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Berkshires Bridge Benefits Travelers, Wildlife
from MassDOT
 
Sometimes a bridge project fixes more than the bridge. Governor Patrick's Accelerated Bridge Program is putting the finishing touches on a bridge project which has restored use of McInerney Road in [Becket] for travelers and Shaker Mill Brook for wildlife.
Nestled in the scenic Berkshires, Shaker Mill Brook once passed under McInerney Road via a corrugated steel pipe culvert which did not provide ideal stream characteristics for the area’s cold water fish. When MassDOT replaced the bridge, where there was once a large metal pipe there are now round stones of all sizes and the riffle, plunge pools and natural substrate that native cold-water fish need to survive and thrive. A variety of native plants dot the embankments of the bridge, softening the transition to the banks of the brook. Wildlife such as trout, turtles, wood ducks, otter, and mink can now pass freely underneath McInerney Road.
The Accelerated Bridge project of course also reopened the road to its wheeled and two-legged users as well- weeks earlier than planned. The deteriorated bridge had been closed, and the project used a prefabricated bridge to accelerate construction— the bridge was built in just one construction season and the road reopened 30 days ahead of schedule. Thanks to great coordination between MassDOT, TEC, David G. Roach & Sons, the National Parks Service and the Army Corps of Engineers, the project is a great success.
Visit MassDOT on Flickr for more photos of the project.
BEAT Note: Thank you to all our volunteers who are surveying stream crossings around Berkshire County to identify places where improved stream crossings would benefit wildlife! If you are interested in helping out please contact Alison at the Housatonic Valley Association 413-394-9796
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NEW GRANTS! LAND, CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP, SMALL COMMUNITIES
The Division of Conservation Services FY11 Grant Round Is Now Open!
RFRs and application information are available on Comm-Pass at <http://www.comm-pass.com> and on the DCS website at http://www.mass.gov/eea/dcs
* Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Grant
Reimbursement funding to municipal conservation commissions for the acquisition of land or interests in land for conservation or passive recreation. Maximum award: $500,000 Reimbursement rate: 52-70%. Application deadline: July 15, 2010
* Conservation Partnership Grant
Reimbursement funding to 501(c)(3) non-profits for the acquisition of land or interests in land for conservation or recreation. New for FY11: Baseline Documentation Reports are eligible for reimbursement. Maximum award: $85,000. Reimbursement rate: 50%. Application deadline: July 12, 2010
* Conservation Appraisal for Small Communities Grant - New for FY11!
Reimbursement funding for appraisals contracted in order to apply to the LAND grant program. Available to all communities with a population of fewer than 5,000 people. Funding is non-competitive; all eligible applicants will receive contracts on a rolling basis until all available funding is allocated. Participants must have an executed state contract prior to getting the appraisal. The Participant must submit a LAND application for the appraised property to receive reimbursement. Reimbursement under this grant is not contingent upon the Participant's LAND application being selected for funding.
Maximum award: $5,000 per appraisal. Reimbursement rate: 80%. Application deadline: rolling, no later than June 11, 2010.
Contact: Celia Riechel, 617-626-1187 celia.riechel@state.ma.us
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ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
-- From Ebb & Flow
* North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Standard Grants Program is a competitive, matching grants program that supports public-private partnerships carrying out projects that result in long-term protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats. Application Deadline July 30. http://www.fws.gov/birdhabitat/Grants/NAWCA/index.shtm
* The Perkins Charitable Foundation (no web page) makes grants totaling more than $1 million annually to a number of environmental and other organizations. The Foundation may be contacted c/o Marilyn Best, 1030 Hanna Building, 1422 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115, (216) 621-0465.
* The French Foundation (no web page) makes grants totaling more than $250,000 annually to a number of environmental organizations in New England. The Foundation may be contacted c/o Bank of New York Mellon, P.O. Box 185, Pittsburgh, PA 15230-0185, (617) 722-7353.
* The Grantham Foundation For the Protection of the Environment seeks to bring about a higher level of awareness of urgent environmental issues and to support those individuals and organizations who work to find solutions". Click on the "Who We Support" button to see a sampling of past Foundation grant recipients. While the Foundation accepts applications for funding by invitation only, it is possible that a letter of inquiry or other contact might result in such an invitation. Contact info: Ramsay Ravenel, General Manager, Grantham Foundation, 40 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, rravenel@granthamfoundation.org, (617) 880-8941. http://www.granthamfoundation.org/
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SUSTAINING JOBS BY INVESTING IN OUR GREEN AND BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE
From Ebb & Flow, By Tim Purinton, Acting Director, Division of Ecological Restoration (DER), Mass. Department of Fish and Game
There are a suite of economic studies now available that have examined the job creation potential for a range of economic industries, and the results are surprising. Public funds invested in restoring our natural infrastructure support as many, if not more jobs, than conventional infrastructure projects. Investing in our natural aquatic infrastructure - an interconnected system of rivers, wetlands and floodplains is what DER and our partners do through dam removal, culvert replacement, flow restoration and stream naturalization.
Wetlands and rivers provide vital ecosystem services such as flood mitigation and water purification. To engineer these services from scratch requires reliance on hard engineering and a heavy investment in capital, coupled with a long term-commitment to operation and maintenance. Our projects give nature the opportunity to restore itself, without the need of excessive engineering, manipulation and maintenance.
Groups like The Nature Conservancy have been touting the benefits of the green economy http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/connecticut/connecticutriver/news/news3043.html, and cite the research of the Economic Policy Institute. The University of Massachusetts Political Economy Research Institute http://www.peri.umass.edu/236/hash/efc9f7456a/publication/333/ found that reforestation, land and watershed restoration and sustainable forest management has the highest direct and indirect job creation per million dollar investment, outperforming the repair of roads and bridges and investments in conventional water infrastructure. Jobs created per million dollar invested for forest management and watershed restoration are 17.55 jobs (direct) and 12.95 jobs (indirect), compared to, for example, new roads and bridges that create 8.7 jobs (direct) and 3.94 jobs (indirect).
Read the rest of this Ebb & Flow article at: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/der/newsletters/ebbflow3.htm
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HOUSE BUDGET MAKES SEVERE CUTS TO ENVIRONMENT
--From the Environmental League of Massachusetts Bulletin & Mass Audubon’s Beacon Hill Weekly Roundup
The House Budget (http://www.mass.gov/legis/11budget/house/) has a number of severe cuts to environmental agencies. Across all agencies within the Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs (EEA), spending drops $11.4 million from the current fiscal year, and the percentage of the state budget spent on environmental programs drops, going from 0.66% in the FY10 General Appropriations Act to 0.64%.
- Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program - unfunded. This important endangered species protection program remains precariously funded only by donations, permit review fees, and other sources that vary year to year.
- Department of Environmental Protection - down $1.9 million to $26.04 million.
- Department of Conservation & Recreation State & Urban Parks - down $3.6 million to $41.3 million. DCR's administrative budget was also slashed by more than $500,000.
- Riverways is level funded from the current fiscal year, but still down $60,000 from where they were before this year’s budget cuts.
- MassGIS has moved from the Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs to the state’s Information Technology Division within Administration & Finance. They have retained their line-item, or account, but are funded at $70,000 total with the plan that they will be supported by other agencies that use their data, such as emergency services. MassGIS, the backbone of environmental stewardship, should be better supported by the state’s general fund.
- Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup line-item; the House recommended cutting $1.55 million from its $15.4 million FY2010 budget.
- Office of Dam Safety was cut from $427,000 to $410,000
- Surprisingly, House Ways & Means cut expenditures from the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife land stamp program from $1 million to $500,000. This program takes a $5.00 fee on all hunting and fishing licenses and uses the funds to protect important wildlife habitat. Making cuts here will not affect the state’s bottom line.
The Senate will release its budget soon so watch for updates.
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HELP IMPROVE HABITAT CONNECTIVITY AND REDUCE ROADKILL
--By Carrie Banks, Stream Team and Westfield River Wild and Scenic Committee Coordinator
Ever wondered what it would be like if our roads and highways were constructed in such a way that bridges were impassable, roads were blocked by large objects, or if you had to dodge pedestrians walking across a four-lane highway? Driving would become a hair-raising experience, and your chances of actually reaching your destination would be greatly reduced.
Now think about what it is like for wildlife to have to cross that four-lane highway, for a fish to swim through a perched culvert with no place to rest inside, for a turtle to have to crawl up and over the road to get to the wetland on the other side.
In response to this concern, the Mass. Department of Transportation (MassDOT), in partnership with the Mass. Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, and the Vernal Pool Association, recently established an initiative entitled Linking Landscapes for Massachusetts Wildlife. Anchored by the www.Linkinglandscapes.info <http://www.Linkinglandscapes.info> website, this initiative is part of a long-term and multifaceted effort by these programs and others to improve landscape connectivity in Massachusetts by minimizing the impact of the existing road network on rare and non-game wildlife, while improving highway safety. The website’s role in this effort is to serve as a user-friendly interface for gathering and documenting the locations of wildlife road kill hotspots http://www.linkinglandscapes.info/roads/roadkill_map.html, amphibian road crossings http://linkinglandscapes.info/roads/salamander_map.html, turtle crossings http://linkinglandscapes.info/roads/volunteer_to_monitor.html and other evidence of wildlife movement across the landscape. Data contributed to the website will enable transportation planners, engineers and others to more cost-effectively evaluate state wildlife transportation issues, prioritize wildlife-related transportation mitigation opportunities, integrate wildlife upgrades into transportation infrastructure, improve highway right-of-ways for wildlife, and foster environmental stewardship partnerships with the public. Everyone is encouraged to submit their observations to the website (click here to submit roadkill data: http://www.linkinglandscapes.info/roads/roadkill_map.html) - the more data that’s submitted, the more useful it will be in shaping future decision making.
Read the rest of this Ebb & Flow article at: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/der/newsletters/ebbflow3.htm
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Give kids a green and healthy start
from Environmental Working Group
Babies' and children's developing brains and bodies (especially their reproductive systems) are extraordinarily vulnerable to toxic chemicals. And children's bodies may not metabolize and excrete toxic chemicals as readily as adults. So it's important for our children's long-term health that we focus on the toxic chemicals they're exposed to, and do our best to keep them away when it matters most.
Read on to learn three important ways to raise eco-healthy kids:
- Reduce Mom’s chemical exposures while pregnant
- Feed your baby safely
- Create an eco-healthy home
- Clean greener at home
1. Reduce Mom's chemical exposures while pregnant
Pregnancy is a critical time. A mother's chemical exposures can adversely affect her baby in many ways. Talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes that are critical -- stopping smoking, cutting out alcoholic beverages, and eating right. Beyond that, here are some simple, but important steps, you can take to further reduce risks during pregnancy -- and beyond.
- Go organic and eat fresh foods. Use EWG's Shoppers Guide to Pesticides to determine which fruits and veggies you should always buy organic and those with the least pesticide residue that are ok to buy conventionally grown. Choose milk and meat produced without added growth hormones. Limit canned food, since can linings usually contain the synthetic estrogen called bisphenol A (BPA).
- Drink safer water. It's important for pregnant women to drink plenty of water. Use a reverse osmosis system or carbon filter pitcher to reduce your exposure to impurities such as chlorine, perchlorate and lead. Don't drink bottled water, which costs more and isn't necessarily better. If you're out and about, use a stainless steel, glass or BPA-free plastic reusable container. Mix infant formula with fluoride-free water. Get EWG's Safe Drinking Water Guide.
- Eat low-mercury seafood. Choose low-mercury fish such as salmon, tilapia and pollock, rather than high-mercury tuna and swordfish.
- Get your iodine. Switch to iodized salt and talk to your doctor about taking an iodine-containing vitamin. Iodine buffers against chemicals such as perchlorate that can disrupt your thyroid system and pose potential risks for your baby's brain development during pregnancy.
- Choose better body care products. Just because the label says "gentle" or "natural" doesn't mean a product is safe for pregnancy. Look your products up on EWG's CosmeticsDatabase.com. Read the ingredients and avoid triclosan, fragrance and oxybenzone. Read EWG's Healthy Home Tips for more tips.
- Wash maternity clothes before wearing. Clothing is often coated with chemical treatments in the factory.
- Identify lead sources and avoid them. Test your tap water for lead and avoid any home remodeling if your house was built before 1978, when lead house paint was banned. Dust from sanding old paint is a common source of lead exposure.
- Avoid painting and other chemical-intensive jobs when you are getting your nursery ready.
- Clean greener. Household cleaners, bug killers, pet treatments and air fresheners can contain hazardous chemicals. Check out less toxic alternatives. Some ideas: vinegar in place of bleach, baking soda to scrub your tiles, hydrogen peroxide to remove stains. Use a wet mop/rag and a HEPA-filter vacuum to get rid of dust -- which can contain contaminants. Leave shoes -- and the pollutants they track inside -- at the door.
- Avoid gasoline fumes. Ask for your partner's help to fill the gas tank, or use full service.
- Pick plastics carefully. Some plastics contain toxic chemicals, including BPA and phthalates. Don't reuse single-use containers or microwave food in plastic containers. Avoid PVC by hanging a natural-fabric shower curtain. When remodeling, go with PVC-free flooring and pipes. Learn more about choosing safer plastics.
 2. Feed your baby safely
Breast milk is best, but whether you're feeding breast milk or formula in a bottle, use this guide to feed your baby safely. Download EWG's Guide to Baby-Safe Bottles and Formula.
- Use a safe bottle.
- Start with a clear silicone nipple. Latex rubber nipples can cause allergic reactions and can contain impurities linked to cancer.
- Use glass. Plastic bottles can leach a toxic chemical called bisphenol A (BPA) into formula and breast milk. Avoid clear, hard plastic bottles marked with a 7 or "PC."
- Don't use plastic bottle liners. The soft plastic liners may leach chemicals into formula and breast milk, especially when heated.
- Warm bottles in a pan of hot water. Microwaving can heat unevenly and cause chemicals to leach from plastic bottles into formula.
- Make safe infant formula.
- Choose powdered formula. A toxic chemical called bisphenol A (BPA) can leach into liquid formula sold in metal cans. Canadian tests show no BPA leaching into powdered formula. The same brands are sold in the U.S., making powdered formula a low-risk for BPA contamination. Choose powdered formula when possible, or liquid formula in glass or plastic containers. Avoid all liquid formula in metal cans.
- Use filtered tap water. If your water is fluoridated, use a reverse osmosis filter to remove fluoride, which the American Dental Association recommends avoiding when reconstituting formula. If your water is not fluoridated use a carbon filter. If you choose bottled water, make sure it's fluoride-free.
- Learn more. Watch this short EWG video about feeding babies safely and read this Enviroblog post to learn more about choosing and using infant formula.
3. Create an eco-healthy home
We created a short Healthy Home Checklist for you to use as you walk through your home -- and open your bathroom cabinet, look under your sink, and check those laundry supplies. It's an easy, hands-on way to create a less toxic environment for your family. When you're done, you'll breathe easier (literally!) knowing that you've tackled the toxics that matter most in your home. See the checklist online to access additional online resources.
 4. Clean greener at home
Cleaning might be a chore, but it doesn't have to be toxic, too! Safer products and practices are available and easy. Children accidentally exposed to harsh, corrosive cleaners can suffer burns to skin and eyes, and inhaling the fumes can cause lung damage. Exposure to low levels of these chemicals over a lifetime may increase the risk of developing serious health conditions, such as cancer or reproductive problems. Download these simple safe cleaning tips.
- Less is more. Dilute your cleaning supplies according to instructions and use only what's needed to get the job done.
- Open the window. Clean with windows and doors open so you don't trap air pollution inside your home.
- Use gloves and other precautions. Cleaning chemicals may harm or penetrate skin and eyes -- check warning labels.
- Keep kids away. Children are more vulnerable to toxic chemicals. If they like to help, let them clean with soap and water, not toxic cleaners.
- Avoid "antibacterial." If your family is generally healthy, there's no need to use potentially toxic "antibacterial" products, according to the American Medical Association. Wash your hands with plain soap and water.
- Never mix bleach with ammonia, vinegar, or other acids. These combinations can produce deadly gases.
- Don't be fooled by labels -- buy certified green products. Label claims aren't always true. Cleaning supplies certified by Green Seal or EcoLogo meet green standards.
- Try natural alternatives. Experiment with non-toxic options like vinegar and baking soda.
- Take care with pine and citrus oil cleaners. Avoid using these cleaners especially on smoggy days, when the ingredients can react with ozone to produce cancer-causing formaldehyde.
- Skip the biggest hazards. Avoid air fresheners, use a baking soda and water paste to clean the oven and tackle toilet stains, and use a mechanical snake to unclog the drain.
Need eco-healthy products for your home and family? Click here to shop on Amazon and up to 8.5% of your total will be donated to EWG.
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MEPA Greenhouse Gas Policy Revised
from Mass Audubon's Beacon Hill Weekly Roundup
The state has issued a revised policy on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions analysis for Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) project reviews. The updated policy allows for case-by-case review of emissions associated with land clearing (forest loss) greater than 50 acres and water use greater than 300,000 gallons per day, responding in part to comments submitted by Mass Audubon and others. Regulatory changes will also be promulgated establishing a new threshold for MEPA review based on GHG emissions and will treat emissions from biomass plants the same as any other source.
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Action Alert: Land and Water Conservation Fund
from Mass Audubon's Beacon Hill Weekly Roundup
Since its inception, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has provided Massachusetts with over $185 million for land conservation and outdoor recreation. This includes $89.7 million in federal appropriations for sites like the Silvio O. Conte Fish and Wildlife Refuge and Cape Cod National Seashore, and matching grants to state and local governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.
Although Congress authorized LWCF to receive a small percentage of offshore oil and gas fee revenues - up to $900 million a year - most of these funds have been diverted elsewhere. Legislation introduced by Senators Max Baucus (D-MT) and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) (S. 2747) is now pending before the U.S. Senate that would ensure this funding. The legislation would make a permanent annual appropriation and guarantee LWCF funding for the future.
Please contact U.S. Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown to ask them to cosponsor S. 2747 that would provide full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).The best way to contact the Senators is through their email portals at:
http://kerry.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm
http://scottbrown.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/emailscottbrown
Here's a suggestion of a simple message: The Land and Water Conservation Fund needs full and permanent funding because it benefits nature and people in Massachusetts. Legislation introduced by Senators Baucus and Bingaman (S. 2747) is now pending before the U.S. Senate that would ensure this funding. I urge Senator Kerry/Brown to support S. 2747 and ensure the Fund keeps benefiting our state.
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Merrimack River Watershed Council - Executive Director
BACKGROUND – The Merrimack River Watershed Council, Inc. (MRWC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1976 by citizens and regional planning commissions to promote citizen involvement in the clean-up of the Merrimack River. Its organizational mission is to ensure the sustainable ecological integrity and balanced, managed use of the Merrimack River and its watershed through science, advocacy, partnering and recreation. We are the only advocate of the Merrimack River in Massachusetts; we are “The Voice of the Merrimack.” See Merrimack River Watershed Council web site for additional information http://www.merrimack.org/
REPORTS TO: President of Board of Directors
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: The Executive Director is charged with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Merrimack River Watershed Council including cultivating key partnerships and donor relationships, acting as the champion and voice of the Merrimack River, ensuring that all products and projects are produced and carried out in an effective, professional and timely manner, overseeing staff and volunteers, and developing and managing the budget. The Executive Director is responsible for developing and implementing short and long-term strategic plans to help grow and strengthen the organization’s ability to have a positive impact. Though not an exhaustive list, specific duties are outlined below:
- Work with and at the direction of the Board of Directors. Cultivate board involvement and board recruitment and training.
- Identify partner conservation group efforts and identify areas of redundancy in order to provide focus for MRWC programs and identify MRWC strengths and avenues for effective watershed management.
- Act as a Merrimack River Champion, advocating for sustainable water management, resource efficiency, increased public education and awareness, etc. Stay abreast of key watershed concerns and help to keep the MRWC current and relevant for our constituents.
- Build the organization through fundraising and increased revenue from grants, membership, donors, and events.
- Serve as primary organizational spokesperson and contact for MRWC with appropriate media outlets, other agencies and the public. Speak at or attend conferences on: water conservation, water quality, community collaboration, etc.
IDEAL ATTRIBUTES:
- Passion for serving in our community and enhancing the well being of the Merrimack River.
- Previous non-profit and management experience including budget management.
- Thorough understanding of basic ecological and watershed principles.
- Ability to work with minimal direction.
- Ability to motivate and inspire our membership and watershed constituency.
- Marketing and Fundraising background. Proven grant-writing experience.
- Strong communication skills and public speaking experience.
- Previous experience working with a Board of Directors.
- Above average computer skills, including experience with the Microsoft Office Suite. Proficiency with spatial databases (GIS), web design, and Access database a plus.
- Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Business Management, Communications, or related field a plus.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Compensation: Salary package is competitive and will be determined by the Board of Directors based on experience and qualifications.
TO APPLY:
Please submit a detailed and compelling letter showing your passion and fit for the mission of the Merrimack River Watershed Council and why you should be the next Executive Director along with a resume to: jbernard@merrimack.org with "Executive Director" in the subject line. Or by mail to:
Merrimack River Watershed Council
600 Suffolk Street, 5th Floor
Lowell, MA 01854.
Attn: Joe Bernard
No phone calls please.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
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First BioBlitz in Berkshire County to be held over the first weekend in June
Event puts scientists and residents together to survey local species
Pittsfield, Mass.: Celebrating the United Nation’s “Year of Biodiversity,” the Berkshire Museum is holding Berkshire County’s first BioBlitz in Pittsfield State Forest from noon on Friday, June 4 to noon on Saturday, June 5. It is co-sponsored by MCLA STEM Pipeline, Berkshire Environmental Action Team, and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. The weekend event will allow scientists and local residents to document the extensive variety of life in their immediate area and see first-hand the diversity and importance of the clean and active ecosystems in their own backyard.
The BioBlitz is an opportunity for biologists, naturalists, and environmentalists to gather in a given area and in a 24-hour period complete a formal survey of all living species. Specialists such as BCC Professor Tom Tyning (reptiles and amphibians), Har vard botanist Walter Kittredge (flowering plants), Berkshire Wild Mushrooms’ John Wheeler (fungi) and Sage College Professor Emeritus Nancy Slack (mosses) will be on-hand to explore, educate and The public is welcome to attend to watch the scientists work, and even participate in sorting specimens.
The biological survey is the “core” of the Berkshire BioBlitz, and anchors a number of interactive, nature-oriented programs which have been scheduled around it. For example, on Friday night, a lively “BioBlitz Drum and Campfire Jam” will take place, followed by a “Moth-Light” demonstration and an “Owl Prowl” hike. A bird walk and a “fitness hike” will be held the following morning, as well as a presentation on Asian Longhorned Beetles—an invasive insect species recently discovered in Worcester, MA.
The first 24-hour biological survey took place in 1998 in Walden Woods, Concord, MA. Through the success of that event many states and countries have joined the movement and held similar surveys.
“It’s a great opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together and learn about their own backyard,” said Berkshire Museum Natural Science Coordinator, Scott LaGreca. “It’s a powerful tool we can use to get people away from their television sets and computer monitors, and spend time outside—providing an antidote to what some educators have dubbed ‘nature-deficit disorder’.” Further, LaGreca added, “It provides valuable information about Pittsfield State Forest’s flora and fauna that can be used by Pittsfield State Forest staff to better manage the Forest’s resources.”
The Pittsfield State Forest is located just five miles from downtown Pittsfield. From Park Square, go west on West Street for 2.7 miles. Turn right on Churchill Street and continue for .7 miles. Turn left onto Cascade Street and continue for .3 miles. The entrance to the forest in just over a mile on your left-hand side.
All events are free and held at the Pittsfield State Forest. Friday evening programs and Saturday morning naturalist hikes are weather-permitting. For a full schedule, pick up a BioBlitz Activities Guide from the Berkshire Museum, or visit berkshiremuseum.org.
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INVASIVE PLANTS IN THE LOCAL LANDSCAPE
From May 15 to June 25th the Salisbury Land Trust is sponsoring an exhibit on invasive plants in the local landscape. The exhibit will focus on twelve of the most problematic non-native invasives in the northwest corner, "The Dirty Dozen". Everyone is invited to come and learn why these plants are a problem locally and what can be done to reduce or reverse their spread.
There will be an opening reception at the Academy Building, 24 Main St., Salisbury, CT starting at 10:00 AM on Saturday May 22nd. This will include a short talk by Jess Toro from Native Habitat Restoration, LLC on how to recognize and start addressing the problem in your yard, garden or forest. On Saturday June 5th Jess will also conduct a hands on workshop demonstrating control methods. On June 12th Ron Aakjar, will speak on Gardening with Native Plants and on June 19th there will be a Rain Garden Tour demonstrating how native plants were used to help control water runoff at a lakeside residence. All events start at 10:00 AM at the Academy Building in Salisbury.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
Name of Statute: Global Warming Solutions Act
Brief Explanation and Rationale for Proposed Changes: The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs will hold eight public hearings across Massachusetts in June on the Commonwealth's proposed range for the 2020 greenhouse gas emissions limit and draft implementation plan as required by the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA).
Web Link to View Draft Climate Implementation Plan: http://www.mass.gov/dep/air/climate/gwsa_docs.htm#implement
Public Hearing Information: Public hearings will be conducted under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 30A.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Berkshire Athenaeum
One Wendell Avenue
Pittsfield, MA
For additional dates and locations for the hearings, see http://www.mass.gov/dep/air/climate/gwsa_hearings.htm
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Proposed BPA regulation would allow continued baby formula and food contamination.
from The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow
The Public Health Council (PHC) met this morning to hear a presentation on the limited phase-out of BPA that Governor Patrick has directed. As we expected, the Department of Public Health staff proposed a limited ban on reusable food and beverage containers containing BPA and intended for use by children three and under, which would mean baby bottles and sippy cups. PHC members asked some questions of DPH staff, but have not yet recommend further action.
The DPH staff members made it very clear that this limited proposal is based on direction from Governor Patrick. They also acknowledged that this proposal would not change the marketplace, as safer alternatives to the products included are already available.
The public comment period for the proposed regulation will begin soon and ends June 30. The governor and DPH need to hear that Massachusetts residents want real protection from BPA for developing fetuses and growing children. The official start date for the public comment period has not been set yet, but we will let you know how to participate when the time comes. Until then, if you come in contact with Governor Patrick, please let him know how you feel about this insufficient proposal.
To download the PDF of our press release, click here.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Saunders,
for the AHT Team
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Do You Want to be a Farmer?
from the Williams College Center for Environmental Studies
Do you want to be a farmer? WWOOF-USA (World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms-USA) is seeking volunteers to work on organic farms as farm apprentices and learn practical farming skillls for summer or year-round. Positions in all 50 states, including Alaska, Hawaii, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. See wwoofusa.org.
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Please Donate Your Old Bike.
from the Williams College Center for Environmental Studies
Please Donate Your Old Bike to the Purple Bike Coalition (PBC): It will be refurbished for re-use by a student next year.
From Crosby Fish, PBC:
Give me your rusted, your broken, your busted bicycles yearning to be fixed. For the remaining week and a half of the spring semester, the Center for Environmental Studies and the Purple Bike Coalition are conducting a bike collection. If you are a senior who will not need their bike next year, if your bike is in severe disrepair, or if you never use it, you can donate it. It will be refurbished by student mechanics at the Purple Bike Coalition and sold cheaply to students in need of bikes next fall. Any proceeds will be used to buy parts and tools for the bike shop in Mark Hopkins to help expand the services that it provides to the college’s two-wheeling community.
Bikes can be dropped off at Mark Hopkins during the shop’s regular hours:
Monday 1-3
Wednesday 2-4
Sunday 2-4
-------------------------------------------------
Sarah Gardner
Center for Environmental Studies
Harper House, 54 Stetson Court
Williams College
Williamstown, MA 01267
office:413-597-4209
fax: 413-597-3489
http//ces.williams.edu
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POLITICAL DIRECTOR, MASS. LEAGUE OF ENVIRONMENTAL VOTERS
The Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters (MLEV) is a statewide, nonpartisan organization dedicated to making environmental protection a top priority for Massachusetts elected officials, candidates, and voters in order to better protect our environment and health. To that end our activities are centered on holding elected officials accountable through our scorecard and voter outreach. We also work to elect pro-environment candidates. MLEV seeks a Political Director to advocate for environmental policies at the state level, manage MLEV’s accountability program, and in election years, develop and implement campaign plans.
Primary Responsibilities Include:
- Working with the broader environmental community to advocate for their environmental priorities during the legislative session.
- Coordinating the activities and strategy of the Mass Green Alliance and advocating for the Alliance’s priorities.
- Tracking the Massachusetts Legislature including legislation identified by the Scorecard Advisory Committee, Mass Green Alliance, and any roll call votes
- Writing a variety of documents including the Environmental Scorecard, testimony for priority legislation, candidate questionnaires, scorecard letters, and Eco-Politics, our e-newsletter.
- Coordinating with the other environmental advocates on a regular basis during the legislative session.
- Managing MLEV’s endorsement process and developing and implementing campaign plans and activities during election years.
- Helping expand MLEV’s network of volunteers interested in politics and the environment.
- Helping with other duties as required (including fundraising).
General skills/experiences we are seeking include:
- Strong understanding of Massachusetts’ legislative process and political climate.
- At least 3 years experience in political or issue campaigns.
- A demonstrated interest in environmental issues
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience working with policy-makers, the media, and non-profit organizations.
- Strong computer skills, including experience with spreadsheets, and databases.
- Ability to manage many different tasks well.
- Ability to work under own initiative, as well as part of a team
- Ability to work well with others and good sense of humor
Compensation: Compensation depends upon qualifications and experience and includes benefits such as health insurance, vacation and 401K plan.
To Apply: Please submit letter of interest and resume to Lora Wondolowski, Executive Director lora@mlev.org. No phone calls please. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. MLEV is an equal opportunity employer.
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AMERICORPS LAND PROJECT PROGRAM MGR, ATHOL
Position Summary:
Work with Massachusetts land trusts to initiate and run an AmeriCorps program that provides stipended volunteers to assist with land conservation, land stewardship, outreach, and service learning.
About the Organizations:
Seven regional Massachusetts conservation groups, Franklin Land Trust, Greater Worcester Land Trust, Kestrel Trust, Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, Nashua River Watershed Association, Sudbury Valley Trustees, and Wildlands Trust of Southeastern Massachusetts have applied as partners to host a total of twenty full-time AmeriCorps members for three years beginning in September 2010. The position is contingent on federal funding. Notification of grant funding is anticipated by June 7, 2010.
About the Program:
The program is based on Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust’s existing Common Ground Initiative, which offers four distinct one-year service positions focusing on:
- land conservation,
- land stewardship,
- outreach to the community, and
- service learning.
Common Ground volunteers are members of the Massachusetts Commonwealth Corps—a state program modeled on AmeriCorps—which engages volunteers of all ages and backgrounds in direct service to the community and provides stipends for volunteers.
About the Job:
The Program Manager’s main responsibilities are to oversee the recruitment, orientation, training, and supervision of the corps members; to serve as a resource for land trust staff who directly supervise members; to oversee the financial administration of the program; to monitor the program to insure that members and staff are in compliance with AmeriCorps regulations and are meeting the grant benchmarks, and to prepare and submit all program reports.
Before the members are recruited, the Manager will train at least one staff person per partner organization in compiling program and financial information for the monthly reports. The Manager will also organize one technical-assistance training session focusing on program management and one training session on volunteer management for staff from the partners.
Job Description:
Title: Program Manager
Reports to: Leigh Youngblood, Executive Director, Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust
Status: Full-time salaried Mount Grace employee, health insurance, vacation
Salary: $36,000-$48,000 annually—length of position contingent on funding (15-39 months), office location to be determined.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Carry out financial administration, including payroll, payables, and receivables
- Obtain monthly information from partners on members’ program activities
- Provide ongoing financial and programmatic reports, including final report
- Coordinate with all of the partners to address technical, financial, programmatic, and administrative questions and to resolve problems
- Help recruit qualified AmeriCorps members
- Schedule staff and member training
- Provide additional supervision for members serving at smaller conservation groups
- Maintain consistent communication and coordination with participants
- Attend bi-monthly statewide meetings for AmeriCorps grantees
- Organize affiliated networking events
- Additional duties and responsibilities as required
Required Minimum Qualifications and Skills:
- Ability to manage $650,000 federally-funded conservation volunteer program
- Five years of professional experience in community organizing, volunteer coordination, nonprofit management, or equivalent business experience
- Thorough understanding of land trusts and land conservation
- Experience working in an environmental field
- Experience developing project work plans to produce outcomes and reach goals
- Demonstrated ability to work independently
- Excellent time management and organizational skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong training and facilitation skills
- Quick learner
- Detail-oriented
- Proficiency with MS Office and Quickbooks software
Desired Qualifications and Skills:
- Masters degree in relevant field
- Program management experience, nonprofit experience preferred
- Familiarity with the Massachusetts land conservation community
- Experience working in a start-up non-profit organization or business
- Familiarity with AmeriCorps or Commonwealth Corps programs
To Apply: Email cover letter, resume, and 3 references to kotker@mountgrace.org, or mail to Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, 1461 Old Keene Road, Athol, MA 01331. If emailing, please send by 5:00 pm on May 28, 2010. If mailing, please postmark by May 25, 2010. Start date is July 1, 2010. Interviews will be held in June for selected candidates.
Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust is an equal opportunity employer.
**No phone calls please**
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OPEN APPLICATION PERIOD FOR MDAR GRANTS
Over the next couple of months, MDAR will be accepting applications from farmers who wish to participate in Department programs in Fiscal Year 2011. Interested farm operators are encouraged to review these options on the web pages of the Department http://www.mass.gov/agr/programs or by attending one of upcoming MDAR Grant Workshops announced below.
Farm Viability Enhancement Program
This popular business planning and technical assistance program provides management advice and grants of up to $75,000 to implement farm growth and sustainability strategies. Farm operators not only receive upfront cash awards for signing a 5 or 10 year Agricultural Covenant, but also receive valuable consultations and visits from a team of experts to discuss farm production and management, marketing, and business planning. Typical uses of funds from the Farm Viability Program include building or repairing farm structures, modernizing field equipment, purchasing delivery vehicles and tractors, improving marketing structures or food processing capacity, and establishing a farm website.
Applications and program information are available by clicking on this link AGR- FVEP-11-18 http://www.mass.gov/agr/programs/farmviability/docs/AGR-FVEP11-18.doc, or on line at the Agricultural Resources web site http://www.mass.gov/agr/programs/farmviability/index.htm , or you can request a copy of the application by calling the Farm Viability Program at 617-626-1723. The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday June 24, 2010.
APR Improvement Program
The purpose of the APR Improvement Program (AIP) is to help sustain active commercial farming on land protected by the Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program. AIP provides technical assistance and business planning to improve farm productivity with the goal of enhancing the significance of APR farm operations and their contribution to the state’s agricultural industry. 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 the agricultural resource. The AIP uses a process of providing services to participant farms including technical assistance, business planning, and access to capital.
Eligibility requirements include: an applicant must own APR land (or co apply with the owner) that they have been actively farming for at least the last three years; Current owners who are the original owners of the APR are eligible if their APR was closed or recorded on or before December 31, 1999; Successors in title to the original APR owner are eligible if successors have owned the APR since December 31, 2004 or before.
The current Request for Response with application is available by clicking here RFR# AGR-AIP11-2 http://www.mass.gov/agr/programs/aip/docs/RFR_AIP11-02.doc or by calling the APR Improvement Program http://www.mass.gov/agr/programs/aip/index.htm at 413-268-8269. Responses must be received by June 30, 2010.
NEW - Grant Program for Beginning Farmers in MA
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is pleased to announce an open application period for a pilot program aimed at providing farm viability funding to new and beginning farmers. 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 then provide funds for farm improvement strategies. Funding provided from this Program will be made available on a one to one matching grant basis and the maximum award shall be $10,000.
It is the objective of MEGA to assist farmers whose goal is to raise agricultural products and who aspire to develop their farms into commercially viable operations. Priority will be given to new and beginning farm enterprises that have operated commercially as a new or beginning farm for 1 to 5 years, have knowledge or have direct experience in agriculture, 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 on this link AGR- MEGA-1, or on line at the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources website http://www.mass.gov/agr%20 or you can request a copy of the application by calling 617-626-1723. The deadline for submitting applications is June 15, 2010.
Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program
Applications for the Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program (AEEP) will be available shortly. Please follow this link for updates: http://www.mass.gov/agr/programs/aeep/index.htm or contact Laura Maul at 617-626-1739.
Agricultural Energy Grant Program
Applications for the Agricultural Energy Grant Program will be available shortly. Please follow this link for updates: http://www.mass.gov/agr/programs/energy/index.htm or contact Gerry Palano at 617-626-1706.
If you want to learn more about these programs, visit the http://www.mass.gov/agr/programs/index.htm
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