Opportunities to get more involved with land conservation
from the North Quabbin Regional Landscape Partnership
Land Conservation and Land Stewardship volunteer positions, with stipend
Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust has received a grant from the Commonwealth Corps Grants Program to fund stipends for four volunteer positions in land conservation. Positions require time commitments of 800 or 1,600 hours over the course of a year and carry stipends of $5,000 or $10,000. Mount Grace is now accepting applications for each of the four positions. The positions run from November to the end of August 2010, and are available to Massachusetts residents only. Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to David Kotker at kotker@mountgrace.org. Resumes must be received by Friday, October 23rd. Call 978-248-2055 x 19 for more information.
Regional Partnership Conservationist
The North Quabbin Regional Partnership Conservationist works directly with the North Quabbin Regional Landscape Partnership Coordinator to assist with managing regionally important land conservation projects, planning and recruitment for educational land conservation forums, organizing Partnership executive committee meetings, and assisting with land conservation grant writing.
Applicants should be familiar with microsoft office programs and have strong writing and communication skills, as well as a strong interest in working with landowners and municipalities to protect the important farms, woodlands and natural areas of the North Quabbin region. Experience in local government or civic organizations, or experience in land use planning, grant writing, computer mapping (GIS), real estate transactions or event planning, is a plus. This full-time position requires a time commitment of 1,600 hours and carries a stipend of $10,000, plus benefits including health insurance and a $1,800 end-of-term bonus paid on satisfactory completion of the program.
This past year, Gary Howland held the regional conservationist position:
"After 30 years in the computer and telecommunications industry, I found myself out of work and with no desire to search for employment within my field when this opportunity to participate in the Commonwealth Corp presented itself to me. For the last 10 months I have served the North Quabbin Regional Landscape Partnership as their Regional Conservationist. As an active member of a small all volunteer land trust, I decided it was time for a career change and I wanted to do something to help preserve the environment. The Regional Conservationist position has given me my first position in my new career. It was a wonderful experience to work with the truly kind group of people at the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust facility. Working to support small land trusts, town conservation, open space, and agricultural committees in the North Quabbin's 26 town area was very rewarding and challenging. I have been involved with over 31 projects, ranging from providing assistance in the formation of Agricultural Commissions, GIS mapping, the revitalization of Open Space Committees, identification of conservation projects and working with landowners in the protection and stewardship of their properties. I would encourage anyone with the desire to make a difference within our communities and in their own lives to consider applying to this volunteer posting."
Community Outreach Coordinator
The Community Outreach Coordinator works with community groups to encourage use of land protected by Mount Grace. The coordinator will strengthen existing networks of organizations, volunteers and supporters in each community that benefit from, and support local conservation projects. Responsibilities include planning and promoting community events on Mount Grace lands and other public lands, working to identify conservation projects that meet community needs, and planning service projects for community volunteers.
Applicants should have a strong background in community organizing, including experience managing projects to completion, planning and promoting events, and networking to build coalitions. Strong identification with the goals of land conservation and stewardship is also important, as is a familiarity with the cultural resources and existing community networks of the region. This full-time position requires a time commitment of 1,600 hours and carries a stipend of $10,000, plus benefits including health insurance and a $1,800 end-of-term bonus paid on satisfactory completion of the program.
Service Learning Coordinator
The Service Learning Coordinator designs, develops, and delivers service learning experiences to school children and youth groups. The coordinator will establish long-term working program relationships with teachers, farmers, foresters and conservation professionals, develop informational and presentation materials, make classroom presentations, and facilitate service learning projects on farms and in forests.
Applicants should be experienced in outdoor education and in designing informative text and graphic based presentations with Microsoft software. Applicants should understand and be able to interpret natural history and have strong communication and project management skills. Experience in land conservation, organic farming or gardening, forest stewardship, trail design and maintenance, or teaching children and young adults is also a plus. This full-time position requires a time commitment of 1,600 hours and carries a stipend of $10,000, plus benefits including health insurance and a $1,800 end-of-term bonus paid on satisfactory completion of the program.
Regional Land Steward
A part-time Regional Land Steward will work with the Stewardship Biologist to assist town conservation commissions and local land trusts with baseline documentation reports and annual monitoring visits on conservation lands. The steward will also develop relationships with landowners and, set up workshops to train volunteers from town boards and local land trusts to do baseline reports. The position requires a volunteer time commitment of 800 hours and carries a stipend of $5,000 plus a $900 end-of-term bonus paid on satisfactory completion of the program.
Minimum requirements for this volunteer opportunity include 2 years of college in a natural resource or scientific field or equivalent work experience. Applicants must be experienced with computer mapping (ArcGIS 9.2) and with capturing data using GPS units. Applicants must be experienced at outdoor navigation with map and compass and comfortable working independently outdoors in a range of weather conditions. Applicants should be able to identify local plants and wildlife and also be capable of writing detailed technical reports using Microsoft software.
Stewards must have a reliable vehicle.
All Massachusetts residents are eligible for stipends through this project. Towns served by this project are: Ashburnham, Athol, Barre, Bernardston, Erving, Gardner, Gill, Greenfield, Hardwick, Hubbardston, Leverett, Leyden, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Pelham, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Shutesbury, Templeton, Warwick, Wendell, Westminster, and Winchendon.
Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust is a regional land trust that serves 23 towns in Franklin and Worcester counties. It protects significant natural, agricultural and scenic areas and encourages land stewardship for the benefit of the environment, the economy and future generations. In 23 years through collaborations and partnerships, Mount Grace has protected more than 23,000 acres.
Volunteer postings can also be viewed at United-e-way and at Mount Grace
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JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: CONNECTICUT RIVER STEWARD – LOWER RIVER
The Connecticut River Watershed Council (CRWC), the principal citizen advocate for protecting New England’s largest river ecosystem, is seeking candidates to be its new River Steward for the lower Connecticut River (within the State of Connecticut). CRWC advocates for the entire, four-state Connecticut River watershed. We work to protect water—the river, its tributaries, lakes, fish; and the land, plants, and creatures connected to that water. The River Steward Program was created in 1994 to provide CRWC with an on-river presence and local advocacy capacity. Each River Steward serves a specific reach of the Connecticut River and works at the community level to promote river conservation and restoration. S/he is both a watchdog and a problem-solver – addressing threats to water quality; promoting conservation actions and policies by local and state government and other partners; pursuing opportunities to conserve and restore the natural resources of the watershed; and building partnerships to achieve these goals. S/he reports to and is supervised by the Executive Director. Restoration of migratory fisheries through installation of fishways and removal of dams is a current priority.
Principal Duties:
- Be familiar with physical features and natural history of the lower Connecticut River and its major tributaries.
- Develop a personal relationship with the principal public agencies, local commissions, nonprofit groups, and media that serve this region.
- Keep abreast of and understand the principal environmental issues affecting the lower River, advising the Executive Director on issues that warrant CRWC attention.
- Develop and carry out strategies and initiatives to address issues selected for CRWC action, with special attention to forming partnerships where appropriate.
- Understand the federal Clean Water Act and current and proposed environmental laws and regulations in the State of Connecticut.
- Develop and present CRWC position statements and comments on proposed legislation, regulations, and projects affecting the River and the environmental quality of the watershed.
- Represent CRWC in permit and other proceedings for projects determined to be of interest to the Council; and develop coalitions to support defense of the River and other environmental interests, as appropriate.
- Promote awareness of, interest in and support for the Watershed Council through all appropriate means, including personal contacts, group presentations, events and trips, press releases, letters-to-the-editor, etc.
- Provide technical assistance to grassroots organizations, local commissions and others, as appropriate.
- Develop grants and other sources of funding for CRWC programs and projects serving the lower River, in coordination with the Planning and Development Director.
- Develop and oversee fisheries restoration projects throughout the entire watershed.
- Maintain records and an organized filing system.
- Develop annual work plans, and provide the Executive Director with quarterly and other reports, as requested.
Location:
The Lower River Steward works out of an office in the deKoven Community Center in Middletown, CT.
Qualifications:
Qualified candidates should have a graduate degree in ecology, freshwater biology, environmental studies, or related work experience. The ideal candidate will have three or more years of field experience in river conservation, resource management, environmental planning, or related field. Excellent verbal and writing skills and familiarity with MS Office software is highly desirable. Boating interest and experience is also desirable. This position requires someone who is outgoing and self-motivated, able to work well on his or her own, able to set priorities and meet deadlines, and comfortable leading often diverse community partnerships.
Salary:
Nonprofit salary is commensurate with experience, plus health and paid leave benefits.
Deadline:
The application deadline is November 17, 2009.
Application process:
Send résumé and cover letter to:
Chelsea Gwyther, Executive Director
CRWC
15 Bank Row
Greenfield, MA 01301
Or by email to cgwyther@ctriver.org (put “River Steward” in subject line).
No phone calls, please.
CRWC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to work place diversity.
The Massachusetts Watershed Coalition
....Creating a Network of Watershed Partners.
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Wind power informational meeting slated at BCC
The public is invited to participate in an informational meeting, Wind Power in the Berkshires: an Informational Session at Berkshire Community College (Room K111) in Pittsfield on Monday, October 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The meeting is free and is sponsored by the Center for Ecological Technology (CET) and members of the Berkshire legislative delegation, including Representatives Dan Bosley and Smitty Pignatelli and Senator Ben Downing, with support from the University of Massachusetts Wind Energy Center.
Interest in wind energy has increased as local wind projects in various stages of planning and permitting have been in the news. At this public meeting, community members can learn more about wind technologies, the potential for wind power in the Berkshires, and the proposed Wind Energy Siting Reform Act. There will be an opportunity for questions and discussion.
Senator Benjamin Downing will offer opening remarks and frame the issue. Patrick Quinlan, from the University of Massachusetts Renewable Energy Research Laboratory will discuss wind technology, siting issues related to wind power development, and the status of wind energy development in Massachusetts and the Berkshires. Ken Kimmell, of the Executive Office of Energy and the Environment, will provide an overview and update about the Wind Energy Siting Reform Act and net metering regulations in the Commonwealth.
“This forum is extremely timely, as we are experiencing increased interest and activity related to wind energy projects in our area. The Berkshires have the potential to benefit from energy conservation, efficiency and clean, local renewable sources of energy, including wind power,” said CET’s Nancy Nylen. “This session will provide objective information about wind technology, as well as up-to-date information and dialogue to help residents make thoughtful and informed decisions. We urge residents of the Berkshire region to come learn and ask questions about wind power in our area.”
This workshop is co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust and University of Massachusetts Wind Energy Center. For more information, contact Nancy Nylen at CET, 413-458-5688 or send email to nancyn@cetonline.org.
CET is a non-profit energy and resource conservation organization serving western Massachusetts for over 30 years. CET receives funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. CET is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.
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Time to Talk about Family Land :
Regional Seminar for Landowners Aims to Improve Family Communication about Inheritance and Estate Planning Decisions
Northampton, MA – October 13, 2009 – Land and family are two topics that often evoke passionate feelings--which can easily lead to the avoidance of important decisions about the future. At the Family Land Conversations seminar on Saturday, November 14th, landowners and their family members, land trust staff, board members, foresters, and anyone interacting with landowners are invited to learn valuable strategies for how to encourage healthy communication and trust in making decisions about family lands. The seminar will take place at the Hotel Northampton on King St , and run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a cost of $20 per individual or $50 per family.
The day will focus on several key issues including how to initiate family conversations about the sale or inheritance of your land, how to lay out a plan to keep your land in your family, what types of ownership and management structures work best over the long haul, where to go for help, and which professionals to have on your team. These discussions are particularly pressing considering the median age of Massachusetts ’ landowners is in the early 60’s, a time when many start thinking about the future of their land.
Olivia Boyce-Abel, a consultant to owners of family lands for over 25 years, is the keynote speaker for the seminar. Ms. Boyce Abel has in-depth experience dealing with property stewardship, multiparty ownership and dispute resolution, and excels in working with family dynamics to foster creative solutions. This seminar will be a rare opportunity to learn from one of the leading experts in the field about how to manage family communication issues in estate planning and land conservation conversations. The seminar sponsors include UMass Extension, Highland Communities Initiative, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Nature Conservancy. Please join us in learning how to help your family engage in important conversations to create a successful plan for the future of your land.
Pre-registration is required. For more information or to download a registration form, visit www.masswoods.net or call Paul Catanzaro at 413.545.4839.
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HCI & The Trustees of Reservations
A program of The Trustees of Reservations, the Highland Communities Initiative is a group of neighbors and volunteers working to enhance the quality of life and rural character of our communities. In 2000, Highland residents worked with the Trustees of Reservations to form HCI in order to protect one of New England’s quintessential rural landscapes as it braced for the tide of unplanned development sweeping across Massachusetts . Now, HCI connects people, towns, and organizations, giving them the tools and support they need to advocate for conservation and community preservation in their own communities and across the region. To find out more, please visit us at www.highlandcommunities.org
Founded in 1891, The Trustees of Reservations is the nation's oldest regional land trust and nonprofit conservation organization. The Trustees of Reservations welcomes the public to enjoy and experience our nine beautiful properties in the Pioneer Valley and our 100 special places across Massachusetts . The Trustees rely on dedicated staff, volunteers, members and donors to raise community awareness around the importance of preserving exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological landscapes; to interpret the stories that emerge from our local history and define our community character; to sustain local farms and natural resources; and to offer our visitors top notch outdoor experiences. To learn more, please visit www.thetrustees.org or call the Pioneer Valley office at 413.532.1631
Mark Wamsley
Program & Outreach Coordinator
Highland Communities Initiative
The Trustees of Reservations
(413) 268-8219
http://www.highlandcommunities.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"My Place is the Highlands !"
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Hampden District Medical Society Opposes Russell BioMass
Last week, the Executive Committee of the Hampden District Medical Society (HDMS) voted to formally oppose the construction of the Russell Biomass power plant. After reviewing the anticipated air pollutants generated from the combustion of the various wood fuels and taking into consideration the weather patterns and pre-existing air quality of the Pioneer Valley , the committee determined that the power plant would present an unacceptable public health risk.
"The Hampden District Medical Society opposes the Russell Biomass power plant because it presents an unacceptable threat to the health of the citizens of the Pioneer Valley ," said Dr. James Wang, President of HDMS. In formally opposing Russell Biomass, HDMS joins the Massachusetts Sierra Club, the American Lung Association of New England, Toxics Action Center , Clean Water Action, MA/RI Trout Unlimited, Massachusetts Forest Watch, EcoLaw Massachusetts , the Massachusetts Environmental Energy Alliance, the Westfield State College chapter of Environment Massachusetts, and many other organizations, individuals, and businesses.
The HDMS announcement will be made by HDMS President Dr. James Wang at a press conference on Wednesday, October 14 at 6:00pm at the Russell Elementary School at 115 Highland Avenue in Russell. The press conference precedes a public informational evening sponsored by the Concerned Citizens of Russell (CCR) commencing at 7:00 PM. The CCR informational forum will feature a Selectman and a journalist from Maine sharing their firsthand experiences with biomass power plants.
For more information on the HDMS announcement please contact HDMS President Dr. James Wang, (413) 736-0661)
For general information on the press conference or the public information evening please contact Jana Chicoine, Spokesperson of the Concerned Citizens of Russell, at (413) 454-1898, janachicoine@verizon.net
Suzanne T. Skibinski
Executive Director
Hampden District Medical Society
1111 Elm Street, Suite 22
West Springfield, MA 01089-1540
Phone: (413) 736-0661 Fax: (413) 731-8990
Email: hdms@massmed.org
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