Garden, says; "Some will be surprised to learn that our half mile trail is not the shortest in this national system. But given that River Walk was crafted from the Housatonic River’s most devastated South Berkshire section, we may well be the most improved." The designation is a result of the National Trail System Act of 1968 which authorizes the creation of a National Trail System comprised of National Recreation Trails, National Scenic Trails and National Historic Trails. Benefits include trail markers with the NRT logo; access to national funding and technical assistance opportunities through the National Park Service and other NRT partners; and special consideration for state recreational trails programs administered through the Federal Highway Administration. River Walk is a public walking trail entering between Rite Aid and Pink Cloud on Main Street. An additional section follows the river adjacent to the former Searles Middle School and the Berkshire Corporation parking lot. River Walk easements are granted in appreciation of volunteer clean-up activities, including the removal of 400 tons of rubble and debris from various sites. To date, more than 2200 volunteers have worked to restore the riverbank to its native ecology and to produce ½ mile of public trail. River Walk easements are managed by the Great Barrington Land Conservancy. www.gbriverwalk.org or contact Rachel Fletcher at 528-3391, or e-mail river@gbriverwalk.org |
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Draft Modification to G.E. NPDES Permit The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) have cooperated in the development of a draft National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit modification for the General Electric Company facility in Pittsfield. The effluent limits and permit conditions imposed have been drafted to assure that State Water Quality Standards and provisions of the Clean Water Act will be met. EPA has formally requested that the state certify the draft permit pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act and expects that the draft permit will be certified. Copies of the draft permit and fact sheet are may also be found at the following EPA Internet Websites: www.epa.gov/ne/ge and www.epa.gov/region1/npdes/mass.html. The public comment period for the General Electric Company draft permit modification begins on June 3, 2009 and ends on July 2, |
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Grants Address Invasion Plant Control |
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Community Programs in North America and Australia Supported |
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Get ready for the next heating season with 75% off insulation and air sealing! Beat the rush—make home energy improvements now and save fuel the next time you turn on the heat! Schedule your no-cost home energy assessment with MassSAVE, and take advantage of generous incentives, including a 75% reduction (up to $2,000) on the cost of adding insulation and sealing air leaks in your home. Homeowners may qualify for a 0% interest loan (up to $15,000) to finance insulation and air sealing, high-efficiency heating and hot water systems, windows and solar hot water. Call 1-866-527-7283 to schedule your free energy audit and get an insulation proposal. |
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Massachusetts Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Committee The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has launched the Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Committee under the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008. The Advisory Committee has been charged by the Legislature with evaluating strategies for adapting to the predicted effects of climate change. These effects include increased sea levels, warming temperatures, and increased incidences of floods and droughts. The Advisory Committee is made up of experts from business, academia, and not-for-profit organizations who will prepare a report for the state legislature with its findings by December 31, 2009. As mandated by the Act, the Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Committee includes members representing the following sectors: transportation and built infrastructure; commercial, industrial and manufacturing activities; low income consumers; energy generation and distribution; land conservation; water supply and quality; recreation; ecosystems dynamics; coastal zone and oceans; rivers and wetlands; and local government. Experts in public health, insurance, forestry, agriculture, and public safety have also been included. Members of the public are welcome to attend the Advisory Committee meetings. The Committee will meet on: Thursday, July 30, 2009 In addition, EEA will host public information and input sessions at which staff will explain the project and receive public comments and suggestions. The public information sessions will be held on: Thursday, June 11, 2009 Wednesday, July 1, 2009 |
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WRLF announces summer nature programs for children The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation will be hosting summer nature programs for younger children at Sheep Hill during the first two weeks of July. The programs will be run by environmental educator and Science Enrichment Specialist Kathy Chesney. In addition to extensive teaching experience, Kathy has a variety of experience in running summer nature programs, including Camp Rootabaga , an ecology day camp at Caretaker Farm, The Science and Art Program at Pine Cobble School , and the Williamstown Nature Program at Margaret Lindley Park . Currently, Kathy has been designing and teaching preschool programs in science and math for the Williamstown Preschools, and teaching science at the Hiland Hall School in Bennington . Executive Director Leslie Reed-Evans states “Kathy brings to Sheep Hill the enthusiasm and experience needed to connect children to the wonders of, and inspire their curiosity about, the natural world. We are very excited to welcome Kathy to Sheep Hill.” The week-long programs will introduce children to Sheep Hill’s pond and meadow and their winged and four-footed inhabitants. Nature drawing, nature crafts, cooking, and gardening will also be a part of the program. This child-friendly conservation property offers room to roam, and indoor facilities for getting out of the weather. The sessions will run daily from 9AM to 1 PM. The week of July 6th is for 5 and 6 year olds; the second week beginning July 13th is for 4 and 5 year olds. The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation is a non-profit, member-supported land conservation trust committed to preserving the rural New England character of Williamstown and the surrounding area. Sheep Hill is a conservation property and the WRLF headquarters, and is located on Route 7, about 1 mile south of the rotary in Williamstown center. For more information or for registration forms contact the WRLF at ruraland@wrlf.org, or 413-458-2494. Leslie Reed-Evans lre@wrlf.org www.wrlf.org |
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