The BEAT News

November 17, 2010

In the News

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Environmental Monitor
Public Notices Alphabetically by town
The BEAT News Archives

Advocacy News (Includes how to reach your legislators)

DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshire
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Local vs. Organic: Which Is Better?
An excerpt from The Locavore Way by local author Amy Cotler
Local is not necessarily organic. But which is better? From the perspective of this book: Local organic and local sustainably produced food are best.

Understanding the meaning behind this answer will help you make good decisions when you shop. Let’s start with organic. Food labeled organic is required to be grown, raised, or produced using federally mandated rules. These standards outline allowable and forbidden materials and practices, which makes good sense. But they don’t stress the integrated nature of farming, including the biological cycles necessary to healthy farming over the long haul. The organic label is also supported by strong agribusiness lobbies, which push for regulations to make their life easy (and our food not quite as safe).

Simultaneously, many of our local farmers are using safe, sustainable methods, which are the equivalent of or even better than established organic methods. They may or may not decide to become certified organic. If they opt out, it may be because their clients know and trust them, making certification unnecessary. Or perhaps they don’t approve of its bias toward big agribusiness; they can’t afford to follow the rules, which don’t encourage small farms; they use another accredited system, such as Certified Naturally Grown; or they prefer to use their own, ecofriendly methods.

Buying certified organic food without thinking leaves out these farmers who grow delicious, safe food and also enrich their communities in numerous ways. Farmers are left behind, too, as stores and restaurants respond to our demand by stressing organic above local. It may support farming systems that are substantially better than conventional methods, but it also boosts the ballooning organic agribusiness and food often shipped from afar, using lots of fossil food as it ages. 

Yes, ages — organic does not mean fresh. Knowing a farmer and his or her values, or at least finding a trustworthy farm source, is the best way to procure foods raised in a manner that is healthier for you and for the earth, too.

For more information check out Amy's blog.
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New England Wild Flower Society – 2011 Conservation Fellowships [3]

The Herbert J. Esther M. Atkinson Conservation Fellowship,
The Lovejoy Conservation Fellowship
The Marylee Everett Memorial Conservation Fellowship

New England Wild Flower Society, the oldest native plant conservation organization in the United States, is a leader in regional plant conservation activities. The New England Plant Conservation Program (NEPCoP) and the Plant Conservation Volunteer (PCV) Corps program engage professional and citizen volunteers in rare species monitoring, habitat management, invasive species monitoring and control initiatives, and long-term conservation planning. The innovative and award-winning NEPCoP and PCV programs work closely with the natural heritage program of each New England state as well as other conservation organizations.

The 2011 Fellows will be integral to these programs in a variety of ways, from coordinating volunteers and entering data to conducting botanical surveys, management projects, and other office and field actions. The Atkinson and Lovejoy Fellowships are detailed below. Full description for the Everett Fellowship opportunity will be available by January 2011 on our website http://www.newenglandWILD.org .

Description
The Atkinson and Lovejoy Fellows will assist in all aspects of administering the conservation programs of the Wild Flower Society, including conducting training programs, retrieving data from the heritage programs, obtaining landowner permission for rare plant surveys, sending out volunteer assignments, and entering data. Additionally, the Fellows will assist in the planning and implementation of restoration and management activities, invasive species initiatives, general floristic surveys and PCV field trips to botanically interesting locations throughout the region. The Society employs three fellows each year.

Preferred Skills
Candidates should have some familiarity with the flora of New England and ecological processes, excellent speaking and writing skills, good phone skills, a willingness to call landowners, and a sense of humor. Fellows must respect and maintain the confidentiality of rare species locations. Additionally some long days in difficult situations (hot, buggy, and wet) are required.

Bottom Line
Atkinson and Lovejoy Fellowships are full-time, six-month positions (26 weeks)
Lovejoy and Atkinson Fellowship Application deadline: January 15, 2011
Starting date: flexible, as early as March 1st, but no later than June 1st
Stipend: $6000 and housing is provided

Everett Fellowship is a full-time, three month position (13 weeks)
Starting date: June 1st
Stipend: $4000 and housing is provided

To Apply
Submit cover letter, resume, and reference list to:
John Burns, Plant Conservation Volunteer Coordinator
New England Wild Flower Society
180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA 01701
jburns@newenglandwild.org


Questions: Please email or call John Burns
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Selectmen to negotiate wind farm's PILOT program
By Ryan Hutton
Posted: 11/10/2010 01:59:11 AM EST

Wednesday November 10, 2010
North Adams Transcript

SAVOY -- Voters took under five minutes Tuesday night to decide to give the Selectmen permission to begin negotiations with Minuteman Wind LLC on a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) program for the proposed wind farm on West Hill.

The special town meeting held at Town Hall attracted 10 residents -- just enough for a quorum -- and the vote to allow the negotiations to begin was unanimous.

Minuteman plans to install five 400-foot wind turbines on 290 acres of West Hill at an estimated cost of $35 million. A PILOT program could be more beneficial for the town as opposed to taxing the project as a business because it would ensure the amount of money coming into the town year after year and would avoid the expensive process of re-assessing the project’s value every three years.

The Selectmen answered questions before the meeting, from former planning board member Karen Dobe-Costa, who wanted to know if the Selectmen would be the only ones working on the deal on the town’s behalf.

"It’s not just us, we will have legal counsel with us the whole time," Selectmen Chairman Scott Koczela said. "The state regulations state we are allowed to hire outside counsel for this project and the bill will go to Minuteman."

Koczela said the town has still not decided on a lawyer for the negotiations but will decide before negotiations begin. Koczela also said that just because PILOT
negotiations can now begin does not mean the Selectmen have ruled out simply taxing the project like a normal business if that turns out to be more beneficial to the town.<MORE>
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Animal Behavior, Autism, and Sensory-Based Thinking

Temple Grandin, a renowned leader in the autism and animal rights movements who came into the public eye last year as the subject of an eponymous Emmy-winning HBO film, will speak at Mount Holyoke Wednesday, November 17 at 7:30 pm in Gamble Auditorium.

In a lecture titled "Animal Behavior, Autism, and Sensory-Based Thinking," Grandin will discuss her insights into animal behavior and how her autism and visual thinking led to a revolution in animal husbandry and food production. The event is part of the Weissman Center's 2010-2011 Food series, which focuses on the philosophical questions and practical approaches to world hunger, global climate change, and animals as a food source.

Long before she became known to cable television viewers, Grandin established herself through her pioneering work with animals and in designing humane meat-processing facilities. She has done extensive work on the design of handling facilities; half the cattle in the United States and Canada are handled in equipment she has designed for meat plants. She has also developed animal welfare guidelines for the meat industry and consulted with McDonalds, Wendy's International, Burger King, and other companies on animal welfare.

Grandin earned a B.A. at Franklin Pierce College in 1970, then became livestock editor for the Arizona Farmer Ranchman and worked for Corral Industries on equipment design. She earned her M.S. in animal science in 1974 at Arizona State University for her work on the behavior of cattle and was awarded her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois in 1989; she is currently a professor of animal science at Colorado State University. <MORE>
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Bipartisan Support for Federal Land and Wildlife Conservation Fund
from Mass Audubon's Beacon Hill Weekly Roundup

Mass Audubon thanks Senator Scott Brown for joining with Senator John Kerry and our Congressional Delegation in support of the federal Land and Wildlife Conservation Fund (LWCF). Mass Audubon’s President Laura Johnson, along with The Nature Conservancy’s Wayne Klockner, Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition’s Bernie McHugh, and Bob Durand met recently with Senator Brown to discuss LWCF. The Fund has been a critical engine for the development and preservation of outdoor public recreation spaces across Massachusetts such as the Cape Cod National Seashore and Minuteman National Historic Park. 

Senator Brown is now among the first GOP senators to write to Senate leadership urging immediate action on full funding of LWCF. Senator Kerry has been a long-time supporter and an effective advocate for LWCF, and our delegation to the House of Representatives supported full funding for LWCF over the summer. As the 111th session comes to an end, we hope the example set by Senators Brown and Kerry leads to Senate passage of full funding for this vital program.  

For more information on LWCF, see the fact sheet.
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Businesses concerned by water use
BBC News - By Roger Harrabin Environment Analyst

Some 60% of firms have already set performance targets on the way they use water
Future water shortages are a growing concern for business, according to a global survey published today.

The research shows that more than half of the 147 firms responding expect problems with water in the next 1-5 years.

It says 60% of firms have already set performance targets on the way they use water.
The report predicts that the issue will get much worse as the world demand for water is projected to soar over the next few decades.

The UK's chief scientist John Beddington has warned that water scarcity will form part of a perfect storm of environmental problems.

And today's report from consultants ERM was requested by institutional investors who want to know how much risk their investments face from water problems.

It shows that 39% of the firms are already suffering from water related issues - including disruption from drought or flooding, declining water quality, and increases in water prices.

Sectors reporting the greatest exposure to water risks include food, drinks & tobacco and metals & mining.

Firms are increasingly recognising the risk to their brand if they are seen to be wasteful with water in countries where it is in short supply.

The growing demand for companies to measure their performance mirrors the existing trend for firms to measure their output of greenhouse gases. The ERM report says if firms measure their use of a commodity they tend to draw up policies over the use of that commodity.

But it says water differs from carbon in the sense that there are often alternatives to fossil fuels but there are no alternatives to water. <MORE>
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Williamstown's 'Green Community' application to be ready by deadline
By Meghan Foley
Posted: 11/13/2010 09:27:03 AM EST

Saturday November 13, 2010
North Adams Transcript

WILLIAMSTOWN -- Local officials are optimistic the town’s application for Green Community status will be ready by the Nov. 19 deadline for the second round of designations from the state program.

In the meantime, they’re racing to come up with a plan to reduce the town’s energy usage by 20 percent over five years in order to fulfill one of the program’s five criteria.
Assistant Assessor Jason McNair said Friday the challenge with drafting the plan is the town reduced its energy consumption by 19 percent from 2000 to 2008, and the earliest year that can be counted on the application is 2007.

"We’re going to have to do more that what we have already done," he said. "The first 20 percent is easy, but the second 20 percent is harder." <MORE>
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A New Neighborhood Farm
 
from the Valley Advocate
Thursday, November 11, 2010
By Mark Roessler

Sitting at a large table in the front hall of her well-preserved Victorian home in Northampton, Lilly Lombard faces a sea of pamphlets, maps and illustrations. They all depict an empty stretch of floodplain land across town that is fertile with possibility. Lombard is the president of Grow Food Northampton, an aspiring nonprofit organization dedicated to "promoting food security by advancing sustainable agriculture."
Though she is relaxed and cordial in person, her focused, rapid-fire responses betray a determined and energized organizer. In less than a year, she and her colleagues have turned a hope and a dream into an almost tangible reality.

If she and her colleagues have their way—and their intense fundraising campaign is successful—they will lay claim to two former family farms. They have already raised enough for the smaller of the two, 37 acres, but they hope to buy and preserve contiguous land, which would create a 117-acre farm. The farm would not just be for their group's use, but it would be operated as a community farm.  <;MORE>
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Eight of Nine U.S. Companies Agree to Work with EPA Regarding Chemicals Used in Natural Gas Extraction: EPA conducting congressionally mandated study to examine the impact of the hydraulic fracturing process on drinking water quality; Halliburton subpoenaed after failing to meet EPA’s voluntary requests for information

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that eight out of the nine hydraulic fracturing companies that received voluntary information requests in September have agreed to submit timely and complete information to help the agency conduct its study on hydraulic fracturing. However, the ninth company, Halliburton, has failed to provide EPA the information necessary to move forward with this important study. As a result, and as part of the agency’s effort to move forward as quickly as possible, EPA issued a subpoena to the company requiring submission of the requested information that has yet to be provided.

EPA’s congressionally mandated hydraulic fracturing study will look at the potential adverse impact of the practice on drinking water and public health. The agency is under a tight deadline to provide initial results by the end of 2012 and the thoroughness of the study depends on timely access to detailed information about the methods used for fracturing. EPA announced in March that it would conduct this study and solicit input from the public through a series of public meetings in major oil and gas production regions. The agency has completed the public meetings and thousands of Americans from across the country shared their views on the study and expressed full support for this effort.

On September 9,  EPA reached out to nine leading national and regional hydraulic fracturing service providers – BJ Services, Complete Production Services, Halliburton, Key Energy Services, Patterson-UTI, RPC, Inc., Schlumberger, Superior Well Services, and Weatherford – seeking information on the chemical composition of fluids used in the hydraulic fracturing process, data on the impacts of the chemicals on human health and the environment, standard operating procedures at their hydraulic fracturing sites and the locations of sites where fracturing has been conducted.

Except for Halliburton, the companies have either fully complied with the September 9 request or made unconditional commitments to provide all the information on an expeditious schedule. 

More information on the subpoena and mandatory request for information on Halliburton’s hydraulic fracturing operations: http://www.epa.gov/hydraulicfracturing
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Grants Fund Ecological Restoration Projects

BOSTON – Monday, November 15, 2010 – In keeping with Governor Patrick's commitment to habitat conservation, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Ian Bowles today announced $96,700 in funding for ecological restoration projects in the towns of Chatham, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Hingham, Middleton and Scituate.

These grants – funded through the Environmental Bond signed by Governor Patrick in 2008 – supplement and leverage significant federal, municipal, corporate and foundation funding. Types of projects range from dam removal to culvert replacement.

"Replacing aging and obsolete infrastructure to lessen flooding, improve water quality and restore habitat relieves strained municipal budgets as it improves the environment," said Secretary Bowles. "I am pleased to announce these ecological restoration projects, which will benefit communities from the Berkshires to Cape Cod."

Conservation and wildlife organizations will use the funds to restore salt marshes on Cape Cod and the South Shore and improve ecological conditions within the North Hoosic and Ipswich Rivers and First Herring and Thunder Brooks. These grants are administered through the Department of Fish and Game's (DFG) Division of Ecological Restoration (DER).

"When you restore a river or salt marsh, you improve habitat for a range of wildlife species that directly support commercial and recreational fisheries and enhance the ability of ecosystems to respond to climate change and other environmental stressors," said DFG Commissioner Mary Griffin.

"This is a smart investment that leverages hundreds of thousands of non-state dollars," said Sen. Benjamin B. Downing. "By removing the Briggsville Dam and the crumbling water supply infrastructure at Thunder Brook, we'll improve the ecology and environmental cold water habitat in Clarksburg and Cheshire for fish and wildlife."

"Trout Unlimited and the Division of Ecological Restoration share an interest and passion in restoring coldwater habitat. Both of the barrier removal projects in Clarksburg and Cheshire will benefit wild brook trout populations for the benefit of generations of anglers to come," said Massachusetts/Rhode Island Council Chairman for Trout Unlimited Joe Overlock.

The western Mass projects are listed below.

Cheshire
Thunder Brook Restoration Project
Hoosic Chapter of Trout Unlimited
$1,700
Thunder Brook is a tributary to the South Branch of the Hoosic River that flows from the slopes of Mount Greylock. An aging dam and failing culvert fragment this coldwater stream and prevent fish passage between the Hoosic River and Thunder Brook. The dam is also a financial and liability burden for Cheshire. The Hoosic Chapter of Trout Unlimited will use these funds to support the development of final design plans.

Clarksburg
Briggsville Dam Removal Project
Hoosic Chapter of Trout Unlimited
$40,000
The goal of this restoration is to remove a 15-foot high, 200-foot long headwater dam to improve cold water habitat for resident and state-listed species. The project involves a full dam removal, stabilizing and vegetating banks, and restoring native stream and riparian habitat through the brook. This project will benefit eastern brook trout, slimy sculpin, and longnose sucker, a state-listed species. Dam removal will also eliminate liability and repair costs, estimated at $700,000, helping the company that owns the dam retain 150 jobs in the North Adams area.
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New Hurdle for California Condors May Be DDT From Years Ago 
Chad Olson/National Park Service, via Associated Press

AT RISK Condors at the Grand Canyon in 2004. Researchers were alarmed by abnormally thin eggshells in the wild.

By JOHN MOIR, November 15, 2010
BIG SUR, Calif. — Four years ago, in a musky, leaf-lined cavity halfway up a 200-foot redwood tree here, two California condors made the region’s first known nesting attempt in more than a century.

Joe Burnett, a senior wildlife biologist with the Ventana Wildlife Society and the lead biologist for the Central California condor recovery program, who had been monitoring the condor pair, was delighted with this promising development in the continuing effort to save the nation’s largest bird from extinction. When this first breeding attempt proved unsuccessful, Mr. Burnett attributed it to the young birds’ inexperience. But when he climbed the giant tree to examine the abandoned nest, he was stunned at what he uncovered: the first evidence of a potentially significant new hurdle for the condor program.

“The eggshell fragments we found appeared abnormally thin,” Mr. Burnett said. “They were so thin that we had to run tests to confirm that it was a condor egg.” The fragments reminded him of the thin-shelled eggs from birds like brown pelicans and peregrine falcons, which had been devastated by DDT but are now on the rebound.

The discovery raised a disturbing question: could DDT — the deadly pesticide that has been banned in the United States since 1972 — produce condor reproductive problems nearly four decades later?

[BEAT note: The answer is yes. – READ MORE]
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Holiday Farmers' Markets on Nov 20 & Dec 18

Given the success of last year’s Holiday Farmers’ Markets, Berkshire Grown will host a total of four markets in 2010 with both a north county (Williamstown) and south county (Great Barrington) presence – two on November 20, the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and two on December 18, the Saturday before Christmas.

Many components for holiday meals will be offered from farmers and artisan producers in the region including produce, cheese, eggs, meat, poultry, bread, pies and other baked goods, plus pickles and jams. Entertainment will feature live music at both venues and pre-order pickups will be available.

Both Holiday Farmers’ Markets will take place in North County at the Williams College Field House on Latham Street in Williamstown (10 am – 2 pm)

and in South County at Searles School Gymnasium on Bridge Street in Great Barrington (9 am – 1pm.)

The two events will create a marketplace to extend the selling season of regional farmers and food producers as well as invite community members to join in celebration of our region’s food culture.

Massachusetts Grown…and Fresher is a major sponsor of the markets in addition to Williams College, which has contributed significant funds to the project. In support of Berkshire Grown, this event is sponsored by The Sustainable Food & Agriculture Program and The Zilkha Center for Environmental Initiatives at Williams College, Mezze Restaurant Group, Mission Bar & Tapas/The Market, The Red Lion Inn, Storey Publishing and Slow Food of Western Massachusetts.
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Thirtieth Annual E. F. Schumacher Lectures in New York City
November 20th at the Community Church, 40 East 35th Street, New York City

In June of this year, James Gustave Speth addressed a group of foundation professionals on the topic of "Towards a New Consciousness in America: the Role of Grantmakers."  He invited those in attendance to help him change America's mind.  By which he meant changing long held beliefs and habits that prevent us from conducting our economic lives in a way that supports both people and the environment.

As former Dean of Yale School of Forestry, former Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, co-founder of Natural Resources Defense Council, founder of World Resources Institute, his remarks carried weight.  His call was urgent.

He concluded:

"What if the following occurred? A decline in legitimacy as the [existing economic] system fails to deliver social and environmental well-being, together with a mounting sense of crisis and great loss. If both of these conditions occurred at a time when the country had wise leadership, accompanied by the articulation of a new American narrative or story, by the appearance across the landscape of new and appropriate models, and by the projection of a powerful set of new ideas and policy proposals previously "laying around" and confirming that the path to a better world does indeed exist ­ were all these to come together, real change would be possible. And prospects would be enhanced and advanced by a new social movement, powerful and inclusive. The best hope for such a new dynamic is a fusion of those concerned about environment, social justice, and true democracy into one progressive force. We are all communities of shared fate. We will rise or fall together, so we¹d better get together.

Friends, a new consciousness in America is not a utopian dream; rather, it is a practical necessity."

Gus Speth is one of three speakers at next Saturday's Thirtieth Annual E. F. Schumacher Lectures in New York City.  He will continue his appeal for an alliance between the environmental, social justice, and progressive communities to forge an economics that can meet the multiple challenges ahead.  His talk titled:  "Letter to Liberals: Liberalism, Environmentalism, and Economic Growth," will challenge long-held liberal assumptions.

Neva Goodwin, Co-Director of the Tufts University Global Development And Environment Institute will speak on the topic "What can we hope for the world in 2075?" and Stewart Wallis, Executive Director of London's New Economics Foundation of London will talk about "The Great Transition."

Please join us on November 20th at the Community Church, 40 East 35th Street in New York City (between Madison and Park Avenues).  The program begins at 10AM and continues to 5PM.  Tickets are $65 each and may be purchased at the door or ordered through the New York Open Center:

http://www.opencenter.org/voices-of-a-new-economics/

or by calling 212 219-2527 x 2.

The following groups are adding their voices to the discussion by co-sponsoring the lectures:  American Sustainable Business Council, BALLE, BerkShares, Brooklyn Torch Project, Capital Institute, Confluence Philanthropy, Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy, David Suzuki Foundation, Friends of the Earth, Garrison Institute, Global Development And Environment Institute, Gund Institute for Ecological
Economics, Kosmos Journal, The Land Institute, New Economy Network, Ocean Arks International, Other Worlds, Sustainable South Bronx, Tikkun, Westport Village Green Initiative, and Your Olive Branch.

Susan Witt and Stephan Crown-Weber
Berkshire Office and Library
New Economics Institute
140 Jug End Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
www.neweconomicsinstitute.org
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Border Groups Join Forces Against Biomass Plant
from iBerkshires  - By Tammy Daniels
November 15, 2010

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Two local groups opposing a biomass plant in Pownal, Vt., have joined forces, hired an attorney and begun protesting.

Concerned Citizens of Pownal and Concerned Citizens Williamstown have formed the Bennington-Berkshire Citizens Coalition to fight the siting of a 29.5 megawatt power-generation and wood pellet manufacturing facility at the former Green Moutain Racetrack just over the border from Massachusetts.

Beaver Wood Energy is pursuing a Certificate of Public Good with the state of Vermont with hopes of breaking ground for the $250 million facility before the end of the year. The company is also proposing a similar plant in Fair Haven, Vt., and is partnering with Bechtel Corp. to build them.

While the Pownal Select Board has been cautious in its opinions regarding the plant, residents and those in Williamstown have raised concerns over pollution, ash, emissions, dust and noise eminating from the defunct track. The Williamstown Selectmen submitted a letter of concern to the Pownal board that was to be included in correspondence to the Vermont Public Service Board.

The cross-border coalition said its goal is to "slow the permitting process to allow local residents and stakeholders, including the staff, faculty and students of Williams College, adequate time to study the proposal and the environmental and quality-of-life impacts a biomass incinerator would have on the community."

On Saturday morning, a dozen or so protestors were at the racetrack gate with signs; posters on the group's Facebook page, Southern Vermont Against Biomass, reported positive responses from motorists but a less welcoming confrontation with an individual believed to be one of the track's owners.
  Two more rallies are planned this weekend: from 3:30 to 5 at Field Park on Friday, Nov. 19, and again on Saturday at the north entrance of the track on Route 7 from 9 to 11 a.m.

The group is also planning another forum on Saturday, Nov. 20, at 4 p.m. at First Congregational Church in Williamstown with three panelists on biomass and biomass incinerators. For more information on other upcoming meetings, click here.

Deborah Rothschild of Williamstown, a member of the group, presented the Selectmen last week with a lengthy list of violations and fines she said were incurred by the owners of Beaver Wood Energy for facilities in Maine, adding they were "just the tip of the iceberg." <MORE>
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The Nature Conservancy’s Southeast MA Program Director position has been posted. If you are interested or want to share with someone who is, application is via the following link:
http://www.nature.org/careers/work/art24244.html   (click on “view positions” at right)

JOB NUMBER: 12651

LOCATION: Southeast MA or Boston, MA (negotiable)

ABOUT US
The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in all 50 states and more than 33 countries. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Southeast Massachusetts (SEMA) Program Director oversees the landscape conservation efforts of The Nature Conservancy in the lands and waters of Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands. S/He closely collaborates with Chapter staff to implement successful terrestrial, marine and aquatic protection, restoration, and policy strategies and projects. The Southeast Massachusetts Program Director works closely with government agencies, NGOs, local communities and other partners to direct public and private resources, formulate public policy approaches, build consensus on priorities and strategies and long-term support for conservation. The SEMA Program Director ensures that conservation efforts are aligned with both the Conservancy’s Integrated Landscape Plans and the Massachusetts Chapter Strategic Plan, and proactively works with staff across the Chapter to advance priority strategies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

DUTIES:

  • Lead conservation strategies to accomplish The Nature Conservancy’s goals and strategic objectives in Southeastern Massachusetts, and occasionally broader geographies, developing and administering program plans for successfully implementing these strategies.  Conservation strategies cover terrestrial , freshwater and marine conservation, including land protection, management and restoration, and public policy.
  • Collaborate with Marine and Freshwater Program Directors, Conservation Science and Protection Directors, and other staff to design and assure successful implementation of both the Massachusetts Strategic Plan and the Southern New England Integrated Landscape’s marine, freshwater, and terrestrial protection, restoration, and policy strategies.  Oversee and coordinate teams working at local, statewide, and regional scales for each strategy.
  • Develop and manage strong partnerships with private and public entities to implement conservation strategies.  
  • Communicate goals, progress, and issues internally and externally, assuring that colleagues, donors, trustees and appropriate partners have a good understanding of the intent and status of ongoing projects.
  • Work with philanthropy staff to raise public and private resources needed to accomplish program goals and support other aspects of The Nature Conservancy’s conservation mission.
  • Supervise the Restoration Ecologist and SEMA Projects Manager. Provide leadership and vision; develop staff abilities for highest performance, and managing performance issues toward positive resolution.
  • Work with land protection staff to develop and implement land protection goals and participate in negotiations on selected parcels.  Respond to all legal issues arising with property (requests for CR revision, obligations in landowners and neighborhood associations, etc.)
  • Manage the SEMA program to ensure it is in compliance with TNC policies. Develop and manage budgets.
  • Assist, manage or lead additional projects as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in public policy, resource economics, biology,, natural resources management or related field and five to seven years related work experience.  Master’s degree preferred. 
  • Negotiation skills and the ability to simultaneously manage multiple priorities and work under pressure with flexibility is required.
  • Successful experience in developing, directing and managing multiple projects.
  • Supervisory experience, including the ability to motivate and lead staff, set objectives, and manage performance.
  • Demonstrated experience in MS Office, Word, and Excel.  May require database management skills with ability to produce reports.  Ability to use advanced computer functions including navigating the Internet.  Ability to manipulate, analyze and interpret data.
  • Knowledge of current trends in conservation practices.
  • Successful experience in partnership development; political savvy.
  • Willingness to invest in the regional community and commit to enhancing the quality of life in the area.

COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:

  • Resolve complex issues independently within program area.  Experiment to find creative solutions. 
  • Interpret guidelines and analyze factual information to adapt or modify processes in response to changing circumstances.  Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and develop timelines for project completion.  Strong organizational skills.

DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:

  • Make sound decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.  Decisions may affect other staff in program area.
  • Work independently in an entrepreneurial environment; comfortable with ambiguity.

COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:

  • Communication and presentation skills; ability to persuasively convey the mission of TNC to diverse groups including landowners, donors, board members, the public and others. 
  • Solicit program support through clear written communications, including proposal writing and other written materials.
  • Work and communicate with a wide range of people from various backgrounds, including community members whose perspectives may vary widely. 
  • Work in partnership with other organizations in a collaborative or advisory role.
  • Ability to function productively as a member or leader of a team.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:

  • Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work an irregular schedule including weekends and unpredicted schedule change, travel extensively and on short notice.
  • Work requires occasional physical exertion and/or muscular strain.  Work involves several disagreeable elements and/or exposure to job hazard’s where there is some possibility of injury.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in public policy, biology, natural resources management or related field and five to seven years related work experience. 
  • Negotiation skills and the ability to simultaneously manage multiple priorities and work under pressure with flexibility.
  • Supervisory experience.
  • Successful experience in partnership development; political savvy.

BENEFITS
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

HOW TO APPLY
To apply to this position, please submit resume and cover letter as one document.

All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 30, 2010.
Failure to complete all of the required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration. The information entered in the education and work experience sections are auto screened by the system based on the basic qualifications of the position.

You must click submit to apply for the position. Click save if you want to be able to return to your application and submit it later. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited.

EOE STATEMENT
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Alison A. Bowden
Director, Massachusetts Freshwater Program
Co-Director, Eastern US Diadromous Fish Program
office:(617) 227-7017 x 351
cell:(617) 678-6135 
www.nature.org\massfreshwater

 The Nature Conservancy
 in Massachusetts
205 Portland St, Suite 400
Boston, MA 02114
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Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries’ recent Annual Bird Seed Sale left us with plenty of extra seed available for sale. We have on hand 25-pound bags of sunflower seed blend, 25 and 50-pound bags of mixed seed, and 10-pound bags of sunflower hearts.  This high quality seed is perfect for attracting a variety of interesting and beautiful birds to your home this winter season.  All proceeds benefit the conservation, education, and advocacy programs of Berkshire Sanctuaries.  For more information and a price list, please contact our Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary office at 413-637-0320, or email us at berkshires@massaudubon.org

Please call:
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
472 West Mountain Road
Lenox, MA  01240
413-637-0320
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