BEAT to Present Two Workshops on Vernal Pools

April 12 - Vernal Pools – Ecology and Conservation with Tom Tyning
This workshop will provide an in depth look into the science and policy of vernal pools.  It is recommended for Conservation Commissioners, City Planners, foresters, educators, and anyone else whose profession brings them into contact with these natural wonders.

April 13 -Berkshire Environmental Action Team is presenting a Vernal Pool Certification Training Workshop for lay-people, volunteers, and concerned citizens.  This afternoon workshop will offer a FREE crash course in vernal pool certification to anyone who is willing to commit to certifying at least one pool over the coming year.
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REST OF RIVER REPORT

EPA has received GE's Corrective Measures Study (CMS) for the GE/Housatonic River Site, Rest of River. It is available on EPA's website. The report is located in the Rest of River section under GE Reports/Documents. Direct link.

The CMS includes GE's recommendations on which alternatives the company believes best meet the objectives and criteria specified for the Rest of River project. EPA is beginning a review of GE's CMS and will be accepting comments from the CCC and the general public as well as from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, and other interested organizations and individuals. The informal public comment period begins on March 22, 2008. After receiving and reviewing public comment, EPA will develop and propose the agency's preferred alternative for formal public comment.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Jim Murphy
United States Environmental Protection Agency
New England - Region 1
Office of the Regional Administrator
1 Congress Street Suite 1100 (RAA)
Boston, MA 02114-2023
617-918-1028 (phone)
617-918-0028 (fax)
           
See article in today's Berkshire Eagle
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The Kodak American Greenways Awards Program, a partnership project of the Eastman Kodak Company the Conservation Fund, and the National Geographic Society, provides small grants to stimulate the planning and design of greenways in communities throughout America.

Grants may be used for activities such as mapping, ecological assessments, surveying, conferences, and design activities; developing brochures, interpretative displays, audio-visual productions, or public opinion surveys; and hiring consultants, incorporating land trusts, building infrastructure (e.g., a foot bridge or bike path), or other creative projects. In general, grants can be used for all appropriate expenses needed to complete a greenway project, including planning, technical assistance, legal, and other costs.

Grant recipients are selected according to criteria that include the importance of the project to local greenway development efforts; demonstrated community support for the project; extent to which the grant will result in matching funds or other support from public or private sources; the likelihood of tangible results; and capacity of the organization to complete the project.

Awards will primarily go to local, regional, or statewide non-profit organizations. Although public agencies may also apply, community organizations will receive preference.

Most grants will range from $500 to $1,000 each; the maximum individual grant award is $2,500.

Visit the Conservation Fund Web site for complete program information.

RFP Link:
http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10012012/conservation

For additional RFPs in Environment, visit:
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_environment.jhtml
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Firefly Project - Volunteers needed

Where have all the fireflies gone?

Many people have wonderful childhood memories of warm summer nights in meadows alive with the flashing of fireflies. But as adults, we rarely see them. Are fireflies disappearing from our landscape? If so, why, and what can we do about it?

Help researchers determine why fireflies seem to be declining in Massachusetts. The Citizen Science Firefly Project will show you how to collect scientific data in a manner both useful to firefly researchers and fun for the whole family. Using your own backyard as a data collection site, chart the occurrence of fireflies throughout the season (May through August) and add this data to that of hundreds of other Citizen Scientists to create a picture of the status of fireflies in the state.

Collecting large amounts of data is the only way scientists can learn why fireflies are declining in numbers and what can be done to reverse this trend. Using Citizen Scientists is the only way scientists can collect large amounts of data.

Becoming a Citizen Scientist is easy and fun. Whether you participate as an individual or family, it is a great way to foster a lifelong interest in science and a greater understanding of natural history.

For more info, log on to http://www.mos.org/firefly 
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Earth Hour

Mulch Madness: The March+April issue of Mother Jones magazine features Atchafalaya Basinkeeper Dean Wilson and his efforts to stop the illegal and unsustainable cutting of cypress for cheap mulch.

The cypress mulch industry destroys wetlands that protect coastal Louisiana from hurricanes. Cypress wetlands absorb excess water like a sponge, controlling flood height and speed. These wetlands save lives and prevent the destruction of coastal cities.

Much of Louisiana's cypress mulch comes from illegal logging. Regulators turn a blind eye towards these activities, allowing loggers to permanently destroy these forests without penalty. Up to 80 percent of the cypress wetland forests of southern Louisiana will never regenerate if cut, even if they are artificially replanted.

Contrary to popular belief, cypress mulch is not as effective as other mulches. Only the 'heartwood' from mature cypress trees is rot and termite resistant. The young trees now being cut to feed the growing cypress mulch industry do not have these qualities.

Great progress has been made in confronting this problem. In June 2007, Waterkeepers gathered in New Orleans to announce that more than 200 Louisiana cities (including New Orleans), universities, churches and other organizations have pledged to stop their use of cypress mulch. Within months Wal-Mart and Lowes announced they would stop or limit buying and selling cypress mulch from Louisiana. A great start, but the threat remains - we have a long way to go to stop the mulching of the nation's coastal wetland forests.

Gardeners hold the key to saving our cypress forests. Please visit Waterkeeper Alliance or Lower Mississippi Riverkeeper for more information.

Please help spread the word and remember to Say NO to Cypress Mulch.

Thank you.
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Host a Healthy Products House Party

It's not okay to be contaminated without consent!

Everyone is exposed to toxic products, even products that could be safe. Teach your family, friends, and community about why the invisible issue of toxic homes must be a priority.

Clean Water Action is a member organization of the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow (AHT), a coalition of citizens, scientists, health professionals, workers, and educators seeking preventive action on toxic hazards. AHT's new DVD, Contaminated Without Consent, brings the experts into your living room. Get current information about what's most dangerous and how to protect your loved ones. The video stars local residents and green chemistry experts!

You shouldn't have to be a scientist to buy shampoo, toys, or any consumer products!

We'll send you the 20-minute video for free. Please utilize the DVD to educate people and protect public health. Call or e-mail us to get your copy!

Preview the DVD online

Show contaminated without consent everywhere!

Try your:

• Home, neighbor's home
• PTA meetings
• Place of worship
• Community events
• Other ideas?

Turn Concern into Action

Our regulatory system is outdated. Once your family, friends, and community know more about this issue they will want to take action. Help mobilize people to pass laws to protect health.

We can send you a kit for hosting a Party for Healthy Products. In the kit, we will move your group from having strong concerns into taking influential actions through simple, personal communications with your state Representative. We will support you! Help MA become a safe product leader and a safe haven for people to live a less toxic life.

Want a free DVD?
Want a Party for Healthy Products Kit?

Contact Jennifer at 617-338-8131, ext. 204 or at jbonkowski@cleanwater.org
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May is American Wetlands Month. Learn! Explore! Take Action! - Start Planning!
(from Water Headlines for March 24, 2008, a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water)

EPA will once again celebrate American Wetlands Month in May with federal, state, tribal, local, non-profit, and private sector organization partners. This annual celebration is a time to recognize and highlight the wonderful ways that wetlands enrich the environment and human society. In anticipation of this year's celebration, EPA encourages individuals and groups to plan activities and events that raise awareness of the critical role wetlands play in our environment and build support for their protection and restoration. Some ideas for celebratory activities and events that could be planned in conjunction with American Wetlands Month include:

Participate in a wetland walk, canoe trip, bird watch, or other outdoor activity
Plan a wetland or stream clean-up
Recognize a wetland hero
Sponsor a talk or presentation about wetlands
Start or participating in a volunteer wetland monitoring or restoration group
Organize a wetland festival

Individuals or groups that are planning local, regional, or national events are strongly encouraged to share event information by visiting the following event form submittal site. For general American Wetlands Month information. To learn more about EPA's wetlands and aquatic resources programs, please visit this website or call the Wetlands Helpline at 1-800-832-7828.
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Seasonal Ranger/Naturalist at Bartholomew’s Cobble
Date Posted: 3/21/2008
Location: Sheffield , MA

Job Summary

The Trustees of Reservations are seeking a seasonal Ranger/Naturalist for the 2008 season for Bartholomew’s Cobble, a nature preserve.

Responsibilities

Duties are varied and include maintaining trails, removing invasive plants, visitor assistance, collection of entrance fees, membership sales, leading canoe trips, and delivering nature-related programming. Responsibilities may include maintenance and care of buildings and signs, construction of interpretive materials, and other duties as assigned.

Skills, Qualifications & Work Experience

The Seasonal Ranger/Naturalist should have a good knowledge of natural history and experience with public education, visitor services, or outdoor leadership. Must have strong customer service skills and work well with visitors, volunteers, and other staff. Background in southern Berkshires biology, ecology (including bird identification), and geology is helpful but general knowledge is acceptable. Should be willing to learn.

A valid driver’s license and good driving record are required. Current CPR and basic first aid certifications are preferred.

Must have the ability to work in any outdoor conditions, walk several miles on woodland trails and safely lift 65 pounds. Prior canoeing experience is a plus.

Must have a strong commitment to the mission of The Trustees of Reservations.

Additional Information

The position is 40 hours per week. Must be able to work weekends and holidays. Compensation is $9-$11/hr depending on experience. Limited housing may be available. The position runs from May through September. The start and end date are negotiable based on an individual’s schedule.

Application Instructions
Rene Wendell
Bartholomew’s Cobble
PO Box 128
Ashley Falls, MA  01222
Tel: 413-229-8600
rwendell@ttor.org

Contact Name: Rene Wendell
Phone: 413-229-8600
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Executive Director Water Supply Citizens Advisory Committee to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority

The Water Supply Citizens Advisory Committee (WSCAC) seeks qualified candidates for its Executive Director.  The office is based in Hadley , MA .  The position requires attendance at regular meetings in Boston .

Established in 1978, WSCAC advises the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) on water resource policy and watershed protection. WSCAC’s membership is diversified geographically and by interest, representing source watershed communities, watershed associations, water utilities, environmental groups, business, water users, and other interested parties.  It focuses on water quality and quantity, source protection, watershed management, and MWRA reservoirs and distribution systems serving central Massachusetts communities and the Boston metropolitan area.

The principal duties of the Executive Director include:

·        Attending meetings of the MWRA Board of Directors, Advisory Board and its Operations Committee, and interacting with MWRA staff

·        Tracking laws, regulations and policies of state agencies and the federal government that may affect the MWRA  

·        Planning and reporting proceedings of the monthly WSCAC meetings

·        Writing and implementing WSCAC ideas, policies and positions

·        Interacting with state agencies on relevant issues

·        Communicating routinely with WSCAC’s Chair and Executive Committee

·        Networking with other organizations and responding to media inquiries

·        Supervising office operations and the part-time office administrator

·        Preparing annual budget and monthly reports

Qualifications for the position are a Masters or law degree, or equivalent experience, in a discipline related to water resources planning, policy and protection.  Candidates must be comfortable with public speaking and impromptu debate, possess strong writing skills and be  able to work independently and with a diverse volunteer membership.

Employment is at-will on an annual basis, and is contingent upon continued MWRA funding. The salary is $55,000 or more, depending on experience.  Travel expenses are provided and limited health benefits are available.  A part-time position in which the duties and salary are shared is negotiable.

Applications, including a cover letter stating your interest, qualifications and a resume should be submitted to the WSCAC Executive Committee electronically at wscac@rcn.com; subject line should read “Director position.”  The deadline is April 30, 2008.
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