September 3, 2008

In the News

• The Danger of Undersized Culverts
• MassLand E-News (pdf)
• Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative looking for Interim Executive Director
• BerkShares Local Currency Celebrates Its Second Anniversary
• Land in Leyden, Deerfield join Conservation Restriction program
• Center for Watershed Protection releases an RFP for its Technical Capacity mini-grant program
• FYI: The most up-to-date information on what you can and cannot recycle in Pittsfield
• EPA Decision Protects 67,000 Acres of Mississippi Wetlands
• Climate Ready Estuaries Web Site

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Environmental Monitor
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The BEAT News Archives

Advocacy News (Includes how to reach your legislators)

DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshires
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Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative looking for Interim Executive Director
 
After eight years of collaborating with an outstanding team to create and launch the Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative, Susan Campbell has decided to resign from her position as Executive Director and make way for new leadership during the next phase of the Coop’s development.  Susan’s dedication to the Coop’s purpose, its principles, and the network of terrific people who have moved the organization forward is unflagging and she will remain on the Coop Board.

The Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative (MWC) is dedicated to increasing the knowledge and bargaining power of individual landowners by: (1) adhering to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification principles; (2) responding to the needs of Cooperative members; (3) organizing the harvesting, production and marketing of value-added products from member forests; and (4) developing the Cooperative into a profitable business.  The Coop has many assets, including:  57 members with over 12,000 acres of forested land; established HomeGrown Wood brand; and an active committee and governance structure.  Learn more at:  http://www.masswoodlands.coop

MWC is now searching for an Interim Executive Director. We’re looking for an effective leader with a proven track record in land-based business operations. This is an exciting time for the Coop!  We’re building off the first eight years and entering a phase of evaluation and planning to determine: 1) how MWC can become financially self-sustaining through the sales of value-added wood products; 2) the array of services the Cooperative can and should offer its members and constituents; and 3) the optimal organizational structure and staffing necessary to achieve MWC goals.

The Interim Executive Director must be able to navigate through uncharted territory while also attending to daily business operations. We are looking for someone with entrepreneurial spirit, a collaborative work style, and strong analytical and communication skills.  A detailed job posting is at the end of this e-mail. Please help us spread the word about this terrific opportunity. Let me know the name and contact information for anyone you think might be interested in working with the Coop.

Persons interested in applying should send a resume, a cover letter including salary history and current requirements, and contact information for three references to the attention of Suzanne Webber via e-mail to edsearch@masswoodlands.coop.  Application documents must be submitted in PDF or MS Word format. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. We encourage applications before September 15, 2008 and will accept them until the position is filled.  The Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Thank you for your assistance.

Arthur Eve, President
Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative
aeve@comcast.net
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Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative
Job Posting: Executive Director
Announcement Date: August 25, 2008

Position Description
The Executive Director provides leadership and organizational development for an 8-year old forest landowner cooperative that maintains the environment and character of Massachusetts through the protection, enhancement and careful economic development of the region’s forests. The Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative (MWC) currently has 57 members with over 12,000 acres of forested property in western Massachusetts. The Cooperative works in close collaboration with the Massachusetts Woodlands Institute, a non profit research and educational organization. MWC increases the knowledge and bargaining power of individual landowners by: (1) adhering to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification principles; (2) responding to the needs of Cooperative members; (3) organizing the harvesting, production and marketing of value-added products from member forests; and (4) developing the Cooperative into a profitable business. 

MWC’s revenue is currently a mix of government grants and profits earned from sales. The Cooperative has sufficient revenue to operate at break-even through mid-2009. During late 2008 and early 2009 the MWC will undertake a thorough market research and business planning process to determine: 1) how MWC can become financially self-sustaining through the sales of value-added wood products; 2) the array of services the Cooperative can and should offer its members and constituents; and 3) the optimal organizational structure and staffing necessary to achieve MWC goals. This grant-funded position is budgeted to be half-time, with potential expansion to full-time work. Continuance beyond mid-2009 is dependent upon a number of factors, including the award of new grants (applications are now pending) and the results of the market research, business planning and feasibility assessment. 

Authority and Responsibility
The Executive Director reports to and receives direction from the Cooperative Board of Directors.  S/he is expected to: (1) be a catalyst for Coop improvements in efficiency and effectiveness; (2) demonstrate a commitment to the Cooperative’s values and principles; (3) use a collaborative, team approach in working with others; and (4) be knowledgeable about all or many of the following subjects:    

1. Cooperative business models, including member/owner structures and good governance practices
2. For-profit operations, including administration, finance, and human resources
3. Non-profit operations, including grants management, public education, and constituency building
4. The Massachusetts forested landscape
5. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification and the procedures involved in sustainable forestry
6. Commonwealth laws, regulations and programs that effect forestry
7. Logging and primary and secondary processing of wood products
8. Forestry related businesses & individuals in western Massachusetts
9. Processing, marketing and sales of value-added forest products
10. Trends in the development of forest landowner cooperatives

                                   
Scope of Work
The Executive Director will oversee a range of current and new business development activities, including:

Maintain Current Operations:

1. Ensure sound business and financial management practices
2. Maintain compliance with state and federal laws
3. Maintain FSC certification; arrange for periodic audit and maintain chain of custody records
4. Ensure that any harvesting, processing, marketing and sales of wood is implemented to realize financial profit (in addition to realizing forest stewardship goals)
5. Supervise expenditure of grants and ensure appropriate use of grant funding
6. Supervise maintenance and growth of MWC information technology (e.g., database, website, email, etc.)
7. Supervise contract bookkeeper and liaise with accounting firm
8. Ensure the timely preparation of tax returns and other business filings
9. Convene regular meetings of the MWC membership, board of directors and committees; prepare meeting materials and ensure adequate follow-up to meetings (including dissemination of minutes)
10. Ensure regular and accurate reporting to MWC constituents (funders, members, committees, board) 
11. Business Planning & Feasibility Analysis:
12. Lead MWC’s near term business planning and sustainability assessment
13. Procure services of business service providers and consultants (market research, business planning, timber harvest, processing, sales agents). Where applicable, ensure that consultants meet criteria for grant-funded projects. Monitor performance of consultants to ensure timely completion and adherence to scopes of work.
14. Keep in contact with like organizations to learn from their success and failure
15. Member and Constituent Stewardship:
16. Promote the vision and values of MWC at the local and state level and in the New England region
17. Maintain relationships with existing members; provide education, technical assistance, and support
18. Prospect for and recruit new members
19. Inform members about upcoming events and topics of interest
20. Build and maintain relationships with a network of colleagues, allies and supporters

Staff Support and Supervision:

1. Supervise existing staff (program manager, marketing manager and sales manager); create and modify workplans, monitor performance, and provide support and professional development as needed
2. In context of business feasibility assessment, modify existing staff positions and/or recruit new staff or service providers as needed

Skills and Experience
The Executive Director must be a credible and effective leader and must have a proven track record in land-based business operations. This position requires the ability to navigate through uncharted territory while also attending to daily business operations. The Executive Director must possess both entrepreneurial spirit and attention to detail. The Executive Director will have the following characteristics:

1. Collaborative work style
2. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective problem solving/decision making teams
3. Effectiveness in resolving or reducing conflict
4. Effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills
5. Skill in organizing and managing his/her own and others’ time wisely
6. A realistic view of his/her own strengths and weaknesses
7. Ability to cope with stress and tolerate uncertainty
8. Dependable foresight and the ability to predict outcomes accurately
9. Persistence and assertiveness in demonstrating personal convictions
10. Understanding of information technology and proficiency with computers

Application Requirements
Please send resume, a cover letter including salary history and current requirements, and contact information for three references to the attention of Suzanne Webber via e-mail to edsearch@masswoodlands.coop. Application documents must be submitted in PDF or MS Word format.

In your cover letter, please tell us why you are best positioned to help the Cooperative realize its full potential, how you would approach the near term scope of work, and why you want this job.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. We encourage applications before September 15, 2008 and will accept them until the position is filled. The Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage and value a diverse work force.
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BerkShares Local Currency Celebrates Its Second Anniversary
 
The most talked about local currency project in the world is turning two!
BerkShares has, in two short years, thrust Berkshire County into the international spotlight, with coverage spanning four continents. This global interest in a decidedly local project stems from the exciting possibilities that BerkShares offer our community‹most noteworthy, the opportunity to shape our own economic destiny here in the Berkshires.
 
To celebrate two years of BerkShares in the pockets, wallets, cash registers, and banks of our community, BerkShares, Inc. is hosting the Second Annual BerkShares Bash on Saturday, September 20, from 1 to 5 p.m. on the front lawn of the Searles Castle, home of the John Dewey Academy.
 
The centerpiece of the event is the stage, featuring live music by three bands. Dog on Fleas will delight kids, and people who used to be kids, with their fun-loving songs. Sky Trio will showcase new instrumental music incorporating curious amounts of Celtic, jazz, classical, and old-timey traditions. And Shotgun Willie will close down the day with supercharged, high-energy, bluesy roots rock. Our very own State Representative Smitty
Pignatelli will serve as master of ceremonies.
 
The BerkShares Bash also highlights the banks and businesses that have helped to make the local currency project such a huge success. An outdoor marketplace will feature various vendors selling food, gifts, and other wares. Route 7 Grill, Guido¹s Fresh Marketplace, and the Berkshire Co-op Market are among those supplying edibles. Crafters will include Daniel Bellow Pottery, Sabina Curti Photographer, and Community Access to the Arts. All transactions within the event will take place only in BerkShares.
 
There¹ll also be plenty of activities for the kids‹Roger the Jester, face-painting, crafts, and other fun stuff.
 
Admission to the event is 5 BerkShares. Kids 12 and under get in free! Bash goers are encouraged to visit one of the participating branches of Berkshire Bank, Lee Bank, Lenox National Bank, Pittsfield Co-op, or Salisbury Bank and Trust prior to the event to get their BerkShares. A currency exchange station will be provided on site, but quantities may be limited.
 
Don¹t miss this great community event! Why not bring a picnic blanket and settle in for the afternoon? There¹ll be plenty to see and do at the BerkShares Bash.
 
To see a list of the more than 300 businesses that accept BerkShares, find out which branch banks exchange them, or for more information about the BerkShares Bash, please call 413/528-1737 or visit www.berkshares.org.

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Land in Leyden, Deerfield join Conservation Restriction program
Franklin Land Trust has helped protect two properties recently through the state's Conservation Restriction program.
In Leyden, William and John Herron donated a Conservation Restriction on approximately 154 acres of land on the west side of East Glen Road, north of Schoolhouse Road.  The restriction protects about 2,700 feet of road frontage along East Glen Road, 2,000 feet of frontage along Schoolhouse Road, and 1,500 feet of frontage along Wilson Road, all scenic and rural public ways. 

This property is the last piece of a multiple parcel protection on the Herron's land, including a state Agricultural Preservation Restriction on 166 acres and a 75-acre Conservation Restriction located to the north on Eden Trail Road.  In addition, 400 acres purchased by the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game abuts the property and expands the existing Leyden Wildlife Management Area.  The completion of this project has taken about 15 years with several conservation partners working closely with one another.    
Meanwhile, Alex Ghiselin and Diane Welter donated a Conservation Restriction on about 18 acres of land off Keets Road in Deerfield.  The restriction protects about 380 feet of road frontage along Keets Road.  The property is in a region where considerable land has been protected for conservation purposes, including many Agricultural Preservation Restrictions held by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.  The property consists of approximately 5 acres of hayland and 5 acres of woodland, with the balance being brushland under a Western Massachusetts Electric Co. easement.  The owners hope the hayfield will remain in hay production or be used for grazing.

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Center for Watershed Protection releases an RFP for its Technical Capacity mini-grant Program

ELLICOTT CITY, MD -  With funding from a U.S. EPA Targeted Watershed Initiative Grant, the Center for Watershed Protection is currently inviting proposals for its Technical Capacity Mini-Grant program, awarding direct assistance and financial support to a wide range of small watershed organizations.

These small watershed organizations play a key role in local watershed management and, collectively, in regional water resource protection and restoration.  The goal of the mini-grant program is to strengthen the technical capacity of these watershed organizations in the areas of stormwater and watershed management.

Since watershed organizations often have little to no full-time staff, the grant application process is intended to be simple and streamlined. However, funds are limited and grants will be awarded on a rolling basis, so associations are urged to act quickly.

Download the Technical Capacity mini-grant RFP guidelines HERE.

For more info:
Center for Watershed Protection
8390 Main Street, 2nd Floor
Ellicott City, MD 21043
center@cwp.org
410-461-8323

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From City Councilor Mike Ward:

Pittsfield scored a disappointing 17% municipal recycling rate in the recent report prepared by City Hall intern Chad Brown.  The national average is 32% and the state average is 37%.

For the most up-to-date information on what you can and cannot recycle in Pittsfield go to the Springfield Materials Recycling Facility website .

Mike Ward
City Councilor Ward 4
Pittsfield, MA
ward4ward4.com
413-499-0462

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EPA Decision Protects 67,000 Acres of Mississippi Wetlands
(from Water Headlines for September 2, 2008, a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water)

Today EPA announced its final decision under the Clean Water Act (CWA) to prohibit construction of the proposed Yazoo Pumps Project in the Mississippi Delta. EPA is taking this action following an extensive evaluation of the environmental impacts the project poses to tens of thousands of acres of wetlands and other water resources.

"Together with our state and federal partners we can improve flood protection and ensure environmental protection," said Assistant Administrator for Water Benjamin H. Grumbles. "We're helping to identify a better project that reduces flooding, protects the environment and saves taxpayer dollars."
 
EPA continues to support the goal of providing improved flood protection for the residents of the Mississippi Delta while safeguarding the area's valuable natural resources. The cost of the Yazoo Pumps Project would be more than $220 million for construction, with an annual operational cost of more than $2 million.

EPA is committed to working with other federal and state agencies, and the public, to identify an alternative project for providing improved flood protection.

The Yazoo Backwater Project is a federally funded U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposal first authorized in 1941, designed to reduce flooding in an area in the state of Mississippi between the Mississippi and Yazoo rivers. The primary component is a 14,000 cubic feet per second pumping station that would pump rainwater out of the South Delta during high water events on the Mississippi River.

The Yazoo Backwater Area contains some of the richest wetland and aquatic resources in the nation, and serves as critical fish and wildlife habitat. EPA concluded that the proposed project would result in unacceptable damage to these valuable resources that are used for wildlife, economic, and recreational purposes.

Under the CWA, EPA can prohibit, restrict, or deny using waters of the United States as a disposal site for fill material when it determines it will have an unacceptable effect on municipal water supplies, shellfish beds and fishery areas, wildlife, or recreational areas. EPA has used this CWA authority only 11 times since the law was passed in 1972. More information about the decision: http://www.epa.gov/404c

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Climate Ready Estuaries Web Site
(from Water Headlines for September 2, 2008, a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water)

EPA's Climate Ready Estuaries (CRE) is excited to announce its new Web site at http://www.epa.gov/cre .  The CRE website is designed to provide users with information about the importance of coastal adaptation to climate change and provide tools for adaptation in its toolkit.  More specifically, the online toolkit features resources related to coastal vulnerability, adaptation planning, smart growth, data and monitoring, and sustainable financing, serving a range of needs - from community members to coastal managers.     

The Climate Ready Estuaries program is a partnership between EPA and the National Estuary Programs (NEPs) to address climate change in coastal areas and is currently working with six NEP pilots.  This effort brings together EPA?s Oceans and Coastal Protection Division and Climate Change Division to build additional capacity in the NEPs and other coastal communities as they prepare to adapt to the effects of climate change.  Learn more at http://www.epa.gov/cre.
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