In the News
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Advocacy News (Includes how to reach your legislators) DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshire |
US Environmental Protection Agency Housatonic River Mini Workshops To register and for up-to-date information, visit www.HousatonicWorkshops.org A series of workshops sponsored by EPA to provide the public with more information and an all-day interactive opportunity for discussion and to offer input to the “Rest of River” cleanup decision. Mini Workshop 2 Mini Workshop 3 HOLD THE DATE! Saturday, May 7, 2011 8:30am - 5:30pm All Mini Workshops and the Public Charrette are being held at Shakespeare & Company |
Paper Concludes Investment in Nuclear Power is a Barrier to Clean Energy "As a matter of fact the number of nuclear power plants in the world is continually decreasing. At the present time there are still 436 reactors in operation. In the next 15 to 20 years more ageing plants will go offline than new ones coming into operation. By no means will all declarations of intent be implemented. The more energy markets |
Let's Push for Community Energy Storage Now |
A New Way to Counter Industry Propaganda about Climate Change In an new effort to improve communication regarding global warming and to counter all the noise made by fossil fuel funded climate skeptics, Google's philanthropy arm has launched a new programto bring together scientists, communications experts, and the world of social media. 21 top climate researchers have agreeed to be fellows on the project, and they plan on mapping out a way to get accurate, scientifically sound information on climate to the masses. Read the story |
Mosquito Task Force Recommendations |
New Rules for ATVs With the onset of spring, the Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) are reminding snow machine, all-terrain vehicle and dirt bike operators of new rules, including new operator age limits. As part of an effort to protect public safety, a new law passed by the Legislature then signed by Governor Patrick in August 2010, increases safety requirements for minor operators and stiffens penalties for illegal off-highway vehicle operation. Under Massachusetts law, no person under 10 years old may operate any off-highway vehicle under any circumstances. No person between 10 and 14 years old may operate an all-terrain vehicle or recreation utility vehicle except while preparing for or participating in a sanctioned race, rally or organized event. No person age 14 to 16 years old may operate an all-terrain or recreation utility vehicle with an engine capacity greater than 90 cubic centimeters, and no one between 14 or 16 years old may operate an all-terrain or recreation utility vehicle without direct supervision by an adult. Supervising adults must be at least 18 years old and must be sufficiently close to the operator at all times to maintain both visual contact and verbal communications with the operator. No one under the age of 16 and a half may operate a recreation vehicle across a public way unless directly supervised by an adult. As of February 1, 2011, operators under the age of 18 are required to take an approved safety course. Parents of operators under the age of 16 will be required to attend one mandatory safety course session. The 2011 safety course schedule. In addition, the new law requires all operators of recreation vehicles operated on public and private property to register their vehicles with MEP. Previously, operators who rode exclusively on private property were not required to register their vehicles. The new law also includes increased penalties for illegal operation of off highway vehicles. During the 2009 to 2010 winter season, there were 22 snowmobile accidents, with one fatality. During the winter of 2008 to 2009, there were 27 accidents and four fatalities. In 2010, there were 62 total recreation vehicle accidents and six fatalities. In 2009, there were 50 recreation vehicle accidents and two fatalities. In 2008, there were 50 accidents and three fatalities. MEP also reminds operators of these safety tips:
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Office of Law Enforcement – known also as the Massachusetts Environmental Police – is the primary agency responsible for enforcing the Commonwealth’s fish and game and boating and off-highway vehicle laws. MEP officers are empowered to enforce all general laws, focus on laws and regulations related to the protection of natural resources and public parks and land; boat and recreation vehicle use; and hazardous waste disposal. MEP officers serve as stewards of the state’s natural resources, patrolling forests, parks, inland waterways and coastal waters throughout the Commonwealth. |
Energy Efficient Housebuilding: Workshop in current best practices The Heartwood School in Washington, Massachusetts will host a two-day training on April 15th and 16th for builders and remodelers on residential energy-efficient building practices. This course is for professional builders, designers, renovation contractors and owner-builders who want to use the latest techniques for energy-efficient framing, enclosure and detailing. Good practices for building a low-energy home and updating an existing building will be demonstrated and illustrated, including insulating and reducing air infiltration with materials and methods that have been tried in the field. Participants will use a blower door and infrared camera on a test house and record results, then, using a fog machine, the class will see where air leakage paths are located. After using several techniques for sealing the envelope, we will retest and view the results. Instructors will explain the hows and whys of the importance of the building envelope, air barrier and how to ventilate correctly. Using building plan sections and case studies designers will see how to spec and detail plans for building contractors. Methods to retrofit existing buildings to reduce energy consumption will also be covered. Instructor Billy Dillon is project manager for the South Mountain Company on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, a national leader in energy efficient home design and construction. For more information, contact Heartwood at 413-623-6677, request@heartwoodschool.com, or visit their website at www.heartwoodschool.com. |
Springfield Area Homes get Efficiency Help Federally funded project will employ thermal imaging technology to achieve deep energy efficiency savings in Western Mass homes, and will guide development of a national home energy efficiency and labeling program Infrared image of commercial building As part of the $2.6 million, three-year grant from the US Department of Energy (DOE), the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) will use approximately $325,000 for state-of-the-art thermal imaging and analysis to evaluate the energy performance of homes in Springfield, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Hampden, Wilbraham, Palmer and Belchertown. The Commonwealth's grant is part of a $28.5 million investment awarded through DOE's State Energy Program to 12 states and territories to support projects that will lower energy bills for American families and businesses, boost job growth, and increase business for companies that deliver energy-saving technologies and services. "Massachusetts is already leading the nation in per capita investment in energy efficiency," said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr., whose office includes the DOER. "Through this pilot project and the additional efforts it will inspire, we’ll go a step further, helping to create a national model for rating home energy use and creating jobs for local contractors.” Beginning next week and continuing throughout March, thermal imaging conducted by DOER’s contractor, Sagewell, Inc. of Woburn, will measure temperature differences between the inside and outside of buildings, identifying places where additional insulation and air sealing can prevent heat loss and reduce heating fuel use and cost. Thermal images will be taken with equipment mounted inside a hybrid SUV van that will travel streets within the seven-community pilot area. DOER has conducted public outreach to officials in the seven cities and towns, and to over 90 homeowners, contractors, designers, and others who attended the Project Retrofit charette sponsored by the Western Massachusetts Green consortium on February 26 in Amherst. Results of the analyses will be shared with homeowners who request energy assessments through the MassSave (www.masssave.com) program. Thermal imaging will take place in selected neighborhoods between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., when temperature differences between inside and outside of buildings are greatest. In addition to receiving cutting edge energy efficiency services, starting in early summer, homes in the Greater Springfield target area that receive energy assessments through the Mass Save program will earn energy ratings similar to MPG ratings for cars and trucks. Owners of upgraded homes will be able to feature those ratings in real estate listings to increase the value of their homes when it’s time to sell. Participating homeowners will also have access to an online system providing “one-stop shopping” for energy efficiency upgrades, including recommended efficiency measures, information about contractors who can perform the work, and information about available incentives and financing. The DOER competed with states around the country for the U.S. DOE grant, which will be implemented in partnership with three utilities (National Grid, Western Massachusetts Electric Company and Bay State Gas Company). Results of the Massachusetts program will inform similar efforts in Washington, Virginia, and Alabama, which collectively received approximately $8.5 million from the DOE. In Massachusetts, the DOE grant will leverage private sector funding to support a three-year program designed to achieve significant energy savings through energy modeling and benchmarking, consumer outreach, contractor management, policy development and innovative financing. The objective is to create a sustainable transformation in the market for home energy improvements. "This pilot builds on momentum that has already resulted in doubling employment in the Massachusetts energy efficiency sector since Governor Patrick took office in 2007,” DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia said. “Once fully implemented, it is anticipated the project will yield energy savings for participating homes of up to 20 percent." "Home energy costs are a tremendous concern for many in Western Massachusetts. This pilot program will make a real difference for thousands of families in our communities," said Sen. Gale D. Candaras. “This project is a great asset to the Western Massachusetts towns participating in the program and will set the standard for greater energy efficiency throughout the state and the country,” said Sen. Stephen M. Brewer. “When it comes to fuel costs, every penny counts. The data collected by this technology will put money back into our local economies by creating jobs and saving citizens on the cost of controlling the temperature in their homes.” "Energy conservation provides the most cost-effective and immediate savings for homeowners struggling with increasingly high energy costs, along with creating a more comfortable living environment and enhancing property values. I am proud that Massachusetts is a national leader in increasing our energy efficiency, and pleased that so many residents in our area will benefit from this innovative program," said Rep. Stephen Kulik. “This pilot program will augment the state’s efforts in promoting efficient home energy use. Achieving improved energy efficiency is not only good for the environment, but also benefits consumers by reducing their energy costs. I applaud the Governor and Secretary Sullivan for making programs like this available to Springfield residents,” said Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera. “The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, under the leadership of Commissioner Sylvia is to be applaud for its work in insuring the reality of on energy efficiency project for the greater Springfield area, technologies realized from the project will advance energy efficiency for all of Massachusetts; I commend Secretary Sullivan for his leadership,” said Rep. Benjamin Swan. "This project is good for the community on so many levels, it uses technology to help save real people real money by identifying energy efficiencies, and creates new jobs in the process. I am thankful for the work done by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources in qualifying us for this program and know that Western Massachusetts will lead the way in developing a national model in energy efficiency," said Rep. Mike Finn. “I’m always pleased to learn about improvements in energy efficiency here in the Commonwealth”, said Rep. Todd M. Smola. “I hope the environmental and financial benefits of this project will serve as a benchmark for the implementation of energy efficient programs in other areas of the state and country.” "This is a great opportunity for the Commonwealth and more importantly for the resident that are able to advantage of this program. In a time when energy efficiency is more important than ever we are extremely fortunate to be able receive this grant and to offer the benefits to our local residents," said Rep. Brian Ashe. Click here to learn more about the Commonwealth’s energy efficiency efforts. |
Berkshire Representative Answers: What Way Works to Contact Your Legislator |
No Net Loss of Protected Lands! Conservation minded groups met on March 18th with Representatives Gail Cariddi from the 1st Berkshire District and Paul Mark from the 2nd Berkshire District at a meeting organized by BEAT and the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. The first bill we brought up as a high priority to pass was The Public Lands Preservation Act (PLPA) which was scheduled for a legislative hearing by the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture on March 22. Both Representatives sit on the Joint Committee, as does Senator Ben Downing who unfortunately couldn't make this meeting. The PLPA would enact a policy of no-net loss of lands or easements protected under Article 97 of the state constitution. Article 97 requires that any land or easements acquired for natural resource purposes cannot be used for other purposes unless the Massachusetts legislature approves the change by a two-thirds vote. That may sound like strong protection, but legislators routinely allow protected land to be used for other purposes, usually with little or no discussion. The PLPA sets a framework to guide legislators’ decisions on whether to approve bills that would transfer state- or municipal-owned Article 97 lands or easements to a new but inconsistent public use or from public to private ownership. Any such changes would have to be monitored to ensure that those changes do not result in a net loss of land. The bill would provide protection for public spaces under increasing pressure from development. View Mass Audubon’s fact sheet. We were glad to have a chance to talk with our two newest Berkshire Representatives, and we thank them for taking the time to meet with us! |
Water in 2050: The Infrastructure to Get There Water Systems, Science and Society (WSSS) at Tufts University will host its second annual symposium on Tufts' Medford campus. The theme for the 2011 Symposium is Water in 2050: The Infrastructure to Get There. Students, academics, and professionals from the public, private, and non-governmental sectors will explore critical and emerging infrastructure challenges facing future water needs. To attend, sponsor the event, or host an informational booth, visit the website. |
Tweety Was Right: Cats Are a Bird’s No. 1 Enemy A new study in The Journal of Ornithology on the mortality of baby gray catbirds in the Washington suburbs found that cats were the No. 1 killer in the area, by a large margin. Predation was so serious in some areas that the catbirds could not replace their numbers for the next generation, according to the researchers, who affixed tiny radio transmitters to the birds to follow them. It is the first scientific study to calculate what fraction of bird deaths during the vulnerable fledgling stage can be attributed to cats. The American Bird Conservancy estimates that up to 500 million birds are killed each year by cats — about half by pets and half by feral felines. “I hope we can now stop minimizing and trivializing the impacts that outdoor cats have on the environment and start addressing the serious problem of cat predation,” said Darin Schroeder, the group’s vice president for conservation advocacy. <MORE> American Bird Conservancy Cats Indoors Campaign Keeping Cats Indoors Isn't Just for the Birds (pdf) While public attention has focused on wind turbines as a menace to birds, a new study shows that a far greater threat may be posed by a more familiar antagonist: the pet house cat. A new study in The Journal of Ornithology on the mortality of baby gray catbirds in the Washington suburbs found that cats were the No. 1 killer in the area, by a large margin. Predation was so serious in some areas that the catbirds could not replace their numbers for the next generation, according to the researchers, who affixed tiny radio transmitters to the birds to follow them. It is the first scientific study to calculate what fraction of bird deaths during the vulnerable fledgling stage can be attributed to cats. “Cats are way up there in terms of threats to birds — they are a formidable force in driving out native species,” said Peter Marra of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, one of the authors of the study. The American Bird Conservancy estimates that up to 500 million birds are killed each year by cats — about half by pets and half by feral felines. “I hope we can now stop minimizing and trivializing the impacts that outdoor cats have on the environment and start addressing the serious problem of cat predation,” said Darin Schroeder, the group’s vice president for conservation advocacy. |
Antibiotic pollution may increase groundwater nitrate |
Senator Cardin Introduces Bird Conservation Act |
Alchemy Initiative presents an Up-cycled Earth Day Fashion Show, Silent Auction, Dance Party, and Clothes Swap “We love the concept of up-cycling. Up-cycling is taking something of little value and transforming it into something of greater use and value. That process of transformation is alchemy!” says Jessica Conzo, director of Alchemy Initiative. She adds, “We are thrilled to give the community an opportunity to see this concept in action and potentially walk home with an up-cycled designer piece of their own.” Last year the event was a fashion show, silent auction, dance party and clothes swap, promoting the idea of re-use in honor of Earth Day. A call for clothes donations went out across the county and the response was overwhelming. The clothes were sorted and organized by size and style for the clothes swap and models wore the donated clothes on the red carpet of the fashion show. For this year’s Up-cycle Fashion Show and Silent Auction, Alchemy Initiative has garnered a team of designers to transform second-hand clothes into up-cycled creations (from clothes and accessories to home furnishings). Designers include local and regional artisans including: Monica Celli, Jan Charbanneau, Wendy Darling, Crispina ffrench, Diane Firtell, Wylie Garcia, Stephanie Gravalese-Wood, Sarah O. Green, Amy Huebner, Micheline Laguilhomie, Fern Leslie, Kerry Maguire, Janice Maniatis, Molly and Aurel de st. Andre of Moho Designs, Jordan Skowron, and more. Miss Hall’s School art teacher Ellie Kreischer will be teaching a section on fashion this month. Her students will learn about eco-fashion and up-cycling and make creations of their own to contribute. Labels were designed exclusively for these up-cycled garments by Moho Designs- hand silk-screened on the fabric of an old wedding dress, even the labels for the garments have been up-cycled. On April 22nd, models will strut down the red carpet in these one-of-a-kind up-cycled designer pieces. After the fashion show, guests will have the opportunity to bid on these items in this truly unique Silent Auction. High fashion hors d'oeurvres will be provided by Haven Café and Bakery, Mission Bar & Tapas, Jack Jack's Soul Food, MadJack's BBQ, and House of India. A cash bar will feature beer by Berktoberfest and a special offering from Brix Wine Bar. Boston-based DJ Ryan Brown will be spinning as guests dance the night away. Ryan Brown began DJ’ing a decade ago at underground loft parties and now serves as the resident DJ at Boston’s favorite Eastern Standard. He spins loft and rooftop parties across the US and plays at festivals including Island Creek Oyster Festival and Nateva Music Festival. He plays all vinyl, and loves it. The following day guests will be welcomed back in the space for the infamous Clothes Swap. Just $2 at the door and $5 per pound, guests will peruse through women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing, shoes and accessories. Coffee will be provided by The Marketplace Café. Alchemy Initiative is accepting clothing donations every Sunday and Wednesday in March from 11 am to 2pm at 40 Melville Street. Clothes, shoes and accessories should be in good, clean condition. Anyone donating clothes will receive two complimentary tickets to the Clothes Swap. This event is made possible by the hard work of many volunteers and our generous sponsors. Photo and video provided by Wright & Wilk Photo Studio; graphic design work provided by Moho Designs; and lighting provided by Berkshire Shenanigans. Thanks also given to the local organizations and businesses that participated in the ‘Take Off Your Clothes’ poster campaign, including: Pittsfield Colonials, Emporium, George Whaling Properties, Red Lion Inn, Shawn's Barber Shop, Royal Berkshire Improv Troupe (RBIT), Billy Keane and the Misdemeanor Outlaws, and Dream Away Lodge. Alchemy Initiative builds community by providing a forum for food and farming, art and music, health and healing and sustainable living. We aspire to educate and engage our community to communicate, collaborate and create.
Clothes Swap: $2 at the door, $5 per pound |
Public Lands Preservation Act Hearing The hearing for the Public Lands Preservation Act (PLPA) has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 22nd at 11 am. The Public Lands Preservation Act also known as the Article 97 bill and the No-net-loss bill would require that parks, conservation land, and other public natural resource land not be changed in use or otherwise disposed of without an alternatives analysis to demonstrate that the change or transfer really is necessary and without equivalent replacement land. The bill would provide protection for public spaces under increasing pressure from development. For more information, contact Ken Pruitt at kpruitt@environmentalleague.org. |
Yestermorrow Sustainability Semester Program |
Patrick-Murray Administration Calls for Volunteers for Annual Statewide Park Clean-Ups BOSTON – The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) fifth annual Park Serve Day will be on Saturday, April 16, in state parks and beaches across the Commonwealth. Since 2007, thousands of volunteers have participated in dozens of projects each spring, including picking up litter along ocean beaches, clearing debris from hiking trails, painting benches, and planting trees and flowers at picnic areas. To sign up for Park Serve Day, and to see a list of all the projects (including any age restrictions) and get directions to the park of your choice, visit www.mass.gov/dcr/parkserve. Last year, more than 4,000 volunteers worked in 69 parks across the state. By day’s end, those volunteers had planted 81,823 flowers, shrubs, and trees and collected more than 52tons of trash. “For anyone who enjoys riding their bike, reading in a beach chair on the sand, or hiking in one of Massachusetts’ state parks, Park Serve Day is a chance to give back,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. “We encourage park enthusiasts of all ages to help the staff at DCR make these parks sparkle in time for spring.” Park Serve Day is intended to supplement DCR’s own work to improve conditions at park facilities for the coming season. The agency’s efforts include improving curb appeal of the parks with mowing, cleaning, and weed control, and posting public maintenance schedules for each park, beach, and parkway. The maintenance schedules include tasks such as mowing, weeding, picking up litter, cleaning the beaches and restrooms, and inspecting playgrounds. The overwhelming response to Park Serve Day illustrates how greatly Massachusetts residents value their state parks and are willing to join in the shared stewardship of these important natural, cultural, and recreational resources. “We all have a role to play in preserving and enhancing our forests and parks,” said DCR Commissioner Ed Lambert. “We welcome everyone to come out and play that role on April 16.” DCR will provide work gloves and equipment needed for the various projects, though participants may want to bring their own gloves or hand tools, clearly marked with the owner’s name and phone number. Power tools are not allowed. Wear sturdy shoes and work clothes, and consider bringing sunscreen and insect repellent. Parking fees will be waived at all DCR facilities where Park Serve projects are taking place. Drinking water and a snack will be supplied, though participants should feel free to bring their own water and food as well. Park Serve Day is a joint project of the Governor’s office, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and DCR. # # # The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, oversees 450,000 acres of parks and forests, beaches, bike trails, watersheds, and dams, in addition to 278 bridges and miles of roadways. Led by Commissioner Edward M. Lambert Jr., the agency’s mission is to protect, promote, and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr. Contact us at mass.parks@state.ma.us. |
Nominate an Outstanding Organization Today! |
Can You Help with the Toxic Couch Project? Please review the attached questionnaire and submit a one-half to one-inch foam sample to the address listed on the form. We are looking in particular for samples from spokespeople in locations that are key to state and federal chemical policy reform battles. Our goal is to collect and test the samples, compile and peer-review the data, and release the results by May 2011. Anyone who submits a sample will also find out what's in their couch!
The couch meets Criteria 1, 2, and 3 but there were NO labels when you purchased it. (If labels were torn off, it is NOT eligible for this study). |
Dyken Pond Summer Camp Registration Open Friends of Dyken Pond Center |
Come welcome the new season with Spring Vacation Camps at Flying Deer How to Hide in the Woods Make your own bow and arrow! Hone your skills of invisibility! Gather wild edibles! Come for both days or just one. --PLUS-- Daughters of the Earth Come adventure with a supportive group of girls as you grow in your relationship with yourself, your peers, and the earth! Get more information and register now at www.flyingdeernaturecenter.org. |
Job Opening at Orion in Great Barrington http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/mag/5468 The job requires fundraising, event management, and outreach experience. Erik ***Orion is winner of the 2010 Independent Press Award in the category of General Excellence*** http://www.orionmagazine.org |
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Know a college student interested in a 16-week immersion into practical approaches to sustainability? We are currently accepting applications for our Fall 2011 
We are connecting with many colleges and universities to discuss how students can take advantage of this great program. If you are a student, faculty, or administrator who would like to host a presentation or receive an information packet please contact