October 9, 2008

In the News

• Berkshire ACEC Proposal Accepted for Review--Public Meetings to Ensue
• NRD Evaluating Land Proposals meeting
• Western Mass Empowering Local Land Conservation Grants
• LANDOWNER INCENTIVE PROGRAM: UPCOMING 2009 APPLICATION PERIOD AND INFORMATION SESSIONS; 2008 HIGHLIGHTS
• 2008 Falcon Chick & Eaglet Banding Results
• Forest Resources Education for Municipal Officials (FREMO)
• American Rivers/NOAA Partnership Grant Round Now Open
• CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS DUE OCT 15! 12th National Mitigation & Ecosystem Banking Conference
• The Beacon Hill Weekly Roundup 10/03/2008
• Climate Change Strategy to Help Manage Water Resources
• EPA Seeks Comment on Preliminary Perchlorate Drinking Water Decision
• News and Schedual from Massachsetts Forest Update
• Dam Removal Project Management Workshop
• Massachusetts Environmental Trust Grant Applications Due October 31
• Pressure Is on to Recycle Water Filters

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 Berkshires
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To all interested parties:

The proposed Upper Housatonic River Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) Nomination, covering 12,280 acres in Lee, Lenox, Pittsfield, and Washington, has been formally accepted for full review by EOEEA Secretary Ian A. Bowles. Letters were sent to the nominators, legislators, and municipal officials this week. The Secretary's letter is attached here to inform a distribution list compiled by the ACEC Program. A separate state agency list will also be notified.  A notice will be placed in the MEPA Environmental Monitor for October 8.

DCR’s ACEC Program will conduct a series of four public information meetings with the ACEC nominators in the proposed ACEC municipalities later this month. The purpose of the public information meetings is to educate interested citizens about the nomination, the ACEC Program and the effects of ACEC designation (see attached meeting schedule in pdf format).

The ACEC Program will conduct the full review of the nomination over the next 4 – 6 months with a review team of resource specialists from EOEEA agencies. Following the public meetings the Secretary and ACEC Program will determine whether more public meetings are required before scheduling a public hearing. With a required 30-day public notice, the earliest that the public hearing could be scheduled would be in December.  The Secretary will make a decision whether to designate the nominated area within 60 days following the public hearing. The full nomination document with maps is online at http://savethehousatonic.org . 

For more information about the ACEC Program and nomination review process, please see the ACEC Program website: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/acec
Please forward this email to anyone we have missed.  Please call or email if you have any questions.
  
Elizabeth Sorenson
Director, Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) Program
Department of Conservation and Recreation
251 Causeway St., Ste. 700, Boston, MA  02114
Phone:  617-626-1394       FAX:  617-626-1349
 
Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) are places in Massachusetts
that contain natural and cultural resources of regional, state, or national importance. 
The 28 state-designated ACECs range in size from 150 to 37,450 acres.  The purpose
of the ACEC Program is to preserve, restore, and enhance these exceptional resources. 
For more information, go to http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/acec

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NRD Evaluating Land Proposals meeting

The Massachusetts SubCouncil of the Housatonic River Natural Resource
Trustees (MA SubCouncil) has scheduled a public meeting at 1:00 PM on
October 21, 2008, to discuss selection criteria relevant to land
acquisition projects proposed for funding during Round 2 of the
Massachusetts Housatonic River Watershed Restoration Program.  The
meeting will be held in the Lenox Town Hall.  It is anticipated that
concerned citizens and agencies attending this meeting will discuss, and
possibly suggest, criteria for evaluating land acquisition proposals
submitted to the Housatonic River Watershed Restoration Program in
response to an impending request for responses.  Land acquisition
selection criteria adopted by the MA SubCouncil following this meeting
will be incorporated into the Round 2 Restoration Plan/Supplemental
Environmental Assessment. 

This meeting is open to all members of the public but is particularly
aimed toward persons and organizations involved in land conservation and
protection.  For additional information regarding this meeting or the
Round 2 Funding Process email Todd Chadwell at
todd.chadwell@stantec.com.

Meeting Details:

Date:               October 21, 2008
Time:               1:00 PM
Location:         Lenox Town Hall
                        6 Walker Street
                        Lenox, MA 01240

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 
Dale C. Young, Director
Natural Resource Damages & Restoration Program
Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs
Suite 900
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02114
PH      617-626-1134
FAX    617-626-1181
EM      dale.young@state.ma.us
http://www.mass.gov/envir/nrd/nrd_home.htm
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Western Mass Empowering Local Land Conservation Grants

The Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition (MLTC), Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust (MGLCT) and Franklin Land Trust (FLT) are very pleased to announce the 2009 Round for the "Empowering Local Land Conservation in Western Massachusetts" grant program.  This program is aimed at assisting local land trusts and other conservation groups in western and central Massachusetts strengthen their organizations and improve their land management and stewardship.  The first year of this grant program has been very successful.  Please see the list of awards to get an idea of the types of projects and organizations that received grants in the 2008 Round.

Proposals are due by Oct. 31, 2008.  Maximum grant is $10,000.  Awards for 2009 projects will be announced in December, 2008.

Grant Program Details
Maximum Grant: $10,000
Geographic Focus: Western Mass.; Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, & Worcester counties
Eligibility: Land Trusts and 501(c)(3) conservation organizations with an annual budget of less than $250,000.  Must be actively engaged in Land Protection and/or Stewardship.
Applicant Contribution: At least 5% of project total.  No in-kind match.

Who is eligible to apply for a grant?
Proposals will be accepted from Land Trusts and other conservation groups which;
    • protect, acquire and/or steward land or conservation restrictions; and
    • are based in of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, or Worcester counties; and
    • have an annual budget of less than $250,000; and
    • are registered 501(c)(3) charitable organizations; and
    • do not have uncompleted projects funded by earlier grants from this program.
Projects up to $10,000 per organization will be considered.  While preference will be given to organizations who have not previously received a grant under this program, all proposals will be given fair consideration. Organizations may submit one proposal only.  Examples of "other conservation groups" include watershed associations, nature centers, "Friends" groups, etc.  Proposals will be considered provided that all requirements are met.  Municipalities and government agencies are not eligible for this grant program.

What types of projects will be funded?
Funding is available for two types of projects:
   • Strengthening land conservation organizations and improving their management procedures; and
    • Improving stewardship and management of conservation land
Projects receiving the greatest consideration will have these characteristics:
   • Projects emphasizing partnership between local organizations and regional land trusts
    • Projects drawing together local organizations to share resources (staff, equipment, expertise, etc.)
    • Projects that demonstrate strong local support and can demonstrate a meaningful and lasting benefit to a local community.
    •    Projects providing volunteer opportunities for youth.
Projects demonstrating creativity; cooperation among local and regional land protection groups; or engaging non-traditional partners are strongly encouraged.

Your organization must contribute at least 5% of the project’s total cost.  In-kind matches will not be accepted.

This announcement has been sent to a wide variety of correspondents including land trusts, watershed associations, "Friends" groups, etc.  In particular, I have sent it to independent consultants and conservation practitioners, in the hopes that they will work with local land trusts and other groups to develop significant projects which meet the grant guidelines, especially in the area of land management and stewardship.  I urge you to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to further conservation in Western & Central Mass.

I encourage you to distribute this announcement widely to groups who you believe may be interested and eligible.  I've also sent this out to all MLTC Steering Committee members even though their land trusts may not actually be eligible.

Please call me if you have any questions about organizational eligibility, project guidelines, or for assistance in writing a proposal.

Regards,

Bernie McHugh, Coordinator
Mass. Land Trust Coalition
18 Wolbach Road
Sudbury, MA 01776
bmchugh@massland.org
Cell: 781-248-7045
www.MassLand.org
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LANDOWNER INCENTIVE PROGRAM: UPCOMING 2009 APPLICATION PERIOD AND INFORMATION SESSIONS; 2008 HIGHLIGHTS

The application period for the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) for FY 10 opens October 27, 2008, with applications due on or before December 19, 2008, at 4:00 PM.  Private landowners who want to actively manage their property to benefit wildlife habitat are invited to attend one of several scheduled LIP events listed below to learn more about wildlife habitat management techniques and tools and also about potential funding through this program.  Individual landowners, land trusts, sportsmen's clubs, and other conservation organizations are encouraged to attend these FREE events and to consider applying to the program.

In 2008, The Landowner Incentive Program received 51 applications for species-at-risk habitat enhancements and restoration for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 09).  Of these applications, 35 were selected to receive funding.  MassWildlife is partnering with these private landowners to finance management on a total of 2,640 acres, funding the grants with a total of $806,158.  Of the 35 grants awarded, ten went to land trusts, 12 to conservation organizations, one to a sportsmen’s club, and 12 to other private landowners.  Of the projects funded, 71 percent applied for manual restoration, 80 percent applied for invasive/exotic plant removal, 26 percent applied for the seeding or planting in their project area, and none applied for a prescribed burn.  Of the properties selected (by county), four are in Barnstable, seven in Berkshire, one in Bristol, one in Dukes, two in Essex, four in Franklin, three in Hampden, six in Hampshire, one in Middlesex, two in Nantucket, one in Plymouth, and three in Worcester County.
 
Thursday, October 16, 6:00 PM
300 Westgate Center Dr, Hadley
Hosted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(Please note: a photo ID is required at this facility)
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2008 Falcon Chick & Eaglet Banding Results—

The Bay State's resident Peregrine falcons and Bald eagles were the focus of banding efforts by MassWildlife biologists during the months of May and June.  Dr. Tom French, Assistant Director of MassWildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, reported a total of 25 peregrine falcon chicks at 15 nests.  "We are very pleased to report a record total of 15 nesting pairs of falcons in the Bay State," said French; “a new nest was discovered in Roxbury by a birder engaged in collecting information for the Breeding Bird Atlas.”  French reported that nine of the falcon pairs successfully hatched and fledged 24 chicks; 19 of these chicks were banded by MassWildlife biologists and other partners.  Other nest locations include Boston, hosting four peregrine nesting sites; and Worcester, Fall River, Lawrence, Lowell, Saugus, Quincy, Holyoke, Deerfield, Amherst, and Springfield, each hosting one nest.  French reported that he has received one mortality report of a young female peregrine falcon that was seen to strike a window on UMass/Amherst’s DuBois Library tower while chasing a pigeon.

MassWildlife biologists and technicians from across the state visited known or suspected eagle nesting territories from Middleborough to Sandisfield to the Merrimack River, as well as the "core" territories on Quabbin Reservoir and the Connecticut River.  Of 26 eagle nesting territories, 22 nests produced a total of 33 eaglets, 28 of which were banded.  Eagle nesting highlights included the discovery of a new nesting pair in Salisbury, on Carr Island in the Merrimack River.  On a disappointing note, MassWildlife confirmed the death of an eaglet from the Lake Onota nest in Pittsfield that was discovered entangled in fishing gear.  In addition, the eagle nest at Wachusett Reservoir was blown down during a strong storm, resulting in the death of one of the chicks.  The remaining chick was rescued, and after banding and a brief convalescence, it was placed in a nest in the Connecticut River Valley where it was successfully fostered by the occupying chick and adult eagles.
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American Rivers is pleased to announce that our NOAA partnership grant round is now open and accepting applications until December 3, 2008. Our program funds stream barrier removal projects, including dam removals and culvert replacements for projects that will benefit diadromous species, such as salmon, shad, herring, and eel.

Please let me know if you are considering applying for a grant and I'm also happy to discuss conceptual project ideas. My contact information is below. Note that we have changed our program such that this will be the only grant round for 2009 projects. Our next grant round will not be until December next year.

Note also that NOAA has an Open Rivers Initiative grant round currently open until October 31 and an Atlantic Salmon Grant round open until November 14. I'm happy to also discuss strategy on applying to the American Rivers grant program relative to the other grant programs; and I can connect you with the appropriate NOAA staff.

See below for more on the American Rivers-NOAA grant program and see our website at www.americanrivers.org/NOAAGrants 
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From Mass Audubon:
The Beacon Hill Weekly Roundup 10/03/2008
Jack Clarke, Director of Public Policy & Government Relations
Jennifer Ryan, Legislative Director

Environmental Bond Summary
Now that the ink is dry on the Environmental Bond, Mass Audubon has reviewed language and tallied the numbers. 
Highlights
The Governor plans to spend $12 billion over five years across all agencies, as detailed in the Fiscal Year 2008-2012 Five-Year Capital Investment Plan.  Annual spending incrementally increases, reaching $2 billion in "bond cap" for fiscal year 2012.  Within the Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) section of the Capital Investment Plan, spending is projected to decrease, reaching $116,376,095 in fiscal year 2012.  Spending decreases within the environmental agencies as Department of Conservation and Recreation roads and bridges projects are completed; however, it should be noted that although total numbers decrease, investments in EEA agencies increase significantly.  Fiscal year 2009 EEA spending is projected to be approximately $138,000,000; of interest, the EEA operating budget is $241,348,000. 
The Governor initially filed a bill proposing $1.4 billion for EEA over five years.  The final bond is $1.7 billion, but spending will more closely reflect the Capital Investment Plan, which slated spending to be in line with what Governor Patrick filed.  A bond bill authorizes spending, but the administration appropriates it, or decides what can actually be spent within the guidelines of the final bill.  We continue to work with EEA on capital spending plans, helping to shape priorities that protect land and water resources.  Thus far, investment in water and aquatic habitat restoration programs have been very low, less than under Governor Romney, but investment in land will reach a historical high.
Summary of Environmental Bond:  This spreadsheet lists each account as filed by Governor Patrick, and the final numbers as signed by the Governor.   
Land Accounts:
As filed by the Governor: $281,250,000, or $56,250,000 per year.
Final Bond: $366,500,000.
Note: Governor Patrick has committed to spending at least $50 million per year on land, not including staff, and EEA is planning to release an annual "Land Spending Report Card". 
Water Accounts:
As filed by the Governor: $274,500,000, or $54,900,000 per year.
Final Bond: $340,561,000.
*Actual funds for water are lower, as a number of water projects are rolled into larger accounts. 
We will continue to track spending of environmental bond accounts, and anticipate release of the fiscal year 2009 spending plan this fall.

Conservation Tax Incentives Update
As reported earlier, the state income tax credit for land protection was passed by the legislature as an outside section of the Environmental Bond.  In the light of current fiscal uncertainty, the legislature delayed implementation until January 1, 2010.  The tax credit was returned by Governor Patrick with a $2 million per year cap and a requirement that EEA develop a process for selecting lands under the $2 million annual cap.  EEA has begun drafting criteria in conjunction with the land trust community.  Procedurally, the tax credit is now a stand-alone bill, House Bill 5080.  The bill must be engrossed and enacted by both the House and Senate before being signed into law by the Governor.  We expect that this will happen this fall, but when is unclear as during informal sessions any member can stop proceedings by doubting a quorum.  Already, this has been the case a number of times, with bills only going through in fits and starts.  We continue to follow the tax credit and will track its progress in the Roundup.
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Climate Change Strategy to Help Manage Water Resources
(from Water Headlines for October 6, 2008, a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water)

To assist in responding to potential effects of climate change, a new strategy focuses on 40 specific actions for the national water program to take to respond to climate change. EPA's "National Water Program Strategy: Response to Climate Change" describes steps for managers to adapt their clean water, drinking water, and ocean protection programs. 
 
"Water is key to clean energy and climate change," said Benjamin H. Grumbles, EPA's assistant administrator for water. "Our water and climate strategy charts a course for timely and practical action, connecting the dots, drops, and watts for coordinated, sustainable results."
 
EPA water programs are already taking action related to climate change including the WaterSense water efficiency program, green infrastructure for wet weather management, Climate Ready Estuaries, and the proposed nat ional rule for the injection of carbon dioxide underground.
 
The water strategy identifies specific response actions in five areas: 
-Mitigation of greenhouse gases
-Adaptation to climate change
-Research related to water and climate change
-Education on climate change
-Water program management of climate change
Potential impacts of climate change on water resources reviewed in the strategy include increases in certain water pollution problems, changes in availability of drinking water supplies, and collective impacts on coastal areas. The strategy reflects input provided during a public comment period earlier this year.
 
EPA has been working with other federal agencies to coordinate work on climate change and water. Recently, EPA issued a joint memorandum with the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, and Interior to describe cooperative efforts on climate change and water issues.
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Information on the strategy: http://www.epa.gov/water/climatechange

EPA Seeks Comment on Preliminary Perchlorate Drinking Water Decision
(from Water Headlines for October 6, 2008, a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water)

The EPA conducted extensive review of scientific data related to the health effects of exposure to perchlorate from drinking water and other sources and found that in more than 99 percent of public drinking water systems, perchlorate was not at levels of public health concern. Therefore, based on the Safe Water Drinking Act criteria, the agency determined there is not a "meaningful opportunity for health risk reduction" through a national drinking water regulation.

The agency is seeking comment on its preliminary determination not to regulate perchlorate in drinking water at a national level. EPA will make a final determination for perchlorate after considering information provided in the 30-day public comment period.

While fewer than one percent of the drinking water sources have perchlorate levels above the health reference level, EPA is committed to working with states and localities to ensure public health is protected. States have the right to establish and enforce drinking water standards and EPA encourages state-specific situations to be addressed at the local level. EPA intends to issue a health advisory at the time it issues its final regulatory determination for perchlorate, to assist states with their local response.

A regulatory determination is a formal decision by EPA as to whether it should initiate development of a national primary drinking water regulation for a specific contaminant under the Safe Drinking Water Act. EPA has drinking water regulations for more than 90 contaminants. Every five years, EPA develops a Contaminant Candidate List of contaminants to consider for regulation and then makes regulatory determinations on some of the contaminants based on scientific information on health effects, occurrence in drinking water and the opportunity for risk reduction.

A health advisory provides technical guidance to federal, state, and other public health officials on health effects, analytical methods and treatment technologies associated with drinking water contamination. Health advisories also contain guidance values that are concentrations of a contaminant in drinking water that are likely to be without adverse health effects.

Information on Drinking Water Regulatory Determinations: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/ccl/reg_determine2.html

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Massachusetts Forest Update
October 2008
 An online publication of the Massachusetts Forest Landowners Association

Asian Long-horned Beetle Quarantine Expands  

 More than 1200 trees in Worcester have been found to be infested with the highly destructive Asian long-horned beetle, according to recent surveys, and the quarantine area has expanded to encompass 62 square miles, including all of Worcester, much of Shrewsbury and parts of West Boylston, and Holden.  A Federal Order forbids the movement of woody debris, lumber, firewood, and nursery stock that could host ALB infestations from this area. This will keep the beetle from moving via human transport.
Companies that work with host material will be contacted by officials.

Affected trees will be cut down and either chipped or burned in the regulated area.  This will not begin until after the first hard frost kills any remaining adult beetles.  To take trees down before the hard frost risks spreading the infestation, as adult beetles tend to stay on the same tree unless that tree is severely infested. To see the exact details of the federal quarantine, see a link at www.umassgreeninfo.org.
The size of the infestation has grown from 700 known trees to more than 1,200 since mid September.  The original cost estimate for dealing with the infestation was $24 million.  It is now expected that cost will rise accordingly.  A recent article in the Boston Globe said that the federal government will pay for the cost of the tree removal, chipping and disposal by burning.
 The quarantine has already affected firewood dealers and loggers that store and move wood in the quarantine area.  While it is possible to move firewood to purchasers in the affected communities, movement of wood out of or through the towns is forbidden, making it difficult for dealers to fulfill orders.

 Want to Serve on the Tree Farm Committee?

 The Massachusetts Tree Farm Committee is seeking a few good people to help oversee the program which encompasses more than 500 Tree Farms around the state.  The Committee is made up of inspecting foresters and Tree Farmers and meets three or four times per year to set up training, oversee the recertification process, and work on the annual Field Day.  Active Tree Farmers or inspectors are encouraged to join the committee.
 If you’d like to be considered for a post on the Tree Farm Committee, contact Bill Pike at 413 655-8828.

Application Period for 2009 Landowner Incentive Program Begins October 27th

 The application period for the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) for FY 10 opens October 27, 2008, with applications due on or before December 19, 2008, at 4:00 PM.  Private landowners who want to actively manage their property to benefit wildlife habitat are invited to attend one of several scheduled LIP events listed below to learn more about wildlife habitat management techniques and tools and also about potential funding through this program.  Individual landowners, land trusts, sportsmen's clubs, and other conservation organizations are encouraged to attend these FREE events and to consider applying to the program.

In 2008, The Landowner Incentive Program received 51 applications for species-at-risk habitat enhancements and restoration for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 09).  Of these applications, 35 were selected to receive funding.  MassWildlife is partnering with these private landowners to finance management on a total of 2,640 acres, funding the grants with a total of $806,158.  Of the 35 grants awarded, ten went to land trusts, 12 to conservation organizations, one to a sportsmen’s club, and 12 to other private landowners.  Of the projects funded, 71 percent applied for manual restoration, 80 percent applied for invasive/exotic plant removal, 26 percent applied for the seeding or planting in their project area, and none applied for a prescribed burn.  Of the properties selected (by county), four are in Barnstable, seven in Berkshire, one in Bristol, one in Dukes, two in Essex, four in Franklin, three in Hampden, six in Hampshire, one in Middlesex, two in Nantucket, one in Plymouth, and three in Worcester County.
The information sessions will be held at:

Tuesday, October 7, 5:00 PM   Bushnell-Sage Library, 48 Main St, Sheffield
Thursday, October 16, 6:00 PM 300 Westgate Center Dr, Hadley
Green Building Materials Conference at UMass November 3-4
The Forest Products Society will be holding a conference on green building materials at the UMass Campus Center Complex in Amherst on November 3rd and 4th. 

Cost to attend the conference is $100 - $395.

The conference will include one day of workshops at UMass and two tours of local sawmills and woodlands the next day.  Among the workshop topics are “Value Added Local Forests & Forest Products: Linking Processing, Harvesting and Marketing; Potential Recycling of Wood Materials from Green Home Construction; FSC-Certified Fire Retardant Wood; Environmental Impact of Manufacturing Softwood Lumber in the Northeast; What is a Green 2x4?; Teaching Green Building; and Chain of Custody Certification Issues.
For information or to register for the conference, see www.forestprod.org/confgreenbuildings08

Caring for Your Woodlot

Interested in taking better care of your woodlot? Sharpening your forestry skills? UNH Cooperative Extension and the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association are cosponsoring a series of workshops to help you. Come to one or both.

Each workshop is offered on the same day in two locations. The cost will cover refreshments and handout materials. UNH Cooperative Extension county foresters and specialists, and private foresters will teach the classes. You will be "in the field" for at least part of the day. Come prepared for weather.

All workshops run from 12:30-4:30 pm. Eat your lunch before the workshop. Workshop locations are the Harold S. Gilman Museum, in Alton, NH and the Bretzfelder Memorial Park in Bethlehem, NH.

October 10 - Tree and Shrub ID
We will be in the great outdoors as we identify the most common trees and shrubs. Appropriate for beginners to intermediate levels. Expect to learn over a dozen different species.

October 17 - Selling Timber? Do It Right!
Selling timber is a once in a lifetime activity for most landowners. No single activity has such power to significantly improve or degrade your forest. Proper harvesting can provide income, improve wildlife habitat, and result in trails, better access, views, and a healthy and vigorous forests. Learn the steps to insure a successful timber sale. Topics include: goals and objectives, role of foresters and loggers, timber sale contracts, laws, and taxes. Visit an active logging job.

Questions about the program? Call Karen Bennett at 603 862-4861

Questions about registration? Call Debra Anderson at 603 862-1028

Two Massachusetts Mills get Grants for Energy Improvements

Two western Massachusetts sawmills were awarded grants to assist with energy improvements that will make their mill operations more sustainable in September.
Roberts Brothers Lumber in Ashfield was awarded a $277,336 Value-Added Producers grant by the US Department of Agriculture to help the mill install a $3 million gasification system that would convert wood chips produced by the mill into methane gas to provide heat and electricity for the mill’s operations.  The USDA grant is the second grant that Roberts Brothers has received for the mill conversion. In May the company also was awarded a $400,000 grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative for the project.

In Charlemont, Hall Tavern Farm will be installing a $150,000 photo voltaic system that uses solar panels on the mill’s roof to generate electricity to run the sawmill and kilns at the sawmill.  In September, Hall Tavern Farm was awarded a $43,000 grant from the USDA to help pay for the project and is now applying for a second grant from the MTC.  The photo-voltaic installation is expected to cut the mill’s monthly electric bill that now costs $500 to $700 by 80 percent.

New York to Spend $1.6 Million to test High-Efficiency Wood Heat Technologies
According to a report from the Environmental News Service, New York State is investing $1.6 million to evaluate and improve wood-fired heating equipment such as residential and commercial wood boilers, pellet stoves, wood stoves, and emerging grass-pellet technologies.  The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority will fund nine projects that will compare energy and emissions performance for equipment that burns wood. The studies will be conducted in cooperation with New York manufacturing companies, research organizations, universities, and government agencies. NYSERDA is investing $1.6 million in this effort, and research partners will contribute an additional $900,000.

Conventional outdoor wood boilers waste more than half the energy of wood fuel and emit significant amounts of pollutants. Advanced wood-boiler units developed in Europe can achieve efficiencies greater than 80 percent and produce less than five percent of the particulate emissions of the inefficient wood boilers typically used in the United States. The advanced systems are known as staged-combustion or gasification boilers, and NYSERDA is working with two New York companies to manufacture these products in the state.

Alternative Fuel Boilers of Dunkirk, NY manufactures the Econoburn wood boiler for the residential market. Econoburn wood boilers burn cleanly, emitting little exhaust gas. Advanced Climate Technologies of Schenectady, NY serves the commercial market. An ACT installation at the Cayuga Nature Center in Ithaca will install a fully automated, 90 percent efficient wood-gasification boiler technology that is proven in Europe and adapted for the U.S. market. These systems have emissions that are better than conventional wood boilers and comparable to typical oil or gas boilers. Mid-sized buildings of between 10,000 and 100,000 square feet represent 90 percent of the boiler market in the United States and are prime targets for these wood systems which can achieve rapid paybacks when replacing fossil-fuel boilers.

NYSERDA will fund three studies that compare conventional commercial biomass systems and high-efficiency European-style gasification biomass boilers to oil-fired systems. The studies will evaluate energy efficiency and emissions for woody biomass in several forms - wood chips with bark, wood chips without bark, and wood pellets. These studies of small-scale wood boilers will be conducted by Clarkson University, the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management, and Advanced Climate Technologies. The demonstration at Clarkson will be the first project for an innovative Energy Park being developed to study alternative energy sources on the campus.
NYSERDA is also working with Cornell University and the State University of New York at Canton in manufacturing grass pellets, identifying the operational requirements for grass pellet stoves and boilers, determining stove and boiler compatibility with grass pellets, and evaluating the emissions from these systems.

Employment:
Mount Grace Land Trust Has Five Stipend Positions Available
Mount Grace Conservation Land Trust in Athol is searching for five people interested in land conservation to work as volunteers, with a stipend, as part of the new statewide Commonwealth Corps program. 
 
Mount Grace is now accepting applications for each of the five positions listed below.  Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to David Wolf at wolf@mountgrace.org, as soon as possible.

Regional Partnership Conservationist
 
The Regional Partnership Conservationist will work directly with the North Quabbin Regional Landscape Partnership Coordinator and assist with managing regionally important land conservation projects, planning and recruitment for educational land conservation forums, organizing Partnership executive committee meetings, assisting with land conservation grant writing, and building the Partnership membership and funding base. The full-time position carries a stipend of $10,000, plus benefits. A $2,000 bonus will be available on completion of the 1,600 hour program.
 
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.
 
Community Outreach Coordinator
 
The Community Outreach Coordinator will engage and network with community groups to encourage community-wide use of land protected by Mount Grace.  The coordinator will build a network of member organizations, volunteers and supporters in each community that benefits from 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.  The full-time position carries a stipend of $10,000, plus benefits.  A $2,000 bonus will be available on completion of the 1,600 hour program.
 
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.
 
Service Learning Coordinator
 
The Service Learning Coordinator will design, develop and deliver 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 experiences on farms and in forests.
The full-time position carries a stipend of $10,000, plus benefits.  A $2,000 bonus will be available on completion of the 1,600 hour program.
 
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.
 
Regional Land Stewards
 
Two part-time Regional Land Stewards 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.  Stewards will also develop relationships with landowners and, if necessary, advise on conservation restriction violation issues and land management needs.  The two part-time positions require a volunteer time commitment of 400 hours and carry stipends of $2,500.
 
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.

Upcoming Meetings

October 8----- MFLA Board of Directors, Cowls offices – Amherst, 3 p.m.
October 9----- Forester Licensing Board, Hampden Ponds State Park, Westfield, 9am-noon
October 9----- Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Advisory Committee, Mass Wildlife Field HQ – Westborough, 1:30 p.m.
October 23---- Wood Producers Board of Directors, Cowls offices – Amherst, 6 p.m.
October 31---- Fisheries & Wildlife Board, Berkshire County location, 11 a.m.
November 21- Wood Producers Members Meeting, Bluebonnet Restaurant, Northampton, 5 p.m.

Upcoming  Programs

Forestry Programs:

October 7------ Landowner Incentive Program Information Meeting, Bushnell-Sage Library, Sheffield, 5 p.m.
October 9–10-- Ecological Forestry Workshop, Town Hall, Eustis, ME, Cost $80.  For information, call Andy Whitman At 207 721-9040 x2 or email awhitman@manomet.org
October 10----- Tree & Shrub ID workshop, Gilman Museum, Alton, NH, 12:30 pm–4:30 p.m. For information, call Karen Bennett at 603 862-4861
October 10----- Tree & Shrub ID workshop, Bretzfelder Memorial Park, Bethlehem, NH, 12:30 pm–4:30 p.m. For information, call Karen Bennett at 603 862-4861
October 11----- Forests & Global Warming, Harvard Forest, Petersham, 1:30–4:30 p.m.  To register, call 413 659-3714
October 16----- Landowner Incentive Program Information Meeting, US Fish & Wildlife Service HQ, Hadley, 6 p.m.
October 17----- Selling Timber? Do it Right workshop, Gilman Museum, Alton, NH, 12:30 pm–4:30 p.m.  For information, call Karen Bennett at 603 862-4861
October 17----- Selling Timber?  Do it Right workshop, Bretzfelder Memorial Park, Bethlehem, NH, 12:30 pm–4:30 p.m. For information, call Karen Bennett at 603 862-4861
October 22----- Forest Conservation Zoning, Senior Center, Chesterfield, 7–9 p.m. November 3-4- Green Building Materials Conference, Campus Center, Umass, Amherst.  Cost $100-$395.  For information, see http://www.forestprod.org/confgreenbuilding08.html

Wildlife Programs:

October 7----- Landowner Incentive Program Information Meeting, Bushnell-Sage Library – Sheffield, 5 p.m.
October 16---- Landowner Incentive Program Information Meeting, US Fish & Wildlife Service HQ, Hadley, 6 p.m.

Other Programs of Interest: 

October 18---- Climate Change – Jurassic Style, Great Falls Discovery Center, Turners Falls, 10 am–noon. Cost $5–10. For information, call 413 775-1671
October 25----- Ice Age Climate Changes in the Valley, Great Falls Discovery Center, Turners Falls, 10 am–noon. Cost $5–10.  For information, call 413 775-1671

Upcoming Conferences:

November 3-4--- Green Building Materials Conference, Campus Center, Umass, Amherst.  Cost $100 - $395.  For information, See http://www.forestprod.org/confgreenbuilding08.html
November 15---- Responding to Climate Change Conference, Bentley College, Waltham, 8:30 am–4 pm. Cost $35. To register,  See www.massaudubon.org/adapt
November 18-21- GreenBuild 2008 Expo, Boston Renaissance Waterfront, Boston. Cost $50.  For information/registration, see https://register.greenbuildexpo.org/portal/registration/GBES2008

Forester Workshops:

October 9–10- Ecological Forestry Workshop, Town Hall,  Eustis, ME, Cost $80.  For information, call Andy Whitman  At 207 721-9040 x2 or email  awhitman@manomet.org

Environmental Education Workshops:

October 21---- Wonders of Wetlands Educator Workshop, Borderland State Park, Easton, 9 am–4 pm. Cost $45. For information, call Pam Landry at 508 389-6310 or email pam.landry@state.ma.us
October 22---- Wonders of Wetlands Educator Workshop, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Sudbury, 9 am–4 pm. Cost $45. For information, call Pam Landry at 508 389-6310 or email pam.landry@state.ma.us
October 23---- Wonders of Wetlands Educator Workshop, Northfield Mountain Environmental Center, Northfield,  9:30 am–4:30 pm. Cost $45. For information, call Pam Landry at 508 389-6310 or email pam.landry@state.ma.us

If you have information you'd like to get out, or know of meetings or events you'd like others to plan around, let Greg Cox know either by phone (413) 339-5526, mail (P.O. Box 1096, Belchertown, MA 01007) or email gcox@crocker.com.  We'll try to send out another update in early November

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From Mass Riverways:

Are you excited about restoring Massachusetts' rivers and streams by removing unwanted, obsolete, or unsafe dams?  Do you want to initiate and manage a dam removal project?  If you answered yes to both of these questions, then this training may be for you. 

The Massachusetts Riverways Program and American Rivers want to build a team of trained dam removal project managers in Massachusetts.  To that end, we are offering a project manager workshop.  We will train you in all aspects of dam removal project management from choosing a successful project to overseeing engineering studies, raising money, and dealing with permitting and construction.  Your instructors will be experienced staff from federal, state, local, and non-governmental organizations.  Please see the attached flyer for more information. 

Who: You!  Staff from agencies, municipalities, watershed associations, and other non-governmental organizations.
When: Thursday, November 20th, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Banx Room, Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Square, Worcester, MA
To register: Contact Beth Lambert at (617) 626-1526 or beth.lambert@state.ma.us

Dam Removal Training Flyer (pdf)

Space is limited!  Our goal is to build a state-wide team of experienced dam removal project managers, so registration preference will be given to those who plan to take on a dam removal project in the next year or two.  You received this email because someone thought you would make an excellent project manager.  Please feel free to forward this to others.

Beth Lambert
River Restoration Scientist
______________________________________________
Riverways Program - MA Department of Fish and Game
251 Causeway Street, Suite 400
Boston, MA 02114
phone (617) 626-1526
fax (617) 626-1505
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/river/programs/riverrestore/riverrestore.htm
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Massachusetts Environmental Trust Grant Applications Due October 31

The Massachusetts Environmental Trust General Grants program for projects that begin in July 2009 will close October 31, 2008. The Trust seeks letters of inquiry from communities and non-profit organizations for projects that will restore, protect, and improve water and water-related resources of the Commonwealth.

The goal of this MET program is to encourage development of new approaches and ideas and to spur innovation among grantees or partnering organizations. To achieve these outcomes, the Trust seeks proposals that would: improve water quality or quantity, conserve aquatic habitat and species, reduce runoff pollution, mitigate the effects of climate change on water resources, promote human health as it relates to water resources, and/or other efforts consistent with the Trust’s mission.

Examples of the kinds of projects that would be eligible for support include, but are not limited to, innovative projects that address concerns such as:

Point and non-point source pollution (including runoff, bacterial, chemical, and nitrogen);
Water conservation and enhancing recharge and flow;
Monitoring marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems;
Endangered and threatened species and habitat;
Human health issues that result from degraded water resources;
Environmental education projects pertaining to water resources;
Low-income or “environmental justice” communities; and/or
Research on emerging environmental issues.

The Request for Response is posted to WWW.COMM-PASS.COM. To access the RFR documents, select “search for solicitation” and enter “ENV 09 MET 02” into the search box. The RFR is located on the “specifications” tab. Potential applicants are advised to read the RFR documents thoroughly before applying.

The Trust utilizes a two-stage application process. The first stage is a Letter of Inquiry due October 31, 2008. The letter of inquiry must follow the format provided in the RFR.

Successful applicants will be invited to prepare a full proposal for a deadline in March, 2009.

These grants are made possible by the 50,000 drivers in Massachusetts that purchase one of the three environmental themed license plates: The Right Whale & Roseate Terns, the Leaping Brook Trout, and the Blackstone Valley Mill. These plates are available from any branch of the Registry of Motor Vehicles or www.mass.gov/rmv.


William W. Hinkley
Massachusetts Environmental Trust
100 Cambridge Street, 9th Floor
Boston, MA  02114
617.626.1177
william.hinkley@state.ma.us
www.massenvironmentaltrust.org


     The Massachusetts Watershed Coalition
....Creating a Network of Watershed Partners.
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Pressure Is on to Recycle Water Filters
By MYA FRAZIER
Published: October 5, 2008

The campaign by environmentalists against plastic water bottles has been a boon to makers of tap water filters, which have been highlighting their greener-than-thou credentials. Both the Brita and the PUR brands are running ads that mock the wastefulness of bottled water.

But some of those spots are being lampooned by people who point out that water filters cannot be recycled, at least in the United States. “In order to give up bottled water, you have to switch to another plastic product that’s not recyclable,” said Beth Terry of Oakland, Calif., who has started an online campaign to try to persuade Clorox, the company that owns Brita, to start recycling the filters. <more>
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