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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Advocacy News (Includes how to reach your legislators) DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshire |
Consider composting this fall Composting is a convenient, beneficial and inexpensive way to handle your organic waste and help the environment. And this time of year is a perfect time to start composting. The trees have shed their leaves and many people are busy cutting back gardens in preparation for the winter months. And through it all we continue to eat and drink, of course, which generates kitchen scraps and waste. Everything from leaves, grass, garden waste, egg shells, coffee grounds, bread, and fruit and vegetable scraps are welcome in the compost bin! All this organic waste gets broken down in the compost bin into a nutritious and rich soil-like substance we call compost or humus. Compost is a perfect soil amendment that your lawn and gardens will appreciate next year. Why compost?
Soil organisms do most of the hard work of composting. All you have to do is keep throwing stuff in and turn it occasionally and give it a little shower now and again. The compost needs to be turned to aerate the center of the pile—this also reduces any unpleasant odors that might occur when materials decompose without oxygen. Water should be added as needed to keep the materials feeling like a moist, wrung-out sponge. You do not need to turn the compost pile or add water during the cold winter months. Compost is ready to be used on your lawn or garden when it looks dark and crumbly and none of the original ingredients are visible. One way to test if your compost is finished is to seal a small sample in a plastic bag for 24 to 48 hours. If no strong odors are released when you open the bag, the compost is done. Compost can be applied directly around the base of trees and shrubs to serve as mulch. It also can be worked into the top six to eight inches of the soil to provide increased water retention and valuable nutrients. CET has received funding from the USDA Rural Development Administration to conduct home composting workshops in towns with fewer than 10,000 residents. To schedule a workshop or for more information on other toxic and waste reduction strategies; contact Avie Maloney at CET: aviem@cetonline.org or call 413-445-4556 ext. 30. CET is a non-profit organization working in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste management and environmental education. CET provides practical solutions that make sense for our community, economy and environment. CET is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. |
Upcoming Pownal Biomass Meetings |
Is Toys "R" Us toying around with your child's health? |
Grants to Protect 880 Acres Across the Commonwealth BOSTON – Monday, November 8, 2010 – In keeping with Governor Patrick's unprecedented commitment to preserve open space and improve public parks across the state, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Ian Bowles today announced $6.3 million in grants to help 19 Massachusetts municipalities purchase 880 acres to protect recreational land, drinking water aquifers, wetlands, and wildlife habitat. Matched by $8.9 million in municipal, private and nonprofit funding, these Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) grants will fund projects in Amherst, Andover, Barnstable, Belchertown, Brewster, Dennis, Fairhaven, Falmouth, Groton, Harwich, Lexington, Northampton, Orleans, Provincetown, Scituate, Templeton, Upton, Ware, and Yarmouth. "Investments like these conserve and protect urban parks, farmland and forests across the Commonwealth for generations to come," said Governor Patrick. "Our open spaces are among the things that make Massachusetts such a desirable place to live. What we protect is as important as what we build." Over the past four years, the Commonwealth has protected nearly 75,000 acres of land - the equivalent 54 acres per day. Among the Patrick-Murray Administration's conservation accomplishments are the creation of 44 new urban parks, the protection of 5,700 acres on 95 farms, preservation of land with nearly 30,000 acres of prime farm and forest soils, and protection of 14,000 acres in 10 areas of critical forested landscape habitats across Massachusetts. In addition, the Commonwealth has protected 9,300 acres within a half mile of drinking water reservoirs across the state. Massachusetts now has more than 1.2 million acres permanently protected. For the first time in decades, the acres of land protected from development in Massachusetts are greater than acres that have been developed. Since 1961, EEA's LAND (formerly known as Self-Help) grants have helped cities and towns acquire land for conservation and outdoor recreational uses such as hiking, wildlife watching, biking, fishing, hunting, and cross-country skiing. Funding for the fiscal year 2011 LAND grants comes from the $1.7 billion Energy and Environment Bond Bill signed by Governor Patrick in August 2008. To qualify for the reimbursement grants, communities must fund the projects upfront. Municipalities may use grant funds for outright land purchases or partial interests, such as conservation restrictions, and for land surveys and fees associated with the transactions. The grants reimburse municipal conservation commissions between 52 percent and 70 percent of project costs up to $500,000. Amherst - Cushman Brook Riparian Corridor: $101,500
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Briggsville Dam Deconstruction at Halfway Mark return to list of articles |
Greylock Glen Eyed for Wetlands Sites ADAMS, Mass. — Repairs to a dam in Hinsdale could mean the construction of wetlands at the Greylock Glen. |
BCC Student Honored with Prestigious Fellowship One of our students, Rhett Proctor, owner/partner of Proctors Bel Air Farm, has just been awarded a 2011 Eisenhower Fellowship. He's an accomplished individual: his farm has received awards from the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation and his public service includes membership on the Berkshire County Farm Bureau and the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation. He is already well educated, with a degree in Agronomy from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He came to BCC this summer and continues this fall to refresh his science knowledge. His award will provide a 5 week trip to China or Australia to work on issues of production in the dairy industry. |
New Fuel Economy Standards for Large Trucks and Buses |
Holiday Balsam Fir Wreaths for Sale to Benefit Friends of the Dyken Pond Center |
Department of Conservation and Recreation Forester Licensing Board Vacancies Nominations The Department of Conservation and Recreation is accepting applications and nominations for two upcoming member vacancies of the Forester Licensing Board; vacant due to the expiration of their respective term limits. The board member positions available are for a University Faculty representative and for an Environmental Organization representative. Both positions will be for three-year terms commencing upon appointment and serve on a volunteer basis. Forester Licensing Board meetings are held monthly in the Amherst area. Board members may also be requested to investigate license complaints on a volunteer basis. Applications and Nominations are due by December 10, 2010 and should be sent to: Department of Conservation and Recreation Or e-mailed to: tom.ryan@state.ma.us Applications and Nominations need to include the following information:
IMMEDIATE FAMILY WORKING IN MASSACHUSETTS STATE GOVERNMENT Name of Relative Relationship Title of Relative’s Job Please contact Tom Ryan at 413-784-1828 ext. 123 or tom.ryan@state.ma.us if you have questions concerning the application-nomination process or the Forester Licensing Board duties and responsibilities. *Applicants are not required to hold or obtain a forester license, but are required to have the necessary qualifications. |
Valley View subdivision proposal returns WILLIAMSTOWN -- More than two years after a New York woman first proposed developing her land off Hancock Road into a seven-lot subdivision, her proposal has resurfaced. Lillian Gilden of New York, N.Y., accompanied by her son, Peter, Matthew D. Puntin from SK Design Group Inc. of Pittsfield, and Mickey Marcus of New England Environmental Inc. of Amherst, came before the Conservation Commission last week outlining plans for an access road to the proposed Valley View Road subdivision and management of the development’s storm water. "What is complicated about this particular project is the access," Marcus said at the Oct. 28 meeting. In order to access the upland area on the east side of the Green River where the subdivision would be built, vehicles would have to cross the Green River and adjoining wetlands. Marcus said a roadway with piers seems feasible and economical to build, and the only fill in the wetlands would be the piers. The roadway would be designed with open steel grates that wouldn’t overshadow the wetlands, he said. The sections of roadway that go from Hancock Road to the wetlands, and then up the hillside, would be paved, he said. The roadway over the wetlands would be roughly 800 feet long, he said. At the beginning of the meeting, Marcus asked the Conservation Commission to continue the public hearing to a future date, as the state Department of Environmental Protection continues to review the project’s 401 Water Quality Certification.<MORE>
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Have you seen the Story of Stuff? Millions of people have viewed Annie Leonard’s viral web video highlighting the health and environmental impacts of our consumer culture. Now, Annie returns with the Story of Electronics, a new video questioning the “designed for the dump” mentality that encourages constant upgrading of our computers, cell phones, game consoles and other electronics – while creating massive amounts of e-waste (the outdated gadgets piled up in our drawers, closets, and garages). CEH is partnering with Annie and the Electronics TakeBack Coalition on the launch of the Story of Electronics, offering resources that show how you can make greener electronics choices at home, work and school. While electronics makers push short-lived products that go obsolete so quickly they seem to be “designed for the dump,” CEH shows how you can get more from your current gadgets, and how your buying power can influence the marketplace for greener electronics. See the Story of Electronics and learn more about greening your electronic choices at http://www.ceh.org/electronics. And when you’re shopping this holiday season, ask yourself, is that new gadget designed for the dump? |
Senator Brown Backs the Land and Water Conservation Fund Senator Scott Brown has signed on to a letter with other Senate Republicans urging Senate leadership to move forward to achieve full and dedicated funding for LWCF during the lame duck session of the 111th Congress (attached here). Representatives from several statewide conservation organizations met with Senator Brown in Boston in mid-October and had an engaging and fruitful dialogue on LWCF. The meeting followed on the successful efforts of a statewide grassroots campaign to secure Senator Brown's support. National Coalition for LWCF, a broad-based coalition of conservation, recreation, environment, business, historic and cultural organizations as well as many others are working together to secure full and dedicated funding of LWCF. The House of Representatives has already approved full funding for LWCF as part of a larger energy bill. The odds of Senate passage will improve if Senators Brown and Kerry join co-sponsors to Senate Bill 2747, which would provide full funding for LWCF. Please take a moment to thank Senators Brown and Kerry for their support of LWCF and to ask for their cosponsorship of SB 2747. The best way to contact the Senators is through their email portals at: |
A Tremendous Asset to Pittsfield -- Our Trails |
The Nature Conservancy Farmhouse for Sale THE NATURE CONSERVANCY is offering for sale, their coveted farmhouse office complex in bucolic Ashley Falls, an historic, agricultural, and highly protected area of Sheffield, MA. The original farmhouse may date to the early 1700’s and has been improved on and added to ever since, culminating in a major renovation and addition of offices to house both The Sheffield Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy. In true, rambling farmhouse style, the building may (with a special permit from the town of Sheffield) be used as a business, retreat or office, or be repurposed back to a lovely country home. Enjoy views of the Taconic Hills from many rooms and areas of the property, and hike through verdant woodland to hidden promontories and pastures. Located on a back-country gravel road, this property is nearly surrounded by protected and conserved land owned by The Nature Conservancy, Audubon Society, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, and like this parcel, many properties holding Sheffield Land Trust conservation restrictions limiting development. Twin Lakes in Salisbury, CT and Great Barrington, MA are just down the road. This exquisite and rare parcel is offered on 26.8 acres with a 2 acre building envelope. The conservation restriction will be held on the remaining acres by The Sheffield Land Trust. Make an investment in one of the most beautiful and protected areas of the Berkshires, nearby Litchfield, Columbia and Dutchess counties. If interested, please contact Tim Lovett of Berkshire Property Agents: (413) 446-0059 or timlovett@gmail.com. |
PUBLIC WORKSHOP SERIES FOR STATE FOREST AND PARKS LANDSCAPE DESIGNATIONS The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will hold six public workshops in November and December at various locations across the Commonwealth to seek public input on landscape designations for all DCR lands within the state park system. The landscape designation process involves categorizing 308,000 acres of DCR lands as either “parklands,” “reserves,” or “woodlands” to prioritize the services and values these lands provide to the public and the environment. The designations are a top recommendation of the Forest Futures Visioning process that the agency undertook in 2009-2010 to develop a renewed vision and long-term strategy for managing forest lands in the state park system. The designations will ensure long-term protection of the lands and guide their management. Of the three new categories, “parklands” would be managed primarily for recreation, human experiences, and the protection of cultural and natural features. “Reserves” would be managed primarily for biological diversity based on natural processes and the protection of large, contiguous blocks of high-value ecosystems. “Woodlands” would be managed primarily for state-of-the-art sustainable forestry, forest products, and active carbon management. “Governor Patrick sees our state parks and forests as precious natural resources, and we intend to preserve them,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles. “By designating parklands, reserves, and woodlands, we will be clear about how we manage the various kinds of lands under our stewardship, and extend the utmost protection to those resources with the greatest ecological value.” The Forest Futures Visioning process, which brought together forest resource experts, stakeholders, and the general public, considered the public benefits and values of forest lands and resulted in recommendations on forest stewardship practices. The Forest Futures Technical Steering Committee issued recommendations to DCR, and in April, the Patrick-Murray Administration announced a Commonwealth Forest Heritage Plan for managing state forests. The Plan sets out a new paradigm for stewardship of state forests and the parks system as a whole, focusing on conservation biology and public engagement while clarifying the benefits and values of the lands through landscape designations. The Plan quadruples the amount of forest land set aside from commercial logging. Under the Plan, at least 60 percent of forest land, or 185,000 acres, will be designated as parklands and reserves. “Governor Patrick and DCR have made a commitment to implement the landscape designation model that will guide the management of our lands,” said DCR Commissioner Richard K. Sullivan Jr. “This effort to categorize DCR lands represents a new approach to stewardship of the park system.” DCR will hold the public workshops in Worcester, Westfield, Pittsfield, Boston, Dighton, and Danvers to obtain input on the development of criteria to define and select each category and management guidelines that will be applied to each. The scheduled western Mass. workshops are: Tuesday Thursday With input from the workshop series, DCR will finalize the selection criteria. A second round of public workshops will be held in spring 2011 to introduce the draft application of the categories and obtain input on the draft before it is finalized. The workshops are open to anyone interested in the future management of the DCR parks system. To receive information on the process as DCR moves forward, send an email to |
EPA Reaches Multi-state Agreement with Major Used Oil Recycler for Improper Handling of PCBs |
Sept/Oct 2010 It’s a conundrum we’ve all faced at one time or another, particularly since 2007, when a University of Alberta study announced that the climate-change benefits of organic food are almost negated when that food has traveled a long distance from farm to plate. And yet, even in today’s economy, US organic sales continue to grow, according to the Organic Trade Association. In 2009, as the economic crisis raged on, US organic food sales increased by 5.1 percent, totaling $24.8 billion. In contrast, total US food sales grew 1.6 percent. Are organic shoppers making the right choices, when that food isn’t also sourced from a farm near their grocer? New research is providing more evidence to consider when choosing between organic and local, when you can’t have both. |
2-Year Permit Extension Alert 10/28/10 |
Volunteer Coordinator – Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced volunteer coordinator to manage Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary’s 350+ person volunteer program. Volunteers give their valuable time to help sustain the sanctuary and, in return, Wellfleet Bay gives volunteers valuable learning experiences. We are looking for a dedicated volunteer coordinator with excellent people skills who can serve both our volunteers and the sanctuary with energy, imagination and enthusiasm. Wellfleet Bay’s volunteer program supports its citizen science research, education, visitor services, visitor education, property maintenance as well as ecological management and special events. Under the supervision of the Administrative Assistant/Office Manager, the volunteer coordinator will manage all aspects of Wellfleet Bay’s very active volunteer program including recruiting, screening, training, placing, scheduling supervising, evaluating and recognizing the volunteers. Qualifications: This position requires a BA or BS or equivalent experience and two years of volunteer management or other work-related experience; excellent communication and human relations management skills; and a strong commitment to helping others develop an understanding of and concern for the environment. Knowledge of local and regional natural history is preferred. The position requires frequent weekend and some evening work, a valid MA driver‘s license, and instate travel. Experience in the use of computer for word processing and data management, and first-aid/CPR required. To inquire about this position: |
Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions Internship |
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There are very few communities that boast the number of quality trails for hiking, biking, walking, running, cross country skiing that Pittsfield enjoys. From the